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CUTTING EDGE MACHINE GUIDANCE SYSTEMS
Welcome to our library of Peter Kervilles articles
on this important emerging technology.
Commencing late in 1999, the great leap forward in productivity for contractors has been in the field of earthmoving machine guidance (sometimes called machine control, or machine automation) by GPS (Global Positioning System, ie., American military satellites) or ATS (Automatic Tracking Systems, ie., robotic total stations using laser) or in many cases a combination of both.
Acknowledging the more recent capability of many receivers to make use of signals from the Russian GLONASS constellation of satellites, and (after its launch in late 2005) the European GALILEO system, the industry has moved away from using the term GPS for this technology towards the use of GNSS. GNSS stands for Global Navigation Satellite Systems.
Our MovingDirt magazine has been following this important topic very closely, with a range of articles written in laymans terms to help contractors keep up to date as the technology matures.
Here is a library of articles, presented just as they appeared at the time. As a guide to MA or MC, whichever you choose to call it, its quite unique in the world. You might wish to bookmark this page, since we will be progressively adding further material.
Please be patient! Some of the files are quite large, and will take a while to dowload!
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Innovative New Products at LOGOV
Trimbles SiteVision GPS guidance system was first demonstrated to the Australian market at the LOGOV exhibition in Brisbane, September 1999. It didn't seem at the time to be the start of a revolution, but looking back, thats what it turned out to be. Australia played a pivotal role in SiteVision it was largely developed at Trimbles laboratories in Christchurch, New Zealand, and field tested on a number of major Australian civil construction projects.
The Civil Contractors Federations Bulletin, September/October 1999
New Year Trials of GPS Guidance System
The Bulletin, November/December 1999
In a Milestone Move, Trimble Acquires Spectra Precision
U.S. giant of the GPS industry acquires the worldwide operations of Spectra, leaders in laser equipment and machine control products.
The Bulletin, September/October 2000
Make No Mistake: GPS Guidance Has Arrived
The Bulletin, November/December 2000
Field Report: Casuarina Beach
Australias first commercial installation of Trimbles SiteVision GPS machine guidance system. Brian and Bruce Turner of South East Excavations bite the bullet and install SiteVision on a dozer and a more simple system on a bulking excavator, at the huge Casuarina Beach subdivision project near the Queensland/NSW border.
The Bulletin, November/December 2000
Update: SiteVision at Casuarina Beach
The Bulletin, January/February 2001
Trial of a Dial-in GPS Virtual Reference System
In a major initiative by Trimble and the Queensland Department of Natural Resources, a trial program provides high-accuracy GPS positioning within in a large triangular area between Brisbane, Ipswich and the Gold Coastwithout the use of local base stations. Information is relayed to rovers over the mobile phone network.
The Bulletin, March/April 2001
ABC Lasers: A Home-Grown Aussie GPS Solution to Machine Guidance
We report on the launch of ABC Lasers Australian-developed GPS guidance system for dozers and scrapers.
The Bulletin, March/April 2001
Cutting Edge Technology at Dalby
In possibly the most extensive deployment in the world so far, Stockport Civil used both SiteVision GPS and Spectra BladePro 3D (an ATS system) in tandem on a new stretch of highway construction near Dalby. A detailed examination of how the two technologies complement each other.
Kervilles Queensland Civil Contractor Magazine, May/June 2001 issue
Casuarina Beach Revisited
At the conclusion of this large earthmoving project, we return to discover that the introduction of GPS has caused a significant alteration to traditional work practices.
Roles have Changed and Productivity has Increaseda dozer drivers perspective of the new technology.
Kervilles Queensland Civil Contractor Magazine, May/June 2001 issue
Worlds First by ABC Lasers in GPS Guidance of Excavators
Following closely on the heels of their Grade Indicate GPS system for dozers and scrapers, pioneers ABC Lasers introduce an ambitious Australian development, Grade Excavatethe worlds first sophisticated GPS guidance system for hydraulic excavators. Our detailed report tells what it does, and how it works.
