Machine guidance system and method for defining and maintaining slope and/or cross-slope during earthmoving operations

A method comprising:

• positioning a bucket of a construction vehicle at a first reference point on a terrain;
• obtaining, by a location sensor, first location data indicative of a first geographic position and first elevation of the first reference point;
• positioning the bucket at a second reference point on the terrain;
• obtaining, by the location sensor, second location data indicative of a second geographic position and second elevation of the second reference point;
• calculating, by a processing unit, a slope parameter along a slope direction based on a first elevation difference and a horizontal distance between the first reference point and the second reference point;
• calculating, by the processing unit, a cross-slope parameter based on a second elevation difference perpendicular to the slope direction;
• generating, by the processing unit, guidance information indicative of adjustments required to align the bucket with the slope parameter and the cross-slope parameter that are calculated;
• and
• outputting the guidance information to an operator interface for real-time feedback on adjustment of positions of the bucket or to a control system for automatic adjustment of the bucket.