Leica Captivate how-to videos on robotic total stations (Part 2/3): Automatic target aiming and automatic target locking

This article is the second of a series focussing on robotic total stations

Continuing with the Leica Captivate how-to videos, Paul Dainty, Leica Geosystems applications engineer, answers questions about the automation of Leica Geosystems robotic total stations.

Q1. Can you briefly explain how the automation on a Leica Geosystems robotic total station and MultiStation works?
With the term “automation,” we are referring to the capability of the instrument to perform tasks automatically, instead of requiring someone manually operating it. Such automated tasks include automatic target aiming and automatic target lock. Basically, with its motors and using ATRplus technology, the instrument can automatically search, find, aim to and follow a reflective target such as a prism. With Leica Captivate onboard, the Viva total stations and Nova MultiStations are the most advanced instruments ever, and these videos will explain how the automation works, and give tips on how to use it.

Q2. What is meant with “Automatic target aiming,” and why is it important for the user?
Automatic target aiming means the instrument can automatically aim to a prism with no need for the user to sight the prism through the telescope and manually align the crosshairs to it. Sometimes there are several hundred points to measure in a day, and automating this takes away the user error and eventual fatigue and that goes with repetitive tasks, meaning measurements remain fast and precise throughout the day, therefore reducing costly mistakes. To find out more watch the following How-to video.

Q3. And what is meant with “Automatic target locking,” and why is it important for the user?
Automatic target locking, or “lock” for short, means the instrument can follow the prism, and track its position, as the instrument stays locked to it. This removes the need for someone to operate the instrument and constantly aim at the prism each time a point needs to be measured.  The instrument can be operated remotely using a controller, meaning the measurements can be done by one person. Not only does this improve the efficiency of the work, but it also allows points to be measured faster and eliminates any communication issues that occur between the person on the pole and the person on the instrument. Learn more about it by watching the following video:

In the next blog post in this series, we will look at PowerSearch and PowerSearch filter.

1. Leica Captivate how-to videos on robotic total stations (Part 1/3): Introduction to robotic total stations
2. Leica Captivate how-to videos on robotic total stations (Part 2/3): Automatic target aiming and automatic target locking
3. Leica Captivate how-to videos on robotic total stations (Part 3/3): PowerSearch and PowerSearch filter

Do you want to learn more details?　

Read this White Paper giving insights into ATRplus, a technology by Leica Geosystems, which significantly increases automation performance of robotic total stations.