LIDAR is a unique remote sensing technology that has taken the surveying industry by storm. The acronym “LIDAR” stands for Light Detection and Ranging and describes how the technology uses light in the form of lasers to measure distances. LiDAR measures distances by emitting laser pulses and calculating how long it takes for the light to return. This remote sensing technology creates detailed 3D models and is widely used in surveying and other industries. Take-Off Professionals’ data specialists can compile the data collected by a LIDAR system and use it to create exceptionally precise three-dimensional information about a specific area and its characteristics. LIDAR is an ideal system for a variety of industries, including the civil engineering, roadwork and mining industries.
The Mechanics of LIDAR Surveying: A Deep Dive
A LIDAR instrument consists of a laser, a scanner and a GPS survey receiver mounted on a platform. This platform may be mobile or stationary, aerial or terrestrial, based on the needs of the application — the laser, scanner and GPS receiver are the only constants.
There are two types of LIDAR — topographic and bathymetric. These are explained in more detail below:
Topographic: Topographic LIDAR measures distances on land using a near-infrared laser. This is essential for the majority of civil engineering, roadwork and mining operations, which require measuring distances on land.
Bathymetric: Bathymetric LIDAR measures distances in aquatic environments by using a water-penetrating green light laser. This type of LIDAR is commonly used in civil engineering and roadwork applications that require working with underwater environments, such as under bridges.
But how does LIDAR surveying work on a technical level? LIDAR works by pointing a laser at a target surface on the ground or under the water. The surface reflects the light back to the LIDAR equipment, and the sensor records the reflected light to measure the distance traveled. This data is then combined with the position and orientation of the LIDAR equipment, which is measured using the GPS receiver and internal measurement systems. This creates a set of three-dimensional spatial coordinates that include latitude, longitude and height, creating a combination of data that is called a point.
When land surveying with LIDAR, the LIDAR equipment collects innumerable points using the measurement methods described above. This collection of points is called a “point cloud.” This “point cloud” is what a LIDAR survey is conducted for — it is the crucial data that companies use to create 3D models of the terrain that they are working with.
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The Compelling Benefits of Utilizing LIDAR Technology
LIDAR is a highly advantageous survey system for a range of industries, primarily due to the following factors:
Speed: LIDAR can collect a million points of data per second, making it an exceptionally fast method of surveying. Scans of building interiors can last an average of three minutes, but even large-scale surveys can take under an hour to complete, making LIDAR one of the fastest surveying methods available.
Accuracy: LIDAR systems collect extremely dense data with very little room between points. This means that the results are highly accurate, allowing professionals to plot and model natural and man-made geographies with the level of precision they need to plan detailed projects.
Flexibility: When it comes to surveying land with LIDAR, there are plenty of options to choose from. LIDAR systems can be mounted on a variety of platforms based on the needs of an application. For small-scale surveying, a stationary tripod may suffice. LIDAR systems could also be mounted to airplanes, helicopters or drones to survey larger areas. LIDAR data can even be collected at any time of day or night since it uses light as the measurement tool.
Safety: LIDAR systems work relatively quickly and can be operated from a distance, making them a good choice for locations that may be unsafe for human operators to stay for extended periods of time. Their ability to be mounted to aerial crafts also allows them to be used to survey dangerous areas that human surveyors may not normally be able to access.
In addition to these advantages, LIDAR can be integrated with other data sources with relative ease. The key to effectively using LIDAR data, however, is working with a quality data processing company like Take-Off Professionals who can effectively use that data to deliver high-quality 3D models.
Professions and Fields Where LIDAR Surveying Shines
LIDAR is used in a wide range of industries, primarily those involving land management and planning efforts. The construction and mining industries are particularly avid users of LIDAR, favoring it for its incredible speed and flexibility in a wide variety of terrains. Below are some of the largest industries using LIDAR technology in their operations:
LIDAR in Civil Engineering and Land Surveying: A Precision Game-Changer
The use of LIDAR in civil engineering and surveying is extensive. LIDAR applications in civil engineering and surveying include, but are not limited to, the following:
Design: Civil engineering companies prefer LIDAR technology for its ability to offer extremely accurate results within a short time, which is essential for planning projects around terrestrial limitations.
Evaluation: Civil engineers often use LIDAR to inspect existing buildings and construction products for defects and changes. Comparing the data to previous data can identify changes in structure that would otherwise be difficult to find.
Surveying: Surveyors prefer LIDAR to help them create detailed 3D images, including the landscape and any vegetation or existing structures.
The key reasons that LIDAR is favored among civil engineering and surveying companies are as follows:
Speed: Civil engineers and surveyors have a limited amount of time to get their measurements and are often working on a tight schedule due to budgetary restrictions and client needs. LIDAR allows surveys to be completed within a very short time and can work throughout the day and night, delivering results as quickly as possible.
Accuracy: Civil engineers and surveyors need detailed topographic layouts to plan projects effectively for client needs. Because of the density of the data delivered by LIDAR, engineers and surveyors can collect the precise data they need to get the job done correctly.
Safety: Surveys take place on a variety of terrains, some of which can be hazardous or difficult to access. LIDAR systems can be mounted on remote-controlled or aerial platforms to collect data at a safe distance, increasing employee safety.
Once the data is collected, civil engineers and surveyors can process the data by working with Take-Off Professionals’ 3D modeling services for commercial applications, delivering the quality models they and their clients need.
Revolutionizing Road and Highway Development with LIDAR
Using LIDAR in construction for roadwork and highway projects is another extremely important application of the technology. Some of the most common applications of LIDAR in highway and road networks are detailed below:
Road planning: Terrestrial LIDAR can be used to survey land for new road projects, collecting massive amounts of data that can be used to create detailed 3D models for roadwork projects. This data can be used for planning and machine control modeling.
