W M Donald pioneers use of Trimble 3D visualisation tool

W M Donald, a Scottish civil engineering firm, is the first business in the UK to employ Trimble SiteVision, an innovative handheld device that integrates global navigation satellite system (GNSS) survey data with AR-enabled software to provide detailed 3D visualisations.

The device is designed to interact with existing Trimble sensors and systems to assist in all stages of construction. It presents a step forward in how contractors can visualise, plan and communicate their projects.

The tool combines AR and cloud technology to give users a real-world perspective on their designs, meaning they can visualise models and structures before they have been built. What makes the product unique is its flexibility – it has applications with architects, engineers, planners, developers and many more disciplines.

Based in Stonehaven, Scotland, WM Donald has more than 40 years’ experience in civil engineering and construction. It offers a full range of civil engineering, suction excavation, multi utilities and drainage services for public, housebuilding and commercial sectors. Juggling accuracy and practicality was an issue for WM Donald and it needed a way of mapping pre-existing site structures to minimise rework and reduce operational costs.

“Before using SiteVision, visualisations were office based. Taking the same design to the worksite allows you to get a better feel for the site and look for potential issues that may have been overlooked,” explained Mike Meldrum, director at WM Donald.

“Having used Trimble software in the past, we were eager to purchase SiteVision as soon as it was launched. With the new product, we can now generate detailed visualisations of sites, including structural platforms, roads, drainage and utilities for our own project teams and clients as well as share images and videos.

“It is a very intuitive product that uses models and surfaces created for our machine control. If we have any issues SITECH and Trimble are always available to help,” continued Meldrum. “We’ve found it to be a very solid piece of equipment and we’re now regularly using it whenever we start work on a new site.”