Nelson Bustamante: US Survey Foot is Retiring, US Will Use International Foot

A change came about at the beginning of the 2023 year that can have an impact on you and the survey work you do in the office and the field. The new rule: The United States will retire the use of the US Survey Foot and unilaterally adopt the International Foot as the standard of …

Nelson Bustamante: Increase Jobsite Safety With Predictive Data

Predictive data analysis helps companies use data and information to make good decisions, increase productivity and improve safety measures in the workplace. With predictable outcomes for your future projects, you can estimate how much you might need to spend on tasks or identify areas with a higher likelihood of causing injury. Predictive data brings structure to structureless …

Nelson Bustamante: Reduce Risk and Increase Return on Investment by Setting Innovation Strategies

Innovation strategies can mean progress in any industry but especially in the construction industry. Innovation can mean you deliver greater value to customers and work more efficiently. However, because of tight profit margins and risk, innovation or change isn’t always welcome. The right innovation strategies can help you reduce risk and increase your and your …

Nelson Bustamante: New Job Roles in Construction Caused by Data and Technology

You might not initially think that construction and technology go hand in hand. But looking at the industry’s history and how modern construction processes and techniques differ from those of a century ago makes it easy to see the importance of technology in construction. One way to get a sense of how the construction industry …

Nelson Bustamante: Trimble Dimensions – Should I attend?

Over the years, I have received many calls and questions from those who have been on the fence about attending the Trimble Dimensions Conference. Well aware of all the planning and costs for an event like this, I’ve listed out considerations that I think are important in making a qualified decision on how you can …

Nelson Bustamante: How to Have a Successful Earthwork Takeoff

Estimating an earthwork takeoff accurately is essential to achieve success and avoid costly consequences. When you become efficient at earthwork takeoffs, you can grow a successful business providing contractors with accurate takeoffs. As a civil contractor, you likely use many machines, including machine control motograders, dozers, pavers, skid steers, soil compactors and asphalt compactors. You …

Nelson Bustamante: How Land Surveyors and Engineers Work Together

For those outside the construction industry, it may be difficult to tell the difference between an engineer and a surveyor. Land surveyors and engineers work together on most construction projects and share some of the same responsibilities. That said, surveying and engineering are two separate professions requiring different skills and knowledge. Both disciplines are important …

Nelson Bustamante: Civil Engineering Software Programs You Should Know

As a civil engineer, you rely on various engineering computer programs to get the job done. The kinds of programs you’ll need depend on the kinds of projects you work on, as well as your specialization and where you are in your career. For example, new civil engineers might use mostly technical software, but more …

Nelson Bustamante: DO I Need Civil 3D

Spoiler alert, I’ll give the answer first, then explain. As a major data engineering firm, we require the regular use of Civil 3D. For those of you that provide data for your own company, you can usually find workarounds to save money. Once you have the budget to acquire Civil 3D, you’ll have to learn …

Nelson Bustamante: Communicating with Engineers and Surveyors

The last thing any of us want is a job done wrong due to lack of communication. In a perfect world, the team is on the same page and works out issues at the data stage. Unfortunately, about 20% of our jobs go this way. The industry average is about 5%. My team gets all …