DIRT, DATA, AND DIGITAL WORKFLOWS

How positioning technology is evolving road construction

The world of road construction is accelerating – in complexity, ambition, and the expectations placed on contractors. Not to mention speed of delivery.

As urban populations swell and transportation demands surge, infrastructure projects must do more than lay fresh asphalt. They need to be efficient, sustainable, safe, and data-driven.

Progress in global policy is also raising the bar. The European Green Deal mandates national sustainability and digital transformation targets, ramping up the pressure on contractors, local councils and countries to deliver infrastructure that performs for longer and uses less carbon.

As the construction sector juggles labor shortages, tighter deadlines and stricter budgets, traditional workflows are struggling to keep up. It’s time for a step change, and much of the solution lies in precision technology.

"IT’S HOW THAT DATA IS APPLIED AND COMMUNICATED THAT MAKES THE DIFFERENCE "

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Digital workflows and machine control technology are no longer a “nice-to-have” – they’re the competitive edge for contractors looking to keep pace with an evolving industry. Connected sites are empowering project teams to work more efficiently and share vital sustainability information with key stakeholders.

It starts with the scan

Road construction today begins with precise data capture. LiDAR-based road scanning solutions are key to gathering the right information quickly to let the project team know what’s needed and where.

These solutions, such as the RD-M2 by Topcon, capture data points in real time when mounted on the back of a vehicle. Attaching scanners to the back of vehicles allows roads to stay open while the data is collected, with the crew working from the safety of the car. This also minimizes disruption for commuters, a vital consideration for local authorities and members of the public.

This data serves as the foundation for the entire project workflow. From this model, contractors can optimize material use, avoid costly rework, and stay on track. But raw data alone isn’t enough. It’s how that data is applied and communicated that makes the difference.

Digital workflows enable connectivity from machine to machine, from site to office – and from the very start to the very end of the project. This not only ensures accuracy at every stage but also creates a fully transparent site, which is vital for resurfacing projects, especially during stage handovers. This level of transparency also benefits clients and stakeholders, offering a clear view of progress, quality, and outcomes.

Collaboration is the new currency

The ability to maintain transparency across contractors, local authorities, equipment manufacturers, and policymakers is essential to building infrastructure that meets long-term goals. By aligning objectives and embracing technology together, the industry can move to a more sustainable method of working that aligns with the combined needs of all stakeholders.

The reality is that investment in machine control systems and connected workflows generates significant returns – and fast. Take asphalt application, for example. With precision control solutions, the right amount of material is applied every time. This dramatically cuts down on costs and waste, reduces the need for adjustments, and guarantees the final surface meets exact specifications.

The same benefits can be realised across entire road construction projects. SmoothRide by Topcon is a complete workflow that brings together data at all stages of road construction, integrating with wider digital project management tools to create a connected site including excavators, deliveries, dozers and more. The end result? Less rework, fewer project delays, lower material costs, improved sustainability and better-quality infrastructure.

Recently, the technology was used in the resurfacing of the busy B420 road around Fürfeld in Germany, where paving company GMS Fahrbahnsanierungen used Topcon solutions to meet tight deadlines and overcome challenging working conditions. With SmoothRide enabling efficient scanning, data management and machine control, the team was able to reduce disruption and keep traffic moving – all while maintaining high-quality outcomes and deliver a quality end result.

Not too hot, not too cold

Another crucial component of end-to-end road construction is temperature control, and this is where the Thermal Mapper by Topcon makes a major impact. Continuously monitoring asphalt temperatures behind the paver ensures consistent compaction and prevents thermal

segregation which are two leading causes of premature road failure. When connected within the wider digital workflow, it creates a feedback loop that allows project managers and crews to make real-time adjustments.

For example, if the thermal map indicates cooling asphalt due to material delivery delays, teams can adapt mix temperatures, adjust paving speed, or modify scheduling. This flexibility enhances the quality of work and dramatically improves sustainability. Fewer trucks idling, less fuel consumed, and less material wasted all add up to a greener construction process.

All of this data allows contractors to document and demonstrate quality to clients and authorities. It proves that proper paving standards were met, reducing risk and supporting long-term maintenance savings.

Optimization at every stage

Incorporating fleet tracking systems like Haul Truck by Topcon brings additional layers of optimization. By tracking truck loads, delivery times, and site conditions in real time, project managers gain complete oversight of resource flows. This allows for tighter scheduling, reduced wait times, and improved productivity – all while minimizing emissions and fuel use.

The holistic view created by combining thermal mapping, haul truck data, and 3D scanning means contractors can now adjust on the fly, with all decisions backed by data. That means fewer surprises, fewer delays, and longer-lasting roads.

For governments and local authorities, this adds enormous value. Roads that last longer cost less in maintenance, cause fewer disruptions, and keep public satisfaction high. For contractors, it builds a reputation for quality and performance, helping them win more bids and future-proof their business in an increasingly competitive market.

In an increasingly connected world, where pressure is mounting to improve road safety, sustainability, and quality, contractors who embrace digital workflows and precision technology aren’t just keeping up, they’re setting the pace.

To learn more about Topcon road construction solutions and watch the technology in action visit topconpositioning.com