Blog

Tripods are essential pieces of equipment for any surveyor. Designed to support laser levels, theodolites, and other surveying instruments, they ensure accurate measuring and levelling. Even the best, state-of-the-art surveying instruments cannot work optimally without the support a good surveying tripod offers.

With the various tripod brands, styles, and features available on the market it’s hard to choose the right one for you. To help you out we’ve rounded up a list of the things you need to consider before buying a tripod. Keep reading to see what they are.

5 things to consider when buying surveying tripod

1. Durability

You need equipment durable enough to handle whatever field conditions you might encounter, especially in Ireland. When considering durability, material of which the tripod is made should be your main focus.

Fiberglass tripods are strong, long-lasting, and resistant to the elements, which makes them ideal for prolonged use outdoors. The downside is the price, which is usually quite high.

Wood is a very popular and affordable option. It offers good stability and isn't affected by temperature changes - wood will neither contract nor expand when exposed to extreme temperature changes. Keep in mind though that wooden surveying tripods are usually heavy, so they’re not the best choice if you move your instrument around a lot.

Aluminium is lightweight and inexpensive, making it a great choice for jobs that require changing setups. They are also unaffected by humidity. As for the cons - aluminium surveying tripods are not completely temperature-resistant so they may slightly expand or shrink in extreme temperatures. Still they are great for setups that last a short period and in milder weather conditions.

2. Stability

While durability may be the most important factor when considering land survey tripods, stability is also critical. Land surveyors encounter all kinds of terrain and it isn't always flat or level. This makes stability another important factor to consider in a tripod. Stability is particularly important when working indoors on concrete or other hard surfaces to prevent the legs from spreading apart. Wooden tripods are known for their stability but it’s not just the material that determines how stable the tripod is. You need to look at parts like the tripod's feet, hinge pins, lock or steel points before you decide. All these will contribute to the stability of your tripod.

Heavy duty wooden tripod from NEDO Surveying is made out of hardwood protected with high-tech plastic coating which is more moisture-resistant than lacquer. These tripods feature brass pins, which secure the tripod’s hinges, and aluminium feet with replaceable steel points for extra stability.

3. Portability and weight

Most land surveying jobs require multiple setups and site changes. As such, it is important to consider the weight of the tripod because you will be carrying it around all day. When you’re looking for a lightweight surveyor’s tripod, aluminium is your best bet. High-quality aluminum tripods are both lightweight and sturdy enough for outdoor use.

Weight isn’t the only factor you should consider, though. It’s important to check the tripod’s size, folded length and the ease of use. There’s nothing more annoying (and time consuming) than a tripod's legs that take forever to fold or the clamps that won’t hold the legs properly when extended.

Also, it’s always a bonus when the carrying bag and/or strap is well made and comfortable. Makes all the difference during a long day in the field.

4. Height

Most standard tripods have telescopic legs and extend to optimal heights and work great for most common surveying and levelling tasks. But there will be times when you simply need a little more length. For instance, if you’re working with heavy construction equipment, you may have to elevate your machine control laser to an extra high level. In that case you might want to consider getting a tripod with an elevating column like the Crank Tripod P300 from Laserliner.

Remember! Telescoping legs are great for added height, but you still want to make sure the tripod is sturdy without being too heavy. Having dual clamps on each leg helps ensure stability while also enabling you to adjust the tripod as needed. You may also need to consider added safety features when using an extended-length surveying tripod.

5. Price

As with all purchasing decisions, you have to take into account what budget you have when choosing a tripod for surveying. It may not be as important as portability and durability but it is something not many can just ignore. Fortunately there are plenty of options now when it comes to surveying accessories. You don’t have to break the bank to get all the essential features. It all comes down to what you really need.

Browse our range to find a tripod that fits both your needs and budget.

---

Need help choosing the right tripod for your instrument? Give us a call at 01 257 2323 or email info@hitechniques.ie

At Hitechniques we are committed to sharing our knowledge and expertise. We do it by organising surveying trainings and offering technical support to our customers. Recently we also partnered with Niamh O’Donoghue - a PhD student from Cork - who’s doing research into erosion and climate change.

Niamh came to us looking to rent a GNSS Receiver. Roch helped her pick the best instrument for her project and provided training to help her get started.

Niamh is working with the GeoMax Zenith35 Pro and X-PAD software running on a Samsung Galaxy Tab Active 2 tablet to measure the beach slope and shore line position of the coast.

Read below to learn more about Niamh’s story as she answers a few questions about her project and why she decided to reach out to us.

