How does GPS work and what are its limitations? - Kwant

The construction industry has experienced major changes, especially after the adoption of the Global Positioning System (GPS). It has become crucial in enhancing efficiency and safety within construction zones. Before, coordinating the flow and deployment of workers and equipment in such crowded areas to execute large construction works was difficult.

However, GPS has recently emerged as a reliable method of attaining high levels of accuracy in the workplace. It enables construction managers to track the precise location of the equipment and employees at any given time. For instance, GPS is useful in monitoring several important assets like generators and compressors. Due to the constant flow of location information through GPS, these valuable assets cannot be stolen or used improperly by construction companies.

What is GPS technology?

GPS tracking is the process of using the Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite signals to monitor the position and movement of assets. This system contains satellites orbiting the earth and sending signals to the GPS receiver. These receivers identify their location by evaluating the signals that they obtain from several satellites. GPS tracking is used for navigation purposes, logistics, automobile industries, personal tracking, and especially delivery services.

GPS tracking is extremely crucial in the construction business. Construction workers make use of it in managing their equipment within construction areas. GPS tracking helps in tracking construction workers, mobile cranes, earth-moving mechanisms, services automobiles, and sometimes even heavy trucks or any other equipment.

Why Use GPS in the Construction Industry?

Implementing GPS technology in the construction industry brings a whole new level of operational management of equipment and other assets. You can track data like location, usage, and even real-time performance using GPS tracking devices by installing it on equipment and vehicles. It promotes effective management of resources and proper scheduling of equipment maintenance across several job sites.

Here is why to use GPS in the construction industry:

Worker Safety Monitoring: GPS technology enhances worker safety by alerting project managers to high-risk areas on job sites. It also tracks worker movements, provides insights into compliance with safety protocols, and sends timely help in case of emergencies. 

Real-time Location Monitoring: Contractors can track the location and position of their workers, machinery, and vehicles in real time using GPS. It assists the managers in overseeing vast construction projects that may span for miles from one area. They track the movements of assets from one job site to another without actually being physically present.

Fuel Usage and Operational Efficiency Analysis: Construction companies can determine the fuel consumption data and indicators pointing to operational efficiency. It increases profitability through getting the right routes, reducing costs on fuel, and the proper use of machinery.

Project Planning and Monitoring: GPS data in construction provides essential insights into equipment usage patterns, job site performance, and resource allocation. It helps identify bottlenecks early, allowing proactive decision-making to maintain project timelines and optimize efficiency.

Maintenance and Downtime Prevention: GPS tracking systems monitor equipment usage, allowing businesses to schedule regular maintenance and avoid unexpected downtime. It keeps machinery in optimal condition, minimizing disruptions to project timelines.

Asset Theft Prevention: GPS trackers assist companies in quickly identifying and retrieving stolen assets by sending out immediate alerts. Geofencing features increase security by warning managers when equipment disappears from specified locations, reducing the chance of loss.

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How Does GPS Work in Construction?

In the construction industry, GPS asset tracking involves installing durable GPS devices on equipment, a process that typically takes about 10-15 minutes. These devices, built to resist harsh conditions, can draw power either from the equipment itself or from their batteries. 

Once installed, the trackers transmit data such as engine hours, location, and status updates at regular intervals to a fleet management platform. This platform registers each device, allowing for precise tracking and monitoring of equipment. Managers can view real-time updates on the dashboard, showing each asset's location and operational status. 

Additionally, real-time attendance of the workers including their entry and exit times are recorded using GPS-enabled devices like smart wearables like badges and hard hats. It improves workforce safety and restricts access to high-risk zones, contributing to overall project efficiency and safety.

How to Track Construction Equipment Using GPS?

Tracking construction equipment effectively involves using advanced GPS technology to monitor the location and activity of your assets in real time. You can install any durable GPS tracking devices on your construction equipment and identify how your machinery is being used. These devices, which can be discreetly attached to equipment of any size, transmit data such as location, speed, and operational status to a centralized, cloud-based platform.

