GPS Machine Control Models Built From Your Plans

Name: 3D GPS Machine Control Models
Brand: Quantum Land Design

Email Plans for a Free Quote

What We Require

Field-ready 3D grading files for Trimble, Topcon, Leica,
Cat Grade, and other systems.
Most projects are completed with 3-business-days.

Quantum Land Design builds 3D GPS machine control models from your engineered plans or custom designs and delivers them in 3 business days. Every model is built by hand for Trimble, Topcon, Leica, Cat, and any system that loads DXF or LandXML. Over 20,000 models delivered since 2013. Email your PDF plans for a free quote.

Here are a few, of many, applications they are used for:

Machine Control: Guaranteed compatibility and smooth operation with systems such as Topcon, Trimble, Leica, Carlson, Hemisphere, and many agricultural platforms.
Grade Checking: Precise finish grade data anywhere/anytime on your project.
Earthwork Analysis: Including volume calculations, strategic planning, and real-time progress reporting.
Stockpile Verification: Verify material available onsite.

Our focus is to optimize your project's success through precision 3D site models while proactively identifying and resolving potential design issues during the modeling phase. We deliver most models within 3 business days of receiving your data.

What We Need to Build or Quote Your GPS Model

Engineered Site Plans: Construction approved plans, typically in PDF format. Scanned sheets are acceptable if clear and legible.
Latest CAD Files: Typical formats include DWG, DXF, or DGN, though we can accommodate nearly any file type supplied by your project engineer. This is the CAD file used to generate the PDF plans.
Request for Quote: Send us your PDF's for a quote. We'll need the CAD when you decide to move ahead with a model.

Project files can be sent via email, or for larger files, use our upload link. Follow up with an email to confirm your requirements and ensure prompt processing.

Machine Control Deliverables

DSM (Digital Surface Model): Machine-ready formats optimized for seamless system integration, typically set to finish grade.
2D Background Linework: Precise and clearly structured for enhanced referencing and usability in the field. Standard on every job.
3D Utilities Models: Detailed and comprehensive models tailored for efficient underground excavation.
3D Paving Models: High-accuracy models that streamline paving operations and improve efficiency.
3D Structural Excavation Models: Excavate foundations and other structural features with ease.
3D Subgrade Models: For projects where subgrade design differs from finish grade. Learn why subgrade models are not needed for most projects.
Custom Designs: Unique, project-specific designs that address your exact needs and specifications.

All our projects follow standardized layer and surface naming conventions, ensuring consistency and ease of integration into your grade control process. Learn more in our Layer and Surface Standards Blog

Understand that Quantum is not here to replace your licensed surveyor or engineer. We build contractor-ready data from the information provided and flag missing plans, CAD, or assumptions that need review before the model is used in the field.

How Quantum Builds a Machine Control Model

Review the plan set and CAD to understand design intent and project requirements.
Build the 2D linework file and 3D surface(s).
Review plans for compliance and QA checks.
Export files for the contractors machine control platform(s) used in the field.
- Quantum does not charge extra for multiple model formats.

The Right Deliverables for YOUR Machine

Head to our dedicated pages to learn exactly what we will deliver for every type of machine control.

Looking for an Earthwork Takeoff? Head over to our takeoffs page for details.

Why Partner with Quantum Land Design?

Custom Tailored 3D Models: Created meticulously from scratch, matching engineer-defined elevations and design intent. We never "convert" the supplied engineers CAD or 3D model. All of our data is purpose built for your heavy equipment and rover layout.
Rapid Delivery: Standard turnaround time of just three business days for most models.
World Class Support: Consult with our expert team through email and phone with questions.

Field Math Tools for Machine Control

Vertical Offset Calculator
- Convert plan section depths to decimal feet for machine control.
Feet-Inch-Fraction Calculator
- Convert between civil units (tenths of a ft) and inches/fractions.
Grade Slope Converter
- Switch a slope between percent grade, ratio, and degrees.
Pipe Slope and Invert
- Enter your invert elevations to solve for percent slope or run length.

New to Machine Control?

Stepping into new technology is never easy, it can even be overwhelming. Over the years, we have taken on hundreds of new GPS users and helped them develop their knowledge and application of the latest technology. While we can't be onsite to help, we have put together several articles that can guide you through the learning curve. Hopefully, you can leverage mistakes we have seen other contractors make to get you over the "hump" and productive with your new tech. We have NEVER seen a contractor go back to the old way.

Click on the links below to develop your understanding of important concepts in machine control and even a few new ways to use it.

The most important concept to understand when setting up EVERY GPS project is site control. Quantum's Four Principles of Site Control will get you started off on the right foot. Each principle, one, two, three and four, has an article with a detailed explanation. Look to the right for the Four Principles video.

Many contractors use single point control for custom jobs or basic topo surveys. Due to the "single point" nature of setting up your GPS this way it can rotate horizontally and drift vertically over time. This article details how to set up single point control so that it is accurate and repeatable over time. It's more work, but time very well spent.

Tempted by that "free" 3D surface offered by the developer or project Engineer? This blog post will help you understand why that surface was not developed for machine control applications. This one might seem a little self serving on Quantum's part, but blindly using a free 3D model is probably the second biggest mistake contractors make, the first being poor site control.

Grow the $$$ return of your GPS system by using it for structural excavation, underground utilities or even site drainage.

Interested in capturing your own topo surveys for volume calculations or custom designs? We can help with that, too. Take a look at the How to Topo video to the right to get started.

Ready to "elevate" your tech and implement drone data for your company? Take a look at the Quantum Flight Pack and our keep-it-simple drone methodology.

Have a specific question? Shoot Orrin, Ryan or Zach an email or give us a ring.

Call Quantum with Questions