Always GPS reception with Trimble ProPoint™, even in challenging environments 

When it comes to (inner-city) sewerage systems, profiling embankments, mowing ditch banks, and other excavation work, data accuracy is key. Operators must be able to rely on their machine control systems. But what if GPS reception is limited by trees, buildings, or bridges? Trimble ProPoint™ offers the solution.

“One of the biggest challenges for contractors and machine operators is stable GPS reception,” explains Wouter Pullens, sales manager at SITECH. As a Trimble dealer, the company supplies GPS systems, measuring sets, and associated software and cloud solutions. “With ProPoint technology, we've taken it a step further. This is the latest generation of GNSS technology within Trimble Earthworks, specially developed for environments with poor GPS reception. Think of urban areas, under rows of trees, or near bridges and tall buildings. Traditional receivers often lose accuracy in these areas. That means corrections, re-measurements, or sometimes even work stoppages—and that costs time, fuel, and money. ProPoint combines signals from multiple satellite systems and filters out interference. This keeps positioning stable and accurate.”

Working efficiently in any environment

For contractors, this represents a major step forward. Pullens explains: “Virtually all projects can now be carried out in a data-driven manner. Customers are now equipping other types of machines with GPS systems, even smaller machines that only operate in urban areas. The big advantage is that projects can be set up entirely in 3D. Where this used to have to be done manually, it is now possible to use the complete Trimble Data workflow. This makes implementation much more efficient.” He gives two examples: Janssen Group from Maastricht now uses its machines in wooded or urban areas without any problems. And Van Aalsburg, a specialist in high-quality willow wood products, carries out work along a canal with a crane on a pontoon. Despite the rows of trees, GPS reception remains stable. ProPoint also offers advantages for water boards. “They wanted to use the time spent cleaning up ditch banks to check and record the condition of the waterway. With ProPoint on excavators, that is possible. It is efficient and saves time.”

Satisfied operators

The operators themselves notice an immediate difference. “They can work continuously, are less dependent on manual checks, and always have the correct dimensions at their fingertips. This saves time and ensures consistent quality across the entire route,” says Pullens. With this new technology, he anticipates further digitization of the work. “By cleverly combining data, machines can be used even more efficiently. And the more efficient, the more sustainable.”