3D Modeling and BIM Services
We take your CAD files and survey data and build the 3D model your GPS equipment needs to run. Earthwork contractors see productivity increases of 33-40% on GPS-guided sites versus conventional layout.
Learn MoreGPS Grade Control Modeling for Earthwork Contractors
We produce the machine control files your dozers, graders and scrapers run on. Trimble, Topcon and Leica. Delivered remotely, anywhere in the U.S.
Backed by Stone River Excavation, 11 years Texas earthwork experience
10+ years hands-on BIM, modeling, and layout experience
Trimble, Topcon, Leica and Civil 3D certified
The problem
GPS Equipment Without the Right Control File Is Just Expensive Iron
A lot of earthwork contractors running GPS-capable machines are still doing manual staking because the control file side of the workflow hasn't been solved. Getting a grade control file wrong is not a minor issue. Your machine runs to the wrong elevation. You over-excavate or under-cut. Your GC calls for a survey. Your schedule absorbs the hit.
The problem isn't the equipment. It's that producing a machine control file from a civil design isn't a simple export. It takes Civil 3D knowledge, platform-specific formatting and an understanding of how GPS machines actually interpret surface data in the field.
Most earthwork contractors don't have that in-house. Most national survey vendors don't prioritize it for mid-size jobs. Lone Star was built specifically for this gap.
Our solution
Start My Grade Control Project
Machine Control Files Built for Your Platform, Your Site, Your Schedule
We take your civil design files and produce GPS grade control files formatted natively for your equipment. Trimble, Topcon or Leica. We don't use conversion layers or generic exports. We build to platform spec so your operator gets a file that loads correctly and runs accurately from the first pass.
Every control file we produce is reviewed against your design surfaces before delivery. If we find a conflict between your design data and the control model, we flag it before the file leaves our end.
Remote delivery means turnaround starts the moment you send us your files, not when someone drives to your site.
What's Included
What You Receive with Every Grade Control Engagement
Platform-Native File Delivery
Your control files are produced and exported directly in your equipment's native format. Trimble (.gc3, .svl), Topcon (.tp3), Leica (.l3d). No third-party conversion tools. No format translation errors. Your operator loads the file and runs.
Surface-to-Machine Accuracy Review
Before delivery, we check your control model against the design surface for elevation conflicts, datum mismatches and surface gaps. If anything doesn't match, we catch it on our end, not on yours at 6 a.m.
Multi-Surface and Phased Grading Files
If your site requires phased grading or multiple design surfaces (subgrade, finish grade, rough cut), we produce separate control files for each phase and label them so your operator knows exactly which file runs which phase.
Site Datum and Coordinate System Matching
Your control file is built to the same coordinate system and vertical datum your site survey is working from. We confirm this before modeling starts so your GPS rover and your machine are both reading the same ground.
Operator-Ready File Naming and Organization
Files are named, organized and documented so your operator can load them without calling you or us for help. If your project has multiple machines or multiple phases, we structure the file set so each operator gets exactly what they need.
Revision Support on Design Changes
When your design changes mid-project, we update the control files. Send us the revised design data and a description of what changed. We'll quote the revision and get the updated file back to you before your crew hits the affected area.
Platform Coverage
Every Major GPS Machine Control Platform
We produce grade control files for the three primary GPS machine control systems used by Texas earthwork contractors. If your equipment isn't listed below, contact us before you order and we'll confirm compatibility.
Trimble
Trimble machine control is the most widely deployed platform on Texas earthwork sites. We produce .gc3 surface files and .svl design files formatted for Trimble GCS900 and Earthworks systems. Files are structured and named to Trimble's field software conventions so your operator's display reads clearly from the start.
Topcon
We deliver .tp3 control files formatted for Topcon 3D-MC and MC-X2 systems. Surface models are exported with the correct coordinate system and projection settings for your site so the machine localizes accurately on first setup.
Leica
Leica control files are produced in .l3d format for iCON machine control systems. We confirm layer structure and file naming conventions against Leica's field software requirements before delivery.
Process
How a Grade Control Project Works
Step 1
Send Us Your Design Files
Share your civil design files in whatever format you have: AutoCAD, PDF, LandXML, or point files. Tell us your machine platform and whether you have an existing site calibration file. If you're not sure what to send, call us and we'll walk you through it.
Step 2
We Review, Flag and Quote
We check your files for completeness, confirm your coordinate system and datum, and identify any design conflicts that could affect the control model. You get a quote and a timeline. If we find something in your design data that needs your attention, we tell you before we build.
Step 3
We Build the Control Model
We model your site surfaces in Civil 3D, export to your platform's native format and run a final accuracy check before the file leaves our desk. For most standard sites, this takes one to two business days from file receipt.
Step 4
Receive and Load the File
We deliver your control files by email or shared drive link. Files are named and organized so your operator can load them without assistance. If anything doesn't load cleanly on the first try, call us. We stay available through first machine run.
Service areas
We Work Across Texas. And Anywhere a File Can Travel.
Our remote services go where the project is. Our field crews cover the major earthwork corridors across Texas.
Related Services
Often Paired with Grade Control Modeling
As-Built Surveys
We document what was actually built. GPS-accurate, formatted to your GC's requirements, delivered on your schedule.
Learn More
QA/QC Services
As-built documentation, compliance surveying and construction quality control records that give your GC what they need to close out the project.
Learn More
FAQ
Have more questions? Call now
Frequently Asked Questions About GPS Grade Control Modeling
What's the difference between a 3D model and a grade control file?
A 3D model is a Civil 3D terrain surface that represents your site's design geometry. A grade control file is the platform-specific export of that surface that your GPS machine actually reads in the field. They're related but not interchangeable. If you need both, we can produce both in a single engagement.
Can you produce grade control files if I only have PDF plans?
Yes. PDF plans are one of the formats we accept. We model your site surfaces in Civil 3D from your plans, then export a control file in your equipment's native format. If we need anything additional to build an accurate surface, we'll flag it when we review and quote your files.
Do I need a site calibration file for this to work?
It isn't required to get started. When you send your design files, just tell us whether you have an existing site calibration file. Your control file is built to the same coordinate system and vertical datum your site survey is working from, and we confirm that match before modeling begins so your GPS rover and your machine are both reading the same ground.
What if my machine runs a platform you didn't list?
We produce files natively for the three primary platforms on Texas earthwork sites: Trimble, Topcon and Leica. If your equipment isn't one of those, contact us before you order and we'll confirm compatibility.
How do I send you my design files?
Send them by email or a shared drive link, whichever is easiest for you. We accept AutoCAD, PDF, LandXML and point files. Include your machine platform and any existing site calibration file. If you're not sure what to send, call us and we'll walk you through it.
What happens if the file doesn't run correctly on the machine?
Call us. We stay available through your first machine run, so if anything doesn't load cleanly on the first try we'll work through it with you. Because every control file is reviewed against your design surfaces before delivery, most conflicts are caught on our end before the file ever reaches your operator.
Get a Grade Control File Your Machine Can Run from Day One
Send us your design files and your machine platform. We'll review them, quote the project and get your control file built. Most projects are delivered within two business days of file receipt.
Remote services available nationwide. Field services across Texas.