Site surveying tasks require precise instruments. When surveyors know the options available and their applications, they can select one that best fits any job. Here are a few of today’s most innovative construction surveying tools.
1. Robotic Total Stations
Robotic total stations combine the capabilities of several surveying tools of the past, including theodolites, transit levels and electronic distance meters. While robotic total stations have existed for several years, the latest total stations, like those from Trimble, have features that distinguish them from traditional total stations. These features include automatic prism tracking, radio links to controllers and automatic focus. The latest innovations automate many processes that were previously done manually, streamlining surveying processes.
2. Drones
Today’s drone technologies allow for 3D mapping of job sites. The aerial data collected by drones is incorporated into 3D modeling software like Trimble Stratus to map, measure, and share information about work sites with processing in 24 hours. Leverage the latest drone technologies for site modeling with drone services. Expand the possibilities of your data with Propellor, which offers calculations of earthworks volumes and how much material you need to move.
Innovations in drone technology allow you to replace labor-intensive processes like manual surveying and make more accurate estimates of earthworks volumes.
3. Smart Antennas
These global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receivers pick up satellite signals to plot specific locations on a job site, allowing for accurate positioning during site surveying. Receivers also let surveyors create models with precise data points. They enhance the accuracy of positioning data on job sites, which translates to better modeling. Smart antennas go beyond standard antennas with innovative capabilities like adaptive signal processing and interference suppression.
Trimble offers several smart antennas you can browse to find the ideal solution for your operation. Site surveyors can place the antenna in an open location on the job site to start data collection.
4. Surveying Prisms
These tools assist in reflecting the beams from a robotic total station back to the device. Reflections provide accurate measurements of distance. Surveying prisms also minimize the scatter of signals, resulting in more precise and long-range measurements.
A few prism types used in land surveying include:
- Mini prisms
- Circular prisms
- Reflective targets
- Monitoring prisms
- 360-degree prisms
Each has distinct uses, like providing accurate measurements at long distances and reflecting signals from various directions.
Before surveying prisms, surveyors used tools like chains for linear measurements. Surveying prisms automate the measuring process to make it more efficient.
5. Field Controllers
A field controller acts as a mobile computer so you can remotely control surveying equipment like robotic total stations and smart antennas. These devices also process maps, point clouds and other geospatial information.
Field controllers allow for better data collection, storage and management, replacing manual methods or tasks previously handled by multiple devices.
The Benefits of Construction Tools for Surveying
The latest construction surveying equipment allows you to advance the process of collecting site data. Before, a team could spend hours walking around the job site. Now, a few surveyors can collect information rapidly by sending a drone over the site or setting up tools like robotic total stations, surveying antennas and surveying prisms.
New surveying tools also enhance accuracy and precision in surveying tasks. Drones collect high-resolution aerial data. Tools like robotic total stations and smart antennas use real-time high-precision GPS technology to improve survey results.
Turn to SITECH Horizon for Your Construction Surveying Needs
We provide a range of Trimble technologies for construction surveying tasks, like robotic total stations, field controllers and smart antennas to maximize the efficiency and productivity of surveying work. Browse our surveying tools or reach out to our team to learn how we can help.