Top 10 Leica Surveying Equipment In Construction

Leica Surveying Equipment has been equipped with a software package to simplify the survey tasks. Thus, it is fast and effective. The Total Station is an optical instrument that uses the electronic distance meter and the electronic transit theodolite in the Construction Business.

Therefore, the Leica total stations can be used by a broad category of professionals, including engineers and archeologists; they are also used in land surveying to record manufactured features and topography.

Numerous construction and surveying applications exist, but Leica Total stations would be an excellent place to start if you are looking for one of the best options. Total Stations are ideal instruments used in modern surveying. A total station (TS) or theodolite (TST) is the optical or electronic device used in construction and surveying.

What is Leica Surveying Equipment, and how does it work?

A total station is an electronic transit theodolite with an integrated electronic distance measurement (EDM) system designed to simplify the measurement of horizontal and vertical angles and slope distances from the TS to one specific point.

The Total Stations also measure topographic elevations, and you could use them to carry out geodetic works and tachometric surveys. These measurement results will then be recorded directly into the device’s internal memory before they are transferred into your computer interface.

Besides recording excavations, these devices are also used by crime scene investigators, police, private accident reconstructionists, and insurance companies who use these devices to measure and evaluate scenes.

The Total Station is an electronic theodolite or transit integrated with the electronic distance meter or EDM, internal data storage, and external data collector.

Note that because these devices measure distances and angles in surveys and coordinates, the recorded measurements are in X, Y, and Z coordinate format for northing, easting, and elevation.

So, how do these stations work?

How do Total Stations Work?

While digital theodolites work great, the total stations work much better, so you must invest in the best Leica Total Stations. These devices are more accurate and versatile and quite efficient, making it very easy to take measurements and log in specific coordinates.

These devices make recording and measuring distances from particular reference points easy. So, the total station survey would be the most efficient option if you plan to run a complete survey.

So, how exactly do the Total Stations work?

Total Stations combine electronic theodolite, the electronic distance measuring device or EDM, and a microprocessor with a memory unit. Thanks to this combination, it would be possible for you to determine the correct coordinates of the reflector that align with the instruments’ crosshairs on the device’s reflector, simultaneously facilitating the measurement of the vertical and horizontal slope distances and angles.

The microprocessor in the Total Station is vital as it ensures that the Total Station takes care of the recordings, all readings, and computations.

The Total Stations can be used effectively where there are two points given when there’s only one coordinate provided, and the coordinate for the back station can be determined by any other method. Total Station can also be used when no coordinates are given, in which case, an arbitrary system could be used.

To measure/ record data from these locations, the devices, called Electronic Tachometers, will automatically calculate the vertical and horizontal angles and slope distances from a single setup.

The tachometers will instantaneously compute the elevations, vertical and horizontal components, and coordinates; these numbers will be displayed on an LCD screen.

Besides recording and computing data, the Total Stations also stores data on an external collector or board. If the coordinates from the occupied Station and the reference azimuth have been input into the system, the coordinates for the sighted point will be obtained immediately. Manual recording is avoided and eliminated where the information is stored in the automatic data collector.

Note that for the Leica Surveying Equipment to offer the most accurate data from some of the most delicate components, they must be carefully packed and transported, then handled with care as they are removed from their cases. Like ordinary Theodolites, the Total Stations include leveling, centering, and parallax removal.

What are the Advantages And Disadvantages of Total Stations?

Advantages of Total Stations

• Versatility: The most significant advantage that comes with the use of the Total Stations is that the device can be used for multiple purposes, including topographic, cadastral, construction/ project surveys, and hydrographic surveys.
• Quick setup made possible by the placement of the equipment on a tripod and the use of a laser plummet
• It’s programmed on a computational board area during the computation of the field area.
• Zero writing or recording errors, and it offers more accurate measurements than all other surveying instruments.
• Greater accuracy for the computational area and better database integration
• Easy integration and automation of the old maps
• Full GIS function and creation and computation at the required scale.
• It measures distances between 3 and 5km
• It comes with support for local languages.
• It offers a graphical view of plots and the land being surveyed.
• They are used for averaging multiple distances and angle measurements.
• Accessible data saving and transferability to PCs, easily integrating with the database.
• It’s fast and time-saving, and you cause it to run multiple tasks at the same time.

