Looking for something? Unlock the construction industry’s latest buzzwords, trends, and technology with Maxwell GeoSystems’ dynamic glossary!
A geotechnical instrument used to monitor structural movement in three dimensions (X, Y, Z). Unlike sensors that stream data, it is read manually or automatically by a total station. Commonly installed on structures, railways, or with inclinometers, it provides accurate and easy-to-interpret displacement data.
Notifications are triggered when monitored parameters exceed predefined thresholds. They help project teams respond quickly to safety, environmental, or operational risks by providing real-time updates from sensors, monitoring systems, or equipment, reducing the likelihood of costly delays or incidents.
The licensed professional or firm responsible for designing a project, preparing technical specifications, and overseeing construction to ensure compliance with plans. They play a central role in coordinating disciplines, addressing design changes, and safeguarding quality and safety.
This is a precise digital or physical record of a completed project, showing the exact dimensions, locations, and specifications after construction. Created using surveys, scans, or updated BIM models, it reflects changes from the original design and supports operations, maintenance, and future project modifications.
It’s an organized system for monitoring, servicing, and improving physical assets from acquisition to disposal. In construction and infrastructure, AMS integrates data, analytics, and maintenance schedules to improve asset performance, extend lifespan, reduce costs, and ensure compliance with safety and operational standards.
Augmented Reality (AR) overlays digital information on the real world, while Virtual Reality (VR) immerses users in a wholly digital environment. For construction, AR/VR enhances design visualization, site training, safety planning, and stakeholder engagement by allowing users to explore projects interactively before or during execution.
This utilizes technology such as sensors, IoT devices, drones, and scanners to collect information without manual entry. In construction, it enhances accuracy, minimizes delays, and facilitates real-time monitoring of progress, safety, and performance by seamlessly integrating data into project management and analytics systems.
Generates and delivers reports automatically at scheduled intervals or in response to specific events, thereby reducing manual effort and ensuring a timely flow of information. In construction projects, automated reporting streamlines progress tracking, compliance documentation, and performance monitoring.
An electronic surveying instrument that automatically measures angles and distances to reflective targets like prisms. In geotechnical monitoring, ATS continuously tracks 3D movements (X, Y, Z) of structures with high accuracy, reducing the need for manual surveys.
Material used to refill an excavation or void after construction work, such as laying foundations or installing utilities. Proper backfilling ensures structural stability, supports load-bearing capacity, and protects underground elements from damage or erosion.
The process of collecting initial measurements before project work begins involves establishing reference conditions for future comparison and reference. It provides a benchmark to track changes, assess project impacts, and ensure compliance with design specifications or environmental standards.
It refers to massive datasets that are too complex for traditional processing tools. In construction, it encompasses data from sensors, project records, and geospatial sources, enabling predictive analytics, risk management, and informed decision-making when properly analyzed and interpreted.
Building information modelling (BIM) is an intelligent 3D model-based process supported by various tools, technologies and contracts involving the generation and management of digital representations of physical and functional characteristics of places.
It provides Architecture, Engineering, & Construction (AEC) professionals the insight and tools to more efficiently plan, design, construct, and manage buildings and infrastructure.
The MissionOS system developed by Maxwell GeoSystems, allows projects with BIM at their core to handle automated processes for the generation of Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) classified files, for the automatic updating of BIM environments hosted by clients, their contractors and consultants alike.
The seamless connection of Building Information Modelling (BIM) data with other project systems or workflows. It improves collaboration, data accuracy, and decision-making by enabling real-time updates between 3D models, schedules, cost data, and operational platforms.
A milestone marking the moment when construction work in tunnelling or excavation reaches a planned endpoint, often connecting two excavation fronts. It represents a significant milestone in project progress, requiring precise planning, meticulous monitoring, and robust safety measures.
The continuous or periodic observation of a bridge’s structural performance using sensors, inspections, and data analysis. It helps detect early signs of stress, movement, or deterioration, enabling timely maintenance and ensuring safety and service life.
