Geospatial Modeling & Visualization | A Method Store for Advanced Survey and Modeling Technologies

C10 Scanning Checklist

Everyday pre-scanning check:

Check to ensure glass window and lens are free of dust, smudges and fogging. Clean if needed.
Photograph scanner location if desired.

C10 scanner setup

Set up tripod as level as possible.
Always pick up scanner with two hands – one ALWAYS on the top handle. Do not let go of the top handle until the scanner is fully secured on the tripod.
Level tribrach before turning scanner on.
Power scanner on.
Fine tune using digital level in the Level and Laser Plummet menu
Create new project: Manage > New. Enter name and press Enter. Click Store button. Click Cont.
Select Scan icon. Click StdStp. DO NOT click ‘Cont’ as this will add more data into STN1.
Set desired scan field in Fld of View window. Target All = full dome scan.
Set desired resolution in Resolution window.
Set the image exposure in the ImgCtr window.
Select Sc+Img or Scan button depending on whether you want to collect color or not.
NEVER take the scanner off the tripod until it has completely shut down and the FAN HAS TURNED OFF*.

*If the fan has not turned off after several minutes, and it is not excessively hot outside, the scanner may not have shutdown properly. In this case, press down the power button and wait for three beeps (beep.. pause… beep beep). This will result in a hard shut down of the system.

Posted in Checklist | Tagged C10, close range scanning, Data Collection, Leica, scanning res 0.1-1 millimeters

Using the Bartington Grad 601 with Two Sensors in the Field

[wptabs mode=”vertical”] [wptabtitle] Using the Bartington Grad 601 with Two Sensors in the Field[/wptabtitle] [wptabcontent]Using the Bartington Grad 601 with Two Sensors in the Field
Jason T. Herrmann
Center for Advanced Spatial Technologies
University of Arkansas
written for the geophysical field school at Tell el-Amarna, January, 2011

The following is a simplified version of the concepts and steps described in the Bartington Grad601-2 manual colored with some of the practices and preferences of the author. These instructions assume that you have a survey area selected and gridded for survey. Surveys are most often conducted by methodically covering 20 x 20 meter squares set in a grid. The Grad601-2 has two gradiometers mounted on a trapeze that is one meter long, but archaeological surveys are often conducted at 50cm resolution. To achieve this density of readings, the surveyor will need to plot a survey strategy that has overlapping coverage under the span of the trapeze. For more detail on this and other aspects of instrument or survey methods, see the Bartington Grad601-2 survey manual.

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[wptabtitle] Prepare for Survey [/wptabtitle] [wptabcontent]
Be Metal Free
It is important that the user be absolutely metal free for the survey. After you let the instrument warm up, you can check to see if your survey wear is metal free by running the Grad 601-2 in SCAN mode and moving your body around the sensors paying particular attention to your shoes, waistline, wrists and headgear. If there is a change in the readings outside of normal drift (±0.2 nT), then you should identify the magnetic item and remove it from your person before survey.[/wptabcontent]

[wptabtitle] Let the Instrument Warm Up[/wptabtitle] [wptabcontent]
Letting the instrument warm up as you set the survey grid will help you to avoid any drift in readings as you survey. Assemble and turn on the gradiometer as soon as you get into the field.[/wptabcontent]

[wptabtitle] Assemble the Gradiometer[/wptabtitle] [wptabcontent]
If you are using the CAST gradiometer, be aware that it has been found that the sensor with the serial number 157 prefers to be on the left and 168 works better on the right. This will make tuning in the field go much more quickly. Slide the gradiometer rods into the clamps on the trapeze and firmly tighten the screws to lock the gradiometers into place. Attach the gradiometers to the data logger by screwing the connector wires into the gradiometers. Don the harness and adjust the straps so that the harness is comfortable. There is a strap to extend the belt on the harness if you need it. Use the plastic clips on the harness to hang the trapeze from the harness using the rubber rings. Adjust the straps on the harness to get the sensors as close to the ground as possible but still high enough to walk smoothly and comfortably. Having the sensors hang 20cm above the ground surface is ideal.

Press the ON/OFF button to activate the Grad601-2.[/wptabcontent]
[wptabtitle] Conducting Survey : Setting Parameters[/wptabtitle] [wptabcontent]

Use the arrow keys to navigate the menu in the data logger and press STEP to cycle through the options for each menu item. The individual parameters and available settings are explained below with the standard selection in bold:

Pace: the walking pace of the operator. Most surveys are between 0.7 and 1.0 secs. Since the data you record is an average of almost continuous variation sensed by the instrument during data collection, the slower you walk, the smoother your data will be.
Grid Size: select the size of grid – 10 x 10, 20 x 20, 30 x 30 or 40 x 40m.
Start: select the starting direction of the grid, N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W or NW. This depends on your grid orientation. If your grid is oriented north and you are starting in the southwest corner then you may want to select N or NW as your starting direction. Pattern: select the traverse pattern to be followed – Parallel or ZIGZAG.
Lines/m: select the required number of data lines per meter – 1, 2 or 4. Two (2) lines per meter is standard (50cm transect spacing).
Samples/m: select the number of samples per meter along each line – 1, 2, 4 or 8. 8 samples per meter is the standard setting, but is not available for grids of 40 x 40m.
Range: select the full scale range of 100nT (resolution 0.03nT) or 1000nT (resolution 0.1nT).
Audio: select the audio output for scanning and survey operations – off or ON.
Volume: select volume – HIGH or low.
Threshold: select the deviation in nT at which the alarm is required to operate during a scan operation – increments in units, tens and hundreds and thousands of nT. When the field deviates by the level selected, the ALARM message will be shown in the display for the appropriate sensor, and the audio output rate will start to increase. The audio tone varies from the value set to about ten times this value. This depends on the background values at your survey site. 100nT is generally a safe threshold.
Sensors: select the number of sensors to be used – 1 or 2
Reject: select the frequency of 50 or 60Hz to reduce noise in the data.[/wptabcontent]
[wptabtitle] Tuning the Instrument [/wptabtitle] [wptabcontent]

What you will need:

Grad 601-2
Compass
Stakes or markers

One of the many wonderful things about the Bartington Grad 601-2 is how easy it is to tune.

Before you begin to tune the instrument, set the gradiometer to SCAN and see if you can find a magnetically ‘quiet’ spot to tune.
Use a compass to lay out a place where you can tune the instrument. You will need to accurately identify the cardinal directions, so mark the four cardinal directions with nonmagnetic materials in the magnetically quiet spot that you have identified.
Now you are ready to tune the instrument. Navigate to ADJUST GRADIOMETER and follow the simple directions to zero the instrument. To get the best adjustment, try to elevate the magnetometer as high as possible above the ground. If you don’t have a nonmagnetic stool or ladder, hold the instrument high over your head. Try your best to be consistent in holding the instrument in the same space throughout the tuning process. If the instrument is exceptionally out of tune, the Grad 601-2 may ask you to repeat the process. Once you have finished tuning, run SCAN and look at the measurements coming in to the gradiometers while facing north in the spot where you have tuned. They should both be close to 0.0 nT.
With the Grad 601-2 strapped to the harness, go to the start point of your survey and stand as if you are ready to begin survey. Take note of the readings at this point while the Grad 601-2 is scanning. After several grid squares, come back to this point and see if you get similar readings. If they are different by more than 0.5nT, you will want to adjust the gradiometer again before continuing.

[/wptabcontent]

[wptabtitle] Collecting Data [/wptabtitle] [wptabcontent]

Remember, this set of instructions assumes that you have already set up your survey grid and that you are using two sensors mounted one meter apart.

Stand at the “lower left” corner of your survey square where the end of your first transect would be the ‘top’ of the survey square. Face the survey direction. If your transects are oriented to the north, this would be the southwest corner. Be sure to start all surveys in the same corner.
If you are surveying with two sensors and plan a map that has transects that are spaced at 50cm, you will need to pass over the grid so that the survey transects shuffle together during survey. On your first transect, you would walk a line that is 75cm from the corner. Your return transect would be 1.25m from the corner.
Press ENTER or the green button on the trapeze when you begin a line. If you have set the parameters correctly and walked at the correct pace the Grad601-2 will beep every time you pass over a meter mark on your survey rope and beep twice at the end of the transect.
Press ESC or the red button on the trapeze to stop survey during a traverse.
If you have made a mistake, you can delete the current line (or if completed, the last line) by navigating to BACK ONE TRAV and pressing ENTER. You will delete another line every time you press ENTER.
Continue the survey until the square is finished. Stopping during survey could introduce some unwelcome interference into your data.

[/wptabcontent]

[wptabtitle] Take a Break[/wptabtitle] [wptabcontent]
It is okay to leave the Grad 601-2 on if you are going to take a short break. When not surveying, please try to leave the instrument in the shade. If there is no shade cover, at least protect the computer/data logger with a cloth to protect it from the sun.

Turn the Grad 601-2 off if you are taking a longer break, say for second breakfast or lunch. You will need to re-adjust the instrument when you begin survey again.[/wptabcontent]
[wptabtitle] Downloading Data [/wptabtitle] [wptabcontent]

The Bartington Grad 601-2 will organize data from a zig-zag survey with two sensors as if it were collected with one sensor with a unidirectional survey prior to downloading, therefore no additional organization of readings is required after downloading. This applies for all three downloading methods.

What you will need:

Bartington data logger
Bartington Grad601 software
Download cable (and driver if necessary)
Computer

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[wptabtitle] Download Steps [/wptabtitle] [wptabcontent]

Make sure you have the Bartington Gradiometer download utility installed on your computer. This small program can be downloaded from Bartington Instruments’ website or installed from a disk that should be packed with the gradiometer.
Connect the computer to the Grad 601-2 via the serial port in the back of the Gradiometer. Use a serial to USB connector if your computer does not have a serial port (as most new laptops do not). If you are using a serial to USB cable, be sure to install the proper driver for the cable before attempting to download.
Activate the Bartington download utility.
Choose OUTPUT DATA from the menu on the Grad 601-2 data logger. When you do, the screen should read WAITING FOR PC.
Identify the correct COM port for download. If you just installed a driver for a cable, you were probably notified which port the driver was applied to.
Choose the data format for download. XYZ format is recommended, as it is the most versatile and can be recognized by most programs.
Hit START when you are ready to download and watch the bytes pour in!
The download software will ask you to save the data when you are finished. Generally, you will want to Save All files, and save them with a unique identifier. One recommended file naming strategy is to save data with a name that includes the date they were collected and the sequential number of the grid square collected. For example, data from the first three grid squares collected on January 13 would be saved as 01-13-01, 0113-02 and 01-13-03. To save all the grids from January 13 in this scheme, enter “01-13-“ in the windows explorer window when prompted to choose a name for the files. The grid number will automatically be added after the dash.
You will get two files for each grid square, a .dat file that will hold the data and a .hdr file that has the parameters for each grid square.

[/wptabcontent]
[wptabtitle] Charging and Care [/wptabtitle] [wptabcontent]

The Grad 601-2 holds a charge that will serve many days of survey. When you need to charge the battery, slide the charge port cover over and attach the AC charger. This charger has interchangeable plugs for use outside of the United States.[/wptabcontent] [/wptabs]

Posted in Scanning, Setup Operations | Tagged Bartington, CAST, Data Collection, Fluxgate, format txt, Geophysics, Grad601, Grad601-2, gradiometer, Shortcut Guide, Sub-meter

Trimble 5600 Robotic Total Station Checklist

In addition to all instrument components, the following will be useful in the field:

Lens paper.
Trimble Survey Controller Software CD. This has ActiveSync on it, and the help files are by far more useful than the printed manuals in the big yellow case. Also, if for some reason survey controller was not functioning on the data logger you could reinstall it.
A step-stool, so that you can set up the instrument higher and gain better range.
Extra bi-pod attachment for rod—especially if you are surveying by yourself.

Posted in Checklist | Tagged CAST, GPS model 5600, Trimble GPS

Trimble 5600 Robotic Total Station Field Operation

The following is a workflow for acquiring and downloading data using the Trimble 5600 Robotic Total Station. These instructions were written specifically for acquiring microtopographic data in the context of archaeological sites, using local coordinates.

