TRAER - One of the largest additions to North Tama school is moving closer to reality, though engineers must first pull out some cutting-edge technology to solve the difficult task of hooking the new construction to the old.

The building has seen its share of additions over the decades, and the multiple efforts created a wide variety of roofs, joints and exterior walls. That could lead to major problems when crews start work on a $3 million expansion designed to create space for middle school students next year.

Ament, an engineering firm drafting the plans, sent workers out this week to develop an exact three-dimensional model of the building's northern exterior. To do that, the team will use a unique computerized laser scanning system to make sure construction goes smoothly.

"Going this extra step should help solve some of those unknowns that we have," said Jane Pate, director of marketing at Ament in Cedar Rapids.

Three classrooms, varsity locker rooms and a school administration office are included in the plans. The existing administration office and some classrooms will be remodeled. The addition will cover 28,000 square feet.

Since there have been so many additions and renovations, conventional survey techniques - like measuring the walls and angles or referring to blueprints - won't be completely accurate and could lead to further issues when the actual work starts, Pate said.

Pete Tortorice said the scanning system should do the trick.

"This is actually a great application for it," he said.

Tortorice was one of two employees operating laser scanner at the North Tama school this week.

The technology will help find precise measurements of odd angles and elevations, Pate added.

Ament is one of a handful of businesses using the laser system, which was developed by a Swiss company, Leica Geosystems.

The equipment is also used by police departments for crime scene analysis and by archaeologists for historic preservation work, according to Leica's Web site.

Clint Larrison, also with Ament, said the scans are detailed enough to show mortar lines on brick walls and painted traffic lines on highway projects.

"It's a pretty snazzy little toy," Larrison said.

Pate said the measurements should help save the district's money by cutting the amount of change orders that may be needed during the course of construction.

The cost of the building project worries some school officials. Construction costs increased dramatically, in part because of the national credit crunch and natural disasters across the state.

"That's one of the things we're most concerned about with the economy and the flooding," Superintendent Gary Janssen said.

Exact costs are not available yet. The project is expected to go out for bid in February. The goal is to have the school ready for students by 2010.

The district will pay for the addition with new revenue from the statewide 1-percent sales tax fund, Janssen said.

Contact Josh Nelson at (319) 291-1565 or josh.nelson@wcfcourier.com.