Setting out with a GNSS antenna requires total concentration. Looking at the instructions and values on the controller screen, moving the pole to the required position, and ensuring the pole is vertical by centering the pole bubble – all at the same time – needs careful execution and is not easy, especially when time pressure is high.

With a conventional GNSS RTK rover, setting out is a rather slow and methodical procedure. This is because the pole needs to be held vertically at the same time as looking at the setting out information on the controller screen all the while moving the pole into position. The GNSS position is calculated to the antenna, which is fixed onto a 1.8m or 2m pole. Hence, for the setting out information on the screen to be correct, the pole must be held vertically by centering the pole bubble.

To set out a position accurately, the surveyor needs to perform several tasks at the same time:

•  Look at the setting out instructions and values on the controller screen
•  Walk and orientate: Move the pole to the required position so that the stake values are close to zero
•  Ensure the pole is vertical by centering the pole bubble

Now imagine being able to set out without needing to perform this iterative process… With the new Leica GS18 T, setting out is more convenient and faster than ever before.

“The GS18 T is the first GNSS RTK rover to allow staking out with a tilted pole. Because the GS18 T combines seamlessly with the Leica Captivate field software, tilt compensated measurements are possible in any app within the software. We can measure and stake points, lines, roads or whatever is needed, all with a tilted pole.” Paul Dainty, Application engineer at Leica Geosystems.

Watch How Fast It Really Is:

How Does Tilt Compensation Work?

For the GS18 T, Leica Geosystems developed a very special IMU and a patented method of combining the IMU and GNSS data. With this new technology, it is not necessary anymore to rely on a magnetometer to calculate the tilt direction for each measurement. The GS18 T with tilt compensation is calibration free and the sensor is immune to magnetic disturbances. With its remarkable ability, to use it not only for measuring but also for staking out, the GS18 T is different from all other tilt compensating GNSS sensors currently in the market.

Setting out is made much faster because the tilt compensation removes the need to centre the bubble to make the pole vertical. This means that when setting out with the Leica GS18 T, the surveyor only needs to do the following two steps:

•  Look at the setting out instructions and values on the controller screen
•  Move the pole tip to the required position so that the stake values are close to zero

With the new Leica GS18 T setting out can be done quickly, confidently and accurately with the minimum of fuss and reduced stress. Simply get the job done faster.

Experience The Leica GS18 T For Yourself – Request A Demo