DATA ACQUISITION

STEP 1: Create a new job. (This can be done any time prior to data collection, such as the night before, etc.)

Power up the data logger and open Survey Controller software. Go to Files -> new job. Enter and name for you job and fill in the parameters.
To use a simple plane coordinate system that is local to your site, select a “scale factor only” coordinate system and enter a scale factor of 1.
Enter the distance units. You do not need to have any linked files, background files, or feature library.
Cogo settings should be set to “grid.” Grid coordinates “increase north-east, and magnetic declination is zero degrees.
Fill in any other fields if you wish, such as a name for the operator.
If you have any pre-surveyed datums that you will use, you can key them in by choosing Key in -> points. Name the point and give it Easting, Northing and Elevation. Check the “control point” box if this is a datum or backsight point.

STEP 2: Set up the Instrument on tripod:

Position tripod over marker and get it centered (with fastener in the center) and as level as you can.
Push in the tripod legs firmly to make the tripod stable.
Mount instrument onto tripod. Keep one had on the instrument and use the other to hand-tighten the fastener knob to secure the instrument. Make sure the instrument is centered on the platform.
Check the optical plumb. If the crosshairs are not within about 2 cm of your marker you will need to move the tripod by repositioning the legs until it is close to the center. Keep one hand on the instrument while doing this and continue until your crosshairs are within 2 cm of the target.
After tripod legs are firmly in the ground, level the platform. To do this, use the latches on the tripod legs until the bubble is close to the center.
Use the fine-leveling knobs to center the bubble in the fish-eye.
Check the optical plumb. If the crosshairs are not centered over your target, loosen the fastener at the base of the instrument and slide the instrument to center it. If there is not enough slide room to do this, you will need to start over again at step 4.
If centered, use the fine-leveling knobs once again to center the bubble in the fish-eye.
Attach large battery pack to tripod leg connect power with a cable from any of the ports on the batter pack to the port on the underside of the instrument. Do not turn power on yet!

STEP 3: Set up the rod.

Assemble rod with wheel or spike bottom attachment (probably use the spike first so you can more accurately backsight) and a reflector prism on top (the one in the leather bag is best because it is not directionally sensitive).
Assemble radio by connecting battery to bottom and antenna to top. Attach radio to rod.
Attach data logger to rod with holder.
Connect the data logger to the radio via serial port to BOTTOM radio port.
Connect the prism to the radio.
Connect the prism to radio top port.
Close any applications if they are open on the data logger!!!
Turn on power for everything in this order: data logger, radio, prism, instrument (rubber button).

STEP 4: Station setup:

Open Survey Controller software on data logger and wait for radios to establish communication. Be patient—this could take 2-3 minutes. The level screen should appear if all goes well.
If needed, level again using the knobs on the instrument and watching the data logger screen. When the bubble is centered say OK and wait for instrument to calibrate itself (it will rotate around two times and beep).
If necessary, create a new job at this time by selecting Files ->New Job. If you are continuing from a previous day at the same site everything should already be correct for the project so just enter a new name and accept/store this. (You can use the same project file for an entire site, but due to data volume it may be better to create a new job each day).
From the menu screen select Survey -> 5600 -> station setup.
Enter the temperature and pressure (use 30 in. if you don’t know the pressure) and accept.
Select the instrument location from a list if you previously keyed it in. Otherwise, key in the point name that the instrument is centered over and enter the height by measuring with the tent-pole measuring stick from the ground to the asterisk on the instrument’s side.
Select from a list the point you are backsighting to, or enter a new one in manually, then enter the height of the rod. NOTE—the larger wheels add exactly 10 cm to the rod height. If using these lawn-mower wheels add 10 cm to the height listed on the rod.
If this is a new point, key in the azimuth. Enter.
Go to the backsight point, make sure target is locked, level the rod, then and measure the point (You can specify the number of readings to average by selecting the options button here). Store this measurement.
You should get a message that says station setup completed. Your error is displayed if this was a previously surveyed point.

STEP 5: Collecting data—this is what was decided upon for archaeological site surveys. The goal is to cover a large area quickly but also systematically. Site already has grid markers every 20 meters, so each 20 x 20 m square is surveyed in transects with flags as guidance.

Set up flags for yourself to guide your transects. Placing flags every 5 meters on two sides of a 20 x 20 m square works well for guidance in transects.
Go to Survey ->continuous topo. Select distance or time and an increment. Time and 1 second work well.
You can watch the data as you collect it on a map. Before starting, click on the map button.
Now use the switch button to go back to continuous topo.
Double click on the instrument icon in the upper left and select tracking mode.
When ready, you will need to establish line-of-sight with the instrument so it can begin tracking you. It can be done alone by waving the prism in front of the instrument until you hear the logger say “target locked.” After this, slowly back away from the instrument and try to keep the target locked. Once you are about 5 meters away you can begin to move faster and walk at a normal pace. It is much easier is to have someone sight you in when you are about 10 meters or more away. The sighting is effortless; as it will lock on to the target once it is close. Finally, a third option is to somehow position the rod vertically by itself 10 meters or more away and then sight it in yourself. (A bi-pod is available for the rod, and is often used for the RTK system).
When ready, click start and then use the switch button to get to the map.
Now the map will show you the points you have collected and pan with you as you go. (If it does not pan, click options and check the pan as you go option).
If you need to stop, you have to switch back to continuous topo and click end. You can resume again by pressing start.

NOTE: Batteries last longer than the battery gage suggests!

The batteries for the instrument are the first to die, but they do last a full 8-hour day. When the data logger shows that they are at 0% they will last for another 2-3 hours! Keep working and ignore this. When the batteries are fully drained you will get a warning on the data logger and then it will shut down. You can then use the spare battery (one single battery) with the single battery adapter for another ~2 hours of survey.
The data logger batteries last at least 12 hours.
The rod battery lasts at least 10 hours.
The rover radio battery lasts at least 10 hours.

STEP 5: Ending a survey, or taking a break.

If you are going to take a break for longer than ~10 minutes, escape out of the map and continuous topo screens.
Next, close the Survey Controller software. Select yes to power down the instrument and disconnect the logger from the radio when prompted.
The instrument and radio should be off now. Turn off the data logger and system and leave in a safe place until you are ready to survey again. If you are leaving the tripod and instrument assembled for a lunch break, etc., place the white hood over the instrument.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU LOSE RADIO CONTACT

You will lose radio contact (losing EDM contact will often cause you to lose radio contact) and/or tracking ability if you:

Lose line-of-sight with the instrument for more than a few seconds.
Are surveying more than approximately 150 meters from the instrument, depending on the terrain and atmospheric conditions, OR if you are trying to survey too close to the instrument (within 10 meters is tedious, and within 5 meters is impossible).
Are trying to operate in rain, fog, or very humid conditions.

Possible solutions to these problems:

Set up the instrument as high off the ground as possible (it is helpful to have a stool when setting up) and on a high point with good visibility to the area you will survey.
Plan your instrument location to be within about 150 meters of the area you will survey. Also, if possible set up the instrument over a point that you will not need to survey. Finally, you will probably have to set up the instrument in more than one location to cover all the area you wish.
Wait until the air is relatively clear. Thought the equipment is water resistant, the EDM does not work when the air is full mist. Also, avoid working in rainy conditions because prolonged exposure to moisture will likely damage the equipment.
To recover from a temporary loss of radio contact simply say ok to the error messages. When you are back in contact you should be prompted to level the instrument and enter other station setup parameters. Follow this as usual and then begin surveying again.

If radio contact is still not functioning, you may have to reset the instrument’s radio settings. To do so:

Disconnect data logger and turn it off. Turn off the radio if you were using it.
Connect the face plate.
Turn on the face plate and follow the prompts (this may include leveling using the fine-leveling knobs). When screen displays “HA/VA:” you are ready to set the radio communications.
Using the face-plate keys, enter the following: menu, 1 (set), 5 (radio). Then press 1 (enter) as many times as necessary until you are back to the “HA/VA:” screen.
Turn the instrument power off and remove face plate.

DOWNLOADING DATA FROM TRIMBLE SURVEY CONTROLLER

Install Microsoft ActiveSync to your computer (desktop/laptop).
Run ActivSync via Start>Programs>ActiveSync
If the “Get Connected” dialogue does not appear automatically, select “Get Connected” from ActiveSync’s File menu.
Make sure no software is operating on either the computer or the data logger.
Connect the data logger to the computer using the black serial port connecter (has 9 pinhole connecter at both ends) and select Next>.
ActiveSync will search for the data logger. If successful, the data logger will beep and ask if you want to connect. Click YES.
If this is unsuccessful try a different com port on you computer and try again. If still no success check the port setting on the data logger under My Computer>Control Panel>PC Connections.
If successful, ActiveSync prompts you to create a “New Partnership.” Select NO.
You should now be connected and can explore the files on the data logger.
To transfer an ASCII file you first need to create it (convert from the original Trimble format) on the data logger using Survey Controller software:
1. Open Survey Controller and open the job where the data to be transferred is stored. (Files>Open Job).
2. Select Files>Import/Export>send ASCII data.
3. Under “File Format” select “Comma Delimited (*.CSV, *.TXT)”
4. Under “Send to” select “Trimble Data.”
5. Under “To Name” give your data file a name.
6. Select the fields for each of the data components. For example: Point name: Field1, Point Code: Field5, Northing: Field2, Easting: Field3, and Elevation Field4.
7. Select “All Points” to convert all the points in the currently open job to ASCII.
8. Select “Send” (lower-right corner). After the file is completed you should get a message that says “Transfer complete.”
9. Now you can explore the files in the controller through ActiveSync on your computer.
From the ActiveSync window in your controller select the “Explore” icon.
You can copy the file(s) you created by browsing to My Computer DiskTrimble Data. Then paste these files somewhere on you computer.

POTENTIAL PROBLEM: ActiveSync seems to take control of the port you used to download so when you attempt to download data from other devices (a digital camera, for example) your computer may not recognize it. Here is what ActiveSync Help says to do about it if this is a problem:

Free a COM port from ActiveSync:

Connect the other type of device, such as a digital camera, to your desktop computer.
In the Device Not Recognized dialog box, click Disconnect COM Port.
The COM port is now available. If the other device still cannot connect with your desktop computer, you may need to assign the COM port to the other device through the other device’s connectivity program. For more information, see the documentation that came with that device.

Note: If the Device Not Recognized dialog box is not displayed, free the COM port in the Connection Settings dialog box. On the File menu, click Connection Settings. Clear Allow serial cable or infrared connection to this COM port.

CHARGING BATTERIES:

INSTRUMENT/RADIO BATTERIES:

Charging the instrument and radio batteries is tricky. You can only charge 4 at a time, but you have five batteries. The charger allows you to hook up four batteries at a time, but only charges one at a time. Each of the five batteries takes 2-3 hours to charge. So, you will need at least 10 hours to charge them, and will have to babysit them for the first 2-3 hours.
Remove the three instrument batteries from the multi-pack.
Plug in the POWER SUPPLY (part no. 571 906 146) to an AC outlet.
Connect the TRIMBLE SUPER CHARGER (part no. 571 906 145) to the POWER SUPPLY via the car-cigarette-lighter-adapter.
You have five identical battery charger cords that are straight (not coiled) and have identical connecters on each end. You will use four of them (the fifth is for charging the rod). Connect each of four batteries to the SUPER CHARGER. If this is done in the correct order then the green light that is farthest to the left (when you hold the charger so you can read the labels) should be on steady. If this is not the case, one by one you should unplug and replace each of the cables so that the left-most green light is the only light on. The green light means that the battery connected to that port is charging.
When the first battery is fully charged, the green light will begin flashing. At this point you can remove the charged battery and replace it with your fifth battery. Make sure the left-most light is green again and no other lights show. Now you can let the batteries charge until morning or about 8 hours. When all the batteries are charged each of the green lights will be flashing.

