Search Results
86 results found with an empty search
- Get Your 3D Grading Under Control
Localization, site calibration, GPS control, benchmarks, whatever you call it, is a very important concept to understand for any project using the latest grade control technology. To be consistent, we will refer to it as "site control" from here on out. The site control on each project is what lines up your 3D surface model with the real world. Once you have measured ("shot") in good site control and done a few accuracy checks you are ready to grade. Poor site control is one of the most common - and avoidable - problems encountered by Quantum's clients. Improper site control leads to a host of issues that can cost a grading contractor a lot of time and money. To get your projects off to a smooth start, Quantum's experts will take an in depth look at site control, how to set it up and how it effects your projects in a series of blog posts. To start we would like to introduce you to what we call the four principles of site control. 1. If at all possible, hire the project design engineer's surveyor to place your site control. 2. Surround the site with control points. 3. Calibrate to a minimum of five control points. 4. Trust, but verify. The four principles apply to any machine control system manufacturer and any project site. Keep an eye on our blog for detailed posts explaining each principle and how you can apply it to your grading projects. Rather watch a video? This companion video will walk you through all four principles and give you a few pointers on base station setup and control point placement.
- ConExpo Con/AGG 2023 Registration
Ready for Conexpo 2023? We are! Quantum Land Design has big plans for the show. It starts with our booth in the West Hall (W43207), includes two education sessions (drone data and machine control) along with more we will share later. We are looking forward to meeting with many old friends and hundreds of new clients we've only met virtually since ConExpo 2020. Your first step will be to Register for the Show. Be sure to use Quantum's Conexpo promo code to secure a big discount on your registration, it's QUA9684C. Just enter it when you register. Maybe you can "invest" your savings at the poker table. Whether it's our sessions or any others seriously consider the education program. Knock 20% off the top by using our education promo code EDUCATION20. Look at it this way, sign up for five education sessions and you get one free. Multiply that by applying what you have learned and you are effectively getting paid to attend the education sessions. How can you beat that ROI? Looking forward to seeing you there! We asked ChatGPT's artificial intelligence model how to get the best out of your trip to Conexpo. Click here for ChatGPT's six simple tips anyone can follow.
- Quantum Land Design Hits 20,000 Machine Control Models. We’re Just Getting Started.
Some milestones make you stop and appreciate how far you’ve come. This is one of them. Quantum Land Design just crossed 20,000 completed GPS machine control models, a number that still feels a little unreal when we think back to where this all started. We've grown from a one man band into a full-scale 12 person (and growing) production team serving earthmoving contractors, heavy equipment dealers, and civil engineers all over North America. This milestone didn’t happen overnight. It took a dedicated team willing to grind through tight deadlines, complex sites, and steady earthmoving technology evolution to deliver models that actually work in the dirt --> EVERY TIME. It also took a loyal base of repeat customers who keep coming back. They don't keep coming back because we’re perfect, but we listen, adapt, and keep pushing to make their work efficient and more precise. To everyone who’s trusted us with your sites, data, and timelines, THANK YOU. You’ve helped us grow, improve, and build one of the most experienced and capable machine control modeling teams in the industry. And the momentum isn’t slowing down. At our current pace, 30,000 models isn’t far away, and we’re already refining our process to deliver even better data, the first time, every time; all within our legendary three‑business‑day turnaround. From all of us at Quantum Land Design, thanks for being part of the ride. If you're a contractor looking for a reliable, trustworthy and experienced team to handle your GPS machine control modeling, reach out to us. Our models are built for real‑world results with fast turnarounds, field‑ready accuracy, and data you can trust to move dirt the right way the first time. Here’s to the next 10,000.
