You may have heard us, as well as others, mention how important the data in your construction GPS is. The truth is, it doesn’t matter what GPS system you’re running on site, if you can’t trust the data that’s in it, you may as well leave it in the backseat of the truck. Here’s 3 things to get you thinking about the integrity of your GPS data.

1. Constructability

There’s a fine line that we need to walk as modern construction companies. We’re stuck between the engineers who design the sites, and the real world. Model space, which is what we call the computer screen in a CAD design software, is an amazing thing. It gives the designers a full 3D view of whatever they’re designing, and it has totally revolutionized the way everything in our world is created. With that, comes more complex designs. When talking about housing developments in urban areas here in Ontario, land to build homes on is at a premium. So we need to get as many homes in a development area as possible. This means the designers need to do everything they can to maximize building area. Many times this means more complex drainage designs to minimize the area needed to accommodate drainage. These complex designs are going to be a lot more difficult to build if you’re not taking advantage of GPS positioning and machine control grading, paired with an excellent 3D surface model.

2. Re-working

Not a single person who works in construction wants to go back to change something they’ve already built. Whether it is a carpenter who put a floor joist in the wrong place or a dozer operator who just graded that ditch backslope to the wrong grades. No estimators when they’re bidding a job say “yeah, let’s put some extra money on that item because we’re probably going to need to go back and fix it after we do it the first time.” Doing things correctly the first time is the number one way to gain efficiency on your job site. You need to count on those ditch backslope grades being correct the first time. You’d better have faith in the 3D model that’s in your dozer.

3. Technology Adoption

Civil construction is in a weird phase of technology adoption. Everyone in the industry knows about GPS and that some companies are using it. Some companies have gone all in on the tech, and are reaping the benefits. In order to do that, mindsets need to change and you need to be open to the thought that you can do better and you can reap the benefits too. If you’re one of the hesitant ones, it’s okay. It’s a big leap to make, and I’m sure you’ve heard horror stories from people that have seen the bad side of technology in construction. Whether it’s a bad grading surface model, the GPS wasn’t set up properly for the site in the first place, or just the struggle of keeping batteries charged. Some people see this as the learning curve. It doesn’t have to be though. We see them as variables. If you eliminate the variables, the horror stories can be mitigated. You’re already doing the right thing, reading and learning more about the process. Sure, sometimes bad things happen to good people. All you need is a knowledgeable 3D model builder to help you, and coach you through.