ROD BATTERY

The rod battery stays hidden within the rod. To charge it, you use an adapter that connects where the prism connects when surveying.
Plug in the Trimble “Single battery charger 6/12” (part no. 571 906 330) to an AC outlet.
Use the last of the five battery charger cables (discussed above) and connect one end to the charger.
Screw on the POWER STICK CHARGER ADAPTER (part no. 571 126 301) to the rod where the prism is normally connected.
Connect the battery charger cable to this adapter.
When the rod battery is charged the “100%” light will illuminate. This takes only a few hours.

TRIMBLE DATA LOGGER (Model TSCe)

Attach the serial port adapter. This adapter has serial port at one end, a very short cable (~3 cm) and three ports at the other end (fiber-optic cable, USB download cable, and circular power connecter).
Attach the AC Adaptor (model no. AD-131A) to it and plug the other end into an AC outlet.
This data logger charges rapidly, and should be fully charged in 2-4 hours.

Posted in Setup Operations | Tagged Archaeology/Historic Recordation, Data Collection, GPS model 5600, Trimble GPS

Photo Modeling in SketchUp

Match Photo Photography

Things to remember:

Photos need to be taken at 45 degree angles of the corners of the structure to be modeled.
Measure a section of the object to help with scaling.
Do not crop photos, resize or warp.
Barrel distortion can be used to correct straight lines that are bent away from the center of the image.
Avoid images that have been stitched, such as panoramas.
If possible try to avoid photos with excessive foreground features. These will make the modeling process difficult.
Telephoto lens photos or images with only one vanishing point viewable are not recommended either.

UA Barn Photogrammetry image

This image is taken from a boom lift, but conveys the 45 degree corner photo shot.

Model Creation using Match Photo

Take pictures of each corner and side of the object, making sure to have overlap between images. If necessary, multiple images might need to be taken of a side to capture the whole area.
Go to Camera > Match New Photo. In the Select background image file dialog box navigate to the first photo (this can be any corner shot) in your series of photos of your object and select it.
Click Open, and the photo will be placed in the main drawing area in a scene specific to Match Photo. This is where you will calibrate the scene to match the photo.
Select the origin axes and place it at a location where three axes might intersect. The origin will depend on the type of photo that you take. Photos can be taken indoors and corners of walls/ceilings/floors meet can be used for the origin. Of if you are looking down at the object, then using a top corner axes is more beneficial. The type of origin used will affect the grid style in the Match Photo tool, in the Match Photo dialog box select the grid style that matches the photo you are using. For the image below I have selected the middle grid style, denoting the origin axes at the top corner of the barn.
Now the vanishing bars (the red and green dashed bars) need to be place to determine the vanishing point of the image. Select the end bar grips ()on each bar and place the bar on a line that represents a parallel line to each red and green axis line. Axis bars should be placed along the longest feature available in the photo. Zoom in to place each bar as accurately as possible.
The work area needs to be scaled, so adjust the grid spacing to a number that can be matched to a feature with a known size in the photo. Select the blue axis and adjust up or down to match the grid to the feature with the known size. In the image below the grid spacing is set to 8 inches and the grid is scaled to match the barn siding which is 8 inches wide.
Select Done in the Match Photo dialog box and begin drawing with the pencil tool. Always start at the origin and trace one side of the object. Do not rotate the scene, if you do, then returning to the Match Photo scene is done by simply clicking the Scene Tab at the top of the drawing window. Below is a traced side with the image projected. To project the image on to a surface, simply right click on a surface and select Project Photo.
Using the Push/Pull tool easily starts the modeling process.

Special Items to Note:

Due to a natural curvature in photographs caused by lenses, it’s impossible to match the perspective perfectly. To best combat the natural curvature in a photo, arrange your vanishing bars so that they are as long as possible. This arrangement creates a more accurate average of the perspective.
Matching a cropped photo isn’t supported.
Remember to model portions of the geometry not seen in the picture.

Posted in Workflow | Tagged Data Processing, format skp, Modeling, Workflow

Polyworks Interface Basics

This document will introduce you to the inferface basics of Polyworks.
Hint: You can click on any image to see a larger version.

[wptabs style=”wpui-alma” mode=”vertical”] [wptabtitle] INTRODUCTION TO WORKSPACE MANAGER[/wptabtitle]

[wptabcontent]
Polyworks is a modularized package that offers a centralized workspace for organizing component parts of 3D data processing from scan alignment to meshing to inspection. Users can access any of the main modules from the Polyworks Workspace Manager as well as individually from the Start Menu. The principal modules and their functionality are listed in Figure 1 below:

Figure 1: Polyworks Workspace Manager showing principal software modules

The Polyworks Workspace is meant to house all processing components related to a project. Therefore it is best to create workspaces that are specific to a given project. For example with object scanning projects where multiple objects of a collection are scanned and process, a workspace should ideally be created for each individual object.

When a Polyworks Workspace is saved, a .pwk file is created (sample.pwk) along with an associated workspace file structure (sample_Files). The associated file structure (shown in Figure 2 below) manages all of the projects from the internal modules (IMAlign, IMEdit, etc…) as well as the data imported and exported from those modules.

Figure 2: Polyworks Workspace file (PWK) and additional workspace files

When moving files from one location to another, it is recommended to first zip a workspace to ensure that the workspace data structure and organization are retained. For more on the Polyworks Workspace Manager, please reference the Workspace Manger Basics.pdf from the Help menu in Polyworks.[/wptabcontent]

[wptabtitle] DESCRIPTION OF PRIMARY MODULES[/wptabtitle] [wptabcontent]
IMAlign
IMAlign supports scan alignment of 3D digitized datasets. IMAlign offers direct interaction with a list of different digitizers as well as import support for a range of point cloud and mesh formats. Here users can align different datasets and prepare them for subsequent meshing.

Figure 3: List of import formats for IMAlign

IMMerge
IMMerge is the meshing utility of Polyworks that produces a polygonal model directly from an IMAlign project. Note – Only point clouds can be meshed in IMMerge.

IMEdit
IMEdit is the mesh editing module of Polyworks. Here a number of mesh cleanup operations are available including hole filling and smoothing. Curve Creation and NURBS Surfacing options are also available in IMEdit.

IMInspect
IMInspect offers product inspection, measurement, and comparison capabilities. Here users can import original 3D point clouds, polygonal meshes, and CAD datasets and perform a range of different measurements and comparisons. Primitive fitting as well as feature extraction is performed in IMInspect.[/wptabcontent]

[wptabtitle] DESCRIPTION OF LESSER MODULES[/wptabtitle] [wptabcontent]
IMCompress
IMCompress is a module completely dedicated to model reduction or decimation. The same capabilities are available from inside IMEdit.

IMTexture (Add-On)
IMTexture is an optional module available that generates texture maps from vertex colors for reduced models. It is currently available from Innovmetric for – Academic pricing.

IMView
IMView is the free viewing software provided by Innovmetric. It is available in the main product sweet and also standalone from the Innovmetric website.

IMKey
IMKey is the licensing utility for the entire Polyworks suite. License borrowing capabilities are available here.[/wptabcontent]

[wptabtitle] MOUSE BUTTON FUNCTIONALITY[/wptabtitle] [wptabcontent]

Polyworks Mouse Button Functionality

Left: Rotate	Shift + Middle: Boxed Zoom In
Middle: Pan	Shift + Right: Rotate about Viewing Axis
Right: Zoom

In addition to the basic mouse functionality listed above, there are also options for single button controls available in each of the modules. These controls are shown below in Figure 4.

Figure 4: Mouse Button Behavior Options in Polyworks modules[/wptabcontent]

[wptabtitle] SCENE DISPLAY OPTIONS[/wptabtitle] [wptabcontent]

Scene Display Options (all modules)

The main display options in Polyworks are available by clicking on two highlighted icons in Figure 5. These icons are available in all of the main modules and may vary slightly between the different modules.

Figure 5: (Left) Polyworks Viewing Options and (Right) Scene Options as shown in IMAlign

The object display options (shown bottom left in Figure 5 above) are covered here in more detail.
Object color Mode
Point: Displays image texture data
Default: Displays all scans with default gray material
Object: Displays each scan with unique color
Image Subgroup: Displays each image subgroup with unique color
Error Map: Displays error map from best fit alignment (if option is selected during alignment
operation)
Default Static Display
Drawing Type
Flat: Displays as mesh data set with flat shading (allows you to see individual facets)
Point: Display as point cloud
Smooth: Displays as mesh data set with smooth shading
Wireframe: Displays wireframe of mesh

Subsampling
1/1
1/4: One point is displayed for every 4 points
1/16
1/64[/wptabcontent]

[wptabtitle] SELECTION TOOLS[/wptabtitle] [wptabcontent]

Selection Tools

The user activates selection in Polyworks by tapping the space bar. Tapping the space bar again also deactivates selection and switches to view manipulation/scene navigation.

To perform a selection the user must:
(Hold) Shift: Allows Volumetric Selection – necessary for selecting within point clouds
(Optional Hold) Ctrl: Allows Polygonal Outline of Selection.
No Ctrl: Freeform selection

(Hold) Middle Mouse button- to trace the selection

The Selection Menu shown in Figure 6 below is available in all PW modules. The default selection mode is set to toggle, therefore to append a selection or deselect – the user must change the selection mode to mark or deselect respectively.

Figure 6: Selection Modes in Polyworks[/wptabcontent]

[wptabtitle] SHORTCUT KEYS[/wptabtitle] [wptabcontent]

Shortcut Keys

Keys	Function
Ctrl + Shft + A	Select All
Ctrl + Shft + D	Hide Scans Can also middle click on scan name in TOC
Ctrl + Shft + R	Restore Scans
Ctrl + Shft + E	Ignore Scans (ignored for most operations)
Ctrl + Shft + U	Use Scans
Ctrl + Shft + K	Keep Scan (Keeps selected scan – hides all others)
Ctrl + Shft + L	Lock Scan
Ctrl + Shft + O	Unlock Scan

[/wptabcontent]

[wptabtitle] IMALIGN BASICS[/wptabtitle] [wptabcontent]

IMAlign Basics (Getting Started)

Figure 7: Remember to set IMAlign options as suggested below prior to importing any data

IMAlign is the Polyworks module that allows you to import and align scan data. When you first open IMAlign, it’s good to define a couple of parameters.

Before you import any data, open IMAlign options and change the Digitizer from Generic Close Range to the scanner you are working with and change the working units to the digitizer units. Also, turn off the Interactive Mode Wizard and the Unknown Units Wizard. Also, under Alignment change Subsampling from 1/4 to 1/1 and under images, Max Angle choose 85. Next, go to Tools – Save Configuration (to save the new settings).

clip_image017

Figure 8: The highlighted icon controls how the scan data will be displayed in the scene.[/wptabcontent]

[wptabtitle] RECOMMENDED VIEWING OPTIONS[/wptabtitle] [wptabcontent]Below are the recommended settings for the Viewing Options

Object color Mode Recommended parameters are bolded/italicized
Point: Displays image texture data (Intensity (I) data for Optech; RGB data for Leica)
Default: Displays all scans with default gray material
Object: Displays each scan with unique color
Image Subgroup: Displays each image subgroup with unique color
Error Map: Displays error map from best fit alignment (if option is selected during alignment
operation)
Default Static Display Recommended parameters are bolded/italicized
Drawing Type
Flat: Displays as mesh data set with flat shading (allows you to see individual facets)
Point: Display as point cloud
Smooth: Displays as mesh data set with smooth shading
Wireframe: Displays wireframe of mesh

Subsampling
1/1
1/4 : One point is displayed for every 4 points
1/16
1/64

Default Dynamic Display (Recommended parameters bolded/italicized)
Drawing Type
Point

Subsampling
1/16 or 1/64

You are now ready to begin importing scan data into your IMAlign Project![/wptabcontent] [/wptabs]

Posted in Shortcut Guide, Workflow | Tagged InnovMETRIC, Polyworks, Shortcut Guide, Workflow

Scan Level Form – Z+F Imager 5006i

Project Name ___________________________
Scan Sequence __________________________

Posted in Metadata Forms | Tagged Data Collection, Imager 5006i, Metadata Form, mid-range scanning, Scanning, scanning range >5 meters, Z+F Scanner

Scan Level Form – Leica C10

Project Name __________________________
Scan Sequence _________________________

Posted in Metadata Forms | Tagged C10, Data Collection, Leica, Metadata Form, mid-range scanning, Scanning, scanning range >5 meters, scanning res 1-20+ centimeters

Scan Sequence Form

Complete this form for all large scale scanning projects of structures or environments. A scan sequence is used to identify a definable scan area. For use with Leica c10, Z+F Laser Imager 5006i, or Optech ILRIS 3D laser scanners.

