Challenging environment

Topcon's GPS machine control systems are being used in the construction of a new ski run near Mont Blanc. Contractor, Benedetti, is moving more than 200000 m² of earth on the mountain slope at a height of 1700 m.

Christian Matrot, of Benedetti, said the work also includes renewing the lifts to the top of the ski-run and on the top of the mountain, the contractor is preparing the slope for skiing and the ground for the company that will build the new ski lifts.

Mr Matrot said, “For this jobsite we use a lot of Topcon equipment. First of all we have the Komatsu dozer with GPS and we have also placed a base on top of the ski lift so we can set out all the terrain with the rover. Besides this we use a Topcon GPT-9000 Total Station for surveying, but also for machine control.”

He added work economy is important to the job. “First a surveyor had to put 2000 pegs on the jobsite before we could get started, now this is not necessary anymore. The GPS not only saves in personnel, but also in monitoring. So we not only gain in the movement of the earth, but everything is done right on the first try. Basically human failure is no longer a question, because the driver knows exactly where he is.”