Kervilles Queensland Civil Contractor Magazine, May/June 2001 issue
It's a Whole New Ball Game
South East Excavations pioneered the commercial application of SiteVision at Casuarina Beach. Late in 2001 they were using the system extensively at a new job, Pacific Pines, on the Gold Coast. Supervisor Steve Turner has been equipped with a GPS rover, and has quickly grasped its benefit for a wide range of tasks; setting out stormwater pipes and access chambers, locating silt fences, and so on. We report on the further change in culture within the company that this use of GPS has brought about.
Kervilles Queensland Civil Contractor Magazine, September 2001 issue
BladePro 3D at Royal Randwick
Machine control is not solely for large operators on big projects. Rob McMahon is a specialist at high accuracy surfaces for sports venues, and worked on Sydney Olympic Games facilities. We take a look at his application of BladePro 3D on the re-design and reconstruction of the running track at Royal Randwick race course in Sydney.
Kervilles Queensland Civil Contractor Magazine, September 2001 issue
World Trade Center Ruins: ABC Lasers Called In
Brisbane-based pioneer of GPS earthmoving systems ABC Lasers is set to instal equipment assisting the restoration of the New York World Trade Center site. This caps off a big year for ABC, whose systems have proven winners at a number of high-profile Australian mining operations such as Century Zinc Mine.
Kervilles Queensland Civil Contractor Magazine, November 2001 issue
GPS Receivers, Present and Future
The heart of any GPS earthmoving system is the receiver itself. Currently, accuracy is in the range of 20/30mm. Our experts explain the current technology in some depth, and offer predictions about when we can expect to see one centimetre accuracy.
Kervilles Queensland Civil Contractor Magazine, January 2002 issue
Commercial VRS network established by Queensland Department of Natural Resources
Following successful trials, the Queensland Department of Natural Resources has established the first commercial VRS network in the Southern Hemisphere, supplying positioning data with an accuracy of 2-3 centimetres on a 'phone-in' basis from the Sunshine Coast to the NSW border.
Kervilles Queensland Civil Contractor Magazine, March 2002 issue
GPS in 2002
Our Australia-wide review of the state of play at the beginning of 2002. GPS is now in use on a variety of projects around the country from Darwin in the north to Tasmania in the south. The application of GPS on major roadworks projects has become an established practice.
Kervilles Queensland Civil Contractor Magazine, March 2002 issue
GPS improves safety and productivity at the massive Comalco alumina refinery project on the mid-coast of Queensland
Earthworks are well under way at the new Comalco alumina refinery, just north of Gladstone. Trimble GPS is used on dozers and rollers to lay and compact several million cubic metres of fill. Topcon 3DMC supplied by ABC Lasers controls graders in executing the final trim.
Kervilles Queensland Civil Contractor Magazine, March 2002 issue
Renewed signs of life in the Russian Glonass system
Receivers accessing both American GPS satellites and those of the Russian Glonass system can improve reliability in practical earthworks applications. We report on the recent launching of additional Russian satellites.
Kervilles Queensland Civil Contractor Magazine, May 2002 issue
New Machine Guidance Company on the Scene
Chris Seymour and Mike Forrest join forces to launch Automated Positioning Systems, a new company formed to take ABC Lasers remarkable expertise to world markets. Chriss background is with major mining companies, which will be the initial focus of the new company.
Kervilles Queensland Civil Contractor magazine, July 2002
BladePro More Productive, More Accurate.
A look at the capabilities and performance of BladePro, Trimbles machine control product for motor graders.
Kervilles Queensland Civil Contractor magazine, July 2002
The Transformation of Yallourns Open Cut Operations
APS has put in place a cutting edge GPS system at the Yallourn coal mine, Australias largest single energy source. Three D11 dozers replace four aging bucket wheel dredgers that faced imminent replacement at a cost of fifty million dollars each. The APS system has worlds first features for reporting production data back to the mine office in real time.
Kervilles NSW Civil Contractor magazine, July 2002
Reconstruction of Darwins Marrara Stadium
Rebuilding the playing surface of Darwins main sporting venue involved complex works that highlighted the capabilities of BladePro 3D. It also demonstrated that laser guidance is not limited to flat planes, but can create very complex curved surfaces. And it showed that this technology can be cost-effectively applied to quite small jobs.
Kervilles Queensland Civil Contractor magazine, November 2002
How Good is Good Enough?