Date(s):
Project name:
Scan sequence name:
Scanner operator(s)
Overall weather trend for sequence
Total number of scans in sequence

Project or Subsection Sketch Map

DRAW ALL Scanner Positions

Scanner Position File Names/Numbers
Scan Ranges : full 360 or defined start and end positions

Posted in Metadata Forms, Metadata Forms, Metadata Forms, Scanning | Tagged Data Collection, Leica, Metadata Form, mid-range scanning, Scanning, scanning range >5 meters, scanning res 1-20+ centimeters

Scan Project Form

Complete this form for ALL scanning projects. For use with the Breuckmann SmartScan HE, Konica Minolta VIVID 9i, Leica C10, Z+F Laser Imager 5006i, and Optech ILRIS 3d.

1) Project Name:
2) Survey Area Name:
3) Site or Feature Number:*
4) Location of Survey:
5) Date(s) of Survey (day month year):
6) Duration of Survey (total field time hours):
7) Scan Instrument(s):
8 ) Scan Units:
9) Company Name:
10) Scan Operator(s):
11) Total Number of Scans:
12) Control Data Collected: No Yes	– Control file name:
13) RGB data capture: No Yes – Internal Yes – External
14) Estimated data resolution across survey area:
15) Estimated total of points collected:
16) Survey goal and intended use of data:

Attachments:

17) Scan Forms: Total count ________

18) Planimetric map of survey area and scan coverage

19) Images from survey: _______________________________________

20) General Notes/Other: __________________________________ ____

Posted in Metadata Forms, Metadata Forms, Metadata Forms, Metadata Forms, Metadata Forms, Scanning | Tagged Breuckmann, Data Collection, Leica, Metadata Form, mid-range scanning, Scanning, scanning range >5 meters, scanning res 1-20+ centimeters

Leica Cyclone 7.0: Advanced Guide for Building Modeling: Tracing & Modeling a Curved Building Footprint

This series will show you advanced modeling building modeling techniques using Leica’s Cyclone.
Hint: You can click on any image to see a larger version.

[wptabs style=”wpui-alma” mode=”vertical”]

[wptabtitle] COPY TO NEW MODELSPACE[/wptabtitle]

[wptabcontent]In addition to modeling individual building walls, you also have the ability to trace the footprint of a building and extrude it up.

I. First, copy/subset the building into its own working ModelSpace > Draw a fence around the building > RC > Copy to MS

II. Next, show the Active Reference Plane. Depending on what you were working on last, the reference plane will probably be in a different location. Because we are tracing along the base of the building, we can use the standard top down view as a basis for creating our footprint sketch.

1. View –> Standard Views -> Top.

2. Select Tools –> Reference Plane –>Set to Viewpoint; this aligns the reference plane to the Top view. Note in Figure 1, the plane passes right through the middle of the building. In order to place the plane at the bottom of the building (so that our footprint sketch is placed along the building base), select a point at the very bottom of the building and then select Tools –> reference Plane –> Set plane origin at pick point. This translates the plane down to the building base.

Figure 1 (Left) Setting the Reference Plane to align with the Top-down Viewpoint (Right) Moving the Reference Plane down to the building base

[/wptabcontent]

[wptabtitle] SELECT VIEW AND TRACE THE BUILDING[/wptabtitle]

[wptabcontent]III. Select View –> Top DO NOT ROTATE THE VIEW (if necessary, choose View – View Lock – Rotate to constrain the view) > IMPORTANT:Change the View from Perspective to ORTHAGONAL (hot key ‘o’).

IV. Trace the building footprint using a series of polylines/curves (splines). Make sure you snap all of the handles together so that the curves create a closed object.

Figure 2 (Left) View constrained to top-down/orthogonal (Right) Series of curves drawn around the base of the building[/wptabcontent]

[wptabtitle] SELECT AND EXTRUDE[/wptabtitle] [wptabcontent]V. Multi-select all of the curves -> Create Object –> From Curves –> Patch. If necessary, add additional handles to patch and modify as necessary.

Figure 3: (Left) Patch created from series of curves representing the base of the building (Right) Patch extruded up to approximate shape of entire building

VI. Extrude the patch -> Multi pick 1st) the patch and then 2nd) a single point on the roof of the builidng -> Edit Object –> Extrude –> Extrude to Last Pick. The patch should then be extruded up to the roof height and all of the walls should be accurately modeled.[/wptabcontent]

[wptabtitle] MERGE MODELSPACE INTO ORIGINAL[/wptabtitle] [wptabcontent]VII. Finally, close the ModelSpace and to merge the modeled results back into the original project > select Merge into Original ModelSpace and Delete after Close (if desired) > Option to merge appears once the close command is selected

Figure 4 Close ModelSpace and merge modeling results back into original ModelSpace
[/wptabcontent]

[wptabtitle]CONTINUE TO…[/wptabtitle]

[wptabcontent] Continue to Modeling Openings in Objects[/wptabcontent]
[/wptabs]

Posted in Workflow, Workflows | Tagged Cyclone, Leica, mid-range scanning, Modeling, Scanning, scanning range >5 meters, scanning res 1-20+ centimeters, Workflow

Leica Cyclone 7.0 : Introduction to Modeling Buildings, Structures, and Objects

This document will give a brief description of modeling and the modeling tools used in Leica’s Cyclone software..
Hint: You can click on any image to see a larger version.

What is Modeling: The process of creating CAD (Computer-Aided Design) objects. In Cyclone, models are based on 3D point cloud data. CAD models involve more than only shapes as they can also convey information, such as materials, processes, dimensions, and other user-specific details.

To model in Cyclone, you must use:

[wptabs style=”wpui-alma” mode=”vertical”]

[wptabtitle] LAYERS[/wptabtitle]

[wptabcontent]Layers (Shift+L): Layers are used to group similar objects together. This is useful for LOD modeling, controlling object visibility, selectability, etc… ALWAYS model in a layer(s) separate from your original point cloud.

Figure 1: Use the Shift+L button to open the Layers Dialog. Here you can create new layers, set the current layer, and select and assign objects to layers.

[/wptabcontent]

[wptabtitle] FENCES[/wptabtitle]

[wptabcontent]Fences: A fence is a 2-dimensional rectangle or polygon that is used as a boundary to select/deselect objects, point clouds, etc…Note: Utilizing the Tool Bar for selection and toggling between modes
will make this much easier rather than navigating through the pull down menus: (Right Click in any part of the menu bar section to pull down the selection list –> Check the Modes selection –> Dock it somewhere on your screen by clicking and dragging). Beware that toolbars “hide” or dock behind others and tend to drift off of the screen. If you can’t locate a toolbar that is listed as showing, drag toolbars to look behind them.

Figure 2: Accessing Toolbars in Cyclone

[/wptabcontent]

[wptabtitle] TEMPORARY MODEL SPACES[/wptabtitle] [wptabcontent]Temporary or “Working” Model Spaces (Select –> RC –> “Copy Fenced to New ModelSpace”): Copying specific areas into temporary or smaller model spaces while modeling allows the user to focus on the pertinent data, making navigation and file handling faster and more efficient. It also allows the user to experiment without threatening the integrity of the original, complete model world. As long as the coordinate system has not been altered, the user can copy/paste (CTRL + C and CTRL + V or Edit –> Copy/Paste) between ModelSpaces and data will transfer in its correct location.

Note: When closing the new “working” model space, the user has the option to “Merge into Original MS” (EVERYthing re-imports, points, objects, etc); “Remove Link from Original MS” (the “working” MS will be saved but will not be associated with the original); or “Delete after close” (the MS and all work in it will be removed). If this dialogue box is closed without a selection, the temporary ModelSpace will be saved in the project with a default name assigned.

Beware: Cyclone does not use a SAVE command; instead, every action is saved, with the option to UNDO, as the user works. It is imortant to pay attention to how model spaces are closed and saved while adjusting to this.

Beware: Cyclone allows multiple ModelSpaces to have the same name leading to confusion if note accounted for.[/wptabcontent]

[wptabtitle] MERGING/UNIFYING POINT CLOUDS[/wptabtitle]

[wptabcontent]Unifying or Merging Multiple Point Clouds: When working with large data sets, it is also recommended to combine the copied point clouds in the working ModelSpace for further ease in navigation and file handling. There are 2 choices for this:

Unify
(Selection –> Select All –> Tools –> Unify Point Clouds): All point clouds are now considered as single cloud in the new “working” model space; note that some functions of the scan world are not maintained with this command.

Merge (Selection –> Select All –> Create Object –> Merge): All point clouds are now considered as single cloud in the new “working” model space; all functions of the scan world are maintained with this command.

[/wptabcontent]

[wptabtitle] CONSTRAINTS[/wptabtitle]

[wptabcontent]Constraints: There are constraints, handles, and snapping functions that aid in the modeling process. Constraints are parameters that the user sets within Cyclone that limit movement, rotation, and drawing tools to specific planes or axes. These parameters regularize and orthagonalize the modeling process. Constraints can be set before the object is created to model more strictly or they can be used with object handles after the obejct is created to manipulate it.

Before Creation: Align the view of the point cloud to the best vantage point of the intended object’s geometry. Viewpoint –> View Lock –> Rotation locks the user’s view to this viewpoint.

Before Creation: Edit Object –> Snapping Grid –> Set Spacing, Rotation, Set to Snap: User can set the spacing of the grid and the rotation to snap to this grid; user can toggle this snap on/off as needed.

During Creation: Tools –> Drawing –> Align Vertices to Axes: toggles on/off the restriction of each vertex to be on the same x or y axes as the previously plotted vertex; after drawing the 1st vertex, the next vertex snaps to the same x or y axis (whichever is closer) as the previous vertex; you may also set the distance to the next vertex here.[/wptabcontent]

[wptabtitle] HANDLES[/wptabtitle] [wptabcontent]Handles: After creation, objects have a variety of number of handles depending on their geometry. These handles are locations the user can click to grip the object and snap them to manipulate the object’s shape, size, location, and/or rotation. To resize or re-shape
an object –> simply grab and move one of the orange handles located on its perimeter. The blue handle (in the center) is often used to completely translate or move the patch. To add/delete handles –> hold the Alt key when selecting on the handle. Conversely, to add a handle –> hold the Alt key and select along the patch edge.

Handles: Constraints to the Model Space

Edit Object –> Handles –> Show, Constrain Motion, etc…

Edit Object –> Handles –> Edit Snap to Object Threshold: this sets the proximity for snapping handles to objects

Handles: Constraints to Current ActionConstrain handle to specific axis: Select the handle

–> press the x, y, z key
1 time –> handle constrained on this axis

–> press x, y, z key 2nd time –> handle constrained to plane that does not contain that axis

–> press x, y, z key 3rd time –> removes constraint[/wptabcontent]

[wptabtitle] SNAPPING[/wptabtitle] [wptabcontent]Snapping: Snapping allows the user to snap an object’s handle to another object’s handle or to a grid, the spacing of which can be set by the user Edit Object –> Snapping Grid –> Set Spacing.

Snapping Patch Handles: To snap the handles of two adjoining patches together, first select the patch that you are going to SNAP TO then hold the Shift key – grab the handle on the other patch and move it towards the handle that you are snapping to – the two handles should snap together.

[/wptabcontent]

[wptabtitle] OBJECTS, PATCHES & PRIMITIVES[/wptabtitle] [wptabcontent]Objects: There are multiple ways to create objects and meshes. The way that objects are created and the constraints used rely on the user to interpret the scan data and the desired results. This modeling process ranges from precise models that accurately represent the point cloud to highly orthagonal models that less accurately represent the point cloud data but provide more regularized geometries.