- Bart Booth - Quantum's Earthwork Takeoff Pro
Quantum is excited to introduce Bart Booth, our new Manager of Earthwork Takeoffs You asked for world-class earthwork takeoffs, so we teamed up with the best in the business. Our takeoff services combine Bart’s 20+ years of real-world heavy civil experience with the detailed AgTek earthwork reports you’ve come to know and trust. By leveraging Bart and his AgTek prowess you'll get accurate volumetric calculations you can confidently bid from. ---We are always accepting new clients from the US and Canada.--- Professional Earthwork Takeoffs for Any Project Bart and our team can handle nearly every type of civil construction project, including: Commercial site development (any size) AI data centers Heavy highway and road construction Residential and housing developments City street reconstruction Warehouses Whether you’re bidding a 5-acre commercial pad, multi-phase development, Google data center or highway interchange, our earthwork quantity takeoffs are built for accuracy and clarity. We'll provide detailed deliverables you can take to any client - even a Google Earth file overlaying your project on the real world. What is an Earthwork Takeoff? An earthwork takeoff is a detailed volumetric calculation of cut, fill, rock excavation, and import/export quantities based on civil plans or drone data. Accurate takeoffs reduce bidding risk and improve job profitability. If you are new to earthwork or takeoff software we are here to help. More Than Just Cut and Fill Our services go beyond basic volume reports. We also provide: Stripped vs. Subgrade volumes with clear import/export volumes Rock excavation calculations using boring logs Drone data integration and existing surface verification Over-excavation and change order support - we just helped a contractor secure a $$$ six figure change order. Takeoffs aligned with your GPS machine control models When your takeoff, drone data, and 3D machine control model all match, your estimating and field production stay in sync. 3-Business Day Turnaround Yes, we maintain a 3-business day turnaround on most earthwork takeoffs. Same speed you’re used to with our machine control models and drone data services. Straightforward lump-sum pricing. No surprises. Earthwork Takeoff Examples Here are several examples of Quantum's takeoffs you can download and review. Ready for a Quote? If you’ve got a project coming up, send the full PDF plan set (and boring logs for those rocky jobs) to: takeoffs@quantumlanddesign.com You'll be surprised with our affordable pricing. For our fee you'll buy back time to actually estimate your project, without spending hours buried in the takeoff. From initial bid through grading, utilities, and as-builts, Quantum Land Design is here to help you bid smarter, control costs, protect and even grow your margins. Email Bart anytime with questions or to request a quote.
- Quantum’s Zach Pieper Talks Drone Data in Construction on Equipment World’s "The Dirt"
Quantum's own Zach Pieper recently joined Bryan Furnace on Equipment World's YouTube series, The Dirt, to share insights on how drone data, together with with machine control, can transform construction workflows. In their conversation, they address common contractor questions and misconceptions about drones, covering topics like cost, ease of use, and impact on profitability. Key Takeaways from the Discussion: How Drone Data Benefits Construction Management Drones offer contractors a valuable tool for gathering accurate data. They can replace and/or supplement traditional methods, like GPS surveying and laser tools, to improve decision-making on-site. With drone data, contractors can conduct pre-construction topographic surveys, verify yardage moved, and ensure accurate billing and pay applications. This data serves as proof of work completed and helps adjust production metrics for future bids. Your finish grade machine control model can also double as a reference for comparing drone data against the completed project. When Should a Contractor Use Drones? Drone usage isn’t just for massive projects. Even on smaller sites, the benefits can justify the cost. For example, a contractor working on a two-acre dam project used a series of drone flights to confirm over-excavation volumes, resulting in $250,000 in change orders that would have otherwise almost certainly been under-paid. Getting Started with Drones Contractors can choose to hire an external firm to fly and process data or invest in their own drone. Zach recommends starting with a local service provider to learn the process, then gradually transitioning to managing flights independently. For those handling flights themselves, outsourcing data processing is often a cost-effective option. Contractors can simply upload their drone photos and ground control data to an outside processor, saving time and reducing in-house tech requirements and employee demands. What Does It Cost to Use Drone Data? Typical costs for full-service drone data collection, including trave, flights and data processing, range from $1,200 to $3,000 per project, depending on site complexity and size. For contractors looking to fly their own drones, an entry-level drone with required accessories costs around $5,000. Zach notes that even with the initial investment, drones can pay for themselves quickly by preventing costly errors in yardage or volume calculations. Ease of Use Modern drones are user-friendly, with automated flight plans and GPS integration making them simple to operate. The majority of contractors can conduct a 40-acre site survey in under a couple of hours, reducing time spent on-site while providing accurate data for better project tracking. Watch the Full Episode Here Watch on YouTube Have More Questions? Quantum Land Design is here to help contractors integrate drone data into their operations. Email us to learn more about how drones can boost productivity and improve accuracy on your job sites. For more in-depth resources and guidance, visit our Education Center to explore articles, tutorials, and insights on maximizing construction technology.