Maintenance assessments: The continuous movement of vehicles combined with environmental factors like rain and temperature fluctuations result in significant damage to roadways and railways over time. If left unchecked, road damage can result in automobile accidents and other critical issues. LIDAR can help by scanning massive lengths of a road with incredible accuracy. The data can then be used to create comprehensive road profiles that can help identify structural problems and predict potential developments over time.
Bridge construction: Bathymetric LIDAR offers extreme accuracy for modeling underwater environments, which can be a key tool for bridge construction efforts. These measurements can be used to plan and construct bridges with a greater level of cost and labor-efficiency.
In addition to these applications, LIDAR has been used in adaptive cruise control systems and is a topic of exploration for self-driving vehicles.
The key reasons that LIDAR is favored in the highway and roadwork industry include:
Speed: Roadwork and railway professionals need to work quickly — every day that a road is closed is one more day that traffic must be diverted or paused. LIDAR works exceptionally quickly, reducing the amount of planning time needed for construction and expansion projects.
Accuracy: LIDAR systems are highly accurate, which is essential for any construction project, including highway and road construction projects.
Flexibility: LIDAR can be used during the day or at night, can measure terrestrial and underwater environments and can be stationary or mobile. For roadwork applications, this level of flexibility is essential to meet all the needs of roadwork construction and maintenance.
Once road data is collected, roadwork and railway professionals can send the collected data for processing. Take-Off Professionals can help with our top-of-the-line data processing services for roadwork and highway industry applications. We can take your road data and provide the quality models your organization needs to achieve quick and accurate results.
The Strategic Role of LIDAR in Mining and Quarry Management
LIDAR is used in mines and quarries as an essential surveying tool. By their nature, mines and quarries are often in remote areas with limited access, rough terrain and limited light. As a result, when looking at lidar vs. traditional surveying, the traditional surveying methods are largely impractical. LIDAR offers a comprehensive solution that can be applied for quarries and mines, producing accurate and effective results. Some LIDAR applications in the mining industry include:
Volume measurements: Quarries require regular volume measurements to determine how much product has been collected and how much still remains. LIDAR can accomplish this quickly and easily through detailed terrain mapping, which can be compared with previous surveys to create comprehensive volume measurements.
Mine mapping: Mines can be extremely intricate and complex in their construction, and regular mapping is necessary to ensure that current maps are accurate and that mines are constructed safely. LIDAR can accomplish this quickly and accurately, creating 3D maps of entire mining networks as needed.
Tunnel construction: Tunnel projects must be carefully planned to ensure the safety of workers. LIDAR is often preferred for this purpose for its incredible accuracy as well as its ability to be used in dark environments.
Some of the key reasons that mining and quarry companies choose LIDAR for their surveying needs include:
Accuracy: Mines are dangerous working environments and quarries require extreme accuracy to measure volumes and plan projects effectively. LIDAR systems collect data with incredible density, providing the accurate results mining and quarry companies need to move forward in their operations
Flexibility: Quarries are uniquely difficult to access due to their limited entrance points and rough terrain, while mines are often dark as well as tight and enclosed. LIDAR offers solutions to both of these problems. LIDAR can easily be adapted for aerial use, making it easy to survey quarries accurately without using the rough pathways. Additionally, LIDAR can work in the incredibly dark environment of a mine since it uses light as a measurement tool.
Safety: Mines and quarries are both rough environments to navigate on foot. Quarries are often limited in the number of access points they provide and may include steep dropoffs. Mines, on the other hand, can feature rough walking environments and tight spaces but feature the added challenge of extreme darkness. Both environments are dangerous for humans to navigate, but remotely controlled LIDAR systems can handle them.
Once the appropriate data is collected, mining and quarry companies need their data processed as quickly as possible so they can continue with their operations. Instead of processing it themselves, they can rely on a specialist in the field who is familiar with LIDAR data. Take-Off Professionals can help with that. Our point cloud modeling services can be used for a variety of purposes from layout planning to machine control. We will take your mine or quarry’s point cloud and provide the accurate results your business needs to succeed.
Elevate Your Project’s Potential with Take-Off Professionals’ LIDAR Expertise
If your company uses or is interested in using LIDAR technology, you need a data industry leader to help compile your data and deliver fast and accurate results. Take-Off Professionals can help.
Take-off Professionals is a data industry leader, preparing data and 3D models while also performing quantity takeoff services for a range of industries. We have extensive experience working with LIDAR technology and understand how LIDAR mapping works and how to use it. We are experienced at taking the data collected through LIDAR methods and compiling it into comprehensive, actionable models that companies in the civil engineering, roadwork and mining industries can use. We can help with any type of project from commercial construction to roadwork and mining operations.
Regardless of the system you use, Take-Off Professionals can work with you. We’ve worked with Carlson, Leica, Topcon, Trimble and more and provided our models in a range of final formats to meet the needs of our clients. This makes us an ideal choice for multi-brand fleets.
For over two decades, Take-Off Professionals has provided 3D models for construction companies and related industry professionals, producing about 1,000 machine control models a year. During that time, we’ve maintained a reputation for accuracy, timeliness and attention to detail that speaks for itself. Our knowledge and experience combined with the most advanced and innovative technology in the industry make us the ideal choice for your 3D machine control modeling needs.
Ready to get started with LIDAR surveying? Contact Take-Off Professionals’ team of Data Preparation experts today by filling out our online contact form or calling us at 623-323-8441.
With 3D technology, earthwork modelers and surveyors can view virtual models of proposed projects before the groundbreaking work commences. Different types of software can generate such visualizations, and this has led to the BIM vs. CAD modeling debate. Both options have their benefits and supporters.