Patches: A patch is a plane surface generated from a minimum of 3 points that represents a flat surface that fits to the point cloud. Patches can be extended and grouped to form more complex objects. There are several methods for creating patches.

Primitives (Create Object –> Fit to Cloud or Fit Fenced): Primitive shapes such as cylinders, boxes, and spheres can be fit to point clouds. These objects impose orthagonalized geometry into the modeling process.
Steel Sections/Tables (Create Object –> Fit to Cloud or Fit Fenced): Cyclone allows the user to fit standardized steel sections to the point cloud data to aid in the construction of bridges and any other structures that utilize steel components. After insertion, these sections can be slightly adjusted/customized within a table. Again, these objects/sections impose standardized geometries into the modeling process.

Beware: When an object is created, the object replaces the points that it represents. It is useful to replace or reference these points if more detail or comparisons are needed (this must be done immediately after object is created as the capability is eliminated as modeling progresses)

Select Object –> Right Click –> Insert Copy of Object’s Points or Show Object’s Cloud[/wptabcontent]

[wptabtitle]CONTINUE TO…[/wptabtitle]

[wptabcontent] Continue to Leica Cyclone 7.0: Modeling a Flat Surface … [/wptabcontent]
[/wptabs]

Posted in Workflow, Workflows | Tagged Cyclone, Leica, mid-range scanning, Modeling, Scanning, scanning range >5 meters, scanning res 1-20+ centimeters, Workflow

Equipment and Strategy Checklist for Trimble 5700/5800

Use this Checklist before Acquiring External Control with Trimble Survey Grade GPS

Equipment Checklist:

Trimble gear (this list depends on the situation, so you may not need all of this)
1. Base station (can set up one or two base stations)
  1. Trimbel 5700 receiver
    1. Two internal Trimble batteries
    2. Optional external Trimble battery
    3. Long yellow cable for connecting to antenna
  2. Trimble Zephyr antenna
    1. Brass fitting for attaching to tripod
  3. Trimble fixed height tripod
  4. Trimble TSCe controller
    1. Trimble data cable for connecting to receiver
2. Rover
  1. Trimble 5800 (receiver and antenna in one)
    1. Two internal batteries
    2. Trimble data cable for connecting to controller
  2. Trimble fixed height bipod
  3. TSCe controller
    1. Controller mount for attaching controller to bidpod
3. Radio
Simple camera
Charge all batteries (individual internal batteries, the controller, the external battery, camera)

Strategy checklist:

How many control points are necessary? and where should these control points be?
Will differentially correct real-time or in the lab? How much time should you spend at each point?
Where should the base station be located? and can I easily set up over that point again in the future?
Are there other base stations in the area that can be used?
How many satellites will be overhead and what will the PDOP be? (Trimble Planning Software)

Posted in Checklist, Checklist, Hardware, Trimble 5700, Trimble 5800 | Tagged GPS model 5700, GPS model 5800, Trimble GPS

Four Basic Steps of a Close-Range Photogrammetry Project

This workflow provides an overview of the steps involved in a close range photogrammetry project. Not all close-range photogrammetry projects are the same, but virtually all will include some form of the steps outlines below.

[wptabs mode=”vertical”] [wptabtitle] Project Planning[/wptabtitle] [wptabcontent]

Project planning includes a number of important considerations that will influence the success of the project. These include developing a strategy for the site/object, selecting the equipment and software to be used, calibrating equipment if needed, obtaining any required permissions, and starting the documentation process.[/wptabcontent]

[wptabtitle] Image and Control Acquisition[/wptabtitle] [wptabcontent]

There are a number of strategies for the collection of images in a photogrammetric project. Typically, the strategy is driven by the software used to process the images, and, more specifically, whether the type of processing requires a stereo or convergent (see figure below) set of images. This topic should be covered in the help file or manual for the software you plan to use.

Stereo (left) vs Convergent (right) image pairs

External control information can be added to a photogrammetric project for two reasons: 1) to position the model relative to a datum and/or 2) to provide geometric constraints on the photogrammetrically derived model. If the photogrammetric model is to be situated partially or wholly within an existing reference frame or datum (geodetic, mapping or local) then sufficient external references defined in this frame must be integrated into the project. A 3D reference frame or datum is defined by scale, position and orientation. Typically, reference information is in the form of control points (photo-identifiable points with known coordinates in a reference frame), lengths of photo-identifiable objects, and/or angles between photo-identifiable objects.

Adding Control Points in PhotoScan Pro

The minimum amount of information needed to scale, position and orient a photogrammetric model is two 3D control points and one 1D control point. If more than minimal control is provided (e.g. three or more 3D control points) then the control information could be used to help define the shape of the photogrammetric model as well as define its datum. In this case, the surveyor must ensure that the control information is, as a rule-of-thumb, at least 3x more accurate than the photogrammetric model itself. If it is not, then the control information will distort the photogrammetric model and potentially have deleterious effects on its relative accuracy.

It is also possible to apply control after a 3D model (mesh or other 3D CAD) has been created. In this case the control will only serve to position the model in space and will not cause distortion.[/wptabcontent]

[wptabtitle] Image Processing and Block Triangulation[/wptabtitle] [wptabcontent]

Most digital images captured in the field will require some digital processing, which include white balancing or any adjustments to the brightness, contrast, or other common image properties. One important note is to never crop (or change the height/width in any way) an image intended for photogrammetry.

In order to extract three dimensional points from two dimensional images, it is necessary to perform a triangulation with at least two images (a stereo pair). When more than two images are used in a triangulation, we refer to the group of images as a ‘block’. In order to perform a triangulation of the entire block (known as a bundle block adjustment), the user must measure a sufficient number of tie, control, and/or check points throughout the block. Constraints may also be placed on certain sets of points to enforce angular, linear, and/or planar properties. After a successful bundle adjustment, the user can extract and export 2D and/or 3D products.
[/wptabcontent]
[wptabtitle] Creating and Exporting Deliverables[/wptabtitle] [wptabcontent]

Typical deliverables created as the end result of a CRP project could include 2D vector graphics (planimetric or elevation type CAD drawings), dense point clouds, 3D polylines, facetized models (mesh) of an object or surface, and raster graphics such as rectified or fully orthorectified images. Each deliverable created should include appropriate metadata for each of the above mentioned steps, as well as metadata for the additional processing performed to create the final file.[/wptabcontent]

[wptabtitle] Workflow Chart[/wptabtitle] [wptabcontent]This workflow provides a graphic overview of the steps involved in a Close-Range Photogrammetry Project. Click the image to see a larger version.

Basic Workflow of CRP Project

[/wptabcontent][/wptabs]

Posted in Photogrammetry | Tagged 5D mark II, Archaeology/Historic Recordation, Architectural Recordation, camera res 12 megapixels, camera res 21 megapixels, camera resolution 7 megapixels, Canon, D200, D70, Data Collection, Data Processing, Eos Systems, format 3ds, format dng, format dwg, format dxf, format jpeg, format jpg, format raw, format tif, format tiff, GPS, Modeling, Nikon, Photogrammetry, PhotoModeler, PhotoModeler Scanner, Workflow

Acquire Images for Close-Range Photogrammetry

The following post describes in detail the basic steps for acquiring close-range digital images for a generic photogrammetric project.

[wptabs mode=”vertical”] [wptabtitle] In Office Setup: Begin the Metadata Process[/wptabtitle] [wptabcontent]

Choose a method for documenting the project (e.g. paper, laptop)
Fill in known project metadata items (e.g. project name, date of survey, site location, etc.)
Create a sketch map of the area (by hand or available GIS/maps)

[/wptabcontent]

[wptabtitle] Plan project and prepare equipment[/wptabtitle] [wptabcontent]

Develop a project plan based on desired end product and required accuracy (review CRP steps if needed)
Decide what equipment will best suite the project (e.g. what camera? what lens? method for white balance?)
Print and check off items for close-range photogrammetry checklist
Print other applicable metadata forms and have ready

[/wptabcontent]

[wptabtitle] In Field Setup: Configure Camera Settings[/wptabtitle] [wptabcontent]

Photo quality (RAW and JPEG Large)
White balance (custom or auto)
Auto rotate (off)
Live View function (stills only)
Mirror lock up (enabled) *recommended for shutter speeds longer than 1/30th
Self-timer (2 or 10 second)
Turn off any image stabilization features

[/wptabcontent]

[wptabtitle] In Field Setup: Set Focus[/wptabtitle] [wptabcontent]

Though some projects may require an auto focus for each image, in an ideal project the focal length (and therefor focus) of the lens will remain constant throughout a CRP image set.
1. For architectural photogrammetry, or other projects with a distance of more than 10 meters between the camera and object, find the switch on the lens with “AF” and “MF” and switch to MF (Manual Focus), then manually rotate and secure the focus ring to infinity
  Focus Ring
2. For projects with a shorter, constant distance (e.g. all photos will be captured from 6 meters), autofocus the lens for the first photo, then switch the lens to manual focus and secure that focus setting for all remaining photos
3. For projects with a shorter, varying distance (e.g. photos will be captured anywhere from 2-5 meters), use autofocus for all images
Turn the Mode Dial to “Av” (Aperture value) mode
Set aperture to appropriate value (between F8 and F16)
Take test photo and check for sharpness throughout the object of interest
Adjust settings as necessary

[/wptabcontent]
[wptabtitle] Taking the Photos: Setting Up[/wptabtitle] [wptabcontent]

Have documentation materials ready
1. As you collect images, document the process according to ADS
2. Make sure you capture a color checker chart, gray card, or other means of white balancing the images in the lab
Choose appropriate photo location
1. Obstructions between the camera and object should be minimized
2. The tripod should be stable and should not move throughout the image capture

[/wptabcontent]
[wptabtitle] Frame and Take the Photo[/wptabtitle] [wptabcontent]

Frame the Photo
1. Adjust the tripod head to position the aim of the camera
2. The object should fill the frame
Press the shutter button
Pressing the button should initiate the mirror lockup, followed by the timer and image capture
You should hear one thump, a series of beeps, and then the shutter
1. Review the image for sharpness and exposureset.
  1. By default, the camera will display the image for a few seconds
  2. If the LCD goes black, push the Playback button to review
  3. Push the Magnify button to zoom in, and pan across the image
  4. Be sure to review objects both near and far for sharpness
  5. Look at the histogram and make sure the brightness values are well distributed and not clipped
[/wptabcontent]
[wptabtitle] Reconsider your Settings[/wptabtitle] [wptabcontent]
1. If the image is not sharp make sure you’re choosing appropriate aperture
  1. Is your aperture too large (meaning the f/ number is small)? Maybe try one or two stops smaller (e.g. from f/10 to f/16)
  2. Did the tripod move during image capture? With small apertures, you can expect long exposure times. Be sure the tripod remains 100% motionless during the entire exposure
  3. Did you have an extremely long exposure? More than 10-20 seconds? This could indicate you aperture is too small (e.g. f/22 or a higher number) for the amount of available light, or you are suffering from diffraction as light passes the aperture. Stop down closer to f/16 and try again
[/wptabcontent]
[wptabtitle] If the image is sharp…[/wptabtitle] [wptabcontent]Move to the next location (according to your strategy) and repeat.[/wptabcontent]

[/wptabs]

Posted in Setup Operation, Setup Operations, Setup Operations, Setup Operations | Tagged 5D mark II, Canon, Data Collection, Photogrammetry, PhotoModeler, PhotoModeler Scanner, Workflow

Basic Unity and Importing a SketchUp Model

Taste of Unity

Navigation:

in the scene

left click: pan right click: zoom alt + left: orbit around center

in the game

uses WASD controls

W: forward

A: left

S: backwards

D: right mouse: moves your view

Importing a SketchUp model into Unity

Unity provides users a free version of the development application for personal and commercial use. Some features are not available on the free Unity package.