1. Why did you choose Hitechniques as your service provider?

Niamh: I emailed a number of service providers I found online to rent a GNSS rover. Hitechniques responded immediately and also their daily and weekly quote for equipment rental was considerably cheaper than the competitors. They also offered a postal service of the equipment to my house (next day delivery). And for me to return it, it came with a return label which I just stuck on and returned to the post office. This was far easier than other companies who did not offer the delivery service, so I would have had to collect and return it myself which would be time consuming. Hitechniques employees have all been really helpful; I have been in touch with Philip, Jimmy, Roch and Dariusz so far and they are very personable, going above and beyond. They were really interested in my PhD project and were able to offer me the equipment at a discounted rate over the course of 1-2 years. This allows me to keep the equipment all the time rather than having to return it after each survey. This means I can plan a survey anytime and not worry if the equipment is available or not and it ensures consistency as I am using the same device throughout the project.

2. What problem did our product solve for you?

Niamh: It stopped the need of having to connect the tablet by usb to my computer when I want to export the points, as I can simply export them by email on the tablet. The tablet screen is matte so I can still see the screen even under bright sun. As I am new to this kind of technology, the user-friendliness helped someone like me get the hang of it quickly. It enables me to do surveys by myself which is useful as my supervisors are based in Cork and I am in Dublin, and they cannot be in the field with me at the moment with the travel restrictions. The product always stays connected to the internet and the satellite so I have not encountered issues yet on not being able to get a signal etc. Typically, an old method of measuring beach slopes, is a manual method using emery poles and a level, requiring 3 people which is more inaccurate and time consuming. There is also a total station but that requires two people. The Geomax GNSS receiver with X-PAD software allows me to sample alone, and it is extremely accurate and less time consuming.

3. Which features of X-PAD are the most valuable to you?

Niamh: It is so helpful that the X-PAD comes on the Samsung tablet. It makes surveying in the field so quick because it is a touch screen so I can easily measure and delete or edit points. It allows me to take photos for each survey I'm doing. On the 'Jobs' page, there is a list of all my surveys along with the photo of the survey location. This is helpful as it helps me visually separate one survey from the next instead of just being the title. The software is really user friendly so even when I'm not certain of something, it doesn't take long to figure it out by navigating through the different icons on the home screen. My surveys are based on beaches. The software enables me to put a basemap on the screen while I'm recording points so I can see a satellite view of where I am surveying. This is useful as it helps me identify where I am on the beach and my surroundings. You can export the DXF files in a matter of seconds to your email address. This means I can export them immediately in the field, which saves me having to connect a usb/ cable to my computer. Compared to other software I have used, the X-pad has the fastest set-up and connects to the GNSS rover in a matter of seconds to begin sampling, even in remote locations. This is important to me since I am sampling on beaches where I would worry about losing connection.

4. What are the challenges you encountered when working on your project?

Niamh: My first time surveying, I was on a beach and not fully used to the equipment. There was a connection error which Dariusz sorted with me over the phone. He also took the time to advise me on how best to survey as I was not sure if i was doing it correctly. The challenges have come more from the fact that it's my first time doing these surveys so I can be uncertain at times if I'm using the best survey method and if the method is reliable and repeatable but this is more an issue to do with human choice opposed to the equipment. So far the weather has been dry while surveying and the beaches have been quiet enough but I expect challenges will come during summer when people are sitting on the beach in the middle of my survey line. Another challenge would be that a PhD can be quite isolating, even more so with the restrictions and working from home. So there is less face to face communication. For example, I can't just walk into the supervisor's office to ask questions now or other students that shared the office space. Although things can be discussed over the phone and video call, I find it is much easier to do in person. So I suppose it has put more responsibility on me because I have done the first few surveys myself rather than with someone more knowledgeable watching over it.

5. How has your experience with Hitechniques been?

Niamh: My experience has been really good so far. There is never a delay when I have questions for them. Once we decided on what equipment to rent, Roch hand delivered it very quickly and went through how to set it up and practice all the functions, which made it less daunting. He really took the time to explain it to me and answer my questions. And Dariusz has been very helpful in the 2-3 times I called him for technical support. He was available to discuss and guide me through the issue immediately. This is so helpful as you never know what problem you may encounter while surveying and it's great to have someone respond immediately rather than the next day.

6. How likely is it that you would recommend us to a friend or colleague?

Niamh: I am 100% likely to recommend Hitechniques to friends, colleagues and other students who would need equipment. Not only do they provide the rental of top quality devices and latest software, they also are very hands on, ready to take a phone call if you have a query while surveying. Roch spent about 3 hours teaching me how to use the equipment. He travelled to my location which saved me travelling elsewhere. I would recommend them to anyone who needs equipment for their projects. Once you explain your project, they will recommend what device would be best for you.

---

Hitechniques’ slogan is "Your partner in measurement technology" because not only are we teaching customers to use surveying and measuring equipment every day, but we are continually learning from customers different ways in which GNSS Rovers and Total Stations can be used in the field.

