Tunnel boring machine guidance

The tunnel boring machine (TBM) guidance system is designed to provide maximum positional information to the TBM pilot with a minimum of attention.

The system automatically determines the TBM’s exact position and direction in 3-dimension. It also gives the pilot all necessary information about the deviation of the TBM from the designed centerline.

Software is also available for tunnels with segmented liners and ring calculation.

Two prisms inside the TBM are automatically measured by a motorised theodolite, the standpoint and orientation for which has been previously defined. The TBM cutter head is calculated and compared to the design centre-line, based on the known global coordinate system.

Horizontal and vertical deviation of the TBM, together with orientation, is calculated and presented graphically to the operator via the guidance PC.

A projected path can also be calculated and displayed to show the optimum path back to the design centerline, considering parameters such as minimum TBM-turning radius, or related to the geometry of tapered rings.


A new theodolite standpoint can be determined as an additional function in the system.

Our combined hardware, software and surveying know-how to create an incredibly reliable and easy to use product. Inexperienced operators are able to very quickly begin cutting tunnel accurately and productively.