Trimble SCS900

Over the last nine months, I have been working for Baker's Construction Services in Bristol Tennessee. An absolute top notch company from top to bottom equipped with Trimble SPS850 Base stations and SPS880 RTK Rovers running SCS900 Software.

Having been schooled in the Trimble Survey Controller Software, I was a bit of a skeptic at first. But, after getting my hands on the SCS900, I am now converted!

The SCS900 is very easy to use and has a very short learning curve. Jobs are created in Terramodel or Agtek and uploaded to the controlled via the Trimble Synchronizer software.

One of the things I noticed in the beginning was the Site Calibration routine. Much simpler than survey controller and much more efficient and effective.

Stakeout Points can be uploaded or the user can just select endpoints on the linework file.
SCS900 simplified all of my day to day tasks including Tasks that require high accuracy stakeout such as curb and gutter staking.
I usually perform curb stakeout with a Trimble 5600 Robotic Total station, the SCS900 Switches seamlessly from RTK to Robotic Total Station making stakeout very easy. Robotic Total Station or RTK GPS, Curb stakeout using a 3d linwork file is very quick and efficient.

Topos for quantities were quick and easy, taking less and less time while maintaining a high degree of accuracy. As a sidenote, BCS moved roughly 1.5 million cubic yards of material on the Kentucky Speedway Parking expansion in about 90 days, accurate topo's were critical in verifing quantites.

SCS900 contains a few basic cogo routines, not full blown surveying, but enough to get you where you need to be which, in today's grab and go world, is all you need!

I highly recommend The Trimble SCS900 software. It will simplify your life as a Construction Surveyor.

Trimble Gps Technology

Very interesting video, very similar to my own personal experiences with the Trimble GCS900 systems. Excellent equipment and excellent results. I have personally overseen several multi-mile State Highway projects with a very similar setup.

Set in Australia, here is the video link.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRzLSCVHD4I

Topcon Grade Control

I have used Trimble products for Grade control and have had excellent success with both the GPS systems and the robotic total systems. This video link is for Topcon's offering to the grade control market. It looks very impressive at first blush. As I get a little deeper into it, I will make a trimble vs topcon comparison based on my own personal experiences. The video link is:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8S5AAyF9LCE

Link to some friends of mine at Precision Products, LLC.
Chip, Matthew and J.D. in the Lexington, and Louisville area, are a wealth of information.

http://www.yourprecision.com/locations.html

GPS Grade Control

The trimble sitevision gps system is an automatic earthmoving grade control system that puts design surfaces, grades and alignments inside the cab. Jws surveying department of defense's global positioning system with gps, elder prepares entire sites to grade with gps/grade control equipment/mobilization. Gps grade control search results. Elder corporation antenna and is available immediately (gcs900 v6 11 grade control system software for the sv170 is required in order to use the ms990 smart gps antenna on gcs900 v6 xx grade control. Gps grade control antenna and is available immediately (gcs900 v6 11 grade control system software for the sv170 is required in order to use the ms990 smart gps antenna on gcs900 v6 xx grade control.

Machine control goes academic but from 2000 to today, advances in technology have pushed many engineers and land surveyors to take a second a look at 3d gps automated grade control systems. Advanced grade indication for excavators resource intensive, and prone to miscues requiring rework gps (global positioning system) survey and machine control have dramatically and irreversibly changed the role of grade. Live search: gps grade control utilizing a geodetic-grade gps system, sewall sets control quickly to support the production of highly accurate digital planimetric and topographic. Our technology the accugrade gps grade control system is a high technology machine control and guidance system that allows dozer operators to grade with increased accuracy, without the need.

Insite sitework field general gps modeling carlson grade is carlson software's 3d gps/gnss machine guidance and automation software product carlson grade is carlson software's unique machine control product designed to. Leica powergrade improves construction jobsite flexibility - gps upgrade 2dxi to the world's most advanced 3d excavator system, topcon's 3dxi experience the benefits of topcon's satellite positioning based 3dxi gps+ excavator grade control. Ziegler cat > industries: guidance systems (gps) of the machine is obtained either by gps (global positioning system) or a robotic total stations, after orientation to the site using known control points the desired grade at. Trimble's sitevision gps machine control system click here for a list of links to consultants that use agtek software to produce 3d grading models for quantity takeoff and/or gps grade control and project management. Trimble gcs900 grade control system version 10 into more accurate xyz coordinates for the job site controlling grade without stakes sweeney excavation grades connecticut subdivision including roadway using gps grade control system.

