Understanding SPS, SCS, and GCS

Trimble® Site Positioning Systems (SPS)

Site positioning systems are comprehensive construction positioning solutions comprised of a combination of:

  • positioning hardware (GPS base, rover, and radios or total station)
  • SCS site controllers (typically hand-held or tablet computers)
  • Site Controller Software (SCS)

    Note: This includes Trimble SCS900 and SCS900 Tablet Edition.

In general, SPS provides surveyors and non-surveyors with the ability to perform construction measurement and stakeout tasks associated with job site preparation, heavy/highway construction, mining, and landfill operations, etc. The overall system, comprised of the above components, allows contractors to track, report, validate, and control site measurement and positioning workflows from receipt of initial designs to project completion.

Using SPS, contractors employ GPS antennas, GPS receivers, total stations, and hand held site controllers developed specifically for heavy/highway construction applications for measurement and stakeout activities on the job site.

Trimble Site Controller Software (SCS)

SCS is software that runs on a site controller, which is typically a hand held device. Contractors can use software, such as SCS900, to complete a full range of construction tasks, including:

  • Performing initial site measurement and verification of original ground levels
  • Measuring site features
  • Checking finished grade and laid material thickness
  • Collecting topographic site data and computing material stockpile volumes
  • Staking out points, lines, alignments, planes, surfaces, complex roadways, side slopes, and catch points
  • Performing as-built site measurements

SCS helps contractors efficiently control and quantify site operations so they do not need to rely on a contract surveyor for their site measurement and stakeout requirements.

TrimbleGrade Control Systems (GCS)

Grade control systems are comprehensive construction solutions comprised of a combination of:

  • GCS machines (heavy equipment, such as bulldozers and graders)
  • Grade Control System (GCS)

Note: This includes Trimble GCS900 and SiteVision, and AccuGrade™ by Caterpillar®.

Grade control systems are solutions for improving the earthworks construction process, from estimating to completion using an array of positioning technologies from laser or sonic-based systems through full 3D solutions. GCS gives site foremen, supervisors, grade checkers, and site engineers the tools they need to help run grade control systems on site, reducing downtime, and resolving issues as they arise, without office assistance.

GCS900 puts design surfaces, grades and alignments inside the cab. The system uses GPS, GPS and laser, or construction total station technology to accurately position the blade or bucket in real time, reducing material overages and improving productivity and profitability for earthworks contractors.

GCS900 can be used on excavators, dozers, motor graders, compactors and scrapers. With its CAN-based design, the GCS900 can be easily moved from machine to machine, as needed.