Topcon Positioning Systems, Livermore, Calif., and TSD Integrated Systems, a joint venture of Topcon and Sauer Danfoss, recently unveiled the world’s first 3D-GPS control system for pavers, profilers and trimmers at the bauma trade show in Munich.
Topcon’s technology enhances the vertical measuring precision of RTK GPS. Known as Lazer Zone, it is used to generate a vertical accuracy to within a few millimeters as compared to the centimeter vertical accuracy of conventional RTK GPS. Utilized on pavers, the technology incorporates a zone-beam laser transmitter that sweeps a 2,000-ft-diam. area and a compact sensor mounted on a mast attached to the toe arm of the paver. When the sensor is positioned within the laser-zone signal, the system provides vertical data resulting in millimeter vertical measuring precision.