Earthworks & Digital Construction · Essex · London · South East

Machine Control & 3D Models

We prepare construction-ready 3D models from approved design information for compatible machine-control systems.

Service overview

3D models prepared for the machine workflow

We turn approved construction design information into controlled 3D model data for compatible machine-control systems used on dozers, excavators and other earthmoving plant.

The model is prepared around the construction stage and receiving workflow, with the surfaces, linework and guidance geometry required to work from the approved design.

Construction surfacesTIN or terrain model prepared from the approved design for the required construction stage.
Guidance geometryBreaklines, boundaries, alignments and other controlled geometry required by the machine workflow.
System-ready issueModel files prepared for the confirmed compatible receiving system with controlled source and revision information.
Machine Control & 3D Models example
Applications

Where this is used

Common applications within construction, earthworks, development and survey workflows.

Bulk earthworks & cut/fill

Bulk earthworks & cut/fill

Existing/proposed earthworks and phased excavation/fill models.

Formation & subgrade

Formation & subgrade

Construction surfaces derived from approved formation geometry or defined build-ups.

Roads & platforms

Roads & platforms

Road, haul-road, hardstanding, pad and platform models.

Excavations & basins

Excavations & basins

Excavation bases, batters, ponds, foundations and shaped earthworks.

Slopes & embankments

Slopes & embankments

3D slope and embankment geometry for guided grading.

Model revisions

Model revisions

Update affected surfaces and reissue controlled files when approved design changes.

Machine Control & 3D Models deliverable example
Deliverables

What you receive

3D machine-control surfaceTIN / terrain model prepared for the required construction stage.
3D linework / guidance geometryBreaklines, boundaries and alignments required by the machine-control workflow.
Machine-system exportFiles prepared around the confirmed Trimble, Topcon or other compatible receiving system.
Model issue recordRevision and source-design information where required.
Supporting CAD / LandXMLEngineering exchange data used in the model workflow.

Compatible workflows may include: Autodesk Civil 3D · Trimble Business Center · LSS · Topcon 3D Office / compatible workflows.

Workflow

How we deliver it

We plan the sequence around the project brief, programme and required deliverables.

01

Project review

Confirm plant, machine-control system, project grid, approved design and required construction stage.

02

Source design audit

Review 3D geometry, levels, surfaces, alignments, build-ups, offsets and revisions.

03

Model creation

Build the required construction surfaces and guidance geometry.

04

Quality assurance

Check levels, coordinates, breaklines, triangles, limits, transitions and model continuity.

05

Export & integration

Prepare files for the confirmed machine-control system and project workflow.

06

Revision support

Update model issues as approved design changes are released.

Machine-control integration

Receiving systems

The model export and file structure are prepared around the confirmed machine-control workflow.

Trimble

Model preparation around confirmed Trimble machine-control workflows and project file requirements.

Topcon

Model preparation around confirmed Topcon machine-control workflows and compatible 3D Office/site formats.

Other systems

Receiving requirements are reviewed where the required format and project workflow are clearly defined.

Project examples

Project evidence

Selected project data and model outputs.

Formation model for dozer guidance
Formation model for dozer guidance3D formation surface prepared for GPS-guided earthmoving plant.
Excavation model
Excavation modelShaped excavation and batter geometry viewed in the machine-control modelling environment.
Civil 3D formation surface
Civil 3D formation surfaceEngineered 3D surface used as part of the downstream model-creation workflow.
Machine Control & 3D Models project example
Questions

Machine Control & 3D Models FAQ

What types of machine-control models can you create?

Typical work includes bulk earthworks, cut/fill, formation, subgrade, finished surfaces, roads, platforms, excavations, ponds/basins, slopes and phased construction surfaces.

What information is needed to create a model?

Original 3D design data is preferred, together with the project coordinate and level framework, current approved revisions and any confirmed build-up depths or construction offsets required to derive lower surfaces.

Can models be updated when the design changes?

Yes. Revised approved geometry can be reviewed, affected model areas rebuilt and a new controlled issue prepared for the confirmed machine-control workflow.

Does machine control remove the need for survey checks?

Project control, machine calibration and independent survey checks remain important, particularly at critical levels, interfaces and before work is covered or handed over.

Project enquiry

Tell us what you need for Machine Control & 3D Models.

Send the site location, drawings, specification or a short description of the work. We’ll review what needs surveying and the project information your team needs back.