Our editorial deals with growing industry concerns that the enhanced ability to produce very accurate results is becoming an obsession with supervisors. GPS and ATS can deliver great cost savings by dramatically cutting survey expenditure, and by speeding up jobs. Should these significant savings be frittered away by chasing accuracy where it has no particular merit in itself?
Kervilles Queensland Civil Contractor magazine, March 2003
GPS Pays Off Handsomely for Doug Read, Rebuilding a Country Racetrack
Using Topcons latest System 5, Victorian contractor and grader operator Doug Read adapts quickly to the new technology. This job would have been prohibitively expensive if Doug had to employ conventional stringing. Topcon has a modular approach, allowing owners to move up to full GPS only when it can be justified. System 5 has very advanced features.
Kervilles Southern Civil Contractor magazine, July 2003
Meet the Bull Blaster
We report from the Intermat 2003 show in Paris about the Bull Blaster, an innovative laser-controlled blade attachment for producing highly accurate surfaces on small jobs. On the same page, a brief preview of Trimbles upcoming release of the GCS400 blade control system.
Kervilles Southern Civil Contractor magazine, July 2003
Trimble Releases SiteVision version 5
Trimble released SiteVision v5 at Intermat in Paris. It embodies very useful mapping capabilities.
Kervilles Southern Civil Contractor magazine, July 2003
Topcon at Intermat
A run-down on Topcons participation at Intermat, where their System 5 Plus was demonstrated on dozers and graders. A new GPS system for excavators was also released..
Kervilles Southern Civil Contractor magazine, July 2003
Late 2003: Where To, in the Future?
As the end of 2003 approaches and GPS completes its fourth year in the earthmoving industry, we take a look at some of the directions that this technology might possibly take in the next few years. Inertial reference systems, successors to the Inertial Navigation Systems (INS) used in long haul jet planes, may well provide the best solution to the problem of losing lock on satellites. Another area of research is pseudolites - pseudo satellites, fixed transmitters overlooking work sites that emulate satellites but supply greater signal strength. Thirdly, we conclude that for the time being at least, VRS networks have not been embraced by the earthmoving industry because of the high cost charged for correctional data.
Kervilles MovingDirt magazine, September 2003
Rob McMahons Stakeless Golf Course
Rob McMahon, last encountered when he was re-building the running track at Sydneys Randwick racecouse with TPS, is well advanced on Australias first stakeless golf course at Whittlesea in Victoria. SiteVision on dozers and tractor-towed scrapers (probably a first) is matched with TPS on mini-scoops. This approach has captured the keen interest of golf course designers, and Rob tells us he has a number similar jobs lined up.
Kervilles Southern MovingDirt magazine, September 2003
Sydney contractor WJ Friend wins with GPS, and finds that the vital ingredient is Teamwork
Prominent Sydney subdivision contractor WJ Friend Pty. Ltd. takes the plunge with GPS, when confronted with a large waterway of very complex design. Everything turns out very satisfactorily in the end, but Keith and Jim Friends' experience shows how vital it is to have cooperation between engineer, surveyor and contractor when it comes to creating suitable 3D digital files for the machine to work from.
Kervilles NSW MovingDirt magazine, September 2003
CR Kennedys DigStar is a GPS/TPS upgrade package to an affordable entry-level system for Excavators.
CR Kennedy makes an impressive entry to the machine guidance market, with their GPS/TPS product DigStar for excavators. By upwardly enabling Mikrodigger, for which CR Kennedy is distributor, they have provided a uniquely affordable entry point for excavator owners who want to be ready for GPS, but prefer to delay the financial outlay until a suitable job arises. Besides, Mikrodigger is a particularly useful product with or without GPS, making a bad operator good and a good operator better, according to an experieced user.
Kervilles MovingDirt magazine, September 2003
Internationally-acclaimed GPS pioneer APS (Automated Positioning Systems), Mike Forrest and Chris Seymours Brisbane-based mining specialist, announces two major deals. In the first, APS becomes preferred supplier of GPS equipment to mining giant Thiess. In the second, Topcon (who are backing APS in the joint development with Thiess of new dozer-push productivity software), appoints APS as Topcon dealer for the North American mining market
Kervilles MovingDirt magazine, November 2003
Trimble launches its terrific new SCS-900 software
Running on a GPS rover, this is truly GPS for Dummies, allowing both surveyors and contractors to make use of the same rover for different tasks. As an aid to the project manager or foreman, it performs a raft of very useful tasks, particularly the calculation of volumes in the field. Our four-page report gives full details.