Disadvantages of Total Stations

• The surveying devices are pretty expensive in comparison with conventional instruments used in surveys,
• Some surveyors find them troublesome when investigating and checking the work/ area surveyed.
• Skilled surveyors can only operate it since working it isn’t straightforward.
• For thorough survey work, you’d need to return to the office and prepare new drawings, but only by using the right surveying software.

Functions of Leica Total Stations

• Making curvature along with refraction corrections for the elevations that are determined by different trigonometric leveling
• Correction of electronically concluded/ measured distances from atmospheric pressure, prism constant, and temperature.
• Total stations help reduce the slope distances in their vertical and horizontal components.
• The stations also help calculate the point elevations from vertical distance components. These components are supplemented with the keyboard input of the instruments and the reflector heights.

The other functions of the Total Stations include calculating coordinates for survey points from horizontal angles or distances. The different numbers computed include:

• Averages for multiple distances and angle measurements
• Vertical plus horizontal distances
• Inverses, resections, and polar
• Corrections for humidity, pressure, and temperature
• Computation of X, Y, and Z coordinates

How do you use Leica Total Station?

The operation of the Leica Total Station is a simple process that requires specialized use, but an understanding of the overall operational function is crucial.

To set up and operate this equipment, follow these steps.

• Setting up the Total Station

First, could you identify the right location to set up your survey equipment? The area you choose could be a known point known by specific coordinates, for example, a monument or a survey pin. Without a general location, you might place the surveyor’s stake with something like a crosshair in the ground, a crosshair pushed flush directly into the soil. The device should be set up without a coordinate on a specific distinct feature.

Next, open the survey-grade tripod, then extend the legs outwards to about three-quarters of its maximum extent, considering that you have to look through the Total Station’s eyepiece. When setting up the tripod and the Total Station’s eyepiece, it would be a good idea to set it up to a comfortable height for your use.

Once done, you will need to place your tripod at a position centered approximately over the top of the point and level with the legs spread evenly and broad enough for maximum stability. Could you make sure that one of the three tripod legs is firm on the ground, focusing the peg at the end of the leg for extra assistance?

Next up, attach your Total Station to the tripod stand using the underside screw at the top of your tripod mount. Snugly screw down your Total Station, then insert fresh batteries and a memory card into the appropriate spaces.

• Center and Level the Unit

Now that your Total Station is correctly fixed, it’s time for you to center and level the Total Station unit.

To do that, you must first turn on the unit by pressing the shift key and then the button (the button with the headlamp icon) to initialize the electronic level. The red plummet laser will come on (activated) and be visible directly on the ground. You’ll need to place your hand right beneath the Total Station unit to confirm the red point for verification.

Once the laser plummeted on, you must grasp the two other legs of your tripod right above the crosshair to plant the legs into the ground firmly.

Could you readjust the unit until the whole thing is centered for the correct setup?

Note that the electronic level works similarly to the bubble level on the conventional survey tribrach. A small leveling circle within the set crosshairs of your target circle will appear on the display screen. You can use the tribrach’s small black foot screws to adjust the unit’s level. The tilt values will grow smaller as you get closer to leveling the unit.

To finely calibrate your Total Station, use the small external survey bubble in the middle to get the approximate level.

• Determining the Instrument Height

This is also called H1, and it’s crucial when using Total Stations. The accurate height is necessary for the surveys because your Total Station will use that H1 value to simplify the calculation of the value of the survey point right on the ground, a fact based on geometrical offsets from a set optical sensor that records the survey measurements.

You need to space the brackets, extend the black leg’s height meter, and then remove the height meter plus the spacing brackets to ensure the right height for your Total Station.

Top 10 Leica Surveying Equipment for Surveyors used in construction and surveying applications

Califf Surveying offers professional Leica Surveying Equipment tools for working in construction. Here is the broad selection of Leica total stations we have, so you can find one that meets your specific needs.

1. Leica Nova MS60 ($24,900.00)

Nova MS60 from Leica is the new version of the world’s leading MultiStation, and it boasts elegant multitasking abilities. It offers advanced sensor fusion functions by combining the highest-end capabilities, GNSS connectivity, 3D laser scanning up to 30’000 points/ second, and digital imaging.

Nova MS60 from Leica also comes with Leica’s leading onboard software, Leica Captivate, which is easy to use and boasts top performance. The other features include AutoHeight and the Dynamic Lock, designed to enhance its performance.