- ConExpo Tech Talks
The Conexpo folks at the AEM has put together a great resource for new and experienced gps machine control users alike. They have gathered everything from in-the-cab how to's to question and answer questions with contractors. It's worth your time to login and scroll through the extensive offerings. Click here to get started.
- 3D Models - Its All About the Money
Build it or buy it? When a contractor transitions into 3D machine control they have to decide if model building is a competency they should develop in-house or rely on a specialized modeling company. Obviously, here at Quantum Land Design, we think most contractors are best served by developing a strong working relationship with a model building company competent in 3D data. There are plenty of good reasons to hire an expert but the two that have tipped the scales for our clients are employee turnover and cost. The loss of the key employee trained in model building is expensive and can stop a project in its tracks. The expense of software, computers, updates and training alone can quickly outpace the cost of outsourcing your model building. In most cases, our clients tell us there is significant cost and time savings in hiring an experienced modeling company. The following example is from one of our contractor clients. Their gross revenues run about $12 million per year. They complete a wide range of projects from as small as a gas station up to large commercial developments and DOT work. In addition to earth moving, they install underground utilities. We'd consider them a fairly typical business profile for our US client base. They felt like they were spending a lot on machine control models and wanted to look at moving the work in house. The idea was to take their GPS leadman, currently on staff, and purchase the equipment, software, and training necessary. His field responsibilities would transition over to the foreman on each project. The employee has a salary of $70,000. Software subscriptions required to work in the CAD formats they need run between $20,000 and $25,000 per year; we will split it at $22,500. Software training carried a cost of $3,000 + travel; let's call it $4,000. A new PC was about $3,000. We are oversimplifying a little here but these costs are in line with feedback from other clients, too. Below is a table showing the initial investment and annual costs involved for this contractor. Another cost, that is not easy to quantify, is the expense of taking their GPS leadman out of the field or the cost of project delays because he would not be as available to check grade and troubleshoot GPS problems in the field - important cost considerations, but to keep it simple, we will leave them out of our calcs. Now, the big question, what did it cost them to hire out their modeling? Last year, this contractor hired us to complete 49 machine control models for grading and utilities Most of their models cost between $450 and $800 for an average cost of $600. This brings their total expenditure to $29,400. They received all of the machine control models within Quantum's 3-day turnaround time. The files were ready to load into their grade control systems (Trimble GCS900 and Earthworks) without any extra work on their end. As you can see in the table, the first year it would have COST over $91,000 for our client to bring modeling in house! Each year they would have continued to lose over $67,000 by building their own machine control models, in addition to pulling a key employee out of the field. As you can imagine, our contractor client quickly made the decision to stick with Quantum Land Design. Outside of cost, there are other benefits in hiring Quantum to build your machine control models. Our team specializes in 3D models and we do it every day. They are efficient and able to take any set of plans and a CAD file to build a model custom made to work with your grade control equipment. We standardize our layer and surface names, eliminating guesswork for your field team. Don't forget we can build 3D utility and structural excavation models, too. Our team puts a fresh set of eyes on your project, too. If we think there may be a design error or something just does not seem right, we will let you know. If you would like to take a look at value engineering, balance your site, or even look at earthwork phasing to make your work more efficient, our experts can help. We can even make you custom machine control models to facilitate site drainage during construction or even a simple model to level up and drain a laydown area. To get a quote from Quantum Land Design just email us the complete PDF's of the project plans. Our team can meet your cost, quality and turnaround times for ANY project. Click here to open up our cost calculator and input your estimated investment and machine control model costs. A quick note on software. Many takeoff and modeling packages advertise that they will work with all CAD formats. We are always looking, but have not found that software unicorn. It's expensive, but Quantum maintains subscriptions for almost any civil design software you can name. We do not go back to our clients and ask for CAD files in a different format or saved to a certain version. We just get to work.
