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the accuracy of the GS18-T was within a tenth of a
foot of our TPS derived location.

TECH So, what is the GS18-I? This antenna allows for visual
positioning with an internal camera and the same tilt
TALK technology as the GS18-T. Again, per Leica’s write up,

you can quickly capture a site in images and measure
points from them either in the field or later in the office.
GNSS Smart Antenna It’s a GNSS antenna with a camera and IMU that

By Michael Lewis, LS allows you to map that hard-to-reach area by capturing
Young Professionals Committee Member images of it for post processing and point extraction.

Previously, I had written a tech talk article about You now have the ability to walk a construction site
Technidea’s ZipLevel. A precision altimeter that and locate scanner targets set on columns or beams
can perform several tasks with respect to carrying with survey grade accuracy. Again, this application
elevations, measuring elevations, computing volumes, works when used properly and within the accuracy of your
etc. When applied correctly and within the scope of project’s requirements. When we think 3D scanning,
the accuracy your project requires, it’s another tool we often think control that needs to be adjusted and
for your toolbox to consider in this ever-expanding accurate to thousandths of a foot. In most cases, this
landscape of one person field crews. With this article, is absolutely true. But what if the scanning project was
I bring you Leica’s newest GNSS smart antenna, the to demolish a bridge crossing a body of water? What if
GS18-T and GS18-I (well, new to me anyway). the targets for these scans only need to be accurate to
0.2 feet or better? What if the targets cannot be seen
The GS18-T is a smart antenna that combines from land easily? The ability to visually position the
GNSS and inertial micro units (IMUs) to allow tilt targets with a GNSS antenna that is referencing your
compensation solutions. Simply put, you no longer
need to watch and level the bubble on your GPS rod own base station set on project control offers hours of
while measuring points (as per Leica’s write up of the time saved. If the procedure is tested in advance and
antenna). Leica states you can achieve uninterrupted, targets on columns are redundantly located with total
accurate positioning when surrounded by or in station measurements, you may see that the differences
close proximity to metallic objects. It works without are small enough to not affect your work.
any calibration procedure straight out of the box. It is well known in our profession that technology
The software employed has the ability to measure is giving us the ability to do our jobs faster, more
points with a levelled rod and save tilt values of your accurately and in more difficult situations than ever
measurements for checking in the office. So, when before. At times, I feel as though the capability of the
applied properly, this is another way of speeding technology is moving much faster than our ability to
up certain tasks your field crew may perform on keep up and vet the data we collect. Just going out,
a site. Can’t quite see the fire hydrant behind that “pushing buttons”, and coming back to the office with
large dump truck? Instead of using a total station, a ton of data does not always equate to being accurate.
setting your spur point and performing another set We need to use these tools in the right situations and
up, you can lean the antenna over the top of it and apply them properly for the tasks at hand. However,
capture the position. Trying to locate a building time is money and by performing tasks quicker,
under construction? Yes, you can even locate those better profits are achieved. Leica’s smart antennas
corners with the tilt compensator. Our office tested do everything their predecessors did. But with these
this feature out by double checking the location of a added features, they become a valuable part of your
building with total station measurements. We found current toolbox.

EMPIRE STATE SURVEYOR / VOL. 58• NO 4/ 2022 • JULY/AUGUST 11