The dedication ceremony of the Harold C. “Charlie” Poche Jr. Laser Scanning Laboratory set Nicholls apart with a state-of-the-art facility to prepare geomatics students for their careers on Oct. 28.

The lab in 310 Goaux was converted over a 21-day period for the one-of-a-kind geomatics program in the Department of Applied Sciences. The geomatics program prepares students for careers as land surveyors, construction surveyors, mappers and planners.

Balaji Ramachandran, interim head of the Department of Applied Sciences and geomatics program coordinator, said geomatics is typically in the department of civil engineering, and conventionally, it is known as land surveying. As technology developed, the term “geomatics” was formed.

“It’s basically the math of the Earth,” Ramachandran said.

Ramachandran said that, traditionally, measurements would need to be made with either a tape measure or laser-based equipment to measure each point in the room. The new laser scanners, however, can be put in the middle of a room and create a point cloud with a digital image of a space that can be taken apart for different purposes.

“It basically creates a 3D model,” Ramachandran said. “Software comes with the equipment, and you can create things quickly and more accurately. Applications can range from architecture to emergency planning and structural repairs.”

There are many different types of scans with different ranges and functions. The lab has four, each with different functions and point-capturing abilities.

In 2004, Ramachandran established a relationship with Trimble Navigation Limited, a leading provider of advanced positioning solutions, to receive equipment for the geomatics program.

“We get an annual loan from Trimble for some of the latest and greatest equipment. It set our program ahead, which helped when we applied for grants because Nicholls has the only geomatics program in the state,” Ramachandran said. “In 2009, technology was changing, and we needed to work with laser scanners.”

Through the LA Board of Regents Support Fund Enhancement Grant for $121,230, a $20,000 match from Louisiana Society of Professional Surveyors, and a $10,000 match from Nicholls, the program purchased two laser scanners from Trimble.

After offering to purchase the first two, Navigation Electronics Inc. and Trimble negotiated a donation of about $190,000 for two more scanners, as well as the software for the scanners and a commitment to replace units at no cost when they reach the end of their life cycle.

“This is the first university they have used to integrate this technology, and they are using us as a model,” Ramachandran said.

“The lab will keep us up-to-date in the latest technology available as well as prepare us for different types of surveys,” Janssen Robichaux, geomatics junior from Thibodaux, said.

The lab was named after Harold C. “Charlie” Poche Jr., who served as president of Navigation Electronics from 1988 until his death in 2000.

Harold Poche’s son, William Poche, said, “My dad would be really happy. He loved this industry, and he would be glad to see it thrive at this University.”

Ramachandran said that although he never met Harold Poche, he has heard many stories of his contributions to the field.

“We thought that this would be a great way to show our appreciation for all the lives he touched,” Ramachandran said.

Right now, the lab is only for students, but eventually the lab will be used for workshops and alumni who want to update skills.

Laynie Barrilleaux, vice president of academic affairs, said that the dedication was a prime example of how hard the faculty works to keep academic programs updated.

“One of our focuses is to take the programs that we have and continue to embrace the quality of those programs,” Barrilleaux said. “We’re not looking for quantity; we’re looking for quality.”