- ConExpo 2026: Visit Quantum Land Design in the North Hall (Booth N11127) + Registration Discount Code
ConExpo-Con/AGG 2026 is coming to Las Vegas, Nevada from March 3–7, 2026 and Quantum Land Design is showing up bigger than ever. We’ve doubled our booth size, doubled our team, and will host a must-see education session for contractors and dealers in the earthmoving industry. Where to find us at ConExpo 2026: North Hall - Booth N11127 We're in the same neighborhood as your favorite earthmoving software companies like InSite, HCSS and Autodesk. Don't Miss our Education Session: How to Use Drones in Your Earthmoving Business - Practical Applications We'll be sharing how contractors can implement drones in their business to make more money. No endless rant on the "potential" of drones. Real stories and tech tips from contractor experience. Operate an Excavator with Machine Control Thanks to Tenstar Our team is excited to host a Tenstar excavator simulator running Topcon machine control. Hop in the seat and give it a try yourself. 3D utility and structural excavation models are our fastest growing segment, you'll see why once you've put your hands on the controls. Learn more about how construction simulators can accelerate your operator onboarding and skill development at our blog post. Register With Our ConExpo 2026 Discount Code: Click here to Register for ConExpo and use our Discount Code QUA4869C for a big discount Register before September 12th to secure the Early Bird discount rate. Seriously consider registering for the educations sessions. It's a rare opportunity to learn from the best in the industry. We are looking forward to meeting with many old friends and hundreds of new clients we've only met virtually since ConExpo 2023. Construction technology, machine control, takeoffs and drone data are always evolving. We love hearing how contractors and dealers like you are applying the latest technology on earthmoving and paving projects. See you at ConExpo 2026!
- Introducing Tenstar Simulators: A Smarter Way to Train Operators Before They Hit the Jobsite
Anyone who’s tried to hire or train operators lately knows the truth: machines and grade control technology are evolving faster than the workforce. You can spend big money on a dozer or excavator with full 3D machine control, but if the operator isn’t confident with the machine AND grade control technology, production and quality never reach thier potential. Most contractors feel that pain every week. That’s exactly why we’re bringing a Tenstar Simulator into our booth at CONEXPO. Their platform gives operators a place to learn the machine, the technology, and operational decision-making—without burning fuel, without tying up iron, and without slowing your earthmoving project down. The first time we tried Tenstar, it didn’t feel like a demo or just practice. It felt like we finally closed the loop between classroom training and real production. Why Tenstar Changes the Training Curve Traditional training still depends on perfect weather, available machines, and a patient foreman. Tenstar removes all of those dependencies. Operators step into a seat that reacts and moves like real equipment, in scenarios based on real jobsites, with integrated machine control guidance from Topcon, Trimble, or Leica. What makes Tenstar's simulators stand out is how naturally they teach technology, not just machine operation. Operators learn to trust GPS, read what the model is communicating, make grading decisions, manage material and understand why the system behaves how it does in a wide range of grading situations. That combination of machine feel + tech understanding is what closes the gap contractors have been fighting for years. Here are the skills operators build inside the simulator: Running dozers, excavators, loaders, trucks, and more with realistic physics and motion. Reading digital plans and interpreting grade information Using GPS guidance for blade control and bucket position Making cut/fill decisions and verifying elevations It’s the closest thing to real seat time you can get without touching dirt. Why Contractors and Dealers Are Leaning Into Simulation Talk to any superintendent, and they’ll tell you the same thing: new operators aren’t the problem, the learning curve is. The cost shows up as rework, downtime, or tech that never gets used. Simulation flips that equation. Instead of learning during production, operators learn the fundamentals before they ever touch a real machine. Contractors see immediate gains: Faster onboarding Safer operators Fewer early mistakes More confident operators using GPS on day one A training plan that works year-round, even in winter Dealers see just as much value as contractors. With Tenstar, they can train customers on construction technology before delivery, demonstrate machine control without iron on-site, and even offer paid training programs that boost customer success and reduce avoidable warranty claims. Simulation turns training into something predictable and progressive. Not something squeezed into whatever time is left at the end of the shift. What You’ll Experience at Our CONEXPO Booth We’re hosting a Tenstar Simulator with GPS machine control in our ConExpo 2026 booth so visitors like you can get a true hands-on feel for the system. You’ll be able to step into a machine, see and feel the jobsite and working scenario. Even operate the machine control system just as you would in the cab of your machine. You'll immediately understand why this approach works and how to apply it in your operation. You can run grading passes, test GPS workflows and techniques, or simply feel how the simulator responds to different materials and blade loads. Most people walk away surprised at how quickly it becomes natural and how quickly the technology “clicks.” We’ll also walk through how contractors, dealers, and trade schools are using simulation technology to accelerate operator efficacy and technology adoption. Why We Chose Tenstar as Our CONEXPO Partner We believe the future of construction belongs to owners and operators who understand both the iron and the information. Machines aren’t going back to the 80's. 3D models aren’t going away either. The industry has to get creative to train our workforce. Simulators are a key piece of the training puzzle. Tenstar is one of the few platforms that makes that possible. They give crews a place to practice, fail, learn, and improve with zero consequences, before the real job depends on it. And they give dealers a way to show customers what construction technology can really do. Stop by our booth at in the North Hall at CONEXPO 2026, take a seat, and put the simulator AND grade control technology through its paces. You’ll see in seconds why we’re excited about this partnership and why simulation is becoming one of the most valuable tools in the industry. How to meet the Quantum Land Design Team at Conexpo 2026 With Conexpo 2026 just around the corner, it's time to get registered for the show and education sessions. You can use our ConExpo discount code for big savings at registration. Once there, visit Quantum Land Design at Booth N-11127 in the North Hall. Our team will be showcasing how autonomous GPS machine control, drone data and simulator technology can redefine how your jobs get done. You can always visit this blog post for the our latest updates or our CONEXPO exhibitor profile for more information about our booth.
