Job Site Layout: Base Station or Total Station?
Choosing the Right Site Positioning Technology for Your Jobsite
Faster than ever, new technology continues to emerge into the construction industry driving job site productivity and efficiency. The latest site positioning systems combine positioning and communication technology to perform various grade checking, positioning, measuring, and machine control applications delivering faster site surveying results without requiring old-fashion stakes and extra manpower.
SITECH Allegheny, a division of Cleveland Brothers, is an authorized dealer for Trimble® and Caterpillar® construction technology solutions. Our experienced construction professionals aim to help contractors apply innovative technology to solve a variety of construction challenges.
One question we get asked very often is “Which site positioning tool is right for me to setup my job site: Base Station or Total Station?”
Consider Three Main Factors
When determining whether to use a base station and rover versus total station for job site surveying or layout, consider these three factors:
- Job site location and size
- Level of accuracy required
- Going beyond site layout
Job Site Location & Size
One of the biggest advantages of a base station systems is the use of GNSS technology which relies on satellite constellations tracking allowing for much greater coverage than laser-based systems. GNSS-based stations can reach an infinite number of rovers miles away from the base station without degrading correction information. Generally, in a fixed location, base stations require a reasonably unobstructed view of the sky so it can capture satellite signals for accurate measurements. This method is best used on larger job sites with more challenging site conditions such as buildings, under tree canopies, in deep cuttings or mines.
Total stations provide more flexibility than GNSS-based station without limitations to indoor or outdoor use or potential degradation from overhead obstructions. Without the need for anyone to man the robotic station, a single person can do the measurements making this solution is ideal for smaller-sized job site or operations. However, total stations require a direct line of sight to the target location and can be limited to the maximum distances compared to GNSS systems that have wider coverage.
Precision & Accuracy
Total stations are the best solution for projects where accuracy requirements are very tight. In comparison to base stations, laser-based total stations provide the highest level of accuracy down to three millimeters (0.01) versus GNSS systems tracking as low as eight millimeters (0.03).
For a task that only requires rough grading, contractors will choose base stations for faster grade checks. Whereas jobs that require concrete pouring where precise measurements are needed, contractors will turn to total stations.
More Than Site Layout & Measurements
Site positioning technology can be used for more than just surveying, measuring, and grade checking. Equipment operators are performing excavations, paving, and grading projects more efficiently with the help of machine control. Both systems base station and total station solutions can be used for machine guidance to meet tight construction tolerances, save expensive materials, and avoid rework.
While total stations can provide more precise measurements, there are limitations to using total stations for machine control. Since a total station requires a direct line of site with its target location, the station cannot be used simultaneously for machine control and site layout. Additional total stations would be needed to complete each task.
Construction technology has made immense strides in the last decade. From wearable technologies to drones, job sites that adopt these new forms of technology are performing jobs efficiently and productively – completely jobs on time and delivering a healthy ROI.
To learn more about site positioning and machine control technology, visit SITECH Allegheny at www.SITECHAllegheny.com or call 855-417-0290.