Real-time access to data provided by GPS tracking systems allows managers to efficiently manage operations. It also alerts them to any unauthorized movements of equipment or usage beyond approved hours, thereby reducing the risk of theft. Additionally, managers can categorize equipment into groups and send alerts to monitor adherence to operational schedules, providing optimal asset utilization across various job sites. 

Limitations of GPS in Construction

Despite its numerous benefits, GPS technology has limitations to be aware of. Here are the limitations of GPS technology in the construction industry:

• ‍Signal Interference: GPS signals can encounter interference from various sources. Dense vegetation, towering buildings, and even mountainous terrain can weaken or completely block GPS signals. It can be particularly problematic in urban environments or heavily wooded areas, where inaccurate data can lead to errors during critical tasks like foundation layout or staking elevations.
• ‍Accuracy Limitations: Minor inaccuracies in GPS data can lead to significant errors in construction tasks such as grading and alignment, impacting project quality and timelines. Achieving centimeter-level accuracy often requires expensive high-precision GPS equipment and specialized techniques.
• ‍Battery Dependence: GPS devices rely on batteries, and a dead battery renders them useless. It can be a concern on long construction projects or in remote locations where frequent charging may not be feasible.
• ‍Reliability: GPS signals may be unreliable or inconsistent in remote or rugged terrains, where natural features like dense forests or urban canyons obstruct satellite visibility. Construction projects in such challenging environments may require alternative positioning technologies or supplemental tracking methods for reliable asset and personnel monitoring.
• ‍Limited Indoor Use: GPS signals are less accurate and useful indoors because they cannot pass through solid objects like walls and buildings. Because of this limitation, GPS is less appropriate for tasks requiring accurate navigation and placement within buildings or in places with strong barriers.

Application of GPS in the Construction Industry

Here are the applications of GPS in the construction industry:

• ‍Site Preparation and Grading: GPS guides heavy equipment like excavators and bulldozers for precise grading and leveling.
• ‍Construction Material Logistics: Real-time vehicle tracking optimizes material delivery of materials to construction sites, minimizing downtime and improving project timelines.
• ‍Safety and Security: GPS tracks workers and equipment, supporting safety protocols and emergency response.
• ‍Environmental Monitoring: GPS assists in monitoring and managing environmental impacts during construction.
• ‍Surveying and Mapping: Survey-grade GPS receivers provide accurate positioning of infrastructure elements such as buildings and bridges. 
• ‍Equipment Management: GPS monitors equipment usage and maintenance schedules, reducing downtime.
• ‍Project Management: Real-time GPS data help in monitoring project progress and resource allocation.
• ‍Remote Site Monitoring: GPS-enabled drones provide aerial surveillance of remote construction sites.
• ‍Integration with Building Information Modeling (BIM): GPS data integrates with BIM platforms for accurate construction planning.
• ‍Compliance and Documentation: GPS provides a reliable audit trail for regulatory compliance in construction operations.

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Construction Management with Kwant GPS-enabled Smart Badges

Kwant AI is a construction workforce management software that uses GPS technology to boost efficiency, manage activities, and improve safety in construction zones. Our smart wearable badges have GPS, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, LoRaWAN, or RFID systems within the badges. These badges enable both outdoor and indoor location awareness, alerts, and analytics.

Kwant’s GPS safety badges boost incident response rates on construction sites by providing automated safety alerts when a fall is detected, a near-miss occurs, or an SOS button is activated. When planning future projects, creating a digital footprint of safety situations can be beneficial.

Project managers and supervisors can easily monitor worker activity through our user-friendly interface. With a click of a button, they can view worker headcount and utilize heatmaps to visualize worker movements across different work zones. 

Additionally, you can track and manage equipment and materials on and off the job site in real time using Kwant GPS location sensors. This helps optimize equipment utilization, minimize downtime, and provide real-time shipping alerts and notifications in case of vehicle collisions or near misses.

Equip your crew with Kwant Smart Wearables today and transform your construction management. Schedule a personalized demo today and optimize your construction site operations with Kwant.