This is a digital representation that captures both the physical attributes and functional details of a built asset. It allows stakeholders to collaborate on design, construction, and operation through a shared, data-rich 3D model, improving efficiency, reducing errors, and enhancing lifecycle management.
Basic piezometer using an open pipe to measure groundwater levels in boreholes. Useful for long-term and cost-effective monitoring. Simple to install and requires minimal maintenance.
The advent of the Cloud is changing the way we acquire, process and manage data. Servers are accessed over the internet, allowing software and databases to run on those servers.
Maxwell GeoSystems MissionOS construction data management system operates in the cloud using web-based portals that can be accessed through a variety of devices.
As project data is exponentially increasing in size, it is more imperative than ever before to have a Common Data Environment (CDE) so that relationships and trends between different data sources can be identified on the fly.
The developers of MissionOS have recognised the need for a Common Data Environment (CDE) from the beginning, and have built the data management platform to be 100% configurable to handle all digital data created and shared during a projects lifecycle.
Composite Instruments combine multiple sensors in one unit to monitor parameters like displacement, strain, or pressure. Installed in structures or boreholes, they provide integrated data, simplifying measurement and interpretation for geotechnical monitoring.
Confirmatory Data Analysis CDA is the process used to evaluate evidence by challenging their assumptions about the data. This part of the process is where they work backward from their conclusions and weigh the merits of the results of their work.
The MissionOS system provides a comprehensive platform from which users can challenge the assumptions about their data through a process of Confirmatory Data Analysis CDA and generate in-depth analytics to assess the validity of their works.
Networks must provide users increasing levels of connectivity. Cloud-based software and mobile apps ease collaboration among all stakeholders, from design to construction and inspection for better reporting and documentation, quality assurance and control.
The MissionOS system provides a collaborative platform for the display and interpretation of construction data. The web-based interface provides an enhanced level of visual representation of the data making spatial interpretation, quicker and easier.
Construction 2.0 is an industry-wide initiative for the upgrading of the construction industry and providing a roadmap for its future. The initiative is also intended to stimulate discussions within the industry and garner feedback. It will be piloted on selected upcoming public works projects in several countries.
For its part of the Construction 2.0 initiative, Maxwell GeoSystems firmly believe that innovation is the key to improving capability and enhancing performance. The MissionOS system is at the very forefront of new technology necessary to drive forward productivity, efficiency and enhanced project delivery outcomes.
The process of managing, supervising, and verifying construction activities to ensure they meet design specifications, safety standards, timelines, and quality requirements. It involves monitoring progress, resources, and compliance throughout a project.
These latest construction techniques generate an ever-increasing demand for data. Digital transformation DX allows organisations to evolve into a digital native enterprise (DNE), which can support innovation and digital disruption rather than enhancing existing technologies and models.
MissionOS is a highly innovative software platform, so whatever your specific discipline, there is a dynamic, scalable solution to meet our client’s needs.
In recent survey, two out of five (41 percent) of respondents said they plan to buy or upgrade their construction management software (CMS).
Maxwell GeoSystems is an IT company and Construction Data Management runs throughout our DNA. At the core of our business is the innovative MissionOS system – a powerful and flexible building information management system for the acquisition, monitoring and analysis of geotechnical and other project-related data.
Special bolt installed in tunnels to track changes in rock displacement and convergence. Provides early warning of ground movement. Easy to install and cost-effective for long-term monitoring.
Digital models that calculate tunnel convergence from multiple sensor readings instead of single instruments. This allows engineers to track deformation trends without installing extensive hardware.
Instruments that do not directly measure a parameter but calculate it using data from primary sensors. They are required when direct measurement is difficult or impossible. Values are derived through correlations, formulas, or combined sensor outputs, providing insights such as stress, load, or deformation.
The process of checking whether a design meets its specified requirements and functions as intended. It ensures accuracy, safety, and compliance before moving to construction, manufacturing, or implementation.
