Improving the vertical accuracy of 3D Machine control

GPS/GNSS-based 3D grade control systems have made a major impact on how heavy construction is done, but they still have limitations when it comes to achieving very tight vertical accuracies. This is true regardless of which brand you use. While multi-constellation (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo and more recently Beidou) grade control systems are able to work in more places and under more adverse conditions, these systems are still subject to various orbital errors and environmental factors, which can degrade the vertical accuracy. Many contractors use GNSS-based 3D grade control exclusively for earthmoving tasks and even finishing. However, the manufacturers of these systems will confirm they cannot guarantee that the vertical accuracy will be good enough for finishing. The various

Topcon announces new manual total station with advanced performance and accuracy

Topcon Positioning Group announces the new GM-100 total station designed to provide a powerful EDM along with advanced integrated communications technology in a manual package. “It delivers the latest technological advantages in a small, sleek design,” said Ray Kerwin, director of global surveying products. “Whether operators are performing tasks such as site layout or as-built survey, the instrument delivers high-end performance with a best-in-class accuracy of up to 6000 m and 1.5 mm + 2 ppm with a prism and up to 1000 m and 2 mm + 2 ppm in reflectorless mode.” The GM-100 features dual-axis compensation designed to ensure stable measurements even on rough terrain by automatically correcting both horizontal and vertical angles. This total station integrated