Landscape Contractor / Design Build Maintain

OCT 2016

LC/DBM provides landscape contractors with Educational, Imaginative and Practical information about their business, their employees, their machines and their projects.

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Three-dimensional grade control technology uses an internal point of reference, such as a BIM model uploaded into the machine's computer, in conjunction with GPS to grade planes, slopes, contours and complex curves. While it also works in a constant environment, 3-D technology is better suited to changing job conditions than 2-D. Both systems either guide operators to grade, or simply use an au- topilot function. Because the machine has been programmed with the model and is equipped with the proper sensors, it improves accu- racy and productivity: the grade only has to be cut once. John Deere and Caterpillar are just two of the companies integrating grade con- trol into their excavators. Reality Check Virtual and augmented reality are hot topics in pop culture – and yes, there is a difference between the two. Virtual reality is an immer- sive experience that takes the participant out of the real world and into a created one, with integration of sights, sounds, movement and more. Augmented reality is when virtual elements are superimposed onto the real world. Virtual reality is coming into play with heavy equipment use through simulation-based training. The objective of a simulation training is to create such an immersive environment that the operator forgets it isn't real. Ultimately, it creates a safe environment for a trainee to develop and transfer skills. Simulations are available for operations of cranes, dozers, loaders, and other types of heavy equipment. Ditch Witch is one of the many companies beginning to offer this, both for new hires and for retraining crew members to see where they can improve. They tout it as the next-best thing to actually operating their horizontal directional drills. The DAQRI smart helmet is an ANSI compliant hard helmet de- signed for use in the industrial world. It is equipped with a thermal camera, a 4-D operating system, 360 degrees of cameras, a micro- phone and audio output jack, and, of course, an augmented reality system. The AR functions include real-time information processing, inventory recognition, and step-by-step instructions. Even with all the technology packed into the helmet, it weighs only about 1 kg – about the same as a regular hard hat. Left: Simulation training is the best example of virtual reality as it applies to workplace safety and efficiency. Ditch Witch recommends training new hires and retraining experienced employees on their horizontal directional drill using a simulator. The benefit is that a new user has the opportunity to learn the machine in a safe and artificial, yet realistic, environment. By the time they are out in the field, the equipment is familiar to them. www.ditchwitch.com/training PHOTO: DITCH WITCH® Middle: Building information modeling, or BIM, is a collaborative process at all levels. The designer, builder, owner, contractor and subcontractors have access to a shared digital model, allowing each professional to contribute in their area of expertise. The creation of the model is like taking a blueprint beyond 3-D. It includes each individual component and its details, such as dimensions and price. Creating models such as these allows for greater efficiency. If there is a problem, it can be solved before materials are even ordered. Prices vary for BIM software, but B-processor, which was created specifically for building information modeling, is available for free download from www.b-processor.dk . PHOTO: COPYRIGHT © 2016 TRIMBLE SOLUTIONS Bottom: Technology company DAQRI has created an augmented reality equipped smart helmet for industrial use. It meets ANSI standards, and even with all the gadgetry, weighs about the same as a standard hard hat. The visor, which also meets safety requirements, allows the wearer to see information and instructions related to what they are looking at in the real world. According to a CNET report, the helmets will sell as part of a bundle costing in the range of $5,000 to $15,000 per unit. www.daqri.com PHOTO: DAQRI 68 LC DBM (Continued on page 70)

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