sensors to produce 3D information on utilities and infrastruc-
ture. For example, Optimal Ranging, Inc., a California-based
manufacturer of systems for locating underground utility lines,
has added GNSS and total station measurements to their Spar
300 system. The result is an integrated solution for surveying
and mapping underground utilities. The results can be ex-
ported directly to Trimble Business Center office software, Esri
software or applications for 3D design or asset management.
While the ability to create custom workflows and interface
to specialized equipment is important, many applications
are successful with more basic approaches to customization.
For example, it’s common to create libraries of feature codes
tailored to a firm’s needs for data collection. This approach to
customization can even combine different types of fieldwork.
For instance, a firm’s environmental services group may use
GIS-grade equipment to collect and code information on
wetlands, while survey crews gather information for cadastral
or engineering applications on the same site. The crews use
different equipment and processes in the field, including using
subsets of a single, comprehensive feature library. After the
fieldwork, office software combines the field data to produce
a single product for the client. The results can be customized
through output templates tailored to client requirements.
While customizing your software is fairly simple when working
with specialized feature libraries, the move to the SDK and more
sophisticated applications and workflows calls for increased
expertise. The work can be very detailed, and Trimble has cre-
ated a Development Services group to provide support and
customization services for Trimble geospatial users. The group
is willing to help developers implement their concepts. There’s
even the potential for individuals or businesses to develop and
sell specialized applications.
Using the Trimble Access SDK, developers can call on fully
tested functionality to control measurement sensors, manage
data and communicate with the user and office. This makes
it possible to quickly implement support as new instruments
and field hardware come on line. Because the SDK handles
changes to operating systems and computing platforms, the
custom applications are easier to maintain.
Customized software can be an effective way to grow your
business, and the return on investment is easy to measure. Take
a look at your operation and see where you have opportunities
to use customization to improve workflows or streamline the
movement of data and information. Something as simple as a
well-designed library of feature codes can significantly reduce
errors and improve field to office throughput. Larger efforts to
customize and extend the function of your system can pay off
as well, both through increased efficiency and by enabling you
to address new niches and customer segments.
See feature article in POB’s June issue: www.pobonline.com
Customized Trimble Access display provides access to specialized application
Archaeologists use Trimble Access for specialized work flows and data
The Optimal Ranging solution blends Trimble equipment with utility sensors.