Skip to main content

Topcon to smoothen roads with SmoothRide system

Topcon Positioning has developed a sophisticated package that can help deliver better road surface quality. The firm’s latest SmoothRide data collection package is said to make the mapping of road conditions easier and more efficient. The new RD-M1 Collect 2.0 package has an improved interface and a new graphical interface status bar that indicates the optimum speed for collecting road information based on the project requirements.
February 28, 2018 Read time: 2 mins
342 Topcon Positioning has developed a sophisticated package that can help deliver better road surface quality. The firm’s latest SmoothRide data collection package is said to make the mapping of road conditions easier and more efficient. The new RD-M1 Collect 2.0 package has an improved interface and a new graphical interface status bar that indicates the optimum speed for collecting road information based on the project requirements.


The system provides a steady flow of information about the road surface as the lidar unit scans the whole width of the roadway continuously. The digital design model that is then generated is far more accurate as a result.

Topcon claims that the RD-M1 Collect 2.0 is designed to simplify setup and automatically detect the position of the sensor during data collection. By gathering data at a higher speed, the unit can deliver higher productivity while also delivering better results. The system has a new Memos tool that allows operators to places messages onto the map, while collecting data that also can be made visible in the processing software. This allows specific site conditions to be noted for future reference. Also new is the Manage Runs tool, which means the system can be used without having to open Windows Explorer. Operators can copy data onto a USB drive, delete the information from the hard drive, while the RD-M1 Collect 2.0 Plan Route feature allows for the import of kml files. By using the latest map downloader tool, machine operators can gain access to map details while collecting data, but without the need for an internet connection.

The firm says that using the system for scanning can create a high density point cloud, which the software can then simplify and use to generate a highly accurate digital terrain model. From that the user can develop a new project design, which can then be loaded onto construction equipment for machine guidance purposes.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Improved excavator models available
    September 7, 2021
    Improved excavator models are now being made available for customers wanting higher performance
  • New earthmoving machines
    July 29, 2019
    An array of advanced earthmoving machines are coming to market, offering increased performance, lower fuel consumption and reduced emissions The global market for earthmoving machines has been particularly strong over the last year. Demand for new equipment has been at a high, with sales of crawler excavators proving especially robust. Manufacturers have responded by increasing output, while tempting customers with new models offering major performance gains. Dozers In the market for dozers, Caterp
  • Advanced concrete slipforming technology coming to market
    August 1, 2019
    New concrete slipforming technology is said to offer increased performance over earlier generation equipment - Mike Woof writes
  • French fine milling achieved
    January 10, 2025
    Contractor 2AGE-MCS achieved precision and speed in milling the Route Centre-Europe Atlantique in France with the use of 3D technology