Currently over 50% of all construction organisations worldwide have reached a digital impasse. While a majority believe Digital Transformation DX is a priority, it is clear that many construction companies worldwide are struggling to unlock their full potential. To truly become a DNE, construction companies must firstly identify their challenges and address the Digital Deadlocks in their business.
Maxwell GeoSystems works closely with its clients to customise its highly-configurable MissionOS software allowing them to unleash the true potential of the system, in acquiring, processing and dynamically connecting key project stakeholders.
Traditional methods are under rapid and constant change. Digital Transformation DX is a priority for construction companies worldwide. Unlocking these Digital Deadlocks will help companies evolve into digital native enterprises (DNEs) and experience the full benefits of digital technologies.
Maxwell GeoSystems is at the leading-edge of Digital Transformation (DX) of the construction industry with its MissionOS system.
The Digital Twin refers to a digital replica of potential and actual physical assets, processes, people, systems and devices.
Maxwell GeoSystems, with its powerful MissionOS system, applies this firstly in connecting physical models to corresponding virtual models, and secondly, connecting this with real-time data using sensors or input devices allowing the comparison to other concepts such as cross-reality.
Beam installed on structures to detect small tilts or settlements, measured by precise leveling methods. Often used in building or retaining wall monitoring where accuracy is critical.
Exploratory Data Analysis EDA (versus Confirmatory Data Analysis CDA) is the method used to explore the big data set that will yield conclusions or predictions.
The MissionOS system has a highly configurable platform which provides the user with the key processes of Exploratory Data Analysis EDA involved in a myriad of tasks, including spotting mistakes and missing data; identifying important variables in the data set; testing a hypothesis related to a specific model; and establishing a model that can explain the data in the most succinct way possible. It also involves determining the best way to present the final assessment.
Gas leakage sensors detect the presence of hazardous gases in the environment or confined spaces. They provide early warning of leaks, ensuring safety in tunnels, underground works, and construction sites by preventing accidents and health risks.
Geotechnical instrumentation refers to the use of specialized instruments to monitor soil, rock, and structural behavior during construction and operation. It helps measure parameters like pressure, displacement, and vibration, ensuring safety, quality control, and performance assessment of projects.
GPS trackers are devices that use satellite signals to monitor and record the real-time position of equipment, vehicles, or structures. In construction, they help track asset location, movement, and site activities for safety and efficiency.
Transparent gauge fixed across a crack to measure relative displacement or widening over time. It is a simple yet reliable tool for tracking crack progression in masonry and concrete structures.
Chain of tilt sensors installed in boreholes to continuously track ground or structural movement. Provides real-time automated readings without the need for manual surveys.
Instrument installed in boreholes to measure lateral ground movement; typically read once daily. Useful for detecting slope instability or ground settlement trends over time.
Infrastructure is advancing rapidly and adopting new techniques. Companies are seeking increased personalisation brought forth by the utilisation of digital technologies, improving customer experience and driving organisations to reassess their processes and business models.
The MissionOS system is designed to be a collaborative platform, empowering the existing teams rather than relying on separate data-management.
A process of reviewing and verifying monitoring data to ensure accuracy, consistency, and reliability. It follows standard audit practices like data validation, cross-checking with baseline values, and identifying errors or anomalies for quality assurance.
Each instrument type and subtype is defined by its applications, the measurements it provides, monitoring capabilities, and data range. This classification ensures accurate selection for project needs and reliable performance in geotechnical monitoring.
Device that tracks ground settlement or heave by measuring the position of magnetic rings along a borehole. It helps assess deep ground movement at different soil or rock layers.
A series of micro-electro-mechanical tilt sensors linked in a chain to monitor deformation profiles underground. They provide continuous, automated readings ideal for long-term ground or structural movement studies.
A series of sensors based on Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) technology, linked together to measure ground or structural deformation. Each node records tilt or inclination, and when combined, the chain provides a detailed profile of displacement or settlement along its length. They are commonly used in geotechnical monitoring of slopes, tunnels, embankments, and foundations.
