Skip to main content

Locating underground utilities accurately with Trimble

A highly advanced prototype system Trimble is working on is based on the Earthworks package and is intended to reduce the risk of contractors hitting buried utilities when carrying out digging operations. Scott Crozier is general manager of Trimble’s general construction division. He said that this mixed reality solution is an emerging technology that will be available in the near future. The package is integrated into the machine display and provides a visual reference for the operator where buried utiliti
December 11, 2018 Read time: 1 min

A highly advanced prototype system 2122 Trimble is working on is based on the Earthworks package and is intended to reduce the risk of contractors hitting buried utilities when carrying out digging operations. Scott Crozier is general manager of Trimble’s general construction division. He said that this mixed reality solution is an emerging technology that will be available in the near future. The package is integrated into the machine display and provides a visual reference for the operator where buried utilities lie. An object avoidance system that physically limits the machine from digging further to prevent hitting a utility line is slightly further away however.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • CEA conference 2018 – focusing on technology solutions
    May 2, 2018
    New technology and reduced machine emissions were amongst the key topics at the CEA conference in London - Mike Woof writes. Construction machine manufacturers are going to have to find new solutions if targets on emissions controls are going to be met. This is a clear viewpoint for the industry. But as the speakers at the recent CEA conference in London showed, there are differing opinions on how that will be achieved and what technical solutions will come to the fore. Duncan Riding, business development
  • Trimble’s new tools can boost drilling, piling and bucket weighing accuracy
    November 29, 2013
    Trimble is broadening its range of products with the introduction of its new DPS900 Drilling and Piling System and Business Center and the LOADRITE X2350 Payload Management System for excavators. According to the firm, the DPS900 Drilling and Piling system allows contractors to drill precisely at a specified location, to preset levels for depth, orientation and inclination angle. The HCE Drilling and Piling module is said to offer contractors tools to create optimised drilling and piling plans that can help
  • Sophisticated software solutions offering surveying innovation and construction efficiency
    August 28, 2014
    An array of new software tools will deliver greater efficiencies to construction companies – Mike Woof writes. Sophisticated software systems are delivering advanced solutions to traditional construction tasks. Key developments have been made by major players in the sector, such as Bentley Systems, Fugro Roadware, Leica Geosystems and Topcon Sokkia. From Bentley comes a new package that will help road construction activities in urban areas featuring a heavy concentration of underground utilities. This n
  • Caterpillar’s senior executives outline the group’s drive for greater overall efficiency
    January 6, 2017
    Caterpillar senior executives Edward Rapp and David Bozeman have pinpointed “systems integration” as one of the equipment giant’s future targets. Speaking at Conexpo 2014 this week, Edward Rapp, Caterpillar group president said that the introduction of Tier 4 Final engine technology has been a landmark moment for Caterpillar but added that emissions systems are not the answer in themselves to improved performance. “The secret sauce is not the Tier 4, it’s the systems integration” said Rapp.