Trimble Introduces New Field Layout Software Suite

Trimble Introduces New Field Layout Software Suite that includes Trimble
Field Link for MEP and Structures Trades

SUNNYVALE, Calif., Jan. 13, 2011 — Trimble (NASDAQ:TRMB) introduced today its new field layout software suite that includes Trimble® Field Link for MEP and Trimble Field Link for Structures. The latest additions to Trimble?s field layout portfolio incorporate a version for MEP trades and a version for steel and concrete contractors distinguished by trade-specific feature sets. Using the ruggedized 7 inch touch-screen Trimble Tablet Rugged PC, Trimble Field Link can dramatically improve the productivity of field personnel performing lay out by providing more information readily at their fingertips.

Featuring task-based workflows, customizable views and a new user-interface designed to optimize the information presented, Trimble Field Link extends field layout capabilities. In addition to the advancements made in performing layout specific tasks, Trimble Field link adds reporting routines to detail layout productivity as well as the ability to document existing site conditions for RFI’s. Contractors working with Building Information Modeling (BIM) can now view 3D DWG and DXF design models in the field with Trimble Field Link, allowing field crews to make more informed decisions when problems arise.

Trimble Field Link was designed for the Trimble Tablet to take advantage of a larger touch screen, additional processing power, increased storage, Internet connectivity options and a full version of Windows 7. As a fully-functioning PC, the Trimble Tablet provides contractors the flexibility to run additional business applications.

“With the Trimble Tablet, we saw an opportunity to take our field layout software to the next level,” said Pat Bohle, general manager of Trimble’s Building Construction Division. “By enabling functionality such as job-level productivity reporting and the ability to review construction data in a 3D environment while in the field, the new solution empowers field crews with more information for timely decision making and increased efficiency.”

While the base features of Trimble Field Link are the same for MEP, concrete, steel trades and general contractors, Trimble has developed modules with feature-sets designed specifically for each contractor type. Trimble Field Link for MEP includes a Visual Layout module for automated layout and identification of indoor points associated with MEP systems. For concrete, steel trades and general contractors, Trimble Field Link for Structures contains modules that allow the creation of points from CAD files and the measurement of line work.

Trimble Field Link is expected to be available in the first quarter of 2011 through Trimble’s Authorized Distributors of layout solutions for MEP and Structures contractors.

Trimble Expands the Quantm Alignment Planning Product Line with Desktop Option

SUNNYVALE, Calif., June 10, 2010 — Trimble (NASDAQ: TRMB) introduced today its Quantm™ Desktop software for road alignment planning to complement its existing alignment planning system. The innovative new Quantm Desktop software simultaneously considers construction costs, environmental restrictions, social constraints and legislative obligations, allowing infrastructure planners to thoroughly examine all alternatives and select the most appropriate corridors for roads. When compared to results using traditional industry best practice planning methods, the software can provide significant reductions in project planning time and cost for road projects.

Since 2000, the Quantm System has supported road planners through the complex process of generating and selecting corridors and alignments. Unique alignment optimization technology generates millions of alternative alignments and provides a range of options for review by various stakeholders. As the project progresses, different scenarios are created using the latest terrain, geological, topological, social and environmental inputs to iteratively produce revised results for consideration and refinement. Using a thin client and advanced IT technology, the Quantm System accesses data that is processed on the Quantm server and is implemented on a consultative project-by-project basis.

The new Quantm Desktop software is ideal for a variety of short distance projects such as local and regional roads, bypasses, ring roads and many others. The Quantm Desktop software version has been optimized to take advantage of unique Quantm technology to process the data locally on the user’s computer. The Quantm Desktop also allows the customer to use the software for multiple projects rather than on a project-by-project basis. For larger road and rail projects, Trimble continues to offer its Quantm service using a thin client and advanced IT technology to access data that is processed on the Quantm server.

At the pre-feasibility stage, the Quantm Desktop software can be used as a tool to aid decision making, determining the macro viability of the road corridor options. The software generates multiple alignments that cluster into primary corridors, while maintaining the 3D geometric requirements and other project constraints. The result is a set of preferred alignments for public consultation.

Using detailed data in the preferred corridor, the software further optimizes and refines the alignment. Throughout the feasibility process new constraints can be added based on the detailed data collection and the alignment can be refined to address the social and environmental constraints.

The Quantm Desktop software is also available in a configuration for civil engineers and contractors. This version allows users to refine the vertical geometry to reduce earthwork and other construction costs, based on an analysis of the material flow along the road alignment, after introducing the project constraints to material flow.

The Quantm Desktop software is currently available and supported in North America, Australia and New Zealand.

