an interview with Mark Bugeja; Proprietor of Geomatix Surveying
Structural projects have been in Mark Bugeja’s blood from a very young age, having been brought up around the business of construction. Now running his own business – Geomatix Surveying, Mark reveals how his team have become one of Malta’ leading land surveying companies, working hand in hand with the major players in the field.
Geomatix Surveying, formely Lexarksurveys, was established in 2002, when Mark embarked on providing land surveying services on a full time basis.
To the uninitiated, land surveying involves the conducting of a wide range of studies which include Topographic Surveys, Architectural Surveys, Hydrography – Bathimetric Surveys, As Built Surveys, Photogrametry and Computer Modeling. This work is generally required by architects building roads to achieve road alignment, surface levels, storm water and drainage systems but also includes work required in house refurbishments, column positioning, finished floor levels.
Geomatix Surveying’s client base includes developers, building construction, government departments as well as the house buying public.
This work is generally required by architects building roads to achieve road alignment, surface levels, storm water and drainage systems but also includes work required in house refurbishments, column positioning, finished floor levels
Experience and Methods
In terms of education, Mark has a technical background having studied at the Technical Institute. And his academic background is supported by years of exposure to the construction industry – his family owns Central Asphalt Ltd, so dinner table conversations revolved around the industry. As Mark grew up, he started spending more of his afterschool free time pottering around the plant, absorbing knowledge as time passed.
Geomatix Surveying has built an excellent foundation and extensive background in providing services for major construction projects. This has been achieved by means of investing in a highly qualified and skilled workforce which has access to some of the most advanced technologies available to the nature of their business.
Geomatix Surveying employs a team of nine. Whilst Mark is adamant that all employees are qualified and remain adjourned with their education, he also believes that academic qualifications alone do not suffice. As part of the recruitment process, prospective candidates are invited to accompany him at work for a number of days so that he can access their capabilities. If they make the grade then they are given further training to ensure that they are achieve the standards that Geomatix Surveying employees are required to have. In terms of the organisation’s hierarchical structure, Mark makes it quite clear: “I am not the boss, I’m one of the boys, who takes on a very hands on approach. This is necessary for this size of enterprise.”
Geomatix Surveying has built an excellent foundation and extensive background in providing services for major construction projects
Mark explains that Geomatix Surveying has invested heavily in state of the art equipment – which is regularly checked and calibrated. As a case in point he mentions Faro – considered to be the world’s most trusted source for 3D measurement, and scanning, delivering the most accurate data possible. Whilst the brand chosen might be transparent for the client, Mark describes this choice as being the most efficient in terms of cost containment, time management and practicality in general.
Geomatix Surveying has invested heavily in state of the art equipment – which is regularly checked and calibrated
Drones – such as high precision models like the DJI Matrice M210 provide Geomatix Surveying with the tools for large area mapping. GPS co-ordination coupled with a x30 Optical Zoom also corroborate their skill sets and they can thus provide precision inspections time after time. Laser 3D Scanning technology is used to conduct surveys nowadays, and this has facilitated the work process immensely.
“Although surveying and the actual setting out of construction tend to go hand in hand, they are nonetheless two different areas of services that Geomatix Surveying provides,” Mark noted. To clarify further, a survey is the collection of data and measurements of an existing building whilst the setting out process is the provision of points and alignments of a site which is still under construction.
Project Portfolio
Their project portfolio is as vast and varied as it can get. Geomatix Surveying has worked with the majority of Malta’s leading architectural firms and construction companies. Their work portfolio includes hospitality related developments, commercial outlets as well as community related projects with local councils. They have helped to modernise our arterial road infrastructure, and they have contributed to projects pertaining to some of Malta’s most iconic and historical buildings such as Ggantija, Fort St. Angelo and Fort St. Elmo.
“In the case of Forts St. Elmo and St. Angelo, the work consisted of surveys – for the latter it was a survey of the bastion facades, whilst for Fort St. Elmo the survey was commissioned to provide three dimensional data for the setup of a film set. In Gozo’s Ġgantija temples we set out the construction of the new visitors’ centre as well as a passage way from that area to the actual temples’ area,” Mark proudly explains.
From the portfolio seen, would Geomatix Surveying have a preference on the kind of project they would choose to work on? we asked. Mark explains that the 3D scanners they have available make both kind of projects easier to work on, though he does admit that he has a soft spot for older sites mainly due to their cultural and architectural importance. His passion for surveying work is evident when mentioning the surveys undertaken on the historical bastions that surround Valletta and Senglea. “The Grand Masters’ Crypt – the subterranean room, located beneath the choir of St John’s Co-Cathedral, was as challenging a job as it was thrilling to execute,” he explained.
From a more modern perspective, the embellishment of Triton Square and Biskuttin (the area where renowned Maltese artist Antonio Sciortino’s statue of Christ the King is located just before reaching the Tritons Fountain) was an assignment which demanded continuous high precision. This is mostly due to the Triton fountain being made up of three bronze figures of mythological Tritons holding up a platter.
The survey took place before the fountain was sent abroad for restoration. Mark stressed that “absolute attention to detail was necessary so as to ensure that upontheir return they would be placed in the precise position they were meant to be.”
Geomatix Surveying is backed by a strong, specialist team that responds to and understands the industry’s needs
With such a large portfolio under their belt, they have built a solid reputation in the field. But like countless of other businesses, the pandemic affected their work load too, though Mark is quick to stress that the company is coping. For Mark, keeping his team in employment was more important than maintaining their profit growth even if temporarily absorbing the cost of superfluous wages.
Whether you’re an investor, site owner or developer, when it comes to independent professional services in the property sector, being able to rely on a team with an established reputation for efficiency, expertise and precision is essential. This organisation is backed by a strong, specialist team that responds to and understands the industry’s needs. Because it leverages its unique core competences of sheer experience, highly technical people, and a solid investment in high quality equipment, Geomatix Surveying has rightfully become a market leader in the provision of surveying services.
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