- AI in Road Construction & Earthmoving: The Future is Near
Road and site construction is about to change dramatically. Autonomous construction equipment, AI powered earthmoving, 3D printing, and next generation drones will soon be common on jobsites, making them safer, faster, and more precise. A recent CONEXPO-CON/AGG article explores how these innovations will shape the industry. Here’s what’s coming: Autonomous Earthmoving & Construction AI AI-powered earthmoving equipment— including bulldozers, excavators, and pavers—will revolutionize the way roads and commercial projects are built. These machines will work around the clock, handling tasks like grading, digging, and paving with pinpoint accuracy. Construction AI - tuned for earthmoving - will allow them to adapt in real-time, optimizing performance based on terrain, material conditions, and safety concerns. The result? Fewer mistakes, lower costs, and safer sites. 3D Printing in Construction 3D printing will redefine road and bridge construction. Instead of relying on time-consuming formwork and scaffolding, 3D printing will create bridges, overpasses, and infrastructure layer by layer, reducing waste and labor costs. This new construction technique will minimize material waste and incorporate recycled materials into new builds. Drones for Surveying & Monitoring Surveying and site monitoring will become almost instantaneous. Equipped with high-resolution cameras, LiDAR sensors and AI powered algorithms, drones will quickly map out construction sites and track progress against the plan. The data collected will identify potential issues well before they cause costly delays. They will also improve safety by inspecting hazardous areas without putting workers at risk. Where Construction is Headed The combination of AI powered earthmoving, autonomous construction, 3D printing, and drones will set new standards for efficiency and precision. If you want to see this tech in action, CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 will be the place to be. While you’re there, visit Quantum Land Design at Booth N-11127 in the North Hall. Our team will be showcasing how autonomous GPS machine control and drone data can redefine how your jobs get done. You can always visit our CONEXPO exhibitor profile for more information about our booth. CONEXPO 2026 Registration Discount Code With ConExpo 2026 just around the corner, it's time to get registered for the show and education sessions. You can use our ConExpo discount code for big savings at registration. Once there, visit Quantum Land Design at Booth N-11127 in the North Hall. Our team will be showcasing how autonomous GPS machine control and drone data can redefine how your jobs get done. You can always visit this blog post for the our latest updates or our CONEXPO exhibitor profile for more information about our booth.
- Topcon's CR-H1: Handheld 3D Capture
Topcon has released a new data collection tool, the CR-H1. The CR-H1 is a compact, one-handed 3D reality capture tool designed for construction, surveying, and earthwork professionals. It pairs an iPhone with built-in LiDAR and the Topcon HiPer CR GNSS receiver on a custom handle, creating detailed, georeferenced 3D point clouds as you walk. Thanks to a partnership with Pix4D, the CR-H1 processes data into colorized models ideal for construction verification, stockpile measurement, and pre-con jobsite walkthroughs. It's not a one-size-fits-all tool but it might close some gaps in your data collection processes. Why Quantum Clients Should be Interested The CR-H1 makes jobsite capture faster and easier. Quantum Land Design can turn your field scans into refined 3D models, volume calculations, and more. It’s perfect for: Quick earthwork checks Pre-construction scans Drone data supplementation See It at CONEXPO 2026 Catch the CR-H1 at Topcon’s booth in the West Hall at CONEXPO 2026. And when you're ready to turn that scan into a useful model, Quantum can help with the data. With ConExpo 2026 just around the corner, it's time to get registered for the show and education sessions. You can use our ConExpo discount code for big savings at registration. Once there, visit Quantum Land Design at Booth N-11127 in the North Hall. Our team will be showcasing how autonomous GPS machine control and drone data can redefine how your jobs get done. You can always visit this blog post for the our latest updates or our CONEXPO exhibitor profile for more information about our booth. Here's a link to Topcon's press release for the CR-H1.