For anyone new to these software tools, it’s important to be able to make an informed BIM and CAD comparison. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the pros and cons of BIM and, likewise, the pros and cons of CAD.
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Building information modeling (BIM) is a set of software tools that make it possible to visualize a design idea with realistic dimensions from a multitude of angles. With BIM, design teams and work crews can have a virtual experience of a building, road, bridge or monument before the structure is physically constructed. For all the parties involved in the conceptualization and construction of a structure — including earthworks and surveying crews — BIM provides the following benefits and features:
Preventing Conflicts with BIM
BIM tools allow earthwork teams to determine whether any clashes might occur between a proposed design and the underlying conditions of the site in question. For example, if a building would need deep plumbing yet the ground being excavated sits over thick roots and rocks, these discoveries can be factored into the design plans to avoid issues down the line.
Reducing Errors Through BIM
BIM technology makes it possible to catch any errors that initially appeared in a proposed design before the construction work goes into effect. For example, if earthwork crews discover that the dimensions of a proposed building design will not be feasible at the prospective site, planning crews can take this information into account and either make adjustments or change the overall plan.
BIM in Construction: An Overview
BIM software is used by construction crews who break grounds on new lands to establish the foundations of roads, highways, buildings, bridges, monuments and structures. The software makes it possible to determine which structures will ultimately work over certain types of soil, thus making the processes involved with earthworks easier for planners and crews.
BIM for Ground Logistics Enhancement
BIM software contains a range of features that specifically outline the logistics of plumbing at a given work site. This way, planners can determine whether the stretch of land in question will be suited for the project at hand, be it a tall office building or a wide industrial facility.
Planning Piping with BIM
BIM solutions make it possible for earthworks crews to determine which type of piping will suit the stretch of land in question. The software can be used to create 3D piping designs that take into account the diameters and lengths necessary to transfer water underneath a proposed building site to the nearest reservoir.
Enhancing Collaboration with BIM Tools
BIM solutions offer collaborative tools that make it possible for earthworks teams to interact with other teams in the construction process, from designers and architects to builders, planners and investors. Collaboration tools include communication technology that works across different platforms, allowing cloud-based branches to interact with more traditional departments.
BIM and Visualization Technology
BIM tools make it possible to visualize a site in 3D and determine how a potential structure will appear from the ground up at a given site. Based on the position of the proposed structure, the tools allow earthworks and construction crews to determine how sunlight will hit the walls of the building or factory and potentially light its interiors.
Sequencing Steps with BIM
BIM software programs arrange the building process in a series of steps from the ground up, including the logistics involved for earthworks crews. The tools can be used to determine how wide the clearance will need to measure for a proposed structure and how deep the ground will need to be broken to support the height and plumbing needs of the building in question.
Exploring Advanced Features of BIM
BIM solutions go beyond 3D technology to make a full-scale planning sequence for earthworks and developers. In new and upcoming versions of the software, BIM is activating tools in 4D, 5D and 6D, giving users the ability to visualize cost logistics in tandem with design concerns. These more advanced features also make it possible for users to determine the thermal and acoustic properties of a proposed building on the site in question.
Addressing Potential Issues With BIM Software
On the downside, BIM has yet to be developed to the point of universal compatibility across all branches of the construction industry. Companies and crews that have fully embraced the technology may have problems communicating certain ideas, information and visuals with cooperating entities that still rely on older technology.
Due to the relative novel nature of BIM technology, expertise in BIM software is a relatively small field. Consequently, there are few technicians to consult when users need outside support on a given issue.
Exploring CAD (Computer-Aided Design)
Computer-aided design (CAD) is a set of software tools that allow designers to create 2D and 3D virtual models of buildings, structures, machines and parts. For surveyors and earthworks crews, CAD makes it possible to review a proposed structure before commencing work on the ground. The features as well as pros and cons of CAD can be summarized as follows:
Visualization Benefits of CAD
CAD software makes it possible for designers and project developers to visualize a product or part in advance of its production. The software can be used to examine a proposed design from a variety of angles, both inside and out. Whereas conventional designs offer a flat illustration of a proposed idea, CAD makes it possible to step inside of a design and view it from a 360-degree perspective.
CAD’s Role in Improving Communication
CAD allows developers to communicate about the logistics and dimensions of a given design and make improvements as discoveries come to light. For earthworks crews in need of new tools and machines for an upcoming set of tasks, CAD provides an easy way for designers to communicate with team supervisors.
The Application of CAD in Structural Engineering
CAD software accommodates the various aspects of structural engineering. Moreover, most CAD programs offer functionalities that apply to specific industries and the various branches that the projects entail. For projects that involve railroad, tunnel or freeway construction, the design features take all the dimensions into account as the design team drafts a 3D visual of the proposed structure, which earthworks teams can then examine and use to visualize the intended finished project.
CAD for Earthworks Logistics
When the design for a proposed building, road or bridge is created on a CAD platform, the visualizations that the technology provides make it easier for earthworks crews to foresee how the finished structure will look from the ground up. This knowledge can then be compared to the findings of work teams as they survey the land in question and prepare to break ground.
Ensuring Accurate Design with CAD
CAD platforms make it possible for civil engineers to generate maps and analyze specs across a stretch of land. This research enables better-informed designs for railways and tunnels, thus reducing potential errors and costly redrafts down the line. This information can then be communicated to earthworks crews, making the overall plan more efficient and easier to bring to fruition.
Facilitating Input and Feedback
CAD platforms allow conceptualists to take a raw idea and turn it into a three-dimensional design. This allows different branches of a development team to mutually review a proposed design idea and make suggestions that can easily be implemented. If an earthworks supervisor spots an issue with a proposed design, the design engineer can immediately take this feedback into account.