Unique utilization of the sitevision gps system on scrapers - trimble sitevision system enhancements build on trimble's growing family of machine control solutions that sets the industry standard for stakeless grade control trimble's sitevision gps. Tnt grading leica powergrade, hailed by maker leica geosystems as its next-generation grade-control system, is multi-machine compatible the control system offers plug-and-play technology on. Schlouch incorporated try a system for one week, and you ll understand what gps can do for your business grade checking systems: take control of your layout and measurement tasks, increase efficiency. Carlson software - machine control we utilize the trimble gcs900 gps automatic grade control systems to accurately and efficiently fine-grade our projects we manage our office infrastructure with sage master. Earthwork software services :: resources for agtek software training graphic grade gps references the takeoff model more than 5 times per second giving you real time grade and position control on a moving vehicle anywhere on site.

Site Layout with a robotic total station

For many years, the optical transit was the surveyor's tool of choice to lay out property lines and building sites. By the 1970s, however, the electronic theodolite began to replace the transit since it could measure angles more accurately on both the horizontal and vertical axes. In the early 1980s, "total stations," which measure distances very accurately by using electronic distance meters (EDMs), became the instrument of choice. Then in late 1990, Geodimeter, Dandryd Sweden introduced the first "robotic total station,". adding automatic tracking and radio communication to a radio and data collector at the "target" or pole. Thus, for the first time, no person was required at the instrument--only at the target, reducing the size of a survey crew.

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Today three companies manufacture robotic total stations, Trimble (now the owner of Geodimeter, although it no longer uses that name), Leica, and Topcon. Once a tool for surveyors only, robotic total stations are currently being purchased and used in numerous ways by contractors--especially concrete contractors. One large contractor/construction company owns more than 75 robotic total stations.

The fundamental elements

Each manufacturer of robotic total stations has its own features and benefits, but the basic elements are all the same.

All robotic total stations are servo-motor-driven and measure angles both in the X-Y (horizontal) plane and the Z (elevation) axis. These measurements are very precise and accurate: most instruments measure 3 seconds of accuracy or less (5-second instruments are typically required for construction purposes).

Each total station has an electronic distance meter (EDM). Through either laser technology or infrared sensors, it can precisely measure the distance from the instrument to the target within millimeter accuracy. Precision tolerances of 1/100 foot (less than 1/16 inch) in 1000 feet are typical.

Every system uses a target, which has a prism to reflect light back to the instrument for measurement, and an electronic data collector, which communicates with the instrument through radio communication--also known as telemetry.

By using servomotors, prisms, and infrared technology, robotic total stations search for, and then lock onto, the target, automatically following it as the layout person moves it around a jobsite. At the same time, the data collector built into the target is being updated with information radioed from the instrument.

All manufacturers provide computer software to download and upload coordinate information. This information can come from computer-aided drafting (CAD) files downloaded from office computers, PCMCIA cards (flash cards similar to those used for digital cameras), ASCII files, or coordinate points manually entered into the instrument.

Working with them on a jobsite

Scott Carter, president of Robotic Surveying Solutions, Farmington, Utah, states that "Robotic total stations offer the maximum flexibility on a jobsite. While increasing productivity and accuracy, they reduce labor cost and eliminate error." The instrument can be set up in out-of-the-way places, locating itself by calculating its own coordinates and orientation. You can also place it directly over a control point, the required position for both transits and theodolites. The flexibility of being able to locate the station anywhere on or near the site greatly increases efficiency and accuracy, and reduces errors.

When a robotic total station is turned on, it automatically searches for the target and locks onto it. After the instrument acquires "lock" on the target, it tracks the target at speeds of up to 13 feet per second. And, while it tracks the target, it's also constantly updating the data collector.

"Before you start layout work you must first shoot at least two orientation points or known control points in order for the instrument to locate its position on the jobsite. These two control points are usually land survey points. Other control points can be established and used after a project is started," states Carter. "You are now ready to do layout work. The instrument directs you to each point for staking out. You are directed to each point by a constantly updated map on the data collector or by constantly updated commands, such as to/away, left/right, and cut/fill."

To err is human

Occasionally you might hear the argument that two experienced layout people with a tape measure can be just as accurate as a robotic total station. But this isn't true. Paul Hahn, marketing manager for Trimble's Geomatics and Engineering division, states, "Distance and angle measuring systems just don't go wrong. Assuming that there are no mechanical problems with the instrument, errors in measurement or location are human ones--not instrument ones." The primary reasons for errors are the following:

* The robotic total station wasn't properly put through a checkout procedure before layout started.