- From Digital Blueprint to Real-World Grade: A Burchland Manufacturing Project Showcase
Effective site development and precision grading hinge on accuracy, from initial survey to final grade. When Burchland Manufacturing of Gilman, Iowa, contacted Quantum Land Design, they had a clear objective: develop high-quality 3D machine models to showcase their skid-steer mounted equipment. These models would serve a dual purpose: first, to impressively demonstrate their advanced automated grading equipment, and second, to accurately re-grade their demonstration area post-showcase. Recognizing the value our expertise could bring, we scheduled a site visit the following week. This project was a prime example of leveraging construction technology like the Quantum Flight Pack in conjunction with GPS machine control for superior results. Phase 1: On-Site Data Acquisition – The Foundation of Accuracy with Drone Data and Site Control Arriving at Burchland Manufacturing provided an opportunity to tour their facilities – a firsthand look at where their quality-focused equipment originates. Once Burchland’s Trimble robotic total station was set up and calibrated to the site, our work on establishing robust site control began. Precise site control is non-negotiable for accurate/repeatable GPS machine control and drone surveying. We utilized the robotic total station to: Measure Ground Control Points (GCPs): These are critical for georeferencing all subsequent drone data and ensuring the accuracy of our topographic mapping. Capture Topographic Shots: Key design features and elevations across their main facility's drives and parking areas were meticulously recorded. This allowed Quantum’s data team to validate the data in the office and tie the model into key features like concrete building aprons and walks. With site control established, the Quantum Flight Pack (our contractor spec drone surveying system) was deployed. The drone efficiently collected the comprehensive topographic data necessary to build a robust 3D surface model. This combination of robotic total station precision for control and drone efficiency for broad-area Topographic Mapping is a cornerstone of our approach, delivering Real-Time Data for Earthwork Analysis. Showcasing Innovation: A Close Look at Burchland's Equipment Post-data collection, we examined Burchland's machinery, specifically their solutions designed for seamless machine control integration. Their equipment is compatible with various systems, including Cat Grade, Trimble, Topcon, and Leica Geosystems, showcasing broad industry applicability. AGT Auto Grading Soil Trimmer: This skid steer-mounted attachment is engineered for contractors demanding precision in challenging sub-base materials. Whether it's building pads, parking lots, walking trails or preparing for curb and gutter, the AGT delivers a smooth, accurate grade. Its compatibility with diverse GPS machine control systems (GPS, Robotic Total Station, lasers, sonic tracers) underscores its versatility. Burchland's commitment to quality and service is evident in the AGT’s robust, direct-drive hydraulic motor for the trimmer rotor, which minimizes maintenance by eliminating gearboxes and chain drives. This is a machine built to boost productivity and optimize material yields – a significant value for any earthmoving operation and a key piece of jobsite technology. LGX Laser Grader: This attachment further exemplifies Burchland's dedication to versatile and precise grading. The LGX integrates smoothly with lasers, GPS, total stations, and sonic tracers, enabling operators to maintain exacting grades across varied job sites, from parking areas to athletic fields. A key feature is its innovative design allowing on-the-fly configuration changes directly from the operator's seat, including hydraulic wing rotation that transforms the grader blade into a box blade. This adaptability directly translates to reduced manual labor, particularly in tight corners, and maximized production. Adaptive grading tools are invaluable for modern contractors. For heavy equipment dealers, understanding how construction technology tools like these, paired with accurate models from Quantum Land Design, enhance machinery value is crucial. It's a clear path to demonstrating improved efficiency and profitability to their contractor customers, making it easier for contractors to understand how investing in technology can benefit their bottom line. Phase 2: Expanding the Scope – Transforming a Rock Staging area into a High Tech Demo Site Our work extended to a second site: a rock staging area for a major heavy highway contractor, located near a major highway. The objective remained consistent – gather precise data to develop a machine control model suitable for equipment demonstrations. We employed the same proven methodology for site mapping: Robotic total station for ground control and key topographic points. Quantum Flight Pack drone surveying flight for comprehensive site mapping and drone topography services. Phase 3: Office-Based Data Processing & Model Creation – Earthwork Takeoff and 3D Construction Models Back at the Quantum Land Design office, the collected field