Leica Nova ms60 – folks in the construction and survey industry can now perform all their surveying tasks with one instrument; the Leica Nova ms60  has successfully advanced sensor fusion by combining four crucial activities in one total Station. Therefore, the unit can be used for digital imaging; Leica 3D laser scanning enables GNSS connectivity and has total station capabilities.

The Leica Nova ms60 can also be used when analyzing complex structures and objects within a plant, utility, marine things, and construction. It can be used to measure buildings and structures, among other functions.

Pros 

• It can be used for both the real-time and periodic measurement of structures.
• Applicable in the construction and mining spheres to check on the surfaces and material volumes

Cons

• Problems with measurements in adverse weather conditions

2. Leica Viva TS16 ($15,900.00)

Designed with the revolutionary Leica Captivate software, Leica Viva TS16 offers the most realistic 3D models that are pretty workable. The world’s nest self-learning Total Station is made with the most intuitive technology that will adjust to different environments.

Leica Viva TS16 engaging software offers infinite opportunities while providing the best customer care support at the click of a button.

It further sports the 5-generation ATRplus that takes the device’s automation performance to a high level.

Leica Viva ts16 boasts of its comprehensive imaging capability, which enables users to capture the exact conditions of any work site. Even better is that the unit incorporates the Leica Captivate software, known to turn complex data into a realistic and workable 3D model. The total Station works seamlessly by transmitting on-site information back to the office.

The unit has also incorporated the ATR plus technology, enabling the total Station to focus only on your target, thus giving zero consideration to other distractions within the environment.

Pros

• The unit is equipped with engaging software.
• The seamless data transfer keeps all the projects on track

Cons

• Needs software upgrade

3. Leica TS12 ($6,950.00)

Leica TS12 is one of the best robotic surveying packages that allow for the best find/ search, lock, and measure settings up to 1km with one click.

It delivers high accuracy and reliability, optical range balance, beam balance, time measurement, and laser-dot size measurement.

Leica TS12 is robotic surveying that will find, lock, and measure up to 1000m with a single key press.

The Leica ts12 is a total station designed for the future; first, because it offers a 1000m range, prism not included, but with the lock icon, the TS12 will stay locked to your prism. The unit has also been equipped with a powerful search necessary to locate your prism moments after setup, the location notwithstanding.

Professionals on the ground who are into surveying and construction applications can expect a fast response from the Leica total station. The unit also has a lightweight CS10 radio field controller with fully integrated antenna technology for secure, fast, and long-range wireless connectivity.    

Pros

• The unit is simple to use and offers clear graphics
• Incorporated the best search lock measure

Cons

• It involves a steep learning curve before the use

4. Leica MS50 ($19,500.00)

This Leica MS50 is one of the first Multistation instruments with high efficiency, precision, accuracy, versatility, and quality. It offers the most integrated scanning for all details and unmatched versatility thanks to using the best technologies and imaging assistance for all situations.

The Leica ms50 is considered the world’s first multistation and can only be described in four words, smart, fast, better, and straightforward. The unit combines the total Station’s functionality in one instrument; you will also be able to find GNNS connectivity, 3D laser scanning, and digital imaging.

Leica ms50 is still part of the Leica Nova Solution. Therefore, it contains an integrated data flow, which is straightforward; the total Station was built on the latest technology. Their services and support are accessible globally.

Pros

• The unit emphasizes high dynamic automation.
• Power search allows quick finding of the target points

Cons

• Low sampling rate

5. Leica Nova TS60 ($19,900.00)

Regarded as the most accurate of Total Stations, this Leica Nova TS60 is a piece of precise total station equipment with AutoHeight, Dynamic Lock, and Leica Captivate.

Leica TS60 has the highest accuracy level on stakeout tasks, measurement of structures and buildings, reference network and monitoring measurements, control of the slab track installations, and clearance surveys.

The Leica Nova TS60 is believed to be the world’s most accurate total Station and can effectively tackle the most demanding projects. The total Station will afford you a high-level performance even in the harshest conditions, whether the heat shimmer and reflections; or rain, dust, and fog.

An exciting feature of this unit that is significantly missing in other Leica total stations is that it will provide you with the fastest re-lock in the event of an interrupted line of sight.

Pros

• It can be used when measuring buildings and structures
• offers high accuracy on stakeout tasks

Cons

• Dependent on computers for map making

6. Leica TS02 ($4,360.00)

As part of the FlexLine line of Total Stations by Leica, the Leica TS02 is one of the primary Total Stations that boasts state-of-the-art simplicity, a low number of operational elements, and the largest HD displays in its class. Its design makes it one of the best Total Stations for new users.