MissionOS is a bespoke software platform for the display and interpretation of construction data. to create and implement the world’s most connectable, highly configurable data management and integration platform for infrastructure development.
The marketplace is evolving, where every industry is being disrupted and needs to keep pace. For the construction industry, this means being aligned with the level of progress expected by governments and the public sector.
MissionOS is breaking the paradigm and proving to be a real Industry Disruptor creating a new value network, displacing established firms, methodologies and alliances.
Increasingly, the success or failure of a construction projects can be determined by communication, collaboration and overall efficiency. Data management is all about the details and keeping track of every aspect of those communications through advances in technology and system integration.
MissionOS is leading the change in the way Engineers manage Construction Data Management. Maxwell GeoSystems are experienced GeoTechnical Engineers with decades of boots-on-the- ground experience of major construction and infrastructure projects.
The MissionOS portal is the simplest and most intuitive platform available for exploring large construction and instrumentation datasets. It operates on Windows, iOS, Android and works on all common browsers (Explorer, v6.5+, Chrome, Firefox, Safari). It is designed to be touch-screen compatible and is commonly used on iPad and Windows Surface.
An instrument that measures pore water pressure using compressed gas and diaphragm movement. Often used in embankments, dams, and foundations for long-term stability monitoring.
New business models such as Project 13, proposed by the UK’s Institution of Civil Engineers, is an industry-led response to infrastructure delivery models that fail not just clients and their suppliers, but also the operators and users of our infrastructure systems and networks.
Maxwell GeoSystems has an important to part to play in helping the key stakeholders understand how best to achieve the ambitions which Project 13 sets out: constructing high-performance infrastructure, with acquiring and deploying capabilities in data and technology and taking the first moves necessary to change attitudes and behaviours in the construction industry.
Structures designed to restore groundwater by allowing surface water to seep into underground aquifers. In tunneling projects, they are used to offset dewatering impacts and maintain groundwater balance.
RTS is an advanced surveying instrument that automatically tracks and measures targets like prisms without manual operation. It records precise 3D coordinates (X, Y, Z) over time, making it widely used in geotechnical monitoring, construction, and structural health assessments.
Instrument with rods anchored at depth to measure settlement or displacement within soil or rock layers. Useful in tunneling, mining, and slope stability studies.
The process of measuring and tracking vertical ground or structural movement over time to detect settlement or subsidence. It helps assess stability, safety, and performance during and after construction.
Linked accelerometers measuring changes in shape or profile of soil and structures in real time. Ideal for tunnels, dams, and retaining walls where deformation monitoring is critical.
A site investigation gathers essential data about subsurface and environmental factors at a location. It ensures accuracy, safety, and compliance before moving to construction, manufacturing, or implementation.
Fixed marker installed on a building or structure to monitor movement using surveying instruments. Data is typically collected with total stations or RTS systems.
Simple manual tool to measure changes in distance between fixed anchor points. Often applied in tunnels, slopes, or excavation sites. Reliable for periodic manual measurement programs.
Simple device placed in cracks to monitor opening or closing movement in masonry or concrete. Often used for long-term monitoring of structural health and stability.
An instrument used to measure small changes in inclination, slope, or rotation of a structure or ground surface. It continuously monitors angular movement and is often used in tunnels, retaining walls, dams, and buildings to detect settlement or instability.
Industry is moving away from silo-ed working practices & individual paper-based document creation, brought forth by the utilisation of digital technologies in improving customer experience is driving organisations to reassess their processes and business models.
Maxwell GeoSystems ensures that the MissionOS system is made available to multiple client users who can personalise their specific information needs from the one common sourced data platform.
Survey markers installed inside tunnels to monitor settlement and ground movement over time. These points provide reference data to ensure tunnel safety and structural integrity.
Sensor that measures crack movement in structures by detecting changes in wire tension. Provides precise readings even in harsh site conditions.
