ForConstructionPros.com

Investing in 3-D grade control technology can be an intimidating experience. The type of work will dictate the most appropriate system to use.

Today, you can select either GPS or ATS construction total station positioning technology. "GPS-based grade control systems are ideal for larger site projects and long-term, multi-phase projects," says Catherine Mansfield, Trimble Construction. "ATS construction total station-based grade control systems are ideal for contractors who need the flexibility to move from site to site frequently, work in confined spaces or perform high-precision grading with their dozer of motor grader."

ATS systems also offer a 3-D grading solution for jobs where GPS is not viable, such as in urban canyons, heavily forested areas or jobsites with numerous overhead obstructions, such as highway overpasses.

The best way to actually get started with 3-D technology is open for debate. Mansfield highly recommends buying the whole package, rather than start with a GPS or ATS-based rover system, then progress to a machine-mounted system.

"Whether you choose to invest in machine-mounted or rover systems first, both options allow you to get an understanding of using positioning technology for construction earthmoving," she states. "However, at a customer panel session at Trimble Dimensions 2005, a key message from all customers (small, medium and large contractors) was that if they had to do it over again, they would have started with more systems and not less. They believed they would have realized a much higher payback if they had invested in more systems up front.