IFieldLink™ is included with InSite SiteWork to allow import and export of field data from InSite SiteWork.

Note: Field General® Office and Field General® Complete, are companion products to InSite SiteWork, and provide a more complete construction layout solution, including offset point generation, fully automated data collection and layout, and export to machine control. Click here for more information on Field General.

FieldLink 101...the basics

What is it? InSite SiteWork's FieldLink allows import and export of elevation data from survey equipment (GPS, total station). The following is a general guide on how this technology can benefit your company.

Data Collection and Layout Equipment. The basic piece of equipment that can measure and collect data for precise placement is the Total Station. A two-man crew is used. During data collection, one of the crew moves a prism rod to a spot to be recorded, and the other person uses the Total Station to record the data. For Layout, the total station is loaded either directly from InSite SiteWork or through an intermediate piece of hardware called a data collector. Each individual layout point is retrieved, and the prism rod person is instructed, usually by a two way radio, where to move to set the point, or collect a point. 

A Robotic Total Station allows the same accuracy as a total station in a one-person solution. The Total station tracks the prism rod automatically, some at speeds up to 45 miles an hour. The controls and the coordinate data display are at the prism rod. Because of the high tracking speed and instantaneous readout at the prism rod, this method can collect and layout points much faster than a two-person system. Traditional and Robotic Total stations require a line of sight to be maintained between the total station and the prism rod.

GPS (global positioning system) units are one person solutions that can also be used for data collection and layout. Because they do not require a line of sight, they are more usable in a situation where line of sight is difficult to maintain, such as before clearing. With increasing accuracy, and decreasing prices, these are becoming more popular. 

Regardless of which technology is used to collect points, the points are stored in a data collector. Each point has a point number, an X,Y value (horizontal coordinates, usually Northing Easting format), a Z value (elevation), and an optional comment. Once all the data is collected, it is transferred to the InSite computer using a cable, or on a memory card. (like a digital camera).

Importing Data for Site Verification. Imagine being able to collect enough data points in a short time to verify the existing topographic data on a bid before bid day, or before construction. A robotic total station or GPS unit allows data to be collected very quickly by one person. A popular method is to mount the GPS unit or prism rod onto a pickup truck or ATV and drive up and down the site collecting points. 

To import data into InSite SiteWork, record at least two spots out in the field that you can identify on the site plan. Record enough points to accurately reflect the topography of the site. Download the collected data into your PC, and import this data into InSite SiteWork by indicating the file name, and which points to use for alignment. Digitize the location of the points (you can also use coordinates) on the site plan, and all of the rest of the points are automatically imported.

InSite then triangulates the site, and creates a surface model into whichever layer (existing or proposed) you choose.

 Here are a couple of examples of how you could use this feature:

1. Use the job copying Utility to copy your supplied existing grades to a new job. Import the shots you took into proposed. The Cut & Fill Shading will show you the difference between the supplied topo and your actual field data.
   
2. Jobs done in stages such as mining reclamation and landfills can benefit from this technology. At the start of the project, import the first set of points into existing. After the first period of work, import the newly taken shots as proposed and use the report and graphics for payment. Then create a new section, and copy Proposed from the first section to existing in the new section. After the next period of work, re-shoot the job and import as proposed into the new section. Repeat for each time interval. 
   
3. This technique can also be used during excavation of a project, in addition to load counts, to prove the amount of material moved. Shoot the job at the existing stage, and then after stripping, subgrade, etc., and run calculations for each using the same technique

Exporting Data for Site Layout. Digitized data can be used for rough grade stakeout. A file is prepared in InSite SiteWork, containing individually digitized points, and/or a grid of points. This data is exported to the total station or GPS in the reverse order of the import, and the points are staked out. Keep in mind that a pencil width on a 50 ft/in plan represents approximately a foot so a digitized plan is useful for rough grade staking only. It is useful for getting the site close to final grade before the final survey is done.

CAD based take-offs, imported from a CAD file drawn to scale, can provide the accuracy necessary for finish grade layout. The CAD import utility allows CAD points to be selected for precise X and Y (northing and easting) placement, and the choice of any elevation, including the CAD files elevation, existing, proposed, stripping, subgrade, and Cut & Fill before and after stripping. 

Note: These capabilities are included with InSite SiteWork. If your needs require precision stakeout of offset point generation, fully automated data collection and layout, and export to machine control , you will need Field General construction layout software.