What is Trimble Collision Avoidance?

The upgraded Trimble Earthworks Grade Control Platform now includes a powerful Collision Avoidance system that helps machine operators stay safe and avoid restricted areas on site.

Whether you need to steer clear of underground services, protect environmental zones, or avoid contact with people and machines, Trimble Earthworks Avoidance Zones provide real-time alarms and visual automatic zone detection to keep your crew and assets safe.

Trimble Earthworks Avoidance Zones Collision Detection

How the Trimble Collision Avoidance System Works:

Trimble Collision Avoidance uses a combination of GPS data, defined zone files, and clear in-cab visuals to alert operators when their machine is near or inside a restricted area.

1. Create GPS-Based Avoidance Zones in TBC

Avoidance Zones are defined in Trimble Business Center (TBC) using survey points collected in the field via Trimble Siteworks. These points, known as Siteworks Shots, mark out the boundaries of no-go zones.

  • Capture Siteworks Shots around gas lines, power poles or environmental areas.
  • Import or draw closed zones in TBC.
  • Export the file and load it into the Earthworks machine.

2. Avoidance Zone Visuals on the Trimble Earthworks In-Cab Display

Once uploaded, the system displays real-time zone proximity using intuitive colour codes:

  • Blue – Avoidance Zone detected nearby
  • Orange – Approaching the zone
  • Pink – Zone breached

These colours appear on the machine’s control box to provide instant awareness for the operator.

Trimble Earthworks Avoidance Zones Detection blue
Blue – Avoidance Zone detected nearby
Trimble Earthworks Avoidance Zones Approaching orange
Orange – Approaching the zone
Trimble Earthworks Avoidance Zones breached pink
Pink – Zone breached

3. Real-Time Alerts and Machine Behaviour Control

When you approach or cross into a zone:

  • Visual: Colour-coded zone indicators on the screen
  • Audio: Alarms when entering or nearing a zone
  • Action: Optional movement restrictions to prevent unsafe operation

Benefits of Trimble Earthworks Collision Avoidance

  • Improve On-Site Safety

    Reduce the risk of striking buried utilities or entering protected zones.

  • Minimise Downtime and Costly Rework

    Prevent machine damage, service strikes and safety incidents.

  • Simple Integration with Existing Earthworks Systems

    Avoidance Zones can be set up easily from the office or field.

  • Fleet-Wide Consistency with Trimble WorksManager

    Push the same avoidance files to all machines across your site.

     

Best Use Cases for Trimble Collision Avoidance

Trimble Collision Avoidance is ideal for:

  • Civil construction sites with live underground services
  • Road and rail projects with tight safety boundaries
  • Projects near heritage zones or environmental buffers
  • Contractors looking to improve safety compliance and win tenders

 

Set Up Trimble Earthworks Avoidance Zones

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Siteworks Shot?

A Siteworks Shot is a GPS point collected in the field using Trimble Siteworks. These are used to define the shape of Avoidance Zones in TBC.

Can I use CAD files to create Avoidance Zones?

Yes. You can import DXF, DWG or KML files into TBC to define your zone boundaries.

What happens if the operator breaches a zone?

The in-cab display will turn pink, an alarm will sound, and optional machine restrictions can be triggered.

Is Trimble Collision Avoidance available on all machines?

It can be added to any machine running the Trimble Earthworks system.

Add Trimble Collision Avoidance to Your Earthworks System

Collision Avoidance can be added to your existing Trimble Earthworks setup with a simple software upgrade and configuration—no major hardware changes required.

Contact SITECH Solutions to learn how Collision Avoidance can improve safety and efficiency on your next project.

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