SDX-4DVision - 3D Underground Utility Documentation

Integrated with your existing machine control system from Trimble, the SDX-4DVision mounted on the excavator boom scans trenches, pipes, and cables before being backfilled.

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Underground utilities

The trench is open for hours. The record has to last for years.

Utilities and pipelines disappear quickly after being installed. Once it is covered, it is no longer possible to record its location. The only options left are to open up the trench again or leave an unacceptable gap in the documentation. The lack of surveying tools slows down the construction process; permanently assigning personnel to record data incurs high costs; and constantly climbing into the trench poses an ongoing safety risk.

Capturing as-built data for utility or pipelines includes numerous challenges. With the SDX-4DVision, data is captured directly from the excavator, which is already positioned at the trench, allowing the team to document the visible work while it is still accessible.

Trench documentation, built into the excavator.

Integrated with installed machine control
The SDX-4DVision is connected to your already installed Trimble Earthworks machine control system to be as cost-efficient as possible and to simplify setup.
Designed for excavator tasks
SDX-4DVision is designed for trenching and utility installation, where the excavator is already working at the point of activity.
Document before backfill
Capture exposed pipes, cables and trench sections while they are still visible, and keep a 3D record for the time when the ground is closed.
Fewer waits for survey visits
The crew on site is enabled to capture data directly during the excavation and installation process and avoids any breaks in the workflow.
Avoid rework through near real-time data
Data is available within just a few minutes and supervisors can review installation position and trench conditions before backfilling if required.
No setup required
Once the system was installed, geo-referencing is done through your machine control system making sure that captured data is in the right coordinate system at any time.

Mounted on the boom. Focused on the trench. Connected to SDX-Cloud.

The SDX-4DVision is Sodex Innovations' mapping system for excavators. Scanning components sit on the excavator boom, with the computing unit being installed inside of the machine.

Once a trench section is finished, the operator triggers a scan and passes or swings over the needed area, recording the ground with the scanning components.

The project team then reviews the resulting 3D terrain data in SDX-Cloud alongside data from other Sodex systems or data sources and can prepare documentation for QA/QC and invoicing.

SDX-4DVision

Mounted on the excavator boom and integrated with Trimble Earthworks machine control, it scans trenches, pipes, and cables.

Details

Best fit for: underground utilities
Scanning range: up to 20 m (65 ft)
Accuracy: 1–2 cm (0.4–0.8 in) horizontal and 2–3 cm (0.8–1.2 in) vertical
Mounting: fixed installation, LiDAR-camera combination on the boom & computing unit inside the machine
Power: 9–36 V, powered by the machine

Downloads

Guided walkthrough

Mount the scanning components on the excavator boom and connect to the computing unit installed inside of the machine. A calibration is needed once per machine at installation.
Installation and calibration is performed by our channel partners which are trained to do that.

Seamless data integration and cloud connectivity.

Every scan lands in SDX-Cloud automatically and will be merged with data from other systems if several units are operating in the same project. Additionally, data from drones, scanners and any other surveying device can be uploaded.

Connected with Trimble from start to finish.

SDX-4DVision integrates with Trimble Earthworks Machine Control to use the excavator's positioning for data capture so that no additional GNSS or positioning sensors are needed.

Once the data is in SDX-Cloud, teams can transmit it to Trimble Connect to further work with the data in the Trimble ecosystem if required. This integration also allows to setup automations which automatically transmits any 3D model that was captured as soon as processing in the SDX-Cloud is finished.

Explore the site in 3D.

Turn, zoom, and move through the scan. Double-click a spot to fly there.

Learn more about SDX-Cloud

What our customers say about us.

Discover all success stories

“Digitally recording and documenting several kilometers of construction roads as part of the SuedLink project was a major challenge. Using conventional methods, this process would have been extremely time-consuming and costly. However, thanks to Sodex, we were able to complete the documentation and inventory quickly and efficiently.”

SDX-Compact OnTop
SDX-4DVision
SDX-Cloud

Maximilian Bürkle

Project manager, LEONHARD WEISS

Explore our global network of channel partners.

Local partners in the United States, Europe, and Australia demo SDX-Systems on your site and support you before, during, and after the purchase.

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FAQs

SDX-4DVision is an excavator-mounted LiDAR system designed for capturing exposed terrain, trenches, and infrastructure during construction. It is particularly suited to underground utility documentation, helping teams record installed conditions before pipes and other features are covered.

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The trench is open for hours. The record has to last for years.

Trench documentation, built into the excavator.

Integrated with installed machine control

Designed for excavator tasks

Document before backfill

Fewer waits for survey visits

Avoid rework through near real-time data

No setup required

Mounted on the boom. Focused on the trench. Connected to SDX-Cloud.

SDX-4DVision

Details

Downloads

Guided walkthrough

01Install and calibrate the SDX-4DVision▾

02Prepare the project▾

03Finish and scan a trench section▾

04Review and document in SDX-Cloud▾

Seamless data integration and cloud connectivity.

Connected with Trimble from start to finish.

Explore the site in 3D.

What our customers say about us.

Explore our global network of channel partners.

FAQs

01What is SDX-4DVision designed for?▾

02How does SDX-4DVision work with an excavator’s machine control system?▾

03Can SDX-4DVision capture visual details as well as 3D geometry?▾

04Does SDX-4DVision capture everything there is inside a trench?▾

05How is SDX-4DVision data turned into utility documentation?▾

06What connectivity options does SDX-4DVision support?▾

News & Updates

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