The Advantages of Advanced CAD Tools
CAD software comes equipped with various design tools that facilitate ease of use and also make it possible to achieve visualization effects that would not be possible with a flat illustration. For example, both 2D and 3D CAD software contains a gripping feature that allows designers to pull, alter, adjust and reshape the dimensions of a proposed structural concept. If an earthworks supervisor reports that a road or pavement design requires a width adjustment, a grip tool can help employees quickly make those changes.
Potential Challenges When Using CAD Software
CAD software typically takes time to master, meaning that the cost of training can be high and the learning curve can be long. Moreover, the number of CAD experts is relatively small, which can make it difficult to find help if a problem arises.
For any company that has yet to migrate to a cloud server, CAD would be a step removed from that company’s technical infrastructure. As with most new technology, CAD is primarily designed for companies that are up to date on today’s more advanced systems.
BIM vs. CAD: Highlighting the Differences
A quick rundown of the features of BIM and CAD makes the two seem rather similar. So how do you compare BIM and CAD? The two have some crucial differences that make each more suitable for different types of projects. So what is the difference between BIM and CAD?
The biggest difference between BIM and CAD is the interactivity of the different dimensions during the editing process. BIM has interconnected objects, so any change that needs to be made in a building design, such as the width of a wall or corridor, can be done in a single edit. CAD does not have interconnected objects, so edits must be made individually.
CAD was developed to design virtual models for everything from appliances and furnishings to automobiles and rolling stock. CAD software tools are used to create 3D visualizations of the surrounding bodies of vehicles and tools, as well as the smaller parts that comprise the motors and fans inside each machine.
CAD can be thought of as a computerized sketchbook in which designs are hashed out and ultimately refined in 2D and 3D renderings. Each line works independently of one another and can be adjusted or eliminated without affecting any of the surrounding or underlying lines in the design. Therefore, if the design for a parking lot or road requires an extra three feet on one side, you can adjust the line that represents that side to accommodate the change in dimensions.
Complex CAD designs consist of numerous sheets, each with separate lines that are overlaid in a virtual file. If a design needs to be adjusted, you must adjust all the layers affected by this change individually. If a design consists of many layers that must each be adjusted in tandem with the others, making revisions can be complicated. With CAD, there is no way to synchronize the layers into a single-action item for a multi-layer adjustment.
BIM was developed more exclusively for the virtual design and multi-dimensional visualization of proposed building ideas. As such, the tools are designed to digitally render the complex dimensions of all the parts that comprise the interior and exterior of a residence, factory or office building, including the walls, stairs, doors, windows, ceilings, plumbing, wiring, lighting and ventilation.
A major difference between BIM and CAD is the interactivity of the different dimensions during the editing process. In BIM, the dimensions that comprise an object are interconnected. Therefore, any adjustment that needs to be made in a building design, such as the width of a wall or corridor, can be done in a single edit.
In BIM, the dimensions of a given detail can be synchronized to all instances of the detail in question. For example, if the windows on a building are initially designed to be 3.5’x5’ and need to be adjusted to 4’x5’, you can change all the windows on the virtual building with a single adjustment.
Deciding Between BIM and CAD: What’s Right for You?
Earthwork modeling and surveying teams can use BIM software to determine the ground dimensions of a proposed structure. Surveying crews can take a proposed building design and determine whether the chosen piece of land is right for the project in question. Earthworks modelers can then use the software to design the depths and dimensions at which ground will need to be excavated to set the foundations and build the sub-levels or layers of the building, factory, road, parking lot or structure.
For earthwork modeling, BIM tools can facilitate a more efficient flow of tasks because the software is designed to edit complex dimensions in a few steps. When all the dimensions of a construction layout are taken into account, BIM offers a more complex set of dimensions from various angles in a virtual preview. This way, all the parties involved in the construction can review the measurements beforehand and make suggestions or edits in advance of the project’s starting date.
BIM software tools can be especially advantageous for earthwork modeling of designs that consist of multiple levels. For example, if a development team proposes a multi-level courtyard across an acre of land, BIM tools can be used to accurately render the dimensions of this idea. The surveying team can then review this virtual design and provide suggestions and feedback. Construction crews can then reference this final design when it comes time to break the ground for the courtyard.
Data Preparation and 3D Modeling by Take-Off Professionals
For complex site work, it’s crucial to have 3D models to preview before construction begins. Take-Off Professionals is staffed by a team of expert engineers who develop 3D machine control models for earthworks projects as well as perform construction material takeoffs. Regardless of the size and complexity of the project in question, we can prepare data the way you need it. Contact Take-off Professionals to learn more about our 3D modeling services.
As a professional involved in architecture, engineering and construction (AEC), you’re likely familiar with quantity takeoffs. The term has been around a long time in the building industry, and it reflects an important part of the planning process. Quantity takeoff requires a highly specialized skill set to do data management correctly.
This crucial step in a project’s early stage can make or break success. In fact, improper quantity takeoffs can underestimate or overestimate construction costs, causing inefficiency in the entire construction chain.
It can be detrimental to any job when required material amounts and realistic pricing values are overlooked or duplicated. The key to successful construction data collection is thoroughness and accuracy.
Defining Quantity Takeoff in the Building Industry
Explaining what a quantity takeoff is in construction is relatively straightforward. Quantity takeoffs (QTO) refers to the estimation of materials, resources, and labor needed to complete a construction project. You review the project plans and take off information about what physical materials the architect, engineer or draftsperson specifies to assemble the project.
Quantity takeoffs in construction have many other names, including:
Estimating takeoffs
Construction takeoffs
Earthwork takeoffs
Material takeoffs
Material estimating
Material counts
Quantity surveying
Regardless of what you call them, quantity takeoffs are material-specific. As a rule of thumb, quantity surveyors or takeoff specialists don’t account for other project needs like labor, overheads, permits, insurance, equipment or incidentals. They stick to isolating material requirements and transposing that information into cost-based estimates.
