Construction

Trimble positioning and orientation solutions offer robust systems that allow an application to function even close to buildings, bridges and other obstacles, where precise positioning is a challenge.

Construction machinery relies heavily on reliable positioning and orientation technology for machine control. Trimble positioning and orientation solutions offer robust systems that allow an application to function even close to buildings, bridges, and other obstacles, where precise positioning is a challenge. 

GNSS systems used in the construction heavy equipment industry are typically categorized as either “indicate only” (uses GNSS as a guide to an operator) or fully automatic (exact information can be programmed into the machine for machine control).

“Indicate only” Applications

Work with confidence in applications where you are looking to provide the operator an “indicate only” solution, with robust positioning to a single point for grading and compaction.

Examples Include:

  • Dozer or excavators – moving or removing earth to get to a specific depth
  • Compactor – Operators need to make sure they compacted the same spot the required amount
    of times

FULLy Automatic applications

Full autonomy is suitable for construction applications when you need clear, reliable guidance for blade control in any environment. Trimble GNSS/INS solutions are needed anytime an operator needs to know the two points of the blade or implement and how it impacts the earth. For example, a dozer on a tilting plane would need to adjust the corners of the blade to “carve” the path.

When choosing a GNSS/INS solution for your application, it’s important to consider the surrounding environment the application will be working in:

  • Am I in a challenging communication environment where there is significant interference such as dense trees and foliage, urban canyons\ or uneven terrain making line of site communication difficult?  
  • What interference might I run into? RF, trees, bridges, large structures?
  • Am I using any form of satellite-based communications?
  • Can I mount my antenna on the roof of my equipment for a clear view of the sky?
  • Will I have my communication equipment installed near the GPS/GNSS receiver antenna? 
  • Do I need to know a position only, or do I need to have access to a heading, and pitch or heading and roll outputs?

Given the usual harsh environments, Trimble experts can offer a customized solution that consists of ruggedized antennas and GNSS/INS receivers and enclosures to best fit the needs of the integrators application.

SOLUTION RECOMMENDATIONS

Trimble BD992-INS Receiver
Trimble BD992-INS

The BD992-INS is a dual-antenna receiver with an integrated inertial navigation system. It is a robust navigation system that supports position and orientation at high update rates.

Trimble Zephyr 3 Rugged 5/8
Trimble Zephyr 3 Rugged

Designed for applications in high shock and vibration environments like machine-control up to 75g shock and 20.4g RMS, the Zephyr Rugged is available in two versions with 5/8” mast mounting and with 3” mast clamp.