Tag Archives: Survey equipment

Not Enough Time

Almost 300 years ago Benjamin Franklin wrote “time is money”. In our fast paced, modern, technologically advanced society the aphorism “time is money” is even more true now than it might have been in 1748. There’s never enough time!

In my previous blog post “Why Do I Need Survey Equipment?” I wrote about possible reasons for needing or being interested in survey equipment: total stations, GNSS equipment, 3D Lasers Scanners, etc. I suggested spending some time researching and looking at information online about the equipment you are interested in. Yes, I realize it’s hypocritical to say “there’s never enough time” and then tell you to spend time researching. Here in Saskatchewan, January is the perfect month to spend time researching and looking things up on the internet.

There is no way to get around the investment of time and learning that will need to take place when you are interested in purchasing survey equipment. The benefit will become clear as you use the equipment and begin to see savings in time, efficiency, and materials.

The amount of time saved using survey equipment typically increases with the amount of time it takes to master the equipment. With any type of equipment I’ve used I’ve noticed the same thing:

  1. The first few times I use the equipment/instrument it takes a while to get it set up, working properly, and learn best methods and procedures to achieve the desired outcome.
  2. Over the next few weeks, months, and years I get more familiar with methods and procedures, begin to learn little tips and tricks that improve my efficiency and the final product, and I am able to anticipate and be prepared for problems or issues that arise at work (and there are always problems or issues that arise at work).
  3. I finally master the equipment! I’m able to use the equipment/instrument to its full potential, work at peak efficiency, and it often feels like I’m on cruise control while working.

If you don’t have time or interest in doing research on the internet there are a couple of things you can do. First, you can contact survey equipment suppliers in your area – this is something I recommended in my previous blog. A member of their sales team will be more than willing to visit you and give you a demonstration of their equipment. This will require a time commitment to allow the salesperson to join you at work and perform the demonstration. It also means that you have to interact with a salesperson, which – depending upon the salesperson and their company – may or may not be irksome and frustrating.

My final recommendation would be to talk to others in your industry, especially if you trust their opinion. Find out if they’re using survey equipment and what kind they’re using. Ask them about pain points: what errors or issues have they encountered or what kinds of things do they wish were different about the equipment or software. What are they using the equipment for and have they seen an increase in productivity and efficiency since starting to use it?

If all else fails and you still have questions, please feel free to reach out to me. I would love to help increase awareness and interest in survey equipment! Survey is an important part of everyday work in an increasing number of fields and will only become more so in the future.

Why Do I Need Survey Equipment?

Does your job involve measuring things?

Do you have to build something to very precise measurements?

Are you currently using levels, tape measures, string lines, or other measuring devices?

Do you receive detailed design drawings or data from clients, contractors, or surveyors in a digital format (.pdf, .dwg, .xml, etc.)?

If you answered “yes” to any (or all) of the above questions it might be time to take a look at today’s survey technology. Survey equipment is evolving quickly and constantly, but it is also becoming more accessible and easier to incorporate into your current workflow.

Will it take an investment of time and money?

Yes! But nothing in life is free, and anything valuable is worth your effort and time.

Okay. You’re sold on the idea of incorporating survey equipment into your current workflow! Where do we start? Unfortunately, we have to answer some more questions.

What kind of equipment do you currently use on your project? In the office? In the shop?

What kinds of things are you measuring?

Do you currently work on a site with Surveyors or use information provided by Surveyors?

If you answered yes to any or all of these questions you might benefit from investing your time and money into survey equipment.

Are you ready for more questions?

No!

That’s okay. I’ve used enough question marks to fill 500 blogs. It’s time to start finding some answers.

Where do we start? (Sorry – I know – another question)

We start with an investment of time. My suggestions mostly involve the internet, so I’m sorry if you don’t have good or easy access to the internet. Do a search for your industry with the words “survey equipment” added to the end. If you know the kind of equipment you need you can search for that directly (total station, 3D laser scanner, construction laser, etc.). I would also recommend YouTube, as there have been many videos made showing survey equipment in action in many different industries.

Another good resource is companies that sell survey equipment. They really want to tell you about their equipment and in many cases will do a demonstration of the equipment for you. If the salesperson is a good one they will ask you about your business, your workflow, and have recommendations for equipment that will most benefit you.

Also, feel free to reach out to me. My contact information is all on my “Contact” page and I promise I will respond (although it might take me a bit and I’m limited to English).

Companies are out there using this equipment to increase production and reduce costs. You can too!