Kervilles MovingDirt magazine, December 2003
Laser guidance of a mechanical screed permits the continuous construction of a complex concrete slab
Victorian Topcon dealer Laserbeams (Bob Bent) demonstrates remarkable skills in developing a true 3D solution for a laser screed.
Kervilles MovingDirt magazine, December 2003
Leicas GradeStar dozer system puts an owner operator in the box seat
Queensland D6 dozer operator Ted Volz proves that GPS is not just for the Big end of Town. Using Leicas affordable but sophisticated single-antenna system, Ted has substantially increased his productivity and improved his business.
Kervilles MovingDirt magazine, December 2003
Two leading innovators merge
Brisbane-based APS (Automated Positioning Systems), a great pioneer in GPS technology, merges with David Hall's MGT (Machine Guidance Technology).
David, at one time a dozer operator himself, brings to the new partnership some excellent new technolgy that promises a major advance in productivity. Chris Seymour will be Managing Director, and the new company will trade under the APS name.
Kervilles MovingDirt magazine, February 2004
Jim Bassetts depth of expertise is unequalled
With the help of Victorian Topcon dealer Laserbeams (Bob Bent), Jim Bassett has equipped himself with all the skills, including mastery of the CAD software required to create the models used in his onboard laser and GPS guidance systems. A remarkable story.
Kervilles MovingDirt magazine, southern edition, February 2004
The Port of Brisbanes massive expansion project
Over twenty years, this job will involve the placement of 32 million tonnes of material to form additional ship loading berths, sheds and hard stand areas. The first stage is the construction of an encircling bund wall, built on a complex pillow of sand encased in geosynthetic fabric. Tidal flows require the profile of the underwater foundation to be redesigned on the fly, often once or more per day. Trimble and Ultimate Positioning collaborate to harness GPS technology that enables data files to be uplifted directly into the cabs of excavators placing the rock.
Kervilles MovingDirt magazine, national section, BAUMA 1, 2004
Radical enhancement to Trimbles uniquely useful SCS-900 software
Alan Sharp of Trimble came to BAUMA 2004 to launch his updated version (v1.1) of the SCS-900 software, which we reviewed in depth in an earlier issue, labelling it GPS for Dummies. The original version ran on GPS rovers, allowing them to be operated not only by surveyors, but by relatively untrained site workers. In the latest update, the software now operates in an identical manner on total stations. This permits simple on-site calculations of volumes that were never practically feasible before. A major step along the road to making GPS useful for and easily applied by everyone on a worksite.
Kervilles MovingDirt magazine, national section, BAUMA 1, 2004
Caterpillar launches AccuGrade at BAUMA 2004.
The fruit of several years collaboration between Caterpillar and Trimble in their joint venture operation, Caterpillar sets out on the path of building machine control infrastructure into its range of machines, starting with the D3-D4-D5 dozers. Electrics and hydraulics are installed on the factory floor, creating a true plug and play option. The AccuGrade product is not simply an us, too offering - it is truly new millenium stuff, and will be the platform for both Caterpillar and Trimble going forward for several years. We explain the features of this system, initially offered for laser, but soon to include GPS capability.
Kervilles MovingDirt magazine, national section, BAUMA 1, 2004
Leica introduces its System 1200.
Acknowledging the convergence of laser and GPS, Leica has designed an entirely new operating system which runs on GPS rovers and total stations in an identical format. Gone are the days when a specialist operator of each instrument was required - with System 1200, if you can operate one, you can operate the other. The human interface has been greatly simplified, robustness and performance have been enhanced, and the price is more attractive.
Kervilles MovingDirt magazine, national section, BAUMA 1, 2004
Major news - the European Galileo satellites will greatly enhance GPS performance.