Register, double click on the Unity Icon. Select Internet activation and follow the directions.
Open Unity, load Islands.unity (File > Open scene, Unity should automatically locate the file)
Basics of Unity: Main Editor Window

Every Unity project contains an Assets folder. The contents of this folder are presented in the Project View. This is where you store all the assets that make up your game, like scenes, scripts, 3D models, textures, audio files, and Prefabs. If you right-click on any asset in the Project View, you can choose Reveal in Finder (Reveal in Explorer on Windows) to actually see the asset itself in your file system.

Important Note: You should never move project assets around using the OS since this will break any metadata associated with the asset. Always use the Project View to organize your assets.

Scene View

This is where you will build the game, create interactions and set controls. Use the mouse and alt button to move around.

Game View

This gives you a rendered game version of your scene and lets you test the interactions and controls. To navigate around, press the play button and use the WASD keys and mouse.

In scene view, fly to a spot on the beach near the bridge. In the project window, select Create > Folder and create a new folder, name it SU. Now right click on the SU folder and select Show in Folder. Note where the folder is, you will save your model in SketchUp to this folder. This is the Assests folder.
Minimize Unity and open SketchUp.
Select Get Models icon, search for “beach chair” and download. Place model at the center of the scene on the axis.
File > Export > 3D model Change drop down list to “3DS File”, select option, check that Export two-sided faces As materials and Export texture maps Favor Preserving texture coordinates are selected, click OK, name the file “beach_chair” and then Export to the SU folder created in Unity (see step #4).
In Unity, expand the SU folder in the Projects view. Select the beach chair and drag it to the scene, try to place it on the beach. Now translate and scale the beach chair so that it is located correctly and appropriately sized.

Transform Tool

When the hand icon is selected this will allow you to navigate around the scene. Selecting the other icons will let you translate, rotate or scale an

Test the scene, select the play icon to switch to game mode. Navigate to the beach chair and have a seat.
Switch to SketchUp and change the chair’s texture. Re-export the model to the Unity Assets folder. Now switch back to Unity, the beach chair will now show the changes made in SketchUp.

Posted in Shortcut Guide, Workflow, Workflow | Tagged Data Processing, format 3ds, format unity, SketchUp

Correcting 5700 GPS observations data using OPUS

Background

The Online Positioning User Service (http://www.ngs.noaa.gov/OPUS/) is provided without fees by the National Geodetic Survey. According to the National Geodetic Survey:

“This Online Positioning User Service (OPUS) provides you with simplified access to high-accuracy National Spatial Reference System (NSRS) coordinates: all you need is a clear view of the sky and a survey-grade (preferably dual frequency) Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver.

OPUS processes your GPS data files with the same models and tools which help manage the Nation’s Continuously Operating Reference Station (CORS) network, resulting in coordinates which are both highly accurate and highly consistent with other users. Your computed NSRS position is sent privately via email, and, if you choose, can also be shared publicly via the NGS database.

OPUS is highly automated and requires minimal user input. To use properly, please familiarize yourself with the information provided under the About tab at the OPUS site.”

This document will describe how to download data collected with a Trimble 5700 receiver collected with either a Trimble Zephyr or Zephyr Geodetic antenna. The only difference between the two antennas is the present of a ground plane (GP) on the Zephyr Geodetic. The GP helps mitigate multi-path errors and is generally used at base stations with long observation times.

Note that OPUS uses the best available ephemeris data available. If the service is used within about 24 hours of occupation, lower accuracy broadcast ephemeris will be used. This can result in somewhat less accurate positions – on the order of several decimeters. After about 24 hours, improved Rapid Ephemeris will automatically be used providing the potential for much better accuracy. The email response from NGS will indicate which ephemeris was used for that particular solution. The latest available Rapid Ephemeris can be found here. You may submit an observation data file as many times as you wish.

NGS makes the following statement concerning accuracy of OPUS positions:
“Under ideal conditions, OPUS can easily resolve most positions to within centimeter accuracy. Estimating the accuracy for a specific data file is difficult, however, as formal error propagation is notoriously optimistic for GPS reductions. Instead, the peak-to-peak error, or error range, is provided for each coordinate component (XYZ, Φλh and H). The peak-to-peak error is the difference between the maximum and the minimum value of a coordinate obtained from the 3 baseline solutions.

Please note that peak-to-peak accuracy estimates depend upon freedom from systematic error. Any misidentification of the antenna type or height, local multipath or adverse atmospheric conditions will NOT be averaged away by the 3 “independent” CORS solutions. The advantage of the peak-to-peak error measure is that the error range also reflects any error in the CORS reference coordinates. On the average, one should obtain larger peak-to-peak errors in the NAD 83 coordinates, when compared to the ITRF coordinates. This is due to the procedures used to derive the CORS coordinates. To serve our users, the NAD 83 coordinates of the National CORS are updated less frequently than ITRF coordinates. However, this also results in the NAD 83 coordinates being somewhat less accurate.

For rapid static: Absent any warning messages, the best estimates of coordinate accuracies are the standard deviations reported by single baseline analysis. Our experiments indicate that the actual error is less than these estimated accuracies more than 95 percent of the time, RSGPS statistics.”

Required hardware:

Trimble 5700 receiver (the one on which you collected data),
Trimble Lithium-ion batteries (2) installed in the 5700,
USB cable, and
Either the Dell ATG or Panasonic Toughbook computer.

Required software:

Trimble Data Transfer (All Programs -> Trimble Data Transfer -> Data Transfer)
Convert to RINEX (All Programs -> Trimble Office -> Utilities -> Convert to RINEX).

NOTE: Only the versions of the software installed on the Dell ATG and the Panasonic Toughbook have the necessary receiver definitions required for this process.

Transfer raw data to field computer

Attach 5700 to computer using USB cable.

Turn on 5700 by pressing and holding the green power button on the receiver control panel until the indicator lights come on.
Open the Trimble Data Transfer utility (All Programs -> Trimble Data Transfer -> Data Transfer),
Choose “5700 on USB” as Device type using the dropdown field circled in red.

Press the green check button to establish connection. Note that the connection should occur automatically but may not.
Press the Add… button. A file selection dialog will open showing the top level folder on the device. The folder name is the serial number of the receiver.
Using the fields circle in red on the figure below, choose a location to save the GPS observation file.

Choose file(s) to transfer. Here we’ve chosen file 210300826.T01. Note that the first four digits of the data file name are the last four digits of the devices serial number. The last four digits are a unique identifier. To choose the correct data file, switch to detail view using the button circled in blue. This detailed view shows the date and time each data file was created.

Press the Transfer All button.

If the transfer is successful you will see the report below which reminds you where the file is located on your hard drive. The transfer moves *.T01 file to the download folder and creates a *.DAT file in the download folder. The *.DAT file will be converted to the open standard RINEX format (in the form of *.OBS and *.NAV files) during the next step.
Close the Trimble Data Transfer program and turn off the 5700 by pressing and holding the green power button until the indicator lights go out.

Convert DAT file to RINEX

Open the “Convert to RINEX” utility provided by Trimble (All Programs -> Trimble Office -> Utilities -> Convert to RINEX).

Browse to the data file (*.dat) you downloaded in the preceding section.
Choose the location of where you wish to save the RINEX files (*.obs and *.nav). Use the controls circled in blue. The default location is the location of the *.dat file.
Choose the antenna type using the field circled in red. For the smaller antenna choose Zephyr. For the larger antenna with the ground plane chose Zephyr Geodetic.
Assign the height of the antenna above the ground. If a fully extended fixed-height tripod was used, this value is 2.0 meter.
Fill in your initials and the organization you represent (CAST).

Press OK to convert the *.dat file to RINEX format.
Two new files should be in the download folder. Two files names the same as the original T01 file. The *.nav file contains the satellite ephemeris. You don’t need this one for OPUS. The *.obs file contains raw observations (pseudo-range and carrier-phases) and will be sent to OPUS for processing in the next step.
Press Cancel to close the Convert to RINEX utility.

Differentially correct carrier phase data using OPUS

Open a browser and go to http://www.ngs.noaa.gov/OPUS/
Follow the directions on the website:
1. Enter an email address where you would like the results will to be sent.
2. Load you the *.obs file you created in the previous step.
3. Choose your antenna type. If you used the Zephyr antenna (without ground plane) select TRM39105.00 Trimble Zephyr without Ground Plane. If you used the Zephyr Geodetic antenna (with the ground plane) select TRM41249.00 Trimble Zephyr Geodetic with GP.
4. Set the antenna height to 2.0 meters (you added the antenna height in the conversion process but OPUS does not recognize this in the observation file).
Choose Upload to Rapid Static if you collected data for more than 15 minutes but less than 2 hours. Choose Upload to Static if you collected data for more than 2 hours.

After uploading the data you should see a summary screen. Verify the information you gave was correct and wait for the email response. The email could take up to several hours but most responses come within a few minutes.

Posted in Workflow | Tagged GPS model 5700, OPUS, Trimble 5700, Trimble GPS

Setting up a pre-configured GS15 as an RTK base without the data logger

The following instructions explain how to do a “quick” set up for a previously configured system.
Hint: You can click on any image to see a larger version.

[wptabs style=”wpui-alma” mode=”vertical”] [wptabtitle] GENERAL INFO [/wptabtitle]

[wptabcontent]

Under many situations you can use only the GS15s buttons to create a base station and/or a base-rover RTK system if they have been previously configured using the data logger. If you power them down they retain the last configuration.

The following instructions explain how to do a “quick” set up for a previously configured system. In general, however, it is wise to also use the data logger since you can then more precisely monitor status and insure operation. (For more details on operation of GPS using only unit’s buttons see pages 36-37 and 21-24 of GS15 User’s manual)

The next section provides details on how to use the data logger to configure the GS15 if the current configuration is not what you wish to use.

[/wptabcontent]

[wptabtitle] SET UP BASE STATION [/wptabtitle] [wptabcontent]

Set up base station

I. General

A.   Any unit with a PC radio can serve as base station
B.   Set up tripod (see GPS tripod set up workflow) and attach GPS
C.   If using the external antenna you will need to set up a second tripod to serve as the antenna mast. See page 21 of the Viva GNSS Getting Started Guide.

[/wptabcontent]

[wptabtitle] START BASE STATION[/wptabtitle] [wptabcontent]

II. Start base station

A. Press ON/OFF button for ca 2 sec

i. LEDs all flash on
ii. Release ON/OFF button
iii. LEDS will flash in a cycle
iv. WAIT for booting till power LEDs are normal (see page 64-67 of GS15 User’s manual).
v. In normal mode (See figure for LED labeling)

a.   one (or two) of the battery LEDs will be lit,
b.   the incoming/outgoing LEDs will flash
c.   the SD data LED will flash
d. And the position LED will be yellow (though this takes a bit longer)

B. Once Power LEDs are normal, confirm that unit is in base mode. LED beside outgoing arrow is blinking (LED “e” in figure below)

i. If not then press and hold FUNCTION button (large button with GPS antenna symbol) for ca less than one (1) second. The unit will switch between base and rover mode.

a.   Rover mode has LED lit beside incoming arrow (“f” in figure below), base has LED lit beside outgoing arrow (“e” in figure below).
b.   Incoming arrow (rover mode) is one farthest from the FUNCTION button
c.   Outgoing (base mode) arrow is one nearest FUNCTION button

[/wptabcontent]

[wptabtitle] BASE MODE LED [/wptabtitle] [wptabcontent]

C. If the base mode LED (outgoing arrow) is:

i. OFF – the unit is not in base mode but in RTK rover – press FUNCTION to switch to base mode – check LEDs again

ii. Green – the unit IS in base mode but NO DATA is being sent to radio

a. Data will NOT be sent UNTIL the position is available (see Position LED)

ii. Flashing green – unit in base mode AND data is being sent.

a. WARNING – the unit may flash very slowly!
b. When data is being sent to the radio the data transfer LED on the RADIO should also be flashing green. The data transfer LED is the one beside the two arrow symbol on the base of the radio. If the LED is off the radio is not operating.

1. Details on Radio LED status is on page 60-63 of GS15 user manual.
2. NOTE – unit is SLR3-1 with Pacific Crest radio – be sure to read the configurations for the PC entry in the “on” column for proper configuration.