Leica ts02 turns out to be the perfect unit for standard measuring, and by utilizing the standard application software, it has been configured for moderate-accuracy applications. Transfer of information is seamless and convenient via the incorporated Bluetooth technology, and processing is through the Leica smartworx Viva or any other relevant software.

The Total Station uses Lithium-ion batteries necessary for long life, takes a short time to charge, and has an operation time of up to 20hrs.

Pros

• Features an ergonomic key layout and a large display
• The Flexline is water and dust protected

Cons

• Initial costs are high

7. Leica TS15 ($7,500.00)

Leica TS15 is a total R400 Imaging Total Station that offers the best in class robotic surveying.

It takes image notes, imaging for assisted surveying, and the best search, lock, and measure features for reliable performance and accurate photo documentation of all the site conditions surveyed.

Leica Ts15 can be a handy surveying instrument given the incorporated features; for example, the advanced image sensor features a unique capture sketch link functionality that allows photo documentation of the site conditions.

The unit has also incorporated image-assisted surveying, enabling users to tap on the display, and the total Station will turn and measure the relevant target.

Users also can easily integrate the full GNSS functionality into their total Station and combine it with TPS. 

Pros

• Allows users to capture image notes
• Unique power search is capable of quickly finding your prism

Cons

• Usage involves a steep learning curve

8. Leica Flexline TS07 ($6,090.00)

Boasting a mid-to-high accuracy range, this Leica FlexLine manual Total Station offers high precision and efficiency. It’s the new generation manual total station with AutoHeight for revolutionized height measurement. 

Leica Flexline TS07 uses the FlexField Leica software for intuitive, easy-to-use, and comprehensive usage.

Leica geosystems cater to all categories of users. For the professionals who use the manual total stations, the Leica Ts07 is your unit, as it will allow you to stake out tasks quickly.  The unit has been determined to serve at least four groups of professionals: civil engineers, surveyors, mapping professionals, and building constructionists.

So what benefits can the above group derive from this total Station? They can expect minimal downtime for those in the construction field; surveyors will benefit from product durability, increasing their planning certainty.

Pros

• The Total Station is pretty intuitive to use
• The total cost of ownership is budget-friendly

Cons

• Problems with a clear line of sight in adverse weather

9. Leica TS13 ($11,800.00)

This scalable mid-range robotic total Station is now regarded as the new standard for the most efficient surveying.

Leica TS13 is upgradeable and offers infinite possibilities thanks to Leica Infinity and Leica Captivate software for data simplification, 3Ds, and fast information processing.

Leica Ts13 is a unique total station that allows users to upgrade and thus benefits from additional functionalities. The unit has incorporated engaging software and can turn complex data into workable 3D models, which can be communicated back to the office using Leica infinity.

The seamless data transfer ensures that the project stays on track and with high productivity; the Leica total station also features an automatic target recognition technology that contributes to a fast lock on prisms and offers accurate measures to targets.

Pros

• Project editing is fast and efficient thanks to Leica infinity software and captivation.
• Users are sure of accurate measurements of targets

Cons

• Not easy to use

10. Leica Nova TM50 ($15,500.00)

Fitted with unique and high-performance components, this total station boasts one of the best monitoring solutions seamlessly integrated with other complete solutions.

Leica TM50 also features GNSS antennas, receivers, and geotechnical sensors for the best management and monitoring systems. The software integrated and IT communication infrastructures further enhance its performance.

It features a 30X magnification telescope camera with autofocus and an overview camera for the best processing and complete visual documentation. Leica GeoMoS software offers a high level of flexibility for deformation monitoring systems.

Leica Nova tm50 is a total station necessary for the management and monitoring of structures; the unit has, therefore, been equipped with advanced image processing technology, thus delivering good quality images best for visual documentation of the relevant environment.

Additionally, users can inspect the obstructions in the line of sight for safety in high-risk environments. The Leica total station is also known to offer perfect results under the bright sun or pitch darkness.

Pros

• It can be used in varied climatic conditions.
• Incorporated a state-of-the-art image-processing technology

Cons

• Hard to achieve accuracy in adverse weather conditions

Conclusion

The Leica Total Stations come in different designs and run on the most advanced surveying software. Multistation, Robotic, and Manual Total Stations offer some of the best functionalities to ensure the best surveying functions for varied applications.

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