Laser Systems Make the Grade

摘要

Laser-guided grading systems range from simple indicators to those that "see" in three dimensions. In simple terms, a machine under the control of a laser-based grading system relies on a laser reference to achieve a preset grade. Among the basic advantages of these systems is the prospect of substantially reducing—or often completely eliminating—the need for a survey crew to establish the grade, then to continually check it as machines cut and fill. Without the need to set and check conventional grade stakes, say proponents of these systems, labor costs go down, and grad- ing often proceeds faster and more precisely.