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:

1. Measure Ground Control Points (GCPs): These are critical for georeferencing all subsequent drone data and ensuring the accuracy of our topographic mapping.

2. 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:

1. Robotic total station for ground control and key topographic points.

2. 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, 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. We'll release our Conexpo discount code when it is available.