The US Survey Foot is Retiring, The International Foot is The New Survey Standard
A change came about at the beginning of the 2023 year that can have an impact on you and the survey work you do in the office and the field. The new rule: The United States will retire the use of the US Survey Foot and unilaterally adopt the International Foot as the...
Increase Jobsite Safety With Predictive Data
Predictive data analysis helps companies use data and information to make good decisions, increase productivity and improve safety measures in the workplace. With predictable outcomes for your future projects, you can estimate how much you might need to spend on tasks...
Reduce Risk and Increase Return on Investment by Setting Innovation Strategies
Innovation strategies can mean progress in any industry but especially in the construction industry. Innovation can mean you deliver greater value to customers and work more efficiently. However, because of tight profit margins and risk, innovation or change isn't...
New Job Roles in Construction Caused by Data and Technology Collection
You might not initially think that construction and technology go hand in hand. But looking at the industry's history and how modern construction processes and techniques differ from those of a century ago makes it easy to see the importance of technology in...
Trimble Dimensions – Should I attend?
Over the years, I have received many calls and questions from those who have been on the fence about attending the Trimble Dimensions Conference. Well aware of all the planning and costs for an event like this, I've listed out considerations that I think are important...
How to Have a Successful Earthwork Takeoff
Estimating an earthwork takeoff accurately is essential to achieve success and avoid costly consequences. When you become efficient at earthwork takeoffs, you can grow a successful business providing contractors with accurate takeoffs. As a civil contractor, you...
How Land Surveyors and Engineers Work Together
For those outside the construction industry, it may be difficult to tell the difference between an engineer and a surveyor. Land surveyors and engineers work together on most construction projects and share some of the same responsibilities. That said, surveying and...
Civil Engineering Software Programs You Should Know
As a civil engineer, you rely on various engineering computer programs to get the job done. The kinds of programs you'll need depend on the kinds of projects you work on, as well as your specialization and where you are in your career. For example, new civil engineers...
Do I Need Civil 3D?
Spoiler alert, I’ll give the answer first, then explain. As a major data engineering firm, we require the regular use of Civil 3D. For those of you that provide data for your own company, you can usually find workarounds to save money. Once you have the budget to...
Communicating with Engineers and Surveyors
The last thing any of us want is a job done wrong due to lack of communication. In a perfect world, the team is on the same page and works out issues at the data stage. Unfortunately, about 20% of our jobs go this way. The industry average is about 5%. My team gets...