Lot of concepts covered in the article.
Machine control is pretty cool. More efficient, greener, etc. Automated equipment + machine control is really cool too. Everything is getting automated, it was only a matter of time before dozers and scrapers and excavators were too. We've already dealt with automation on the survey side (and will continue to deal with it) and my guess is the construction industry will handle it better than we did.
Ultimately autonomy doesn't worry me too much. Geospatial professionals are knowledge workers first and laborers second. Bring on the revolution, I say.
I really love the digital 3D site model concept. Having worked on a few projects with modelling, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. It's even better with the cloud-based collaborative design/construction model, because everyone has a single place to go to for the latest & greatest design files.
Considering how few 2D PDF/paper plans actually include enough information to construct, I say bring on the digital models and make the engineers put their money where their mouth is when they design a site. For decades surveyors have been kicking out 3D models which have been relied upon; the engineers should be able to do it too.
My employer is most definitely on the conservative side, but we've already had a few meetings about paperless plansets, the legal implications, and the impending day when 3D digital models are the norm.
No surprises in that article unless you??re a dinosaur.
I have reached that stage in life where it no longer bothers me if someone calls me a dinosaur.?ÿ It's much more than just with surveying intricacies and flash in the pan software everyone tries to sell.?ÿ I have not installed a diaper on an infant since about 1985.?ÿ I haven't enrolled a youngster into Kindergarten since 1989.?ÿ I haven't changed the oil in any vehicle or other engine since about 1977.?ÿ I haven't cleaned a shotgun since 1979.?ÿ I think the last time I went fishing was about 1986.?ÿ I last took a swing at a golf ball about 1990.?ÿ I can't remember the last time I actually used my slide rule.?ÿ I can't remember the last time I used my HP calculator.?ÿ I haven't dipped a brush into a can of paint since about 1973 (always hated painting).?ÿ Haven't even worked up the courage to ask some new gal about going out on a date since 1993 (Do people still do that?)
Last week my wife made reference to The Fonz while talking with one of her Junior High classes.?ÿ "Who or what was The Fonz? was immediately asked?ÿ She told them to go ask their grandparents because their parents probably couldn't answer that correctly.
Hell, I can remember the local propane dealer had his one truck with his phone number painted on the doors.?ÿ I think it was 42, if I remember correctly.?ÿ It was definitely only two digits.?ÿ All the phones were attached to a wall and you had to crank them.?ÿ You had to call Central to have the operator physically pull out a cord from the switchboard and stick it into hole #42 to make a connection to his business phone.