[/wptabcontent]

[wptabtitle]POSITION LED [/wptabtitle] [wptabcontent]

D. If the Position LED is:

i. OFF – no satellites are being tracked and/or unit is off

ii. Flashing yellow – less than four (4) satellites are tracked, no position available

a. It may take a bit after you power up the unit for tracking to begin. This is especially true if the unit has been off for a while or if it is being restarted in an entirely new location. The delay is because the almanac has to be downloaded/updated.

iii. Yellow – a navigated position is available

a. If you are setting up over ‘any point’, that is you don’t know the coordinates of the base from some outside source(s) (e.g. NGS benchmark, then only a navigated position (for the base) will be developed but the rover will be able to display green (fixed RTK) because the relationship between the base and rover is known with precision.

b. Typical readings for a base in navigation mode are in the order of 0.5 to 2 meters for 2nd order while the rover using the base will have values of 10-30 millimeters!

c. It is possible to set up a base over ‘any point’ acquire at least 20 minutes of good data, process it via OPUS (see that work flow) and then after receiving the OPUS result return and re-locate the base over the same point but now use the KNOWN point option, using the OPUS provided coordinates.

iv. Flashing green – a code-only position is available

a. You will NOT get either a flashing or a solid green one at the base station if you are over any point (ie. unknown location)

b. The rover WILL have flashing green or green but NOT the base

v. Green – a fixed RTK position is available

a. Only when a position is available will the transmit buttons flash
b. This may take a few minutes.

[/wptabcontent]

[wptabtitle]CONTINUE TO… [/wptabtitle] [wptabcontent]

To set up rover, see Configuring a GS15 Receiver as a Rover

[/wptabcontent]

[/wptabs]

Posted in Setup Operations | Tagged Leica GS15, RTK

GS15 and CS15 batteries charging and installation

Before fieldwork confirm that you have the following items if needed

Batteries, charged
1. Data logger and GPS units both use the GEB211/GEB212 batteries
  1. You can also use a car battery and cable, Leica external battery or a car adapter
2. Two batteries can be installed in GPS at same time and operate unit for 10-15+ hours – largely deposing on radio use.

Installation of batteries in GPS is described on Page 41-42 of GS15 User’s Manual

With battery contacts facing upwards, slide battery into cover
Push battery into cover until it locks
Insert cover of battery and battery into slot
Lock battery into slot by pushing side fastener as directed by arrows
This works for both battery compartments.
Reverse steps to unlock and remove battery

Installation of batteries in data logger is described on page 46-47 of CS15 User’s manual

You can hot-swap one of the two batteries. In operation battery status on GPS is shown via “Power LEDs”. One battery will be “active” one “passive”

Information on these on pages 64-67 of GS15 User’s manual

Power LED (Active Battery)

No light battery is not connected, flat or GS15 is not on
Green light power is 40-100%
Yellow light power is 20-40%
Red light power is 5-20%
Fast flashing red light power is low <5%

For the passive batteries it is the same except the LED light flashes once every 10 seconds

Battery charging

If using for longer than one day plan to take the Leica battery charger unit
1. Note that the same charger charges both GPS and C10 batteries
2. External power supply (e.g. 120v – GEV235) for data logger also charges batteries in the logger. There is a GEV235 power supply in each of the cases. The data logger has the same batteries as in GPS so – in a pinch – this can be a battery charging workaround.
3. Refer to Leica Battery Charging (GKL221) manual for details on what the lights mean. BUT – the basics are
  1. Yellow – the batteries in the bay have been recognized BUT the batteries in the other bay (each holds two batteries) are currently being charged. It will automatically switch when the other bay is charged.
  2. Green – the battery is being charged
  3. Flashing green – the battery is fully charged.
4. You can leave the batteries in the charger with the charger plugged in w/out any harm to batteries and this will insure that they are fully charged when you need it. The charger actually cycles through a charge/discharge cycle.

Posted in Checklist, Checklist | Tagged Battery charging, Leica CS15, Leica GS15

Using CS15 Data Logger to set up GS15 as base for OPUS

While the GPS unit can be used without the data logger it is normally the case that you will use the data logger to configure the system. This is required if you are creating a new job.

You can “connect” the data logger to the GPS via cable or Bluetooth. When using Bluetooth check to make sure you are connecting to the proper GS15 – especially when they are close to each other. The steps to configure the base are quite different than those for the rover and you can accidentally convert the base into the rover (or vice versa) if you are not careful. Be sure to check the arrows to the right of the FUNCTION key (one with antenna symbol on it) on the side of the GS15 to insure that the base has an outgoing arrow.

There are a number of “paths” through the menus and you can use both/either the keys on the data logger and/or the touch screen. After a bit the keys may be easiest since you don’t have to have one hand on the stylus – and you don’t risk losing the stylus – which is docked in the top of the data logger. The instructions below focus on the use of the keys but do switch back and forth when the stylus option is easier. You can use a fingernail instead of the stylus.

Step1. Start GPS units (GS15)

Set up tripod (see Setting up tripod workflow)
On the GPS unit press and hold the power button (circle with vertical line) briefly till battery LEDs light up release.
It will take a while for the base to fully power up, acquire the almanac (if needed) and perform other actions. You can monitor the status with the GPS LEDs.
1. When fully operational the outgoing LED (“RTK Base LED” in figure) will flash and the position LED (“Position LED” in figure) will be solid yellow.
2. Depending on how the unit was previously used it may be configured as either a base or a rover. You can reconfigure using the FUNCTION key (press briefly to switch from base to rover mode or vice versa) and/or by using the data logger as described below. If the unit has not previously been configured to log raw data to the SD card you MUST use the data logger to set up this configuration. The Storage LED will flash slowly if the unit is logging data to the SD card.
3. If the outgoing light is solid green the unit is NOT sending data. When sending data the outgoing LED will flash (sometimes slowly).

Step 2. Set up Job or select existing one on data logger

You will need to either set up a new job or use an existing one. You will need to turn on the data logger. Press and hold the power button (on left – with circle and vertical line) until the screen lights and then release.

The SmartWorx set up wizard will appear. If it is the first time you may get a “Welcome” screen. If so just click “Next”
1. Select “Use GPS Only”
  1. You will then have a screen with the options to “Continue …” or “New Job” to continue.. (otherwise for a new job go to 2 below)
2. Press (F1) Next
3. Check that GC10/15 is selected
4. Press Next
5. Then “Go to work” (jump to
To set up a new job:
1. Press “Home” key (one with house symbol)
2. Select “New Job” ands press Next (F1)
3. Setting up a New JOB
  1. Enter
    1. Name
    2. Description
    3. Creator
    4. Note: to use the keypad to move from data entry field to the next press the “Return” key (right angle arrow pointing to left)
    5. Make SURE you have SD Card as the device.
    6. When the last field is completed and you press the return arrow you will see the word “Store” (above the F1 key and “Page” above the F6 key.
      1. If you want to create a code list (e.g. a data dictionary) press F6 (or use stylus to click “Page” (or use stylus to click the tab at top of page “Code-list”)
      2. If you are setting up a base station you won’t have a code-list or need other options.
    7. You should tab over to the tab labeled “Coord System” to confirm is it WGS84. The default is “WGs84Basic” – this is a satisfactory starting point. It is possible to configure other coordinate systems. Those instructions are in Section 8 of the Viva Tech Manual.
      1. From the Viva Manual: ” All GPS surveyed points are always stored as WGS 1984 geodetic coordinates regardless of the coordinate system being used. Using a different coordinate system converts the coordinates displayed on the screen, but does not convert and restore the coordinate values in the database DBX.”
    8. After checking everything press F1 for store.
      1. If you see letters “ABCDE | FGHIJ etc” across the bottom instead of the word “Store” you are still in the text entry mode. You can use the function keys to enter letters. Use the stylus or keyboard to move down to the “Device” field and “Store” will appear.

(If needed – connect to GPS)

You may need to connect to the GPS. This can either be done via cable or Bluetooth.

To connect
Press Home key
Red arrow to “Instrument”
1. Down to ” Connections” then
  1. GPS Connection Wizard
  2. On next screens confirm
    1. GS Sensor is GS10/15 then Next and
    2. Bluetooth (or) cable
2. The unit will then display the current connected unit. If using Bluetooth, confirm that it is connected to the correct GS15 – confirm SSN. The unit’s SSN is in a white tag on the antenna.
3. if so press Next
  1. OTHERWISE – press Search
  2. After a bit review list and select the correct unit to connect to
  3. Press Next (F1)
  4. After a moment you should see “successfully connected”
4. Press Finish
  1. The Bluetooth LED on the data logger will be blue and the Bluetooth on the GS15 will be blue as well.
5. If you are unable to connect to the proper unit it may be necessary to step through the wizard again making sure that you have selected the correct unit. If this fails again it may be necessary to power down both the GS15 and the data logger and start again. This usually fixes any connection issues.

Step 2. Set up base station parameters

For OPUS work you will be post-processing the base data and it is ESSENTIAL that the data be logged to the SD card. Be sure that the SD card has adequate memory for the work you plan. The SD card is any standard one (1) GB SD card. It is installed in the SD slot at the top inside of the battery cover.

Set/Check GPS Settings
Press “home” key
1. If the unit is already in base mode you can proceed with settings. HOWEVER it may have been left in rover mode. As noted you can change this via the FUNCTION button on the GS15 or you can press a 2 or use stylus or arrow keys to select “Switch to Base Mode” on data logger
2. This may cause a lost connection message to display/sound but usually it will then reconnect as a base. If it does not the cycle through the GPS connection wizard again.
  1. To cycle through GPS Connection Wizard
    1. Press Home key again
    2. Right red arrow to “Instruments”
      1. Select “Instrument Connections”
        
        Select GPS Connection Wizard
        
        Choose GS10/GS15
        
        Press Next (F1)
        
        Select Bluetooth (or cable if using a cable)
        
        Press next
        
        Confirm the correct unit is involved (SSN is on base of unit)
        
        If correct
        
        press NEXT
        
        Dialogue should report “Connected to GS Sensor”
        
        If Not
        
        Press Search
        
        Will identify different sensor
        
        Press Next to connect
        
        Press Finish
After re-running GPS Connection wizard – if needed.
Press Home key again
1. Press red arrow to move right to “Instrument” (or use stylus)
  1. Select “Base Settings” (use down arrow or stylus)
    1. Select “Satellite Tracking” – indicate if you want GLONASS and L5 here
    2. Go back to “Instrurment” – press the curved return arrow to right of the red arrow keys or click on the same icon on the screen in the upper right
    3. Check Antenna Height
      1. This is usually 2 meters but should be set to the tripod height

Insure that you are logging raw data

Press “GO BACK” key (e.g. “U shaped arrow”) as needed to get to “Base Menu” (at upper left of screen)
1. You should see “Go to Work” and “Instruments” as options on Base Menu
2. Select Instruments
  1. Select Base Settings
    1. Select Raw Data Settings
    2. Confirm or set “Log base data for post-processing” (normal method for most of Center’s applications) check box is checked. If not checked use stylus (or finger nail) to check.
      1. Check that rate is 1.0s
        
        It is possible to set rates from 0.05s to 300s. The one second (1.0s) seems to be the best option for our work.
      2. Data type “Leica Format (MDB)”
  2. Press “OK” (F1)

Confirm settings

Press “GO BACK” key “U shaped arrow” as needed to get to “Base Menu”
1. You should see “Go to Work” and “Instruments”
2. Select Instrument
  1. Select Base Status
  2. Under base status entries are:
    1. Battery and memory
    2. Satellite status
    3. Data Link Status
    4. Current Position
    5. Raw data logging
    6. Connections Status
  3. Go into each and check status – in particular
    1. Under battery and memory
      1. The first tab is data logger memory and battery
        
        Use Page (F6) to move to GPS base tab
        
        Confirm adequate battery and memory
    2. Under Raw Data Logging
      1. Confirm data logging
        
        Note at least 20 minutes of RAW data needed for OPUS Rapid-Static solution
        
        At one obs per second this is some 1,200 observations.
        