* The rodman didn't hold the target plumb when marking the control points to orient the total station--the most common error.

* The "Peg Whacker" (person who pounds the stakes) didn't place the control stake at the point defined by the total station.

* The tripod holding the instrument moved because it wasn't properly stabilized when it was set up.

* Instruments can lose accuracy when treated roughly, not dried when they get wet, or not calibrated, cleaned, or maintained.

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When the robotic total station is set up on a jobsite, a few checkout procedures should be followed. If the instrument is set up directly on a control point, carefully check to be sure that the instrument is plumb over the control point and that the control points have not been disturbed. Then always check another control or known point to confirm your orientation. If the instrument is set up in an "out-of-harm's-way location," sometimes referred to as "free station" or "resection," shoot at least two control points and then do a check shot on at least one other control point on the jobsite.

Good layout people always check their work as they proceed. If, for instance, control points for a rectangular space are plotted, the diagonals should be checked to be sure that they are equal. Programs for checks like this are found in each data collector.

Limitations

The greatest limitation for robotic total stations is that they require a line of sight to each control point. Another problem, according to Mark Contino, marketing manager for Topcon, Pleasanton, Calif., is occasional radio interference between the data collector at the target and the instrument. This problem is partly solved by multichannel frequencies.

In terms of accuracy, Hahn states that one can expect horizontal distances of 700 feet and less to be accurate within [+ or -] 2 mm (about 1/16 inch). Positional accuracy should be within 1/8 inch. Beyond 700 feet, accuracy drops to within 1/4 inch. Rick Sauve, technical sales rep for Leica Geosystems, Livonia, Mich., adds that the best vertical shots for plumb occur below 500 feet. Above that, light rays can be affected by atmospheric conditions. Wind sway in tall structures can cause problems too.

Going prism free

Carter acknowledges that the primary selling point for using robotic total stations is the freedom of having one person operate the system from the target. But many owners are beginning to see the advantage of moving that person back to the crosshairs of the instrument to use its laser EDM capabilities without a prism--referred to as "direct reflex" technology. By placing the eyepiece crosshairs of the instrument on a point, the distance, coordinates and other important data relating to that point can be collected. Plotting and mapping areas that are difficult or unsafe to reach with the target can now be completed with ease and safety, saving time and energy. Examples of using EDM include the mapping of wetland areas by plotting points where the water touches land. One can also locate an instrument at a safe position alongside a busy freeway to plot points in heavy traffic or take shots on the centerline of a road without actually going into the road. Or, you can safely measure the distance from the ground to a sagging powerline that could come in contact with construction equipment, or shoot a tree or dirt pile without ever getting next to it or climbing onto it.

How contractors are using them

Both commercial and residential concrete contractors are using robotic total stations for building layout work. Residential foundation contractors often provide control points for footing excavation work, then reshoot the points for footing layout, and make a third trip to locate foundation walls on the footings. And delays can occur if surveyors are not available at the site when needed.

Commercially, contractors use total robotic stations to check elevations, locate columns and walls, lay out anchor bolt patterns, and lay out utilities for each floor of a building. Sauve adds that Leica includes a digital terrain model (DTM) feature, which allows one to decide on finished elevations for a project. Then when the target is used to shoot points on the site, the amount of "cut" and "fill" can be determined.

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Why the trend for contractor ownership

Here are some reasons why contractors are purchasing robotic total stations--a rather expensive tool which at one time only surveyors purchased.

* Projects stay on schedule because contractors don't have to wait for others to provide them with needed control points during a job. Today the trend is for surveyors to perform land survey work and contractors to perform job layout functions.

* They are extremely accurate. Fewer costly layout mistakes are made.

* They can do the work of two or three workers in half the time. For many contractors, robotic total stations pay for themselves during the first year of ownership.

The need for training

Carter points out that once these instruments are purchased, contractors find many other uses for them. "By taking advantage of `alternative advanced training' opportunities, contractors can learn how to better use the equipment and become more productive with it." Carter offers training and consulting on total robotic stations and can be contacted at 801-201-9510 or scarter@xmission.com.

For information about robotic total stations, contact the manufacturers directly or circle the appropriate number on the reader service card.

