8 Real-World Contractor Use Cases for Digital Stationing Article Jul 3 Written By Olivia Hughes Heavy highway and civil construction industry contractors face daily challenges: tight production windows, complex coordination with multiple crews, and strict documentation requirements tied to payment and compliance. As projects grow in size and complexity, the need for accurate, location-based workflows in the field has never been more critical.Digital stationing helps contractors meet these demands by aligning work directly with a project’s stationing. It provides a consistent reference point across crews, subcontractors, and inspectors, making it easier to navigate the job site, verify quantities, track progress, and maintain clear records.This article outlines eight practical ways contractors use digital stationing on active jobs. These examples reflect real-world workflows supported by tools like OnStation and include helpful links to resources to help you get started. Whether you're managing earthwork, paving, or utility installation, these use cases show how digital stationing can bring clarity and consistency to your field operations. Use Case #1: Documenting Precise Locations in the FieldIn heavy highway and civil construction, keeping crews aligned on where work is being performed or what needs to happen next is essential. Yet it’s still common for teams to rely on text messages, verbal instructions, or rough sketches to communicate locations. These approaches often lead to confusion, wasted time, or rework, especially on large or fast-moving job sites.Digital stationing offers a more accurate, consistent way to document and communicate field locations. By tying notes, photos, or flags directly to project stationing, contractors can provide clear reference points that everyone from field crews to office staff can understand.As one field supervisor said, “Everything in construction has a where.” When that “where” is documented and shared with precision, teams spend less time figuring out locations and more time getting work done.How Contractors Use OnStationContractors use OnStation to view their real-time GPS position aligned to the project’s station and offset. When a foreman or crew member opens the OnStation App, they can instantly verify where they are on the alignment without flipping through paper plans or calling the office.They also use digital flags to mark key locations, such as the start of paving, completed work ready for inspection, or areas requiring follow-up. These flags are tied to exact station values and can include photos, notes, or tags, creating a clear, shareable record of field activity.Most users open the app 8–12 times per day. Each time, they save an estimated 4.5 minutes by eliminating the need to “find” their location manually. Multiplied across teams and days, this adds up to significant time savings and smoother daily operations.Helpful Resources to Get StartedHow to Use Live GPS Stationing in the FieldDropping Flags and Adding Context5 Ways Crews Use Flags for CoordinationGetting Started with the OnStation Mobile App Use Case #2: Capturing Accurate Change Order DocumentationUnexpected conditions are a routine part of civil construction. Whether buried utilities, unsuitable subgrade, or conflicting site conditions, contractors are often asked to perform work beyond the original scope. When that happens, the ability to document the issue clearly and quickly can determine whether the contractor gets paid or eats the cost.Traditional methods like handwritten notes or after-the-fact photos often lack the credibility and clarity needed to support a change order. That’s where digital stationing plays a critical role. Contractors can build a defensible record of when and where the issue occurred by tying documentation directly to a precise station and timestamp.How Contractors Use OnStationWhen unexpected work arises, contractors use OnStation to immediately drop a digital flag at the issue's exact location. They attach photos, notes, and tags to provide context, all saved with a station reference and timestamp. This creates a time-stamped, location-based record that can be shared with the owner, inspector, or project manager as part of the change order request.Because flags are saved to the shared project map, they’re easy to find later, even if the worksite has moved on. Some contractors also use OnStation to document the progression of the change, from discovery to resolution, giving them a complete picture of the effort involved.This kind of documentation has often made the difference between a rejected claim and an approved payment.Helpful Resources to Get StartedHow to Drop a Flag for Change Order ConditionsAdding Photos and Notes to FlagsOrganizing Field Flags with TagsUsing Station-Based Documentation to Support Pay Items Use Case #3: Coordinating Daily Start and Stop Locations for PavingDaily paving operations rely on precise coordination, especially regarding where crews should begin and end each day. These locations directly impact trucking schedules, asphalt quantities, labor planning, and production tracking. Even small miscommunications can lead to wasted material, lost