Over the next several articles, I will deal with the uses for data and how to integrate them into your jobs. This issue will address how to get the correct data into the field for use by machines and rovers on the site.

First, let's look at a typical legacy job site, one not utilizing GPS in the hands of the contractor. At this point, the job has been bid, won, and plans are in hand:
• Surveyor establishes control, and then staking begins.
• The contractor will perform rough grade operations, using grid stakes, or large cut/fill area markings.
• As the site gets closer to final grade, the level of staking will increase in detail and density until the job is complete.

If there are changes to the plans, the contractor may not find out until the staking does not match the plans on site. For minor corrections to the site that do not affect quantities, it is not a problem. The changes go to the surveyor, and get to the contractor within a week or two.

With the advent of GPS in the hands of the contractor this pattern needs an update. Here is one way the GPS-enabled job can stay on top of a dynamic site:
• Plans and CAD files are distributed to the surveyor and contractor. It is necessary for the contractor to inform the engineer that they need to be on the same distribution list as the surveyor. This way, the flow of information from the engineer will be incorporated in to the survey and GPS data.
• Surveyor establishes control and begins staking. A GPS site will not need as many stakes, only ask for what you need.
• GPS is not stakeless grade control; it is grade control that allows you to stake less. Survey must remain a vital part of the job; this is still a team effort. Try to go it alone and you are asking for trouble; more on that in a future article.
• As the job gets closer to completion, more staking will be required, as well as the certifications required of the surveyor.

That was the easy part; all you had to do is make sure you were in the loop, and be certain that everyone in the field has the latest and greatest. Now, I will address the hard part; how to make it happen:
• Offer to share data with the surveyor.  With open communication, you can avoid problems if the plan changes do not get into your hands fast enough. This will allow the surveyor to have the same information as you do on the machines.  Another set of eyes is always welcome.
• Efficient work flow is all about the date. As a general rule, you should establish a date to use in the name of each version of electronic files as they move from the office to the field. Ask the surveyor to do the same. Most of our clients use the date we put on our files when we email them. 95% of the site questions we get are related to someone using an old file.
• Make sure that date is posted on the main job board, so everyone knows. We name ours like this; Walmart 031509, this job was completed and emailed by us on March 15. If you are not working with this file, you are not current. Use whatever works for you, but use something.
• We also put the date of the file on the screen so it can be seen in the data collector and machines. Someone may change the name of a file, but would be unlikely to redo text.

Troubleshooting the process is not all that hard. In our experience, the best way to incorporate GPS data in your project is to have one person drive the bus. When you assign one person to watch the movement of data and GPS equipment, troubleshooting becomes an exercise in personal reflection. They will see the breakdown and how to fix it.

Here is some additional advice:
• The GPS-responsible person can manage data, topo's, equipment, and basic troubleshooting of the gear.
• Data becomes one of the things that you cannot have total control over. You need to have others in the pipeline feed you information in a timely manner. In our experience, this is the hardest issue to overcome. Engineers must be able to update you as soon as something changes. Often we receive information from the engineer, update files, and email them to the contractor two weeks before they receive the updated plans. We are acting as the partner of the contractor responsible for data. You can be at the beginning of the change loop too, but you need to be proactive.
• The closer the job is to the end, the more important changes become. Prioritize the need for quick action based on the detail level of that particular job. This comes in handy when trying to manage many jobs at once.

I hope this helps; as you can see there is nothing magic about what is required. All you need to do is change a few things and you will eliminate data flow problems. More good news: with every new thing you need to perform with GPS data flow, you are leaving behind a couple of things that no longer need attention. GPS will reduce your work and increase efficiency.