Embracing technology is a great way to weather these troubling economic times.  Costs are up and bids are way more competitive than ever before.  Virtually everyone is looking for ways to do more with less.  In the construction world many times the answer is to turn to automated machine control.  The benefits of an augmented machine have been explained and I think all of us by now understand the need for this important piece of technology.  Now if we just get past the cost!

Networks are a great way to manage that initial cost of outfitting your machine with a GPS system.  A real time network eliminates the need to purchase a costly base station.  Cutting the base station out of your initial purchase will save thousands of dollars and may make difference in your decision to purchase.

Understanding the benefits of network technology is easy.  Understanding a network and how it operates can be challenging.  The term network has been used to describe several different types of systems that exist.  There are three basic types of networks in the field today:

CORS Networks

Radio Tower Networks

Internet based Real Time Networks

The term CORS is used widely throughout industry.  CORS is short for Continually Operating Reference Stations.  The CORS network is a federal program that uses a system of base stations operated by the National Geodetic Survey for the main purpose of national control.  However, the CORS network is used in many other ways including providing static data for post processing of raw GPS measurements and real time DGPS services from beacon stations for sub-meter solutions.

Radio Tower networks gained popularity in the agriculture industry.  This is a group of GPS base stations in an area usually with high power radio attached to a large tower.  These stations usually have foot print of about 10 miles and can be used with any system that has a radio to receive the correction data.

Finally, the most popular type of network is the Internet based Real Time Network.  These networks are comprised of base stations that are strategically placed in an area and attached to the internet.  Using the internet as the back bone for communication the base stations transmit data back to a central server that acts as the communication hub for the network.  This type of network can create a large foot print of coverage in small amount of time.  In order to receive correction from these networks a wireless modem is used to gain access to the internet and then to the network server.  These modems can be built in to your system or can be added on later.

Networks continue to grow in numbers and popularity.  Finding a network in your area is usually as easy as contacting your equipment dealer.  Many networks are funded by tax dollars and are free to use while some are privately held and are subscription based.  Capitalizing on the benefits of a network in your area can put you on your way to increased productivity and make your team more competitive on that next job.

I will delve into more detail in upcoming articles to be published on MachineControlOnline.com

-Shawn "Shag" Greer