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This newsletter for March 12th, 2009 will be archived at
http://machinecontrolonline.com/newsletter/12MAR09.htm
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Welcome! On behalf of the entire team at Machine Control Online and Spatial Media, I welcome you. This inaugural e-newsletter will focus on team introduction and our goals for what is sure to be new a fresh perspective and resource for the exciting, fast paced world of Positioning & Machine Control (P&MC).Our team of experts have the practical experience to guide and provide you with real world, application-centric tips and case studies whether you are new to P&MC, a veteran user or make your living manufacturing, training or selling the technology.
Not since the invention of hydraulics has a technology impacted productivity, accuracy and safety for earthmoving in construction and mining. Paul F. Hahn, Associate Editor, will focus on ' The Bottom Line' providing ROI (return on investment) perspective. This resource series will articulate the economics for technology adoption.
There are, however, many more components to Positioning & Machine Control that make those machines do what they do. Marco Cecala, President of Takeoff Professionals, will present the importance of key components in his series, " It's All About the Data". After all, the machines just sit there, like printers, waiting for input! Click here to read Marco's informative intro.
Another effect this new technology has brought is a more intimate convergence for the civil engineer, the land surveyor and the grading and paving contractor. This trend has and will continue to reassign expertise provided by these disciplines. Jay Jones, PLS has embraced this opportunity in his own practice. Jay's experience lends well to his column series, " Machine Control & and the Land Surveyor" sharing that journey. Jay's complete intro is here.
As the adoption rate of 3D Machine Control accelerates, the demand for accurate and productive digital terrain models (DTM) will increase. Several software companies provide these tools for designing and creating this data, all good and all with their own feature benefits. Chad Cooper, BSCE, will author a series " Tips, Tricks & Techniques' illustrating the feature/benefits and short cuts offered by the packages. Chad explains more about his intentions here.
And while we have assembled this team to provide a one stop reference for all things positioning, we want to hear from you. Forthcoming are tools for you chime in, contributing your experience and feeding our collective 'need to know.'
Please stay tuned and visit us often. I am excited to share the passion and serve as managing editor for MachineControlOnline.com
Best regards,
Randy Noland
Managing Editor & Co-Founder
Machine Control Online
[Send your comments, tips, gripes, or kudos to editor@machinecontrolonline.com]
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3D-MC². The future just got a little brighter.
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Day, night, week-end, holiday, you name it... Machine Control Online is updated 24/7 with the latest news and announcements affecting the Machine Control business.. Below are some of the latest items of interest.
February was busier than ever for us. In addition to unveiling our new website and plans (See "Industry Veterans Team to Launch Machine Control Online", we spent a lot of time catching up on the latest and greatest at World of Concrete and Trimble Dimensions.
If you couldn't make it, check out our show photos..
We shot quite a bit of HD video at both shows, capturing demos of new systems from the likes of Leica Geosystems, Trimble Navigation, John Deere and more.. Click here to watch equipment demos from the show.
New Articles for March, From the Machine Control Online Authors...
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 The Bottom Line - The decision to invest in Machine Control -A leap of faith or just a matter of doing the math? - Before making a capital investment, a thorough investigation of all the cost and benefits is prudent. Determining how such a purchase will affect your productivity and your profitability is paramount. One way to arrive at an informed decision is to perform a Return on Investment (ROI) analysis. A ROI analysis (also called a cost-benefits analysis or rate of return) is one of several approaches to building a financial business case. It is a way to compare the magnitude, and timing, of expected gains to the investment costs. Read on for more in this first column from Paul F. Hahn.
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 It's All About the Data - What is the best software for data preparation? - In case you were wondering, yes this is the question I am most often asked. In case you are thinking about jumping to the end to see what software you should use for data, forget it, there is no clear answer. What I will do though, is provide you with my years of frustration, experience and wisdom with software. Read on for more in this first column from Marco Cecala.
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 How is 3D Machine Control Technology re-defining the role of the Land Surveyor? - In some instances, it does not affect the industry at all. It certainly does not affect the Industry from a boundary surveying point of view. If you are a land surveyor and you only perform boundary surveying, I don't see machine control affecting your business at all. The world will still need professional land surveyors to complete boundary surveys. Read on for more in this first column from Jay Jones, PLS.
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 Data Prep: Tips, Tricks & Techniques - So you want to start building Data? - I have a very unique job in that I build data (3D models for use with GPS machine control) all day, everyday. That's all I do now. These projects range in size from the gas station down the road to Department of Defense projects, consisting of thousands of acres. Creating the digital terrain model (DTM) for these projects can take anywhere from one hour to several weeks to complete. Read on for more in this first column from Chad Cooper (BSCE).
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This section is an update about machine control, positioning, construction or land development conferences, training, seminars, webinars and other relevant events. Feel free to make a suggestion for future consideration. For more events, please visit our online calendar HERE.
 World of Asphalt 2009 - March 9th - March 12th, 2009, Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Florida. World of Asphalt focuses exclusively on the asphalt industry, featuring in-depth educational programming and comprehensive exhibits showcasing the latest technologies and innovations in asphalt-related equipment, products and services.
SPAR 2009 - March 30- April 1, 2009, Hyatt Regency Hotel, Denver, Colorado. SPAR 2009 will focus on best practices for using 3D imaging technologies to design and deliver capital projects as well as operate, modify and maintain production, manufacturing and infrastructure assets.
INTERMAT 2009 - April 20th - April 25th, 2009, Norde Villepinte Exhibition Center, Paris, France. A premier international exhibition of construction equipment, machinery and techniques that takes place every three years. INTERMAT is for professionals, student and trainees working in the construction sector.
Send your event info to editor[at]machinecontrolonline.com
<< event calendar >>
Check out our list of open (construction) projects & U.S. Govt. RFP requests here.
 Historic Map Collection -- Map of the United States of America : with the contiguous British and Spanish possessions / compiled from the latest & best authorities by John Melish ; engraved by J. Vallance & H.S. Tanner. Melish, John, 1771-1822. CREATED/PUBLISHED Philadelphia : J. Melish, c1816. NOTES Relief shown pictorially. Prime meridians: London and Washington. Fifth state. Includes inset of the West Indies. Scale [1:3,900,000] (W 1180--W 640/N 530--N 230).
Note: This huge map is 23"x37"!
Printed on acid-free museum quality paper, these maps are guaranteed to retain color and clarity for years to come. Due to the large size and high quality, each map in this collection is capable of being a center-piece for the room or space of your choosing. These unique reproductions are both fascinating and sure to please.
These maps make excellent gifts for clients or employees!
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Request our Electronic Media Planner - complete with rates and promotion options. Connect with our large, targeted audience of technology managers and other key decision makers.
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