Managing data flows from 3D model updates to machines

From 3D model updates to machine control enabled equipment, how we control data flows is critical to delivering digitally led civil engineering projects.

To learn more about managing the data, Peter Haddock spent the day with the 12D Synergy team at the Leica Geosystems School in Shropshire.

It all started with Mitch McPherson helping me understand the process of what happens when a change is made to a 3D model.

In this video, we followed that change from office to field, through to updating the model using Leica ConX over the GPS network with Leica Geosystems Integration Manager for Machine Control, Steve Claybrook

Mitch explained: “A new model coming in means that somebody’s made a change. And that’s where risk begins, unless it’s controlled. This is why we have specifically designed our 12d Synergy solution to be a software agnostic common data environment (CDE).

“It’s built to connect with a wide range of geospatial and drafting packages to make sure that any changes made are done in a connected workflow. So everything that is put through the system is validated, distributed, used in the field, and returned with full traceability.

“This ultimately means that everybody knows what’s going on.”

This process was demonstrated by Mitch’s colleagues, including Tom Neighbours in the office and Isaac Kennedy, who took on the role of a surveyor.

Using Leica Geosystems survey equipment, Isaac was able to demonstrate setting out and the data upload process to the cloud, with Tom receiving and verifying his fieldwork submissions.

Mitch: “Change is constant on every project, the difference is whether everyone is working from the same, verified version of the truth.

“By having our CDE in place at the start of a civil engineer project, you can go from native design and construction data in the project delivery stage, right through to asset information deliverables in the handover stage. Documenting every little change that gets you there.