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Technology has changed the quantity takeoff method, and for larger construction companies, computerization has been invaluable. Today, advanced processes like Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Computer-Aided Design (CAD) significantly increase estimation accuracy. These tools help to solve the age-old problem of low productivity and excessive waste, as outlined in a commissioned report by the Economist Intelligence Unit. They simplify the construction takeoff process to save time and eliminate errors.
The Impact of Building Information Modeling (BIM) on Takeoffs
BIM is a set of 3D design and modeling software tools that help visualize construction designs from multiple angles. These software tools provide a virtual experience of a structure before physical construction to prevent conflicts between designs and site conditions. One of the most significant advantages BIM offers is increased collaboration, as it includes various tools that help teams interact throughout the construction process. BIM streamlines project design and communication for more accurate construction takeoffs.
The Role of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) in Quantity Takeoffs
CAD programs revolutionized the building industry by allowing companies to build their projects digitally before actually breaking ground. Structures are designed in a virtual environment as 2D drawings and 3D models, allowing teams to work out any bugs and then move forward with reduced-risk structures in the real environment.
CAD offers benefits such as:
Optimized designs: Operators can test designs in various real-world conditions to identify the one that best meets project specifications and budget requirements. They can use these 2D and 3D models to optimize material usage.
Improved quality: CAD allows for greater precision and attention to detail by providing comprehensive construction visualization. More accurate representations lead to more accurate quantity takeoffs that enhance the project’s overall quality.
Decreased time: Using CAD facilitates efficient workflows that save time on project design and takeoff estimations. Operators can make adjustments quickly and collaborate with other team members seamlessly for quicker project completion.
Exploring Various Quantity Takeoff Methods
While computerization has increased takeoff accuracy and speed, the human element in quality takeoff examples can’t be replaced. Digital takeoffs are still at the mercy of human operators and interpreters just as manual takeoffs are. Today, we still rely on two quantity takeoff methods — manual and digital.
Traditional Manual Material Takeoffs
This is the oldest and simplest material takeoff form. Manual material takeoffs involve the estimator taking physical plans or blueprints and carefully detailing every material type and quantity specified on the construction drawings. This is a time-consuming data management process and prone to human error. It’s the estimator’s knowledge of materials, experience in estimating and skill in taking off material quantities that ensures accuracy. With manual methods, there’s no substitute for attention to detail.
Advancements in Digital Material Takeoffs
Performing material takeoffs through computer analysis and database application is relatively new in the construction industry. The first effective CAD-based programs date back to the late ’80s and ’90s, and their sophistication quickly evolved to include computerized building models integrated with digital takeoffs. Digital takeoffs are superior to manual methods for large and complex projects because of their speed and thoroughness. The qualifier is the takeoff technician being properly trained and proficient with the software application as well as highly attentive to applying the takeoff information into cost-based results.
Quantity takeoffs can be complex and involved processes. However, they have a single purpose, and that’s accurate data management. Whether you employ manual takeoff personnel or equip them with the latest digital takeoff program, the outcome must be an accurate list of all materials required to complete the project. It also has to conclude with a meaningful price structure.
Key Stakeholders in Quantity Takeoff Processes
Everyone involved in organizing the front end of a building project needs to do quantity takeoffs. Material takeoffs aren’t a tail-end qualifier. They’re a critical step that begins the bidding process to propose a realistic contract based on accurate material and financial information.
No matter how small or large your project scales, you have to start by calculating how much it will cost and how much material it will need. That’s whether you’re looking at a single residential unit or a larger subdivision undertaking with compounded earthworks, utilities, road surfaces and integrated above-ground structures. It begins by taking off materials, understanding what you have to work with and predicting the eventual price.
Architects, engineers and construction managers aren’t the only people needing to do quantity takeoffs. No matter what industry you’re in, if you build anything at all, you’ll require material calculation and price estimates. Here’s a list of professionals who need to do material takeoffs:
Urban master planning and smart city designers
Tunneling and subway architects
Residential home builders and renovators
Rail and metro transportation engineers
Offshore and marine architects
Landscapers and landscape architects
Highway and road engineers
General contractors and construction managers
Energy and utility contractors
Civil, mechanical and structural engineers
Architects and all building designers
Conducting a quantity takeoff takes skill, patience and powers of observation. It also takes a lot of experience. Quantity surveying is a high skill and a vital component to support project proposals. In fact, material data estimation is such a critical part of construction that many managers retain specialized independent takeoff professionals to do quantity takeoffs for them.
Like every facet of infrastructure in building construction, quantity takeoffs are a process. Learning how to do a material takeoff is a skill people can potentially manage if they have the time and resources to train in their system and then allow field time to polish their skills.
Learning in the field can be expensive. Humans are prone to error and manual takeoffs are especially open to misinterpretation, omission and wrongful calculation. So are digital takeoffs if the source input is wrong or the program operator fails to apply sound principles.
There are two ends to ensuring quantity takeoffs are sound and therefore meaningful. Deviating from either path can result in mistakes that can compound errors. An input error is sure to create a wrong end-calculation, and a bad output mistake can have equally damaging effects on money, time and inefficiency.
Getting a quantity takeoff correct is a matter of following a proven process. This formula has been around for years, and it’s the same method whether you use manual or digital takeoff methods. These are the two parts of doing an accurate quantity takeoff:
The Initial Phase: Input Considerations
Proper material takeoffs begin with inputting accurate information into the plans. Whether your draftsperson still hand-draws blueprints or your CAD operator creates multi-layered, three-dimension building models, your takeoff technician is paramount to managing data. This starts by inputting precise information onto the blueprints or into the computer-assisted takeoff software.
