You are here: / / Gertzel Engineering Surveyors Modernises for the Future with Trimble Business...

  • Gertzel Engineering Surveyors Modernises for the Future with Trimble Business Center and UPG Support

Overview:

Modernising for the Future with Trimble Business Center & UPG Support

Leading Victorian surveying firm, Gertzel Engineering Surveyors, successfully transitioned its core office software to Trimble Business Center (TBC), enhancing capabilities, streamlining workflows, and future-proofing its operations for complex infrastructure projects. The strategic move, supported by UPG, has enabled Gertzel to better handle diverse data formats, improve office-to-field connectivity, and leverage advanced surveying technologies.

Client: Gertzel Engineering Surveyors
Industry: Engineering Surveying, Construction
Challenge: Outdated software struggling with complex modern datasets, diverse data formats (Trimble/Leica, IFC), and designer-dictated outputs.
Solution: Trimble Business Center (TBC), Trimble SX12 Scanning Total Stations, Trimble TSC7 Controllers
Partner: UPG (Ultimate Positioning Group)

About Gertzel Engineering Surveyors:

A Legacy of Innovation

Founded in 1983 by John Gertzel, Gertzel Engineering Surveyors began as a family business focused on road construction projects. From its inception, the company embraced technological advancement, with John Gertzel becoming the first surveyor in Australia to purchase a Robotic Total Station, the Geodimeter 4000.

This pioneering spirit saw the company expand significantly in 1995 after winning a contract on the Citylink Tunnel Project. Today, Gertzel Engineering Surveyors employs over 30 staff and is a key service provider to the construction industry, predominantly in Victoria. Their impressive portfolio includes major milestone projects such as the Victorian Desalination Plant, Eastlink, M80 Tulla-Sydney Alliance, Metro Tunnel – Eastern Portal, M1 Monash Upgrade, and the Citylink Tulla Widening.

Currently, Gertzel is engaged in significant undertakings like the Westgate Tunnel Project, NEL – Eastern Freeway (Burke to Tram Alliance), and the Melbourne Airport Elevated Road & Forecourt Stage 2.

The Challenge:

Evolving Demands Outpace Existing Tools

As projects grew in complexity and data requirements became more demanding, Gertzels long-standing software, Terramodel, began to present limitations. The team faced challenges in:

  • Handling Complex Datasets: Terramodel struggled with the size and intricacies of modern survey data.
  • Interoperability: Managing data from various sources, including Trimble and Leica instruments, and dealing with designer-dictated 12D inputs/outputs was becoming cumbersome.
  • Modern Data Formats: Efficiently handling IFC data and managing data attribution were critical needs not fully met by the existing system.

A software upgrade was essential to maintain efficiency, accuracy, and competitiveness.

The Solution:

Investigating and Evaluating Trimble Business Center

In November 2020, Gertzels senior staff initiated discussions to upgrade their survey software, weighing options like Trimble Business Center (TBC) and 12D. By February 2021, after UPG advertised TBC subscription services, Gertzel made initial contact, marking the beginning of a thorough evaluation process.

Gertzel provided UPG with an extensive list of requirements, seeking a solution that could:

  • Import and process Trimble/Leica field data (including raw observations).
  • Perform drafting (long and cross sections) and HZ/Vertical Alignment computations.
  • View point cloud data, models, and comps in 3D.
  • Handle IFC datasets effectively.
  • Execute computations for volumes, areas, and lengths.
  • Conduct least squares adjustments for control and levelling.
  • Manage complex surface modelling and aerial imagery (over 20MB).
  • Calculate quantities for pavement layers and produce as-built reports.
  • Export machine control data and offer multiple data import/export options.
  • Support software development, site calibrations, and monitoring.

The Transition:

A Collaborative and Phased Approach with UPG

1. Testing:

(Late Feb 2021 onwards)

  • UPG provided trial codes for TBC, kicking off a 4-month testing program with multiple Gertzel users.

  • Over 40 hours of dedicated Teams meetings and face-to-face sessions were held with UPG and Trimble specialists to deep-dive into TBC’s background settings, options, workflows, templates, and FXL (Feature Definition Manager).

  • Gertzel concurrently developed FXL, Project, and Drafting templates.

  • A crucial development was the testing and implementation of a Leica HeXML importer, facilitated by UPG.

  • Gertzel also provided UPG with a wishlist of TMLs (Trimble Macro Language routines) for the ANZToolbox that would benefit their workflows.

2. Implementation:

  • A “soft start” approach was adopted, running TBC in parallel with Terramodel to ensure a smooth changeover.

  • UPG delivered comprehensive 2-day introductory training sessions.

  • Gertzel conducted multiple internal training sessions on RDOs (Rostered Days Off), leveraging tutorials, YouTube, and online forums & communities to build proficiency.

  • Existing sites were transitioned to TBC where possible, and all new major projects commenced using the new software.

The Impact:

Enhanced Capabilities and Streamlined Workflows

The adoption of Trimble Business Center, complemented by the purchase of Trimble SX12 Scanning Total Stations and TSC7 controllers, has significantly enhanced Gertzel’s capabilities:

  • Advanced Data Handling: Ability to seamlessly view and extract scan data within the comps package.
  • Improved Deliverables: Enhanced monitoring processing and deliverables.
  • Robust QA/QC: Streamlined QA/QC reporting.
  • Sophisticated Adjustments: Capability for multi-sensor network adjustment.
  • IFC Model Integration: Efficient handling of IFC models, crucial for modern BIM workflows.
  • Connected Workflows: True office-to-field connectivity, improving data flow and reducing errors.
  • Optimised Office Processes: Significant improvements in raw data processing, processed data management, drafting, and data export.

“The collaborative effort with UPG during the testing and implementation phase was invaluable,” says Dave Ledson of Gertzel Engineering Surveyors. “Their expertise, alongside Trimble’s support, allowed us to tailor TBC to our specific needs, particularly with the development of the Leica HeXML importer and custom templates. This has resulted in a more powerful and efficient workflow across our projects.”

Conclusion:

Future-Ready with Trimble and UPG

Gertzel Engineering Surveyors’ transition to Trimble Business Center represents a strategic investment in their future. By addressing the limitations of their previous software and embracing a modern, integrated solution, they have not only enhanced their current operational capabilities but also positioned themselves for continued success in the demanding field of engineering surveying. The partnership with UPG provided the necessary support, training, and customisation to ensure the transition was smooth and the benefits fully realised. Gertzel is now better equipped than ever to deliver high-quality survey services for Victoria’s most complex infrastructure projects.

Talk to an Expert