Mounting Laser Scanners for Snow Cover Research

When Dr. Thomas Gölles from the University of Vienna approached Kolibri Geo Services, his team was preparing for a snow cover investigation project in Svalbard. The challenge: installing two laser scanners on top of a ski lift mast in a remote Arctic environment—where access, safety, and mounting precision were all critical factors.

Kolibri began by providing detailed mast measurements and technical specifications, which allowed the University of Vienna to fabricate custom mounting hardware back in Austria. Once the components arrived in Svalbard, we carried out the physical installation, using our equipment and expertise to safely work at height in cold, exposed conditions.

Beyond installation, Kolibri supported the project with local insight and field coordination, helping ensure the site was both accessible and secure. We also handled the initial setup of data transmission systems and were later contracted for remote troubleshooting, helping the team maintain a continuous data stream without returning to the field.

This project is a clear example of how Kolibri bridges the gap between academic research goals and the realities of Arctic fieldwork—providing not just hands, but solutions.