Your takeoff personnel only have so much control over what they’re given. Normally, a designated estimator won’t prepare the original concepts, working drawings or CAD layouts. Others in the building chain usually design and specify projects. However, an astute takeoff tech can spot irregularities and account for them during their data management. This is a critical control in the input stage.
The Final Phase: Output Specifications
Performing material takeoffs is core to the data management output stage. Output turns concepts into physical entities, and this is where accurate material estimation is essential. Putting out hard figures from software printouts creates solid estimates, which are the foundation for successful bids.
Here is where your takeoff person or team has control. Setting aside errors and omissions, your material takeoff relies on a system of identifying materials, quantifying them and then attaching data to a price schedule. This systematic approach, if done right, results in a fair an accurate proposal to move the project forward.
Construction data management professionals take material takeoff output and put this information into schedules based on valid pricing structures. In small-scale projects, estimators might use values based on local suppliers or subcontractors. In large building proposals, estimators often use national pricing. Takeoff professionals know where to look for quality data to use in a quantity takeoff.
Criteria for Evaluating a Quantity Takeoff
For the most part, doing a quantity takeoff is a mathematical exercise. You extract or extrapolate material figures on the input side for the takeoff quantities in civil engineering. On the output end, you reference your material figures to values. This creates a base for a total project estimate which adds in additional costs for labor, equipment and overhead.
You’ll hear the term “quantity” used in material takeoff discussions. This is the name for identifying quantities of earthwork material being estimated. It might be the quantity of cut and fill required for earthworks. Or, it might be the quantity of pipe, steel or lumber necessary to complete a structure.
Quantity surveyors or material takeoff professionals have a special challenge. They have to turn two-dimensional plans into three-dimensional images to quantify them. Accurate quantity takeoffs come from both the two-dimensional and three-dimensional worlds.
With manual takeoff methods, the surveyor needs to think two and three-dimensionally and visualize the concept. Digital takeoff methods relieve a lot of this spatial load, but a technician still has to manage that data. Here are the base formulas takeoff professionals use to look for and quantify construction materials:
Unit count: This is the simplest takeoff task, yet it’s easy to miss something in a unit count. When planning a building, estimators will count single items such as light fixtures, pipe fittings or door knobs. They calculate the total unit figures and multiply by unit price to achieve a gross total.
Linear length: Total lengths or runs are specific to materials like lumber, steel and piping. These building products are difficult, or nearly impossible, to unitize. Estimators will add up the combined linear lengths of materials in this category and also add a gross value to it.
Surface area: Accurately estimating surface area materials is still a two-dimensional task. It doesn’t matter if it’s flatwork stones, floor coverings or roofing materials. The calculation is length times width, and this total gets quantified to a value.
Cubic volume: Here’s where the three-dimensional reality enters the material takeoff business. Earthworks, concrete pours and insulation are prime examples where you’d use a cubic volume takeoff. This is length times width times height, and it’s applied as a unitized number on a value column.
Physical weight: Calculating construction by weight often happens in addition to other takeoff quantification. You might hear pounds of steel or tons of backfill. Calculating physical weight is necessary when accounting for transportation costs.
Although material takeoff professionals pay strict attention to their two and three-dimensional calculations, they realize their figures eventually support two more construction dimensions. Time is an additional dimension on construction projects, as is cost. Because of time and cost, it’s vital to make sure material takeoffs are done right.
The Advantages of Precise Quantity Takeoffs
Quantity takeoffs have a significant effect on multiple project aspects, from initial design stages to project execution and construction. Ensuring precision in quantity takeoffs will set a project up for the greatest success. Accurate quantity takeoffs provide a detailed breakdown of needed materials, and by quantifying these needs, estimators can calculate costs that enhance project components such as:
Project estimation: Quantity takeoffs are the foundation of project estimations, so the more accurate the quantity takeoff is, the more accurate the project estimation will be. These estimates can determine whether a project is feasible within budget constraints and if it can be completed according to client needs and expectations.
Bidding: Accurate quantity takeoffs enable construction companies to place more competitive bids. With precise calculations for material quantities, companies can avoid overestimating or underestimating and demonstrate their efficiency and professionalism to win successful bids.
Budgeting: Budgeting precision is a result of accurate quantity takeoffs. Careful counting and calculations for material needs allow construction companies to estimate accurate expenses and deliver projects within budget.
As precise quantity takeoffs improve the accuracy of project estimations, bidding and budgeting, construction companies can:
Minimize material waste: Accurate quantity takeoffs determine the exact amount of materials needed for a project, helping to reduce overestimations. With accurate material needs, companies can optimize orders to reduce waste and increase profits.
Improve time management: Beginning a project with accurate quantity takeoffs can save time by reducing project delays arising from inadequate or incorrect material supplies. Precise quantity takeoffs also streamline project planning to speed up design stages and project execution.
Prevent costly rework: When quantity takeoffs are based on precise calculations, companies can ensure accuracy throughout the project’s duration to prevent expensive errors. Estimators can provide accurate, detailed information that prevents rework and promotes project success from the beginning.
Enhance collaboration: Clarifying material needs through accurate quantity takeoffs enables various teams to coordinate and communicate effectively throughout project design and construction. Clear project estimations promote transparent communication with clients, increasing their satisfaction and loyalty.
Perform cost tracking: Accurate quantity takeoffs enable effective cost tracking by yielding a clear picture of necessary, realistic expenses. They support informed decision-making by helping team members anticipate costs, reduce budget overruns and accommodate unexpected expenses.