time, or underpayment.Digital stationing helps eliminate these gaps by giving crews a consistent way to view start and stop locations directly on the alignment. Rather than describing locations verbally or drawing them on paper, teams can set specific station-based markers that everyone can reference before work begins.How Contractors Use OnStationContractors use OnStation to place digital flags at the stations where paving should begin and end for the day. Project managers typically drop these flags the day before, complete with notes or tags (such as "Start Paving 7/10" or "End Run for Day 3"). When the crew arrives, they can open the app, locate the flags, and get to work without hesitation.This eliminates confusion about where to begin, ensures the right amount of material is ordered, and helps crews stay aligned with daily production goals. After paving is complete, managers can return to those same flags to log the final station and calculate quantities placed, creating a consistent record that supports pay applications and progress tracking.Because all this happens in one shared platform, the entire team, from the field to the office, has the same view of what happened and when.Helpful Resources to Get StartedHow to Drop Start/Stop Flags for PavingTagging Flags for Production TrackingUsing Stationing to Support Quantity LogsPaving Coordination Best Practices Use Case #4: Supporting QA/QC and Incentive-Based PayoutsIn many heavy highway and civil projects, quality directly affects payment. Contracts often include pay factors or escalators tied to performance metrics, such as pavement smoothness, density, or material thickness. Meeting or exceeding these targets can lead to significant incentive payouts, while missing them may result in deductions.That’s why quality control isn't just about passing inspection, it’s about protecting revenue. To do that effectively, contractors need a reliable way to link their QA data to precise locations on the project.How Contractors Use OnStationContractors use OnStation to flag exact station locations where QA/QC tests are performed, such as nuclear density tests, core samples, or depth checks. Each flag includes the station reference, date, and supporting details like photos or test results. By building their own station-based QA log, contractors can verify results ahead of formal inspection and address issues proactively.This also allows project managers and field engineers to identify trends (e.g., areas of low compaction or inconsistent smoothness) early in the process and adjust before incentives are impacted.Later, when submitting for payment or defending quality metrics, teams have a clear, time-stamped, and location-based record of what was tested and where. This kind of documentation can help maximize payout on performance-based contracts and reduce disputes around test results.Helpful Resources to Get StartedHow to Flag QA/QC Test LocationsAttaching Notes and Test Results to FlagsUsing Stationing to Track Incentive-Based WorkExample: Density Testing Workflow with OnStation Use Case #5: Documenting Compliance to Reduce Risk and LiabilityContractors and subcontractors are accountable for executing work according to the plan specifications. That responsibility extends beyond production; it includes setup accuracy, safety measures, and adherence to contract requirements. If something goes wrong, such as a traffic incident in a work zone, the burden often falls on the contractor to prove that everything was set up correctly.In these situations, clear, time-stamped documentation tied to location can be the difference between resolving a claim quickly and taking on unnecessary liability.How Contractors Use OnStationContractors use OnStation to flag and document the exact location of work zone elements like traffic control signs, cones, barriers, and arrow boards. By placing a flag and attaching a photo or description, teams can create a real-time record of what was in place, when, and where.This is especially valuable for traffic control subcontractors who must show that the setup matched the approved MOT (Maintenance of Traffic) plans. If there’s ever a question about whether a sign was placed correctly or a taper was the right length, the contractor can refer back to the digital record.These station-based flags serve as a simple but powerful tool for demonstrating contract compliance and protecting against liability in the event of an accident or audit.In addition to documentation, many teams activate Active Worksite™ during active operations to help protect workers in the field. This feature notifies the traveling public of the exact, real-time location of workers. It’s especially useful on long stretches of roadway, where drivers may speed up after not seeing activity for miles. By communicating live worker presence, contractors can increase driver awareness and reduce risk in active zones.Together, these tools help teams stay protected, reduce liability, and maintain a strong record of contract compliance.Helpful Resources to Get StartedHow to Document Traffic Control SetupsFlagging Safety and Compliance ElementsUsing Photos and Stationing to Support