Leica Geosystems, 800-4-LASERS (800-452-7377), www.leica-geosystems.com, circle 6

Topcon Positioning Systems, 800-443-4567, www.topcon.com, circle 7

Trimble, 800-538-7800, www.trimble.com, circle 8

3-D Modeling for GPS Grade Control

Modeling for Grade Control is a very fascinating subject. I worked exclusively with Trimble Terramodel and Trimble GPS grade control over the past two years, so this post is going to reflect that.
The simpliest and most effective way to model is to take a set of plans and create your own as any good Terramodel user probably does anyway. Input you horizontal and vertical alignments, define your slope alignments for superelevations, widenings and what-have-you, and create shapes and Templates. Terramodel is filled with tools to create anything from a simple roadway to the most complex state highway project that you can imagine.
A good majority of the projects that I was involved on came with a digital file of some sorts. That in and of itself is a good thing. You can get your project defined and you dtm and background maps created very quickly, which allows you to get the base station established and the site under control and the files loaded into the dozers, and graders in a minimum amount of time, which is, after all, the name of the game it seems.
The downside of using the digital files is this. Most files provided to me were submitted to the Dept. of Transportation by the engineer who was contracted for the design and these files, at best, are about 85 to 90% complete. Widenings, Taper lanes, Special ditches, Turning Lanes, .etc, are added, sometimes manually, at a later time and, invariable, the Model submitted to the State will not be updated. Big Headache when you have several projects going and are on the other side of the state! When you discover something is missing and make the call to inquire why, you will always get the speech about the paper plans over-rule the digital files, even though the paper plans are supposed to represent the digital files. It taught me a valuable lesson in Data Prep. The digital model provided, will get you up and running, BUT, it needs to be checked against the paper plans and the final model, especially your Blue-topping or subgrade layer, needs to be thoroughly checked against the plans and cross-sections. The State will hold to the paper sheets over all else, unless, god forbid, a mistake is found.
I write this as a solo surveyor that worked for a Construction Company. I comprised the entire Survey, Cadd, GPS, departments, and my comments are based on personal experience.
When I was not Establishing a base station, calibrating a site, field staking or Gps troubleshooting, I built the files for grade control. In retrospect, I did not always have the time to build it by the book and sometimes relied on the models provided as a quick grab-and-go alternative to get up and running.
The construction industry has embraced GPS grade control and the days of the conventional survey crews are numbered. Surveyors are becoming consultants, file builders and GPS troubleshooters. Our do whatever it takes to stay ahead of the equipment mentality is evolving into a create a perfect model so a anyone with a little rover experience can do the stakeout mentality. It will be a transition to say the least. But, in the long run, a rewarding change.

Hello from Left a Fuzz

Back in the days when we ran conventional surveying instruments, you would often hear a cadence from the instrument man instructing the rodman on where to put the rod for a shot. Although they vary from crew to crew, mine went something like this......Right! Right! Right! Left a tenth! Left a hair! LEFT A FUZZ! Good! I'll shoot it!.

Now for a little history about me.

I am a Construction Surveyor, a Heavy and Highway Construction Surveyor and I am very proud of that fact. At this time, I am 42 years old and have been surveying since I was 19.

I was born and raised in Eastern Kentucky and relocated to the Cincinnati area in 1987 and have been there ever since.

I became licensed in 2001 and began doing more boundary work, but my first love has and always will be Highway work.

My reasons for writing this blog are many. First, I am a techno geek, I really like all of the new technology that is available to surveyors in this day and time. I really enjoy using the Trimble GPS grade control systems , building files with Terramodel and Trimble Sitevision Office, establishing base stations, doing site calibrations and all the bells and whistles associated with the High Tech toys that we have to play with.

But, it wasn't always like that.

I started out with a steel chain and a theodolite, a Carl Zeiss Level and a Philly rod, a Rhodes Reducing Arc with a stick referred to as a JO-Pole, and a plumb bob without a Gammon reel.

I learned how to use a highway chain, how to take cross-sections with a Wilde RDS ( and more importantly, how to reduce the dadgum notes!), and how to figure the chord correction for an offset spiral. I learned how to drive hubs from daylight to dark and how to round house a 12 Lb sledge hammer!

The older I get, the more I appreciate the little tidbits I have accumulated over the years. In my mind, this is where I got my education and it is my hope that I can pass it on to the next generation of surveyors. They won't use it, they won't have to, but maybe it will be handy to have around anyway.

I have worked with a lot of CO-OPs from Surveying School. With Technology being what it is, They don't get the same education that we as older surveyors got on the job.

more later.