The first Galileo satellites will be launched by the European Space Agency in 2005, and the system will be operational in 2008. Thanks to an agreement between the EC and the U.S. Air Force, signals will be harmonised, allowing new-generation GPS receivers to access both constellations. Adding a further thirty birds to the 24 already available will improve reliability and accuracy. It will also alleviate current shortcomings of signal loss caused by shadowing trees and proximity to buildings
Kervilles MovingDirt magazine, national section February 2005
At Conexpo 2005 in Las Vegas, Trimble released the S6 Total Station, a techological leap forward that incorporates electro-magnetic drive for the first time. Speed and accuracy are enhanced.
Kervilles MovingDirt magazine, national section February 2005
Leicas MC200 Digger is an afforable second-generation excavator guidance system that can be a stepping-stone to GPS, when required. Its worth noting that, while superficially appearing similar, some of these excavator systems have a great many more useful features than others - and this is one that has.
Kervilles MovingDirt magazine, national section, February 2005
The Prime Minister of Australia opens Leicas new facility in Brisbane
Leica Geosystems has chosen Brisbane for the world headquarters of its research and development into new machine automation products.
Kervilles MovingDirt magazine, national section, June 2005
Newcomer on the scene, Brian Rowlands 3DX Australia, introduces an integrated package of Axiomatic 2D products from Finland and Sven Vejdes sophisticated GeoRog 3D controller from Sweden. Long-established contractor Robsons on the midcoast of NSW selects the Axiomatic/GeoRog combination for a large golf course project with residential precinct.
Kervilles MovingDirt magazine, NSW edition, June 2005
Cats rapid progress with AccuGrade
Launched at BAUMA in 2004, Caterpillar has forged ahead quickly with its AccuGrade Ready Option. The number of machines in the Cat range that can be supplied with plug and play GPS has greatly expanded. We focus on the Cat motor grader.
Kervilles MovingDirt magazine, national section, August 2005
Leica Geosystems launches Version 5 of GradeStar
The first fruit of the new R&D facility in Brisbane is a thorough revision of GradeStar incorporating many new features, some of them unique. GradeStar is now right up with the best of them as a cutting edge system.
Kervilles MovingDirt magazine, national section; August 2005
Shakeup at Topcon - Javad bows out
Where to now, for Javad Ashjaee, after five years with Topcon? The GPS pioneer, founder of Ashtech, moves on.
Kervilles MovingDirt magazine, national section; August 2005
Automation of CMI concrete pavers on Sydneys Westlink Motorway project
3DX Australia and SBG of Sweden combine their skills on a challenging task, the automation of Abigroups CMI pavers. The end result is the longest continuous concrete pour in the southern hemisphere, some 82 kilometres. And some massive savings.
Kervilles MovingDirt magazine, national section; December 2005
Sydneys Westlink M7 Motorway is brought in eight months ahead of schedule
Thanks partly to good weather, but mostly to meticulous planning, the major ring-road motorway skirting Sydney is now complete. Survey manager Brett Lehmann takes a moment off to reflect on what went into this A$1.8 billion project.
Kervilles MovingDirt magazine, national section; December 2005
Galileo is coming.
The first Galileo satellite was launched on December 31st 2005. This new system - Europes answer to GPS - will greatly enhance GNSS machine control in the earthmoving industry. We explain how.
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Kervilles MovingDirt magazine, national section; February 2006
Review of Leica Geosystems Digger 3D system for hydraulic excavators.
The first fruit of Leicas new worldwide research centre in Brisbane, Digger 3D sets new standards for user friendlinesss, and is at the cutting edge where accuracy is concerned.
Kervilles MovingDirt magazine, national section; February 2006
The massive Eastlink motorway project in Melbourne is months ahead of schedule.
Eastlink in Victoria, following the completion of the Westlink M7 in Sydney, is another of the major roadworks projects in Australia that was designed from the outset with the intention of using GNSS technology throughout. Trimble was selected initially as the sole supplier, but the demand for men and machines resulted in subcontractors coming onto the site with equipment supplied by Topcon, Leica Geosystems, SBG and Axiomatic. This in turn raised the management issue of whether, on such large projects, the appointment of a machine control manager is desirable.
Kervilles MovingDirt magazine, July 2006
Review of Topcons mmGPS system.
The unique Topcon mmGPS system operates quite differently to other products currently on the market, offering operators (and equally important, job supervisors) a seamless transition on the fly from GPS control to laser control.