        The data logger reports the number of observations logged. Under Base Status, Raw data Logging

Setting up over any point

You will probably usually use the “set up over any point” option when locating the base. “Any point” means that you do not, initially, know the point’s locations, though you can determine this very precisely after the OPUS system after data are acquired.

From the base screen select “Go to work”
1. Select “over any point”
2. Confirm (or set)
  1. “Antenna height” to proper value (usually 2.0 m when using standard tripod)
  2. RTK Base Antenna : GS15 Pole
  3. Point ID: enter a value that you note for future reference.
3. Base set up is complete
You will be directed to the Rover Connection
1. You will NOT need to configure the rover for a single system OPUS process.

Setting up over a known point

It may be the case that you can set up the base station over a known point.
One way to accomplish this is to set up the base alone and acquire adequate data for an OPUS solution. Submit the data to OPUS and then use the results. Reset the base over the same point and enter the OPUS coordinates.
1. In this case you would
  1. Press “go back” arrow until you get to Base Menu screen
  2. Select “Go to work”
    1. Select “Over known point”
      1. Confirm antenna height and press” Next”
    2. You will be given the select known point
      1. Clicking in the “Point ID” field will take you to the Data screen when all currently known points are displayed and you can use these.
      2. However – you will Not have the OPUS solution in the list and will need to enter it to be able to choose it as a Known Point
    3. To enter a new point press F2 “New” at the bottom of the “Data: Points” tab screen
      1. Press F2 “coordinates” to shift from lat/lon, Cartesian etc. coordinate types.
      2. ENTER the OPUS solution here.
    4. IMPORTANT: If you are using the WGS84 coordinates be SURE to enter the ITRF 2002 OPUS solution not the NAD83(CORS) ones.
    5. When complete press STORE (F1)
  3. Use return arrow (sideways “U”) to move back to the Select Know Point screen.
    1. Confirm that the OPUS solution is correct
  4. Press NEXT and you will then be at the “Base set up complete”
2. If the base mode LED (outgoing arrow) is
  1. OFF – the unit is not in base mode but in RTK rover – press FUNCTION to switch to base mode – check LEDs again
  2. The base mode LED should be either
    1. Green – the unit IS in base mode but NO DATA is being sent to radio
    2. Transmission is not needed for single point work but you do need to insure that the unit is NOT in rover mode.
    3. Or Flashing green
      – unit in base mode AND data is being sent.
      1. WARNING – the unit may flash very slowly!
      2. Again – this is not necessary – as there is no rover.
3. If the Position LED is
  1. OFF – no satellites are being tracked and/or unit is off
  2. Flashing yellow
    – less than four (4) satellites are tracked, no position available
    1. It may take a bit after you power up the unit for tracking to begin. This is especially true if the unit has been off for a while or if it is being restarted in an entirely new location. The delay is because the almanac has to be downloaded/updated.
  3. Yellow – a navigated position is available
    1. If you are setting up over “any point,” that is you don’t know the coordinates of the base from some outside source(s) (e.g. NGS benchmark, then only a navigated position.
    2. Typical readings for a base in navigation mode are in the order of 0.5 to 2 meters for 2^nd order while the rover using the base will have values of 10-30 millimeters!
    3. It is possible to set up a base over “any point” acquire at least 20 minutes of good data, process it via OPUS (see that work flow) and then locate the base over the same point bus as a KNOWN point, using the OPUS provided coordinates.
    4. BUT – the position LED will still be YELLOW!
  4. Flashing green
    – a code-only position is available
    1. You will NOT get either a flashing or a solid green one if you are stand-alone and over an unknown point.
  5. Green – a fixed RTK position is available
    1. You will NOT get either a flashing or solid green if you are stand-alone and over an unknown point

To calculate an OPUS rapid-static position you need to have between 20 minutes and 2 hours of data.
1. Data longer than two hours needs to be submitted to the OPUS static system. Not rapid-static
  1. Generally rapid-static positions are more than adequate for most purposes. They commonly are +/- 10-30 millimeters.
When you have adequate data you need to power down the system
1. Hold power button down until LEDs turn red and quickly remove finger.
  1. Continuing to hold will cause a reset or reformat operation!
Remove SD card from unit and place in SD card reader attached to a PC running LGO
Detailed directions are provided in LGO data transfer to OPUS workflow
Basic steps are as follows.
1. Note that you do NOT need a licensed version of LGO for this task
2. Create or select a project
3. Import data from SD card to LGO
4. Export data from LGO to a RINEX file
5. Upload the RINEX file to OPUS
  1. OPUS is found at http://www.ngs.noaa.gov/OPUS/
  2. The antenna type of the GS15 is LEIGS15
  3. Enter 2.0 m for antenna height if using normal tripod setup
  4. Wait for e-mail

Posted in Setup Operations, Setup Operations, Workflow | Tagged Leica CS15, Leica GS15, OPUS

Trimble 5700 System Set-Up and Operation

The following instructions explain set up and operate the Trimble 5700 GPS Receiver for use in a RTK application.
Hint: You can click on any image to see a larger version.

[wptabs style=”wpui-alma” mode=”vertical”] [wptabtitle] HARDWARE [/wptabtitle]

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Required hardware:

1.   Trimble 5700 receiver w/ CompactFlash card
2.   Trimble Lithium Ion batteries (2) or external battery back
3.   Zephyr or Zephyr Geodetic antenna, w/ antenna cable and brass tripod adapter

4. Fixed-height tripod

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[wptabtitle]SET UP: I [/wptabtitle] [wptabcontent]

1. Remove the Zephyr or Zephyr Geodetic antenna from the case, and screw in the brass tripod adapter.

2. Stand the fixed-height tripod on its center tip, loosen the brass thumbscrew in the side of the top mounting plate, insert the brass adapter on the Zephyr antenna into the mounting hole, and then tighten the thumbscrew.

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[wptabtitle]SET UP: II [/wptabtitle] [wptabcontent]

3. Remove the cover from the cable socket on the antenna, and then screw the angled connector on the yellow antenna cable on to socket. Be careful to keep the cable untangled; you can safely assume that most of these specialized cables cost well over $100!

4. At the base of the tripod, flip the lever to release the center leg, and then extend it fully to the 2-meter mark. There is metal pin attached by a wire to the base of the tripod. Insert the pin through the holes in the rod at the 2-meter mark, then put the weight of the tripod on to the center pole so that the pin is pushed firmly against the clamp body.

5. Now flip the lever to lock the clamp.

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[wptabtitle]SET UP: III [/wptabtitle] [wptabcontent]

6. Carefully place the tip of the center pole at the exact spot on the ground that you wish to survey (in this sample photo, it is the corner of a floor vent).

7. Two of the side legs have squeeze clamps at their upper end.

To release them from the tripod base, squeeze the clamp and lift the leg up so that the tip clears the base.

Angle the leg away from the tripod body and flip the lever to release the lower clamp on the leg. Extend the lower portion of the leg all the way, and then lock the clamp again.

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[wptabtitle]SET UP: IV [/wptabtitle] [wptabcontent]

8. Finally, use the squeeze clamp to extend the leg all the way to the ground, forming a stable angle with the center pole. Repeat this operation with the second leg that also has a squeeze clamp.

9. The third leg is different; instead of a squeeze clamp, it uses a thumb screw to tighten the upper section. Loosen this thumbscrew, and then extend the leg and place its tip as you did on the other two legs. Be sure to leave the thumbscrew loose. At this time, if your are on soft ground, you should use your foot to push each of the three legs (not the center pole)into the ground.

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[wptabtitle]SET UP: V [/wptabtitle] [wptabcontent]

10. The tripod must be completely level to get an accurate measurement. Locate the bubble level mounted on the side of the tripod.

Place a hand on each of the squeeze clamps, squeeze them to release their lock, and very carefully push or pull to align the air bubble in the level within the inner marked circle. When you have the tripod level, release both of the squeeze clamps, and check your level again. If it is still level, lock the thumbscrew on the third leg, and you are finished with the tripod.

11. If the field case for the receiver you’re using has cable pass-through (a black, round plug in the side of the case), you can unscrew it and thread the antenna cable through the opening (this will let you put the receiver and batteries in the case with the lid shut). Regardless of which case you’re using, the next step is to remove the cap for the antenna connector on the 5700 receiver, and then connect the yellow antenna cable.

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[wptabtitle]SET UP: VI [/wptabtitle] [wptabcontent]

12. For power, there are two options. A pair of lithium-ion batteries can be inserted into the bottom of the 5700 receiver, or an external battery pack can be plugged into it. When plugging in the battery pack, be sure that the red dots align on the plug and connector. The battery pack can be plugged into either connector 2 or 3 on the receiver.

13. When disconnecting the battery pack, release the plug by pulling on the steel wire loop attached to it.

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[wptabtitle] OPERATION: I[/wptabtitle] [wptabcontent]

1. Turn on the 5700 receiver by pressing the green power button. The unit will do a quick self-test, and will indicate healthy batteries by green lights for the A & B positions (if you only have one battery or battery pack connected, only one of the battery lights should illuminate).

[/wptabcontent][wptabtitle] OPERATION: II [/wptabtitle] [wptabcontent]

2. At this point in time, record the start time for this location on the GPS log form. Press the blue button to begin logging.

The red SV Tracking LED below the satellite icon indicates the status of satellite tracking:

Slow flash – Tracking four or more satellites.
Fast flash – Tracking three or fewer satellites.
Off – Not tracking any satellites.
On – The receiver is in Monitor mode, and is checking for new firmware to install.

The yellow Logging/Memory LED below the blue Logging button indicates the status of data logging and memory usage:

On – Data is being logged.
Slow flash – Enough FastStatic data has been logged. Alternatively, if the red SV Tracking LED is on solid at the same time, the receiver is in Monitor mode, and is checking for new firmware to install.
Fast flash – Data is being logged but memory is low.
Flash – The receiver is in Sleep mode, and will wake up five minutes before the scheduled start time of a timed application file.
Off – Data is not being logged, or the CompactFlash card is full.

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[wptabtitle] OPERATION: III [/wptabtitle] [wptabcontent]

3. Take a clear photo of the tripod, making sure the actual survey point is very clear. Record the photo number on the GPS log form. Record the direction you were facing when you took the photo. Enter a clear description of the location, so that it can be easily located again.

4. For a FastStatic (also called “RapidStatic”) position, you will run the receiver for 20 minutes. At the end of this time, you should see both the Logging (yellow) LED and the SV Tracking (red) LED doing a slow flash. If the receiver shows to have successfully logged a FastStatic point by this behavior, press the blue Logging button for 2 seconds to stop logging, and then press the green Power button for 2 seconds to turn off the receiver. If the Logging LED is still “On” (not flashing), check that the SV Tracking LED is in slow flash mode; if it is in fast flash mode, then it is not tracking enough satellites to record adequate data. The receiver can be left running for an extended time, if necessary, until it indicates that enough FastStatic data has been logged.

5. Record the End Time for this location on the GPS log form.

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[wptabtitle] DIS-ASSEMBLY[/wptabtitle] [wptabcontent]

Dis-assembly is the reverse of Setup. A few things to keep in mind:

Coil antenna cables in large loops so that they have no kinks or bends in them.

Be very careful with tripod points – they really can hurt people!

Make sure that the legs are properly locked after you’ve folded up the tripod.

When returning CAST equipment, it must be completely clean. Dust, dirt, grass, etc., are unacceptable – clean it up!

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Posted in Setup Operations | Tagged Trimble 5700, Tripod

Youtube:

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Posted in youtube

Scene Display Options (all modules)

To model in Cyclone, you must use:

Background

Required hardware:

Required software:

Transfer raw data to field computer

Convert DAT file to RINEX

Differentially correct carrier phase data using OPUS

I. General

II. Start base station

Before fieldwork confirm that you have the following items if needed

Step1. Start GPS units (GS15)

Step 2. Set up Job or select existing one on data logger

(If needed – connect to GPS)

Step 2. Set up base station parameters

Insure that you are logging raw data

Confirm settings

Setting up over any point

Setting up over a known point

Required hardware:

Dis-assembly is the reverse of Setup. A few things to keep in mind:

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