Sensor measuring horizontal displacement within soil or fill materials. Commonly used for monitoring embankments and ground stability. Data helps evaluate settlement patterns over time.
Device that measures loads in anchors, struts, or supports using changes in vibrating wire frequency. Ensures safety by tracking applied and transferred forces over time.
Sensor that measures pore water pressure in soil or rock with high accuracy. Widely used in dams, foundations, and deep excavations. Provides stable readings even in harsh conditions.
Instrument used to measure soil or rock pressure against retaining structures or tunnel linings. Helps assess load distribution and safety. Often applied in tunnels, retaining walls, and dams.
Embedded or surface-mounted sensor that measures strain in concrete, steel, or rock. Widely used in geotechnical, civil, and structural projects.
Sensor that records ground or structural vibrations in three directions, useful for monitoring construction impact. It also helps detect early signs of structural distress or instability.
Virtual Rail Sensors are digital tools that use geospatial and monitoring data to simulate rail alignment. They help detect settlement, track movement, and deformation trends without installing physical devices on the rails.
Devices are placed in tunnels or structures to detect seepage and monitor water ingress over time. The data supports preventive maintenance and long-term structural durability.
Instruments measuring environmental parameters like temperature, humidity, wind, and pressure at project sites. Data supports safety planning and helps correlate weather with construction performance.
A data warehouse is a type of data management system that is designed to enable and support business intelligence (BI) activities, especially analytics, as well as for data mining purposes. They support decision making and reporting for users across many departments.
Data warehouses are solely intended to perform queries and analysis and often contain large amounts of archive data, typically holding historical data not maintained in operational systems.
At Maxwell GeoSystems, our MissionOS system helps large infrastructure projects overcome limitations with respect to data storage, access and interoperability. It provides cloud storage solutions, acting as a data warehouse, offering full web-access to the data and a bespoke software interface to explore and analyse large datasets.
Augmented Reality (AR) is an enhanced version of the real physical world that is achieved through the use of digital visual elements, sound, or other sensory stimuli delivered via technology.
Virtual Reality (VR) is the use of computer technology to create a simulated environment. VR places the user inside an experience, where they are immersed and able to interact with the 3D world.
MissionOS dynamic are the fly creation of N-dimensional interactive models based on GIS selection and using fast web rendering technologies has promoted wider collaboration within the BIM space and opened the door to real-time live augmented reality where there was none before.
Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar, abbreviated InSAR, is a radar technique used in geodesy and remote sensing. It has applications for geophysical monitoring of natural hazards, for example earthquakes, volcanoes and landslides, and in structural engineering, in particular monitoring of subsidence and structural stability.
It is established in a wide range of applications across many industries and is rapidly becoming a key requirement for large infrastructure projects.
At Maxwell GeoSystems, we recognise the need for engineers to be able to make informed decisions readily without the need for compiling data from multiple sources together. That’s why our MissionOS construction data management system is fully equipped with tools to host your projects InSAR data and make insightful on-the-fly comparisons with physical instrumentation data and construction activities.
Internet of Things (IoT) describes the network of physical objects things that are embedded with sensors, software, and other technologies for the purpose of connecting and exchanging data with other devices and systems over the internet.
The MissionOS system provides a collaborative platform for display and interpretation of construction data, easing collaboration among all key project stakeholders. It has been supporting business continuity for many global projects during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) or Industry 4.0 is characterised by the fusion of the digital, biological, and physical worlds, as well as the growing utilisation of new technologies such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, robotics, 3D printing, the Internet of Things (IoT), and advanced wireless technologies, among others it has ushered in a new era of digital disruption with a fusion of leading-edge production techniques and smart systems that integrate with organisations and people.
At Maxwell GeoSystems, our MissionOS provides users with access to comprehensive construction data allowing them to make timely decisions. This high level of inter-connectivity, creates a collaborative network which allows engineers to collect immense amounts of data and information from all points in the construction process, identify key areas that can benefit from improvement to increase functionality and generate productivity gains.
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