Liability ProtectionTraffic Control Documentation Tips for Contractors Use Case #6: Preventing Utility Strikes in the FieldUtility strikes are among any civil construction project's most costly and dangerous risks. Hitting an unmarked or mismarked line can result in fines, project delays, equipment damage, or worse, injuries. Even when utility locates are completed ahead of time, not every utility ends up on the plan sheets. Field awareness and documentation are critical.Digital stationing helps crews respond to these risks in real time by allowing them to mark and share the exact locations of unknown or incorrectly mapped utilities. This creates a fast, clear method for alerting others and preventing further risk.How Contractors Use OnStationContractors use OnStation to reference utility design layers in the field, helping them identify where known lines should be. But when crews uncover unexpected utility boxes, cables, or buried infrastructure not shown on the plans, they drop a flag on the spot, pinning its exact station location and adding photos or notes for context.This real-time flagging gives other crews, supervisors, and subcontractors visibility into potential hazards. A flag placed in the morning might prevent an excavation or saw cut from happening in the wrong place that afternoon. Teams can also tag these flags to keep a running list of all undocumented utilities discovered during the project.By building a living utility awareness record within OnStation, contractors reduce the risk of strikes, avoid unnecessary downtime, and meet compliance and safety expectations.Helpful Resources to Get StartedHow to Use Utility Layers in OnStationFlagging Unexpected Utilities in the FieldPreventing Utility Strikes with Digital StationingBest Practices for Utility Coordination Use Case #7: Visualizing and Managing Phased Construction PlansMany heavy highway and infrastructure projects are built in phases, such as milling in one lane while paving in another, or completing work in stages across different alignment sections. Keeping crews coordinated through each phase is critical, especially as timelines shift, subcontractors rotate in, or weather causes delays.Traditional plans and schedules can be difficult to interpret in the field, especially when crews are trying to figure out which phase applies to their location. That’s where digital stationing and layered designs come into play.How Contractors Use OnStationContractors use OnStation’s design layer feature to view multiple construction phases directly from the field. These design files are aligned to stationing, allowing field crews and managers to zoom into their exact location and see which phase applies, whether prep work, active construction, or future tasks.This is especially helpful when changes occur. Instead of reprinting plans or issuing updated instructions by text or email, teams can update the layers or reference the correct one on-site. Crews can confirm whether they’re in Phase 1, 2, or 3 just by looking at their position on the alignment.By giving every crew member, from paving to traffic control, a shared, visual understanding of the sequence, contractors improve coordination, reduce rework, and stay ahead of the curve when plans change.Helpful Resources to Get StartedUsing Design Layers in OnStationBest Practices for Managing Project PhasesHow to Load and View Layered Construction PlansVisualizing Construction Sequencing in the Field Use Case #8: Closing Out Projects Faster with Organized Field DocumentationProject closeout can be one of the most demanding stages of a civil construction project. Crews are focused on finishing the last phase of work, while office staff are busy collecting documentation, verifying quantities, and preparing reports for final payment. When information is scattered across emails, texts, paper notes, and plan markups, it slows everything down and delays getting paid.Digital stationing helps contractors streamline this process by keeping field documentation tied to specific locations throughout the project's life. Instead of waiting until the end to start organizing records, teams build a clear, searchable history of the work as it happens.How Contractors Use OnStationContractors who use OnStation throughout a job find that their closeout process becomes much more efficient. Each flag dropped in the field captures station-based context (such as photos, notes, and tags) attached to specific locations and dates. This means all documentation is already organized by the time the project wraps up.When it’s time to verify quantities, respond to punch list items, or compile final records, everything is ready and easy to access. Teams can quickly generate reports and show proof of work without having to track down missing files or rely on memory.This level of organization helps contractors avoid delays and get paid faster, freeing up cash flow and allowing teams to confidently move on to the next job.Helpful Resources to Get StartedHow to Organize Field Documentation with FlagsGenerating Closeout Reports from OnStationUsing Tags and Filters for Final ReviewTips for Streamlining Digital Project Handoffs Olivia Hughes
