Machine Control
Your design straight into the machine. Earthworks across the Netherlands.
Machine control for earthworks in the Netherlands
On road projects and earthworks, rework costs time and material. Digging too deep or too shallow means re-measuring, and the crew waits while stakes are set out. With machine control the operator sees on screen where to dig and how deep. They work straight to the design, without a surveyor on site to keep setting out. Our clients include contractors such as Dura Vermeer and Van Gelder.
Equipment & software
- Trimble Business Center
- Civil 3D
- GNSS reference
Turning your design into a 3D machine control file
We turn your design drawing into a digital terrain model with all surfaces, slopes and level changes, and export that as a 3D control file. The file runs in the GPS system on the machine (Topcon, Trimble or Leica) and steers the bucket of the excavator or loader and the blade of the bulldozer. That way the operator finishes the sand layer to the correct elevation in one pass.
GPS machine control checked on site before you dig
Besides creating the files, we verify on site that the system is set up correctly and that execution matches the design.
GPS or total station: the accuracy your work needs
With GPS-based control the operator works to 2 to 3 centimeters. For earthworks, sand layers, slopes and pavement build-up that is more than accurate enough, because the layer thickness allows for it. If your work calls for millimeters, on foundation piles, anchor bolts or steel structures, we set those points out conventionally with a total station, as part of the dimensional control on your project. We review your drawing first and tell you which points belong in the machine model and which do not.
When does machine control pay off on your project?
Machine control pays off most on sand layers, slopes, pavement build-up and hydraulic engineering works, where large volumes of earth have to be moved and elevation is critical. The operator digs straight to the required depth instead of correcting afterwards, which leaves less to re-measure at final acceptance. On small, irregular jobs, the effort of building the file often does not outweigh the gain over conventional setting out. We check your drawing first and advise what fits.
What you receive with machine control
Creation of 3D control files
Support for Topcon, Trimble and Leica systems
On-site execution verification
Conversion of 2D design into 3D machine model
Frequently asked questions about machine control
The most asked questions about Machine Control. Question not listed? Feel free to get in touch.
We create files for all common systems: Topcon (Digipilot), Trimble and Leica. The file is delivered in the format your system requires.
With GPS-based control the operator achieves an accuracy of 2 to 3 centimeters. That is more than sufficient for road construction and earthworks. The system on the machine runs on a GNSS correction signal. We verify the calibration beforehand against surveyed reference points, so what the operator sees on screen matches the ground.
A design drawing with elevations (cross sections or 3D design) and the specifications of the machine system. We advise if the drawing is incomplete.
For the earthworks themselves, stakes are no longer needed, because the machine follows the model. The survey control comes from the land surveyor: we survey the reference points the system is calibrated on.
It falls short as soon as your work calls for millimeters, for example on foundation piles, anchor bolts or steel structures. We set those points out conventionally with a total station, which gives 1 to 2mm over short distances.
The control system on the machine records the execution data, so you can show at what elevation the work was carried out. If you also want to know how much material was actually moved, we add a volume calculation to the scope.
The file steers the bucket of the excavator or loader and the blade of the bulldozer. We deliver it in the format your system requires, whether that is Topcon, Trimble or Leica. If your project runs a different machine type, we check up front whether the system on board can read the file.
“We are very satisfied with the dimensional control service across various projects. From the very first contact, communication has run smoothly.”
“Michael had everything worked out the day before and was able to come the very next day. Delivers good work and is professional. We are very satisfied.”
“The dimensional control service was excellent. The team delivered accurate and timely results, which kept the project running smoothly.”
Services that often go with machine control
Volume Calculations
Calculate exactly how much material is in place or has to be moved. Accurate volume measurements for stockpiles and earthworks.
As-built Verification
Verify that everything is where it should be. As-built measurements make deviations immediately visible so you can adjust in time.
Land Surveying
Lay the geodetic foundation for your project. From site survey and topography to setting out, so your construction team can get started immediately.
Request a quote for Machine Control
Answer three short questions and leave your details. You usually get a response within 24 hours, on business days.
No-obligation advice on the approach for your project. Usually a response within 24 hours.