The Natural Regrade with GeoFluv™ computerized landform design can further improve operational efficiency by interfacing with computerized machine guidance software. The GeoFluv™ landform design can literally be sent from the designer’s computer screen to the machine operator’s guidance screen by radio transmission and the designs can be implemented “on the fly”. Design editing can also be done expeditiously. For example, if unforeseen conditions emerge, such as shallow bedrock near the edge of disturbance that hinders a dozer cut, the designer can keep the operator working elsewhere, adjust the channel’s and related subwatershed design during the shift, and return the operator to work on the revised design.
Additional efficiency can be achieved by integrating the computerized landform design with software, such as Carlson Software’s Productivity Tools, that provide real-time equipment monitoring and data capture during construction. This software determines material movement volumes and distances over time for associated equipment. The information that this software provides to decision makers was previously not available and can help them identify the most efficient operational methods for maximum cost savings. Carlson Telescope and Starnet are two office monitoring products that allow for viewing heavy equipment in real-time, as well as enabling two-way real-time file transfer.
GPS guidance and machine control software can virtually eliminate the need for survey stakeout in the field and greatly enhance production efficiency. The machine operators can follow the project design and complete it to grade on their own as they work. Carlson Software makes Carlson Dig for excavators and shovels, Carlson TruckPro for haul trucks, Carlson Autograde for dozers, loaders, compactors, motorgraders, scrapers, foreman trucks, etc., Carlson Drillstar for drills, and Carlson Grade that allows cross-platform, multi-equipment functionality.