2D OR
3D?
CONTRACTORS HAVE LONG SPECULATED ON THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN 2D AND 3D EXCAVATOR MACHINE CONTROL, AND WHICH OPTION IS SUITED TO THEIR ROAD CONSTRUCTION SITE. POSITION PARTNERS SETTLES THE 2D/3D DEBATE WITH AN EXPLANATION. Each machine control system comes with a range of benefits and these can be optimised to site specifications.
S
trict excavation tolerances during site preparation on road construction projects keep the ground level and stable for the rest of the project. Each site will have a unique set of tolerances that are crucial to avoiding any disruption to underground and surrounding infrastructure. To achieve precise and swift site
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preparation work, excavator machine control systems are crucial to increasing productivity and accuracy. When looking to invest in the best excavator control systems for road construction work, there are fundamental differences between 2D and 3D machine guidance systems. When optimised, these systems
can facilitate greater job productivity, accuracy and efficiency when clearing construction sites. Each excavator control system aims to fulfil the same essential function: positioning relative to desired grade. However, the 2D and 3D methods use different technology to achieve these results and the choice between these systems is a common concern for road contractors. Position Partners Construction Business Manager Josh Allan says the primary point of difference is how 2D and 3D variants use different technology to provide positioning assistance and guidance solutions. “2D control systems commonly take advantage of both physical landmarks and laser technology as reference points throughout the excavation process. 3D control systems have the advantage of GPS or total station technology, which can digitally project site plans and generate realtime data to provide accurate positioning relative to a complex design,” Mr. Allan says. Each machine control system comes with a range of benefits and these can be optimised according to site specifications and overarching project requirements. “While 3D machine control gives access to greater functionality, with the option for advanced automated control, it is more expensive and depending on the project the cost may not be justified, especially for smaller development projects,” Mr. Allan adds. A simple method to understand which guidance alternative is most suited to a project involves examining exactly how each works. “You need to understand the technology and the variety of benefits which underpin
