Komatsu takes surveying to the edge

Komatsu takes surveying to the edge
Edge 2 provides highly accurate 3D terrain maps of construction sites. (Images: IndustriArc)

The Komatsu Smart Construction Edge 2 is moving surveying forward by enhancing speed, safety and accuracy through cutting-edge technology.

Surveying has always been a cornerstone of construction, but traditional methods are often time-consuming and carry safety risks. Thanks to innovations like aerial surveying via drones, the process is evolving. Komatsu’s Smart Construction Edge 2 takes this even further by providing faster data availability, reducing downtime and enabling rapid processing – empowering project teams to make informed decisions quickly.

Edge 2’s impact on construction workflows becomes evident immediately. It provides drone pilots with an intuitive, seamless setup and flight workflow, enhancing efficiency and ensuring greater accuracy. James Mackenzie, product manager for Smart Construction at Komatsu and expert in drone technology, describes it as an all-in-one solution, functioning as both a global navigation satellite system base station and a processing tool. The result: highly accurate 3D terrain maps of construction sites, produced with ease and speed.

“It’s a GNSS device that receives correction from satellites; it also functions as a computer in one,” says Mackenzie. “It processes the drone data afterwards and can even serve as a GPS base station for GPS rovers.”

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Komatsu takes surveying to the edge

Streamlined, field-ready technology

Traditional surveying methods often require workers to traverse rugged terrain and active construction zones, which presents safety challenges. For Mackenzie, drone-based surveying offers a safer and faster alternative.

“Aerial surveying, especially for earthworks, is highly efficient,” he explains. “A drone can cover an entire site in a fraction of the time it would take for a surveyor to walk it.”

Edge 2 amplifies this efficiency by processing data onsite without requiring internet connectivity, eliminating the need to return to the office.

“The 3D drone data is ready in rapid time. We’re saving hours, if not days, compared to traditional methods, which is invaluable for field teams under time pressure,” Mackenzie adds.

For instance, Edge 2 can process data for a 1-hectare site in under 10 minutes and for a 20-hectare site in under 60 minutes. Large‑scale sites of up to 50 hectares are processed in under two hours – a game‑changer for project timelines.

Real-time decisions, real results

Edge 2 also functions as a base station, as Mackenzie explains: “GPS devices need a base station to achieve survey-grade accuracy with drones and rovers,” he says.

“Edge 2 delivers real-time kinematics (RTK) corrections to drones or rovers and can also record RINEX data for post-processing kinematics (PPK), making it an incredibly versatile tool.

“Komatsu equipment, such as our intelligent machine series of excavators and dozers, Smart Construction 3D-MG, and other compatible GPS machinery, can also use these corrections to operate in RTK mode. Once activated as a base station to broadcast correction data, an unlimited number of devices can connect and use the service.”

In construction, time is a critical asset. Edge 2’s processing power allows users to calculate site volumes and assess current site conditions instantly, facilitating proactive decisions that can significantly impact project outcomes.

“Traditionally, volume surveys might happen at the end of each month. But after a month, you’ve already moved so much dirt. If you’re behind schedule, catching up becomes much harder,” says Mackenzie.

“With Edge 2, users can monitor progress daily, allowing them to adjust resources – like adding more trucks – to stay on schedule, making it easier to keep projects on track.”

Edge 2’s ease of use, nicknamed the “everyday drone,” makes it accessible to a range of users, including engineers, supervisors, project managers and operations managers, with only minimal training.

“It’s so easy to use that really anyone can operate it,” says Mackenzie. “You don’t need to be a surveyor.”

This ease of use makes it an appealing tool for construction companies looking to streamline their workflows. No longer does site surveying have to be the sole responsibility of a specialised team; with Edge 2, anyone can take on this role, freeing up valuable resources.

Raising accuracy, reducing risk

Manual surveying poses some risk of human error, with missed data points potentially leading to miscalculations, delays and costly rework. With Edge 2, these risks are eliminated. Once programmed, the drone captures everything in its path, eliminating the chances of missing critical details like stockpiles or terrain variations.

“If you follow best practice and set the right parameters, the drone will cover the entire site accurately,” says Mackenzie. “It’s not going to miss a stockpile or a batter. The data is captured in 3D and processed with high accuracy.”

Komatsu takes surveying to the edge

The future of surveying

Officially launched in September, Edge 2 has already received positive feedback from early adopters. “Customers are loving it,” says Mackenzie. “They’re seeing time and cost savings. The speed and accuracy of the data are what impress them the most.”

Komatsu has plans to enhance Edge 2 further through software updates and features based on user feedback.

“We actively listen to the voice of the customer and implement new features based on this,” says Mackenzie.

Moreover, Edge 2 integrates seamlessly with the Smart Construction Cloud Structure from Motion (SfM) solution, giving customers the option to process high-resolution data in the cloud when required.

Smart Construction Edge 2 is not only redefining aerial surveying accuracy and efficiency but also elevating standards for project management in construction. As Komatsu continues to innovate, Edge 2 represents a vision of aerial surveying where technology-driven precision and real-time data create a foundation for better decision‑making, productivity and project outcomes.

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