Kervilles MovingDirt magazine, July 2006
The potential for Locatas unique technology is recognised by the United States Air Force.
Weve long been admirers of the home-grown Australian technology being pioneered by Locata Corp in Canberra. Nunzio Gambale has had a busy year, first completing a deal with Leica Geosystems to apply his unique system in the earthmoving industry, and then an even more prestigious JV with the USAF. Our article explains the Locata technology in simple terms.
Kervilles MovingDirt magazine, November 2006
New offerings from Trimble and Topcon.
Two new machine control systems - Trimble plugs a gap in its range with a 2D excavator system, the GCS600. Topcon launches an upgraded 3D offering, the 3DXi with GX60 colour touch screen control box.
Kervilles MovingDirt magazine, January 2007
SBG acquired by Hexagon.
Swedish multinational Hexagon, already the owner of Leica Geosystems, Scanlaser, and Mikrofyn increases its investment in machine control technology by acquiring Sven Vejdes SBG, creator of the highly successful GeoRog system.
Kervilles MovingDirt magazine, January 2007
Malcolm digs deep.
Malcolm Kennedy, CEO of CR Kennedy, the distributor in Australia for Leica Geosystems, builds on the companys recent success by spending heavily on more people and more infrastructure to support the Leica range in the field.
Kervilles MovingDirt magazine, March 2007
MA at BAUMA.
We offer some comments on the exhibits of machine control products at BAUMA 2007 in Munich.
Kervilles MovingDirt magazine, June 2007
The future has arrived.
Trimble and Locata Corp of Canberra have announced a partnership to exploit the Locata technology in civil earthmoving applications. In our view this is probably the most significant development of the decade.
Kervilles MovingDirt magazine, June 2007
Cat proves the case for machine control.
At their proving grounds at Malaga, Spain, Caterpillar goes to considerable expense to conduct a realistic trial, comparing the cost of constructing identical sections of roadway using conventional methods, versus its AccuGrade system. The results are not surprising, but certainly revealing, and they conclusively prove the case for machine control.
Kervilles MovingDirt magazine, June 2007
New steep-slope motor grader kit from Topcon
Topcon releases a 3D steep slope add-on kit for motor graders, and a range of refined radios. Theres also a pair of new and powerful total stations, the GPT-7500 and GTS-750.
Kervilles MovingDirt magazine, October 2007
News from Trimble and Topcon
We report on Trimbles progress on whats fundamental to the next great leap forward the transfer of data to and from machines while theyre still at work. Also, Topcon announces that its equipment is now plug and play on Cats new M-Series motor graders and T-Series dozers.
Kervilles MovingDirt magazine, January 2008
China ramps up its commitment to GNSS.
Chinas initial plans were for a modest positioning capability, restricted to their part of the planet. This has recently changed quite dramatically. The Chinese obviously decided that GNSS is fundamental to their role as a world power, not to mention its many other uses. Their new constellation will be the equal of the Americans and Europeans, and from a machine automation perspective, the more satellites available whoevers they may be the better the accuracy on the job site.
Kervilles MovingDirt magazine, February 2008
Melbournes big EastLink tollway project is complete, months ahead of time.
We reflect upon various important lessons that have been learned in the application of GNSS to this job.
Kervilles MovingDirt magazine, March/April 2008
Machine control releases at Conexpo 2008, Las Vegas
News from Caterpillar about AccuGrade, and new developments by Topcon, Trimble, and Hexagon.
Kervilles MovingDirt magazine, March/April 2008
Railway track laying revolutionised
The first sale in the world of SBGs GeoRail package solves two critical requirements for high-speed track laying. Brian Rowland assists Laing O'Rourke in bringing in a new 280 km railway line on time, in the iron ore country of Western Australia. Thousands of kilometres away, on Australias east coast, productivity is greatly improved on a major job to refurbish the trunk railway line between Melbourne and Brisbane while its still in daily use.
Kervilles MovingDirt magazine, May 2008
Topcons LPS-900 system released
Topcons LPS-900 is an affordable 3D system for excavators.
Kervilles MovingDirt magazine, May 2008
The above material is copyright. It may be used for personal information, but may not be reproduced or re-published in any form without the prior written consent of Peter Kervillemy email address is peter@kerville.com
Last updated on June 9th 2008