data was transformed into actionable intelligence. We processed the drone imagery and GCPs, generating: Topographic 3D Surface: A highly detailed 3D representation of each site, crucial for accurate earthwork modeling the serving as the basis for our 3D design. High-Resolution Orthophotos: Georeferenced aerial images providing valuable visual context for construction land analysis. This rich dataset, augmented by the robotic total station's ground shots, enabled us to construct exceptionally detailed and accurate 3D existing surface models within our CAD software. This fusion of drone data analysis and traditional survey methods creates a true digital twin of the site – the essential starting point for effective 3D design solutions for an earthwork takeoff and/or machine control. Phase 4: Delivering Value – Custom Machine Control Models and GPS Grading Solutions Burchland Manufacturing Facility: Using the drone-derived 3D surface, we engineered a GPS grading model for Burchland's drives and parking areas. This was not merely a replication of the existing surface; it was an enhancement using civil earthwork modeling. We identified and corrected low spots to ensure positive site drainage after every demo. Recognizing the diverse equipment landscape our clients operate in, we delivered the final 3D Construction Models in both Trimble Earthworks and Topcon formats. This ensures Burchland can seamlessly demonstrate their machinery using either major machine control system, highlighting the machine control solutions and seamless integration capabilities that Quantum Land Design provides. Contractor's Rock Staging Area: For this site, the objective was to create a dynamic demonstration surface. Our machine control model incorporated: A walking path A building pad A small V-ditch This realistic design mimics the type of grading Burchland's clients encounter on a daily basis. Guided by the model, Burchland can comprehensively showcase the capabilities of their AGT and LGX attachments when guided by sophisticated automated machine guidance systems. Contractors can witness firsthand how this combination achieves complex grades with unparalleled precision. Critically, we also provided a re-grade file, enabling the site to be efficiently returned to its original condition after demonstrations. This showcases the power of 3D excavation planning and grading optimization. The Quantum Land Design Advantage: Empowering Modern Construction with Jobsite Technology This Burchland Manufacturing project serves as a clear illustration of how modern construction techniques and intelligent 3D modeling elevate construction processes. We offer some of the best drone data services for construction and affordable machine control modeling - all with a three business day turnaround time. For Contractors: Leveraging drone data and precise GPS Machine Control models directly translates to enhanced productivity, especially with advanced Compact Track Loader (CTL) mounted equipment like Burchland’s. High-quality 3D earthmoving models for construction sites are the key to high-performance machine control, leading to reduced rework, material savings, and ultimately, an improved bottom line. Our GPS machine control models and drone mapping systems are designed for this. Consider our volume calculation services for earthworks and drone data processing for site evaluation. For Heavy Equipment Dealers: Partnering with a specialized service like Quantum Land Design significantly enhances the value proposition of the machinery you sell. When state-of-the-art equipment is paired with equally advanced site survey data and machine control models, its full potential is realized, leading to more successful customers, repeat sales and a stronger competitive edge in the market. Our collaboration with Burchland Manufacturing successfully highlighted their top-tier equipment and demonstrated the power of integrated construction technology to solve real-world challenges and drive operational efficiency. At Quantum Land Design, we remain committed to providing experienced and reliable grading technology solutions, bridging the gap between digital design and on-the-ground execution. Whether you need a 3D machine control model for your site, are interested in an affordable drone system, or just need an experienced drone data proccing service, contact Quantum Land Design today to discuss how our precision machine control and earthwork optimization services can elevate your next project. Don't forget, we maintain a lighting fast three business day turnaround time for machine control models, drone data and takeoffs. Meet the Quantum Land Design Team at Conexpo 2026 With Conexpo 2026 just around the corner, it's time to get registered for the show and education sessions. You can use our ConExpo discount code for big savings at registration. Once there, visit Quantum Land Design at Booth N-11127 in the North Hall. Our team will be showcasing how autonomous GPS machine control and drone data can redefine how your jobs get done. You can always visit this blog post for the our latest updates or our CONEXPO exhibitor profile for more information about our booth.