8 Real-World Contractor Use Cases for Digital Stationing Article Jul 3 Written By Olivia Hughes Heavy highway and civil construction industry contractors face daily challenges: tight production windows, complex coordination with multiple crews, and strict documentation requirements tied to payment and compliance. As projects grow in size and complexity, the need for accurate, location-based workflows in the field has never been more critical.Digital stationing helps contractors meet these demands by aligning work directly with a project’s stationing. It provides a consistent reference point across crews, subcontractors, and inspectors, making it easier to navigate the job site, verify quantities, track progress, and maintain clear records.This article outlines eight practical ways contractors use digital stationing on active jobs. These examples reflect real-world workflows supported by tools like OnStation and include helpful links to resources to help you get started. Whether you're managing earthwork, paving, or utility installation, these use cases show how digital stationing can bring clarity and consistency to your field operations. Use Case #1: Documenting Precise Locations in the FieldIn heavy highway and civil construction, keeping crews aligned on where work is being performed or what needs to happen next is essential. Yet it’s still common for teams to rely on text messages, verbal instructions, or rough sketches to communicate locations. These approaches often lead to confusion, wasted time, or rework, especially on large or fast-moving job sites.Digital stationing offers a more accurate, consistent way to document and communicate field locations. By tying notes, photos, or flags directly to project stationing, contractors can provide clear reference points that everyone from field crews to office staff can understand.As one field supervisor said, “Everything in construction has a where.” When that “where” is documented and shared with precision, teams spend less time figuring out locations and more time getting work done.How Contractors Use OnStationContractors use OnStation to view their real-time GPS position aligned to the project’s station and offset. When a foreman or crew member opens the OnStation App, they can instantly verify where they are on the alignment without flipping through paper plans or calling the office.They also use digital flags to mark key locations, such as the start of paving, completed work ready for inspection, or areas requiring follow-up. These flags are tied to exact station values and can include photos, notes, or tags, creating a clear, shareable record of field activity.Most users open the app 8–12 times per day. Each time, they save an estimated 4.5 minutes by eliminating the need to “find” their location manually. Multiplied across teams and days, this adds up to significant time savings and smoother daily operations.Helpful Resources to Get StartedHow to Use Live GPS Stationing in the FieldDropping Flags and Adding Context5 Ways Crews Use Flags for CoordinationGetting Started with the OnStation Mobile App Use Case #2: Capturing Accurate Change Order DocumentationUnexpected conditions are a routine part of civil construction. Whether buried utilities, unsuitable subgrade, or conflicting site conditions, contractors are often asked to perform work beyond the original scope. When that happens, the ability to document the issue clearly and quickly can determine whether the contractor gets paid or eats the cost.Traditional methods like handwritten notes or after-the-fact photos often lack the credibility and clarity needed to support a change order. That’s where digital stationing plays a critical role. Contractors can build a defensible record of when and where the issue occurred by tying documentation directly to a precise station and timestamp.How Contractors Use OnStationWhen unexpected work arises, contractors use OnStation to immediately drop a digital flag at the issue's exact location. They attach photos, notes, and tags to provide context, all saved with a station reference and timestamp. This creates a time-stamped, location-based record that can be shared with the owner, inspector, or project manager as part of the change order request.Because flags are saved to the shared project map, they’re easy to find later, even if the worksite has moved on. Some contractors also use OnStation to document the progression of the change, from discovery to resolution, giving them a complete picture of the effort involved.This kind of documentation has often made the difference between a rejected claim and an approved payment.Helpful Resources to Get StartedHow to Drop a Flag for Change Order ConditionsAdding Photos and Notes to FlagsOrganizing Field Flags with TagsUsing Station-Based Documentation to Support Pay Items Use Case #3: Coordinating Daily Start and Stop Locations for PavingDaily paving operations rely on precise coordination, especially regarding where crews should begin and end each day. These locations directly impact trucking schedules, asphalt quantities, labor planning, and production tracking. Even small miscommunications can lead to wasted material, lost