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Trimble 4D Control Software Monitors Real-Time Movement

January 27, 2010

New monitoring system from Trimble combines both GNSS and optical technologies to monitor dams, bridges, buildings and more.


SUNNYVALE, CA /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Trimble (NASDAQ: TRMB) introduced a new version of its Trimble 4D Control software, the core of Trimble monitoring solutions, that combines Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and optical technologies for real-time deformation monitoring applications. The software is ideal for monitoring dams, bridges, buildings, pipeline support piers, large-scale construction and excavation sites, underground and open pit mines, landslides, tunnels, and other structures.

"With heightened safety concerns about aging infrastructure, deformation monitoring is a growing market," said Chris Gibson, vice president for Trimble's Surveying Division. "The new software allows users to leverage the optimal combination of sensor technologies to control, manage and analyze deformation measurements for a wide variety of engineering projects and alert project staff of potentially unsafe conditions requiring action."

Trimble 4D Control software is a comprehensive solution for both real-time and postprocessed monitoring. The fully scalable and versatile approach of the system makes it easy for surveying organizations to get started in monitoring. By leveraging surveying instruments and tools they already have, Trimble enables surveyors to customize a monitoring solution to meet the needs of even the most demanding applications.

Leveraging GNSS Technology for Monitoring
Surveyors can now integrate positioning data from Trimble GNSS receivers to detect rapid motion and long-term movement trends. GNSS receivers can also be used in conjunction with optical target monitoring to examine the stability of control to ensure accurate optical measurements. The software works seamlessly with the Trimble NetRS GPS, NetR3 Reference Sensor, NetR5 or NetR8 GNSS receivers. The data from both the optical instruments and the GNSS receivers is combined, processed and analyzed in Trimble 4D Control software. Trimble 4D Control software monitors these measurements and triggers alarms if motion is detected, enabling project teams to take appropriate action to ensure a safe environment.

New Total Station Specifically Designed for Monitoring
For optical measurements, Trimble 4D Control software can be combined with the Trimble S8 Total Station, Trimble's most advanced Autolock and Robotic total station. The recently announced version of the Trimble S8 provides options for 0.5 in., and 1 in. angular accuracy combined with the Trimble DR High precision EDM for the most accurate distance measurements.

Other features of the Trimble S8 Total Station make it the optimal optical solution for a range of monitoring applications. Trimble FineLock technology provides a smart tracker sensor with a narrow field of view that enables the Trimble S8 to detect a target without interference from surrounding prisms. For long-distance monitoring applications (such as open pit mines) Trimble Long Range FineLock provides the capability to monitor a prism at ranges up to 2,500 meters (8,202 feet). Trimble's MagDrive servo technology ensures the total station is fast and precise so users can monitor more targets in less time, detect movements faster, and initiate alarms earlier.

Availability
The new Trimble 4D Control software version 2.0 featuring integrated GNSS and optical measurement monitoring is expected to be available in March 2010 from Trimble's worldwide survey distribution network.

Trimble's Connected Site Solutions
Trimble's Connected Site solutions for surveyors create seamless working relationships among Trimble products, technologies and services through support, infrastructure and partnerships. Through the Connected Site, Trimble is focused on providing solutions that address the customer's full work process. By carefully combining technology innovation with a deep understanding of the users' workflows, data integration and maintenance needs across the lifecycle of the project, Trimble helps surveyors reach new levels of productivity for their business.

About Trimble
Trimble applies technology to make field and mobile workers in businesses and government significantly more productive. Solutions are focused on applications requiring position or location—including surveying, construction, agriculture, fleet and asset management, public safety and mapping. In addition to utilizing positioning technologies, such as GPS, lasers and optics, Trimble solutions may include software content specific to the needs of the user. Wireless technologies are utilized to deliver the solution to the user and to ensure a tight coupling of the field and the back office. Founded in 1978, Trimble is headquartered in Sunnyvale, CA.






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