Manage documentation: An accurate quantity takeoff serves as a valuable baseline for documentation and record-keeping. It provides a record of estimated quantities and costs that can be referenced throughout the project to assist with change management, progress evaluation and post-project analysis.
The Importance of Accuracy in Quantity Takeoffs
The United States construction industry generates huge costs and consumes massive time. American construction projects generate billions of dollars and employ millions of workers. Because of the money and people affected, it’s important to get material takeoffs right.
You have two main material takeoff options. The first is using the old and antiquated manual method. The other is using a modern and more accurate digital takeoff system. Your choice might depend upon how much time you have and what the cost of a digital takeoff system will run you.
Comparing time and cost against accuracy might be a tough data management decision. Fortunately, you have a third choice. This one makes a lot of sense when you’re under a time constraint and demand estimation accuracy.
It’s turning to a material takeoff professional to estimate for you. These experienced construction experts make sure your takeoffs are accurate, thorough and dependable. You can trust them to support your bids and your business.
Partner with Take-Off Professionals for Expert Assistance
We’re Take-Off Professionals (TOPS). We’re a team of experienced and knowledgeable engineers who will produce accurate data so you can manage your business and build your projects without construction estimation worry.
TOPS offers takeoff services to meet your individual needs. You might be a small-volume builder needing a simple material list to complement your proposal. Or, you might require a comprehensive plan for cutting, hauling and filling earthworks. Whatever your need, TOPs can help improve your productivity by ensuring you have the sharpest information based on the best material takeoffs possible.
Professional material takeoffs increase your bidding accuracy and work efficiency. This results in saved money and greater profits. For more information on how we can help with our quantity takeoff services, call the Take-Off Professionals today at 623-323-8441 or connect with us online.
Surveying has changed substantially over the years — what used to take months of observation, measurement and geometrical calculations now takes a few hours or days thanks to the introduction of GPS technology. In fact, the surveying industry was one of the first to utilize GPS technology, recognizing the potential benefits of the technology. Today, surveying professionals rely on GPS to provide accurate and reliable data for clients across a wide range of industries and applications. Despite the widespread usage of GPS technology in surveying, however, it’s not a topic many know about — that’s why we’re here to explain the GPS surveying basics.
What is GPS?
To understand the GPS surveying process, you need to understand what GPS is. In short, GPS, or the global positioning system, is a satellite-based navigation system. GPS was first developed for military use starting in the 1970s and became fully operational in 1993. Since then, it has expanded its use to consumer and commercial applications.
How GPS Works in Surveying?
GPS uses a network of satellites, which communicate with receivers on the ground. When a receiver requests data to calculate its location, four or more GPS satellites will communicate with the receiver, sending the following information:
The position of the satellite
The time the data was transmitted
The distance between the satellite and the receiver
The information collected from these satellites then calculates the latitude, longitude and height of the receiver. If the receiver is moving, continuous data collection can be used to calculate the changing position of the receiver over time, which can be used to calculate speed.
No matter the weather conditions or time, GPS can triangulate the signal and provide a location.
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GPS surveying uses similar technology to nearly any other GPS application — however, how surveyors use GPS differs significantly. The primary differences are in two areas — technology and usage.
Technology: Surveyors use more sophisticated technology than typical GPS applications to increase the accuracy of the data they collect. The receivers used for surveying are significantly more complex and expensive than those you would find in a typical car navigation system, with high-quality antennas and more sophisticated calculation technology.
Data Usage: The data surveyors collect from the GPS technology is used differently than in a typical navigation system — instead of using location data for navigation, the data is used for measuring between two points. These measurements are collected then stored, manipulated and displayed in a geographic information system, or GIS, for use in a survey model.
Exploring Methods of GPS Surveying
But how do surveyors use GPS to collect data? The specifics come down to the GPS surveying techniques that they use. While the basics of GPS are simple to understand, there are several techniques that surveyors use to make the most of the GPS measurements they collect. There are three primary methods of GPS measurement that surveyors use, which are listed below.
Method I: Static GPS Baseline Observations
A Static GPS Baseline is a technique used to determine accurate coordinates for survey points. Baseline measurements achieve this by recording GPS observations over time, then processing that data to provide the most accurate result.
The technique works by using two GPS receivers. These receivers are placed at each end of a line to be measured. The receivers then collect GPS data simultaneously for at least 20 minutes — the exact duration of the observation period varies based on:
The length of the line
The required accuracy of the measurements
Once all of the data is collected, a special type of software is used to calculate the difference in position between the two receivers.
This GPS surveying technique is basic but highly useful and accurate, especially when measuring particularly long distances. Because the GPS data is collected over a long period of time, and the observations are collected at the same time at each end of the baseline, the natural distortions that occur in GPS signals cancel each other out.
Real-Time Kinematic or RTK Observations are similar to baseline methods in that they are used to measure distances between a base station and a second receiver. The difference, however, is that instead of measuring the location of two points over a long period of time, RTK Observations use multiple points in quick succession.
Like the baseline method, the RTK method uses two receivers, one being a static base station. The other receiver is the Rover Station, which moves to multiple positions during the measurement period. The position of the Rover Station is collected within a few seconds and stored. Once the measurement period is complete, this data is stored and used as survey data.
RTK observations are nearly as accurate as the baseline technique, though they are limited to a range of about 20 kilometers. This method maintains a high level of accuracy by
Collecting data at the Base Station and the Rover Station simultaneously
Correcting data in real time
Since the exact position of the Base Station is known, so any variations can be used to correct the position of the Rover Station in real time. This method, therefore, can quickly gather survey data for smaller areas.
Method III: CORS—Extending GPS Capabilities
Continuously Operating Reference Stations or CORS operate using the same principles as the other measurement techniques described. The primary difference is that the base station is installed in a permanent known location. This allows measurements to be taken at any point in the district using the permanent base station as a starting point.