time, or underpayment.Digital stationing helps eliminate these gaps by giving crews a consistent way to view start and stop locations directly on the alignment. Rather than describing locations verbally or drawing them on paper, teams can set specific station-based markers that everyone can reference before work begins.How Contractors Use OnStationContractors use OnStation to place digital flags at the stations where paving should begin and end for the day. Project managers typically drop these flags the day before, complete with notes or tags (such as "Start Paving 7/10" or "End Run for Day 3"). When the crew arrives, they can open the app, locate the flags, and get to work without hesitation.This eliminates confusion about where to begin, ensures the right amount of material is ordered, and helps crews stay aligned with daily production goals. After paving is complete, managers can return to those same flags to log the final station and calculate quantities placed, creating a consistent record that supports pay applications and progress tracking.Because all this happens in one shared platform, the entire team, from the field to the office, has the same view of what happened and when.Helpful Resources to Get StartedHow to Drop Start/Stop Flags for PavingTagging Flags for Production TrackingUsing Stationing to Support Quantity LogsPaving Coordination Best Practices Use Case #4: Supporting QA/QC and Incentive-Based PayoutsIn many heavy highway and civil projects, quality directly affects payment. Contracts often include pay factors or escalators tied to performance metrics, such as pavement smoothness, density, or material thickness. Meeting or exceeding these targets can lead to significant incentive payouts, while missing them may result in deductions.That’s why quality control isn't just about passing inspection, it’s about protecting revenue. To do that effectively, contractors need a reliable way to link their QA data to precise locations on the project.How Contractors Use OnStationContractors use OnStation to flag exact station locations where QA/QC tests are performed, such as nuclear density tests, core samples, or depth checks. Each flag includes the station reference, date, and supporting details like photos or test results. By building their own station-based QA log, contractors can verify results ahead of formal inspection and address issues proactively.This also allows project managers and field engineers to identify trends (e.g., areas of low compaction or inconsistent smoothness) early in the process and adjust before incentives are impacted.Later, when submitting for payment or defending quality metrics, teams have a clear, time-stamped, and location-based record of what was tested and where. This kind of documentation can help maximize payout on performance-based contracts and reduce disputes around test results.Helpful Resources to Get StartedHow to Flag QA/QC Test LocationsAttaching Notes and Test Results to FlagsUsing Stationing to Track Incentive-Based WorkExample: Density Testing Workflow with OnStation Use Case #5: Documenting Compliance to Reduce Risk and LiabilityContractors and subcontractors are accountable for executing work according to the plan specifications. That responsibility extends beyond production; it includes setup accuracy, safety measures, and adherence to contract requirements. If something goes wrong, such as a traffic incident in a work zone, the burden often falls on the contractor to prove that everything was set up correctly.In these situations, clear, time-stamped documentation tied to location can be the difference between resolving a claim quickly and taking on unnecessary liability.How Contractors Use OnStationContractors use OnStation to flag and document the exact location of work zone elements like traffic control signs, cones, barriers, and arrow boards. By placing a flag and attaching a photo or description, teams can create a real-time record of what was in place, when, and where.This is especially valuable for traffic control subcontractors who must show that the setup matched the approved MOT (Maintenance of Traffic) plans. If there’s ever a question about whether a sign was placed correctly or a taper was the right length, the contractor can refer back to the digital record.These station-based flags serve as a simple but powerful tool for demonstrating contract compliance and protecting against liability in the event of an accident or audit.In addition to documentation, many teams activate Active Worksite™ during active operations to help protect workers in the field. This feature notifies the traveling public of the exact, real-time location of workers. It’s especially useful on long stretches of roadway, where drivers may speed up after not seeing activity for miles. By communicating live worker presence, contractors can increase driver awareness and reduce risk in active zones.Together, these tools help teams stay protected, reduce liability, and maintain a strong record of contract compliance.Helpful Resources to Get StartedHow to Document Traffic Control SetupsFlagging Safety and Compliance ElementsUsing Photos and Stationing to Support