To set up a new job in Gradelog: create the job with name, location, and contract details; add the benchmark (ID, description, datum, and published elevation); enter design elevations for each measurement type you will track (pipe inverts, grade points, compaction locations); assign instruments with serial numbers and calibration dates; and invite crew members with their appropriate roles. Set the project tolerance before logging any shots — it determines pass/fail calculations.
Why Job Setup Matters
Taking ten minutes to set up the job correctly before the first field day prevents the most common documentation errors: shots logged without a benchmark reference, wrong design elevations, no equipment record, and missing crew assignment. An as-built report generated from a properly set-up job is complete and inspector-ready; one generated from a hastily created job usually needs significant manual editing.
Step-by-Step Job Setup
1. Job Details
- Job name (match the project name on the contract)
- Location (address or GPS coordinates)
- Owner/client name
- Contract number or permit number
- Project type (grading, sewer, water main, etc.)
- Start date and expected completion date
2. Benchmark
- Benchmark ID (e.g., “BM-1” or the NGS PID)
- Description (“Brass disk in concrete, SW corner of intersection”)
- Datum (NAVD88 is standard for most US projects)
- Published elevation (from the project survey or NGS database)
If the project has multiple benchmarks, add all of them. Any shot can reference any benchmark.
3. Design Elevations
For a sewer project: add each manhole structure with its design invert elevation(s) and rim elevation. For grading: add the design elevation at key grade check points or import a CSV grid. For compaction work: set up the compaction zones with Proctor reference and required % compaction.
4. Instruments
Add every instrument that will be used on the job from the equipment registry (or add new instruments with type, model, serial number, and calibration certificate date). The instrument is referenced in every shot logged on that job.
5. Crew Access
Invite crew members by email with their assigned role:
- Field Tech: Can log shots, upload photos, file daily reports
- Foreman: Can log shots, approve daily reports, view all job data
- Project Manager: Full job access including report generation
- Inspector (view-only): Can view shots and reports but not edit
6. Project Tolerance
Set the tolerance for each measurement type before the first shot. For sewer inverts: ±0.05 ft is typical. For road subgrade: ±0.05 ft. For building pad: ±0.10 ft. Any shot outside the tolerance is automatically flagged as a failing result.