Welcome to another episode of Red Army Radio, your go-to source for insights on the construction industry, innovation, and the people behind Tomlinson Group of Companies. In this episode, host Francis Brazeau dives into the world of surveying with team leader Silvana Ruiz-Klinar and her colleagues Riley Boyle and Parker Armstrong. Together, they shed light on the critical role the survey team plays in Tomlinson's construction projects and discuss how emerging technologies like GPS integration, drone services, and 3D modeling streamline operations. 

Throughout the episode, the survey team gives an in-depth look at their daily operations and how they manage the constant challenges of project demands, design changes, and last-minute emergencies. They explain the importance of customer support, advanced planning, and how cutting-edge technologies like LiDAR and intelligent machines enhance productivity and safety in the field. The team also highlights the unique culture of collaboration and support that sets them apart, fostering a strong bond that extends beyond the workday. Tune in here today as these talented professionals share how all these factors help deliver efficient, precise, and safe results for various projects across Ottawa.

Main Themes:

• The role of the survey team in construction, from tender phase to project completion
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• Integration of GPS, drones, and 3D modeling for enhanced precision
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• Managing workload and last-minute design changes in construction projects
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• Advanced technologies like LiDAR, intelligent machines, and tilt compensation
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• The collaborative culture within the survey team and the importance of mutual support
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• The use of drone services for stockpile management and progress visualization
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• Standardizing processes to improve communication and project efficiency

Key Quotes:

"The success of Tomlinson is built on its people."

"Our days are pretty sporadic, but the mornings are a lot like putting out fires."

"Survey is the key piece in construction—everything starts with us."

"We create designs so they know where to put the curbs, sidewalks, and structures."

"We upload 3D models into machines so operators can visualize what they haven’t built yet."

"Our drone flights allow clients to see job progress visually—it’s very cool technology."

"Everything's within spec, from the tender phase to the end of the project."

"Communication is key - the more involved the project team is, the smoother everything runs."

"We’re always learning new tech—LiDAR allows us to see through trees now."

"It's all about supporting each other, being efficient, and making sure everything’s done right."

Links:

Tomlinson Group:  https://tomlinsongroup.com/