Stage 3: Advanced Features and Static Connectivity

Stage 3 GPS technology provides a compactor operator with additional data, including an indication of waste deflection as the landfill compactor passes over each placed layer (this is a user defined function, but typically two feet of waste). Some Stage 3 systems may provide an avoidance zone warning, alerting machine operators as they approach geo-tagged gas wells or other key landfill elements. More importantly, Stage 3 technology is capable of capturing and storing machine location data. This gives the landfill manager the opportunity to manually collect data from the machine for analysis. This requires that data to be transferred from the machine to the office using a USB flash drive. The resulting data can be incorporated into various software programs to provide volumetric calculations or to review an operator’s productivity. Stage 3 technology is the first level of GPS technology that is capable of providing the landfill manager the ability to routinely capture the volume information necessary to calculate airspace utilization.