With a CORS-based system, receivers can be placed anywhere in the local area to collect data. When data collection is complete, the surveyors can combine the collected data with data from the CORS to calculate positions, correcting any anomalies to obtain an accurate position. In some cases, if multiple CORS are available, receiver data may be compared to the data of multiple CORS to achieve even more accurate results.
CORS are commonly used for major engineering projects that require continuous surveying over a long period of time — some examples include:
Local government projects
Mining sites
Tectonic plate studies for scientific organizations
One specific example is the Australian Regional GPS Network, or ARGN, which uses an online processing system to provide positions that are accurate within a few centimeters in under 24 hours. Some countries even have CORS systems that cover their entire nation, allowing for more accurate and reliable GPS positioning anywhere in the country for both commercial and consumer applications.
Benefits of GPS Surveying Techniques
GPS surveying is a quick and accurate way of mapping and modeling the physical world, from mountainous landscapes to city skylines. This versatility and utility are why GPS surveying is the standard practice for any surveying operation. Nearly any group that needs surveying done will use GPS surveying, including government organizations, scientific groups or commercial businesses. Some of the benefits these groups enjoy from GPS surveying include:
Flexibility: Unlike conventional surveying techniques, GPS surveying can function regardless of visibility. If survey stations are out of each other’s sight due to line-of-sight issues or weather, GPS technology can still measure their positions and provide accurate location data. This is particularly useful when surveying coasts and waterways with few land-based reference points, which is particularly helpful for nautical navigation and construction efforts. The only downside is that GPS stations need to access satellites with a clear line of communication, limiting the utility of GPS surveying in areas with trees or tall buildings.
Mobility: GPS systems are fairly mobile, able to be carried inside backpacks or mounted on vehicles to collect data quickly and over a wide area. In combination with CORS systems, mobile GPS survey equipment can achieve real-time data.
Speed: GPS technology is extremely quick compared to the old surveying techniques that relied on extensive measuring and calculations. Now, GPS provides near instantaneous data and can automatically compare that data to provide accurate results quickly, sometimes even within a few minutes. With faster data, survey teams can get quicker results and organizations can reduce decision time.
Accuracy: The ultimate question stakeholders are concerned about is the accuracy of GPS survey equipment. Ultimately, it depends on who does the surveying. Poor equipment and inexperienced users can negatively affect your accuracy. However, when using sophisticated GPS technology combined with top-level expertise and high-quality software, you can achieve high levels of accuracy every time.
These benefits are the primary reasons many companies choose GPS surveying specialists for their surveying needs. However, all this data is meaningless without context. For almost all industries, GPS survey data is combined with sophisticated 3D modeling to create detailed, actionable data that organizations can use to plan their projects. This 3D modeling data not only allows companies to visualize and plan projects, but it also allows for 3D model machine control for construction projects.
3D machine control uses positioning sensors to give machine operators feedback on their equipment, directing them in how to use the equipment to achieve the desired results. This technology promises to be the new standard for efficient worksite operations, improving the accuracy of construction equipment on site. For more information about GPS machine control modeling, contact Take-Off Professionals or look through our site to learn about our services.
Almost any industry that needs surveying will choose GPS surveying for its high level of accuracy and utility. One of the biggest sectors using GPS technology is the construction industry — construction companies need fast, accurate survey results for their projects so they can start and finish projects quickly and confidently. Some of the biggest industries in the construction sector needing GPS surveying technology include:
Commercial Site Industry: Data is essential in the commercial site construction industry at every level. Commercial site construction companies need accurate, useful data and models to create cost estimates, organize their resources and improve overall efficiency. GPS survey data can help, providing accurate results quickly so that commercial site companies can make decisions that improve their profitability.
Roadwork and Highway Industry:Engineers and contractors in the roadwork and highway industry need accurate survey data from start to finish. Quality surveys help create accurate models, which roadwork and highway professionals can use to place accurate bids, plan projects and organize their resources efficiently to maximize their profitability. On top of it all, roadwork professionals need to get it all done quickly to minimize the inconvenience and cost to the people using those roads. GPS surveys are essential in these efforts, providing quick, accurate results for models so that roadwork professionals can get to work as quickly as possible.
The key for both of these industries, however, is choosing to work with companies that can help them achieve the results they need. Not only do they need professional surveyors, but they need next-level data modeling professionals to help create effective 3D models that can help them plan more effectively and even make use of 3D machine control. Take-Off Professionals can help.
Elevating Your Surveying Projects with GPS
When choosing 3D data modeling consultants for your next project, you need a team you can trust to get the job done right. Take-Off Professionals is that team.
Take-Off Professionals, or TOPS, is a team of knowledgeable and experienced professionals specializing in the preparation of 3D models for site work. Our team of licensed engineers, surveyors and 3D technicians handle projects for large and small projects across the commercial site and roadwork and highway industries, delivering quality results every time. Our innovative processes put quality data at your fingertips, giving you the confidence you need to:
Bid effectively
Organize efficiently
Complete projects while maximizing profits
Over the course of two decades, TOPS has become a data industry leader, producing an average of 1000 models per year with accuracy to three digits for imperial units and four digits for metric units. Our unique industry experience gives us insight into the concerns of our clients, allowing us to quickly adapt to client needs and address any issue so we can deliver effective, accurate and fast results every time.
On top of it all, TOPS makes your satisfaction our priority. We deliver
Detailed quotes,
Accurate turnaround times and
Top-quality customer service for every project
We stick to our promises every time. Let us know what you need from your data, and we’ll make it happen.
Interested in learning more about our industry-leading processes and how they can help your business achieve more? Contact TOPS today by calling 623-323-8441 or through our online contact form.