About Trimble

Trimble applies technology to make field and mobile workers in businesses and government significantly more productive. Solutions are focused on applications requiring position or location—including surveying, construction, agriculture, fleet and asset management, public safety and mapping. In addition to utilizing positioning technologies, such as GPS, lasers and optics, Trimble solutions may include software content specific to the needs of the user. Wireless technologies are utilized to deliver the solution to the user and to ensure a tight coupling of the field and the back office. Founded in 1978, Trimble is headquartered in Sunnyvale, Calif.

Remember when….

With so many people making the move to windows 7 for reasons that include upgrades in their CAD software I thought I would address some of the common things I am seeing and hearing.  I have heard conflicting reports on if you should move to a 64-bit Operating System (OS) or not, and for the most part my answer is YES!

Windows 7 comes in a 34-bit version as well as a 64-bit and as I found on my new laptop you have to specify which version you want.  I thought by selecting Windows 7 Professional it was a given, but now a month and a half in I just realized that I was sent the 32-bit version.  The upgrade if you catch it early is an easy re-install.  For me at this point it means I have to start over again which I am not ready to do today.

To verify your version click the button then select CONTROL PANEL.  Once you are in the Control Panel, click the system and security option .  Once here you can click the SYSTEM option to see information about your system including the system type (32-bit or 64-bit).

Now why does it matter if you have 32 or 64-bit?

Memory, memory, memory.

If you are working on with large images, scans, Lidar or any other large data set this will make or break your production. Make sure you get the 64-bit of Windows 7 if you want to take advantage of all of that memory you purchased.

For more information follow the link below to go to Microsoft’s page on Memory Limits.

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa366778(VS.85).aspx

Trimble Adds CAD Point Creator Software to its Building Construction and MEP Portfolio

New Trimble Point Creator Office Software Provides the Ability for Contractors, Engineers,
Detailers, and Architects to Create 2D and 3D Points for Field Layout within their Native CAD Application
NEW ORLEANS, May 5, 2010 — Trimble (NASDAQ:TRMB) today introduced the Trimble® Point Creator Software for contractors, engineers, detailers, and architects supporting the building construction industry as well as mechanical, electrical, and plumbing trades. The application, available in two versions—Trimble Point Creator and Trimble Point Creator Pro—provides a platform where Computer Aided Design (CAD) users can create 2D and 3D points easily transferrable to and from a Trimble LM80, Trimble MEP, Trimble TS Series Total Stations as well as other total stations. The application is compatible with popular CAD platforms such as AutoCAD, Bricscad, and ZWcad.

The announcement was made today at the Associated Builders and Contractors 2010 Educational Conference, the association’s annual gathering of merit shop contractors, subcontractors, material suppliers, and related firms throughout the U.S.

As the construction industry continues to push the utilization of Building Information Modeling (BIM) practices for cost savings, overall efficiency, and project data collaboration. Trimble Point Creator Software enables users to create 2D and 3D points directly within familiar CAD platforms—and then easily share with field layout software/controllers. For the project manager utilizing CAD drawings for information as well as point creation for field layout, Trimble Point Creator works seamlessly inside CAD software, simplifying data preparation for layout.

By incorporating common industry standards and file formats such as .cnx, .dwg, .dxf, .csv, and many others, Trimble Point Creator Software supports the transfer of points to and from a Trimble LM80, Trimble MEP, Trimble TS Series Total Stations as well as other total stations on the market today. And with overall data integrity playing a key role in the effectiveness of deploying BIM throughout a project, Trimble Point Creator is designed to retain each point�s attribute data, even when imported from a field controller file.

The introduction of Trimble Point Creator Office Software to Trimble’s Building Construction portfolio demonstrates a continued commitment to leveraging technology to deliver solutions that provide a strong return on investment for a broad range of contractors and trades on the industrial, commercial, and residential construction jobsite.

Trimble Point Creator and Trimble Point Creator Pro Software are available now through Trimble’s worldwide Building Construction Distribution Network.

About Trimble’s Building Construction Business

Trimble’s Building Construction Division is a leading innovator of productivity solutions for the building construction contractor. Trimble’s solutions target site prep, general, concrete, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing contractors on large and small commercial, industrial and residential jobsites. Trimble is focused on delivering solutions that tightly link office based process and information with the field crew—including taking Building Information Modeling (BIM) and other design data to the field for highly accurate positioning and layout of foundations and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. Trimble solutions provide a high-level of process and workflow integration from the design phase through to the finished project—delivering significant improvements in productivity throughout the building construction lifecycle.

About Trimble

Trimble applies technology to make field and mobile workers in businesses and government significantly more productive. Solutions are focused on applications requiring position or location—including surveying, construction, agriculture, fleet and asset management, public safety, and mapping. In addition to utilizing positioning technologies, such as GPS, lasers and optics, Trimble solutions may include software content specific to the needs of the user. Wireless technologies are utilized to deliver the solution to the user and to ensure a tight coupling of the field and the back office. Founded in 1978, Trimble is headquartered in Sunnyvale, Calif.