In the construction industry, GPS offers two crucial applications: providing surveyors with precise positioning data for design and as-built reference points, and enabling advanced GPS-based machine control systems that help operators execute earthmoving tasks efficiently and accurately.
As technology rapidly evolves, it can sometimes feel overwhelming to keep up. But rest assured, you are not alone. A forecast suggests that the pace of technological change in the next decade will match the advancements seen over the past century.
Among the many sectors driving technological innovation, space technology—including GPS—is at the forefront. Already, it has reshaped how construction projects are completed and promises to play an even more significant role in the future.
The Australian Government has recognised the importance of space technologies, including GPS, and is taking steps to ensure they are integrated into the nation’s growth. Following the release of a report by the Senate Standing Committee on Economics in 2008, Australia’s National Space Strategy emphasised the vital role of navigation satellites, including GPS/GNSS, in enhancing the productivity and competitiveness of Australian industries, especially construction.
This article explores the current and future impact of GPS technology on the Australian construction industry, examining its benefits, challenges, and how the government’s strategy supports its continued growth.
While most people think of GPS as the system used for global navigation, it is technically just one part of a broader system known as the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). GPS, the United States’ constellation, and Russia’s GLONASS are the two fully operational systems. In addition, Europe’s Galileo and China’s Beidou are ongoing systems, while Japan’s QZSS and India’s IRNSS are still under development. These systems together form the backbone of modern positioning services.
In 2008, ACIL Allen Consulting released a report examining the economic and social advantages of GNSS technology for the construction sector. Key benefits identified include:
In the 2022-2023 financial year, the Australian construction industry contributed approximately $160.5 billion to the nation’s GDP, or around 8.0% of the total GDP. This represents an 11.6% increase, with the industry’s earnings growing exponentially by $6.1 billion. It remains a crucial sector for Australia’s economic health, generating nearly $360 billion in revenue annually and employing about 1.14 million people, or 8.7% of the total workforce. The sector also plays a significant role in job creation and infrastructure development.
Within this expansive sector, the adoption of technologies like GNSS positioning and machine control systems has driven notable productivity improvements. The Australian Bureau of Statistics has reported that multifactor productivity in construction has accelerated, with much of this growth attributed to technological innovations. The sector’s output has continually risen, improving efficiency and reducing costs.
The construction industry is subdivided into three main sectors: building construction, construction services, and heavy and civil engineering construction. As the use of GPS technology grows, the economic impact is projected to continue to increase substantially. The value of high-accuracy positioning technology in the construction industry is forecast to rise from $12 billion to $21 billion over the next 20 years, indicating significant growth potential for future advancements in the sector.
A key development in GNSS technology is the rollout of Continuously Operating Reference Station (CORS) networks. These networks offer significant advantages over traditional single-reference station systems, including higher accuracy and reliability. They allow for more extensive coverage, reduce dependence on a single station, and provide more affordable access to high-precision positioning services.
CORS networks are especially important for large-scale projects, enabling greater flexibility and reducing the costs associated with setting up and maintaining individual reference stations. The ACIL Allen 2008 report highlighted the crucial role CORS networks will play in future GNSS adoption rates in the construction industry. For example, with a standardised national CORS network in place, adoption rates for precision site surveying are predicted to reach 90% by 2030, compared to only 72% without such a network.
The mining and agricultural sectors are leading the way in GNSS technology adoption, offering insights into future trends that could be adopted by the construction industry. In agriculture, GPS-guided auto-steering tractors are used to increase accuracy during sowing and harvesting, maximising crop yields. As these technologies evolve, there is potential for fully automated or remote-controlled machinery in both agriculture and construction.
Similarly, automation in the mining sector, such as autonomous haul trucks and collision avoidance systems, is already improving productivity and safety. These innovations could soon make their way into construction, where they can further reduce manual labour and increase operational efficiency.
In recent years, the rollout of 5G networks and the growing use of internet of things (IoT) devices have allowed for faster, more reliable data transmission between GNSS systems, improving real-time decision-making and enabling better fleet management and machine performance tracking. Moreover, the Australian Government’s Space Agency has been working on the development of a local satellite-based augmentation system (SBAS) that will further enhance the reliability and precision of GNSS positioning across the country, particularly in remote or challenging environments. This system will help ensure that GPS technology can be used reliably for construction projects across Australia, even in areas with limited existing infrastructure. These advancements are setting the stage for even more sophisticated, automated solutions in the construction industry.
Australia’s construction industry is already reaping the benefits of GNSS technology, and as developments in CORS networks, communication infrastructure, and augmentation technologies continue, the potential for increased efficiency, safety, and productivity is vast.
The Australian Government has committed to a long-term strategy for spatial policy, which includes enhancing the use of GNSS to boost productivity and competitiveness across various sectors, including construction. With continued investment in GPS technology, Australia’s construction industry will be well-positioned to meet the demands of the future, ensuring that projects are completed faster, more accurately, and with reduced environmental impact.
GPS technology is not just a tool for navigation—it’s a key enabler of efficiency, productivity, and safety in Australia’s construction industry. The ongoing adoption of GNSS, supported by government strategy and technological advancements, promises to transform the way construction projects are delivered in the years to come.