Liability ProtectionTraffic Control Documentation Tips for Contractors Use Case #6: Preventing Utility Strikes in the FieldUtility strikes are among any civil construction project's most costly and dangerous risks. Hitting an unmarked or mismarked line can result in fines, project delays, equipment damage, or worse, injuries. Even when utility locates are completed ahead of time, not every utility ends up on the plan sheets. Field awareness and documentation are critical.Digital stationing helps crews respond to these risks in real time by allowing them to mark and share the exact locations of unknown or incorrectly mapped utilities. This creates a fast, clear method for alerting others and preventing further risk.How Contractors Use OnStationContractors use OnStation to reference utility design layers in the field, helping them identify where known lines should be. But when crews uncover unexpected utility boxes, cables, or buried infrastructure not shown on the plans, they drop a flag on the spot, pinning its exact station location and adding photos or notes for context.This real-time flagging gives other crews, supervisors, and subcontractors visibility into potential hazards. A flag placed in the morning might prevent an excavation or saw cut from happening in the wrong place that afternoon. Teams can also tag these flags to keep a running list of all undocumented utilities discovered during the project.By building a living utility awareness record within OnStation, contractors reduce the risk of strikes, avoid unnecessary downtime, and meet compliance and safety expectations.Helpful Resources to Get StartedHow to Use Utility Layers in OnStationFlagging Unexpected Utilities in the FieldPreventing Utility Strikes with Digital StationingBest Practices for Utility Coordination Use Case #7: Visualizing and Managing Phased Construction PlansMany heavy highway and infrastructure projects are built in phases, such as milling in one lane while paving in another, or completing work in stages across different alignment sections. Keeping crews coordinated through each phase is critical, especially as timelines shift, subcontractors rotate in, or weather causes delays.Traditional plans and schedules can be difficult to interpret in the field, especially when crews are trying to figure out which phase applies to their location. That’s where digital stationing and layered designs come into play.How Contractors Use OnStationContractors use OnStation’s design layer feature to view multiple construction phases directly from the field. These design files are aligned to stationing, allowing field crews and managers to zoom into their exact location and see which phase applies, whether prep work, active construction, or future tasks.This is especially helpful when changes occur. Instead of reprinting plans or issuing updated instructions by text or email, teams can update the layers or reference the correct one on-site. Crews can confirm whether they’re in Phase 1, 2, or 3 just by looking at their position on the alignment.By giving every crew member, from paving to traffic control, a shared, visual understanding of the sequence, contractors improve coordination, reduce rework, and stay ahead of the curve when plans change.Helpful Resources to Get StartedUsing Design Layers in OnStationBest Practices for Managing Project PhasesHow to Load and View Layered Construction PlansVisualizing Construction Sequencing in the Field Use Case #8: Closing Out Projects Faster with Organized Field DocumentationProject closeout can be one of the most demanding stages of a civil construction project. Crews are focused on finishing the last phase of work, while office staff are busy collecting documentation, verifying quantities, and preparing reports for final payment. When information is scattered across emails, texts, paper notes, and plan markups, it slows everything down and delays getting paid.Digital stationing helps contractors streamline this process by keeping field documentation tied to specific locations throughout the project's life. Instead of waiting until the end to start organizing records, teams build a clear, searchable history of the work as it happens.How Contractors Use OnStationContractors who use OnStation throughout a job find that their closeout process becomes much more efficient. Each flag dropped in the field captures station-based context (such as photos, notes, and tags) attached to specific locations and dates. This means all documentation is already organized by the time the project wraps up.When it’s time to verify quantities, respond to punch list items, or compile final records, everything is ready and easy to access. Teams can quickly generate reports and show proof of work without having to track down missing files or rely on memory.This level of organization helps contractors avoid delays and get paid faster, freeing up cash flow and allowing teams to confidently move on to the next job.Helpful Resources to Get StartedHow to Organize Field Documentation with FlagsGenerating Closeout Reports from OnStationUsing Tags and Filters for Final ReviewTips for Streamlining Digital Project Handoffs Olivia Hughes
