Positioning system for an excavating work machine

摘要

A system and method for determining a position of a ground engaging tool of a work machine is provided. A desired surface configuration for a geographic location is identified. A mode of operation for the work machine is selected from one of a first operating mode when the desired surface configuration has a first type of surface configuration and a second operating mode when the desired surface configuration has a second type of surface configuration. A position of a ground engaging tool mounted on the work machine is sensed. A rotational angle of a swing assembly mounting the ground engaging tool is sensed. The location of the ground engaging tool is determined relative to the desired surface configuration based on the sensed position of the ground engaging tool, independently of the rotational angle of the swing assembly, when the work machine is operating in the first operating mode. The location of the ground engaging tool is determined relative to the desired surface configuration based on the sensed position of the ground engaging tool and the sensed rotational angle of the swing assembly when the work machine is operating in the second operating mode.