Niamh's experience in using the Geomax GNSS Rover shows that even inexperienced users can use the equipment to record valuable research-based data that will help scientific understanding of the way our planet works. However, you don't have to be a scientist to use the equipment; hundreds or engineers, foremen, site operatives are measuring, surveying and setting out with our equipment every day.

Call us at 01 257 2323 to see how we can help you to become more efficient and do things you haven't tried before.

RTK Corrections are the ‘magic’ behind the high accuracy of surveying grade GNSS rovers. The corrections help to remove the errors caused by the (put the description from septentrio article here - evernote).

RTK Corrections can be produced by the single GNSS Base Station or by the sophisticated software, which calculates the corrections based on the readings of the network of the GNSS Reference Stations.

Calculating corrections

The technique of calculating the corrections involves the measurement of the satellite signal to remove the majority of GNSS type errors.

The calculation process consists of four phases: acquisition (Single or Autonomous), differential positioning (DGNSS), ambiguity ‘Float’ mode and ambiguity ‘Fixed’ mode

This alignment process goes through three phases: acquisition, ambiguity ‘Float’ mode and ambiguity ‘Fixed’ mode. Accuracy in Float mode is around 0.75-0.2 m and in Fixed mode it is 0.01-0.02 m. It is important to point out that accuracy is not the same as what you see in the standard deviation field in your software.

Operators

There are four operators available on the Irish market. They use different infrastructure of the reference stations network around the country.

Hitechniques is a distributor of correction services from VRSNow Trimble. As the largest GNSS rovers hire operator in Ireland we’ve been able to find that VRSNow gives the most reliable corrections with the highest rate of availability. The coverage of the correction service is also the widest. Especially in the far west of the country where other networks fail VRSNow is still giving reliable corrections allowing the rover to reach fix position.

Why do you need the Internet to access RTK corrections?

The RTK corrections can be delivered to the rover in different ways. In very remote areas (no, I’m not talking about Donegal) of the globe professionals use UHF modems (radio transmission, like Walkie-Talkie) for this purpose. They need to set up the base station within the range of the radio connection. Costs of using this kind of set up are much higher than using the RTK corrections produced by the network of reference stations streamed through the Internet. The Network Rovers (the professional name of the rovers using the network RTK corrections from the internet) have different possibilities to get the corrections as well.

Rover receivers like Zenith40 or Zenith60 Pro can use internal cellular modems to connect to the internet and get the necessary data. In Zenith16 rover receiver, it is necessary to use the internet connection delivered by the logger. Some of the more exotic rovers use LoRa connection as well, but it is not widely used.

How to connect your rover to the Internet?

There are so many different brands available on the market at this moment, that one could have a problem with choosing the right one. When it comes to the connectivity and the corrections there is important to have as many options as possible. This would give a piece of mind in a difficult Irish rural environment where the mobile reception is of poor quality.

The mobile internet can be delivered by:

• Cellular modem inside the rover receiver (for example GeoMax Zenith35Pro, Zenith40)
• Cellular modem in the tablet / data logger (Juniper Mesa3 Android, Samsung SM-T395 ActiveTab 2)
• WiFi connection in the tablet / data logger (Juniper Mesa3 Android, Samsung SM-T395 ActiveTab 2)

The field software like Microsurvey FieldGenius and GeoMax X-PAD, both allow the use of the internet connection from the tablet / data logger or from the rover. This allows to further reduce costs of the equipment by choosing, for example Zenith16 which doesn’t have cellular modem but can easily download the corrections through WiFi or internal tablet mobile internet connection.

Choosing the right mobile internet provider is also important. Hitechniques offers MOS2 SIM Cards (Multi-operator mobile internet provider) which can connect with every available network infrastructure in Ireland. The MOS2 service is fully supported by Hitechniques. Any other provider SIM Card can be used as well. Important details which have to be obtained from the provider are: APN server name, APN username and password.

In the next article we will discuss some of the important features in data loggers and what’s hot at the moment.

---

Have any questions? Email us at info@hitechniques.ie

We’ve been talking about the GNSS rovers a lot. We all know how to use them (if you don’t we have great training courses to get you started), and how accurate they are.

But what’s inside that flat head at the top of the pogo? How does it work and why sometimes it doesn’t give us the results we’re expecting?

Modern and good looking small heads on the top of the poles held by surveyors and construction engineers are very sophisticated electronic devices packed with quite a lot of space and digital technology.

How is a GNSS rover designed?

Measurement engine

The first and the most important module in the GNSS rover is the measurement engine.

All GeoMax rover receivers in example are using the latest technology from Novatel as the measurement engines.

This small yet powerful electronic device is the heart of the rover receiver and is responsible for receiving the analog signals from the antenna module. Measurement engine not only detects the radio frequency analog signals from the satellites but also processes them by decoding the messages carried by the signals. It also calculates the distance between the rover and the satellites. Knowing the position of and the distance to the satellites in space, the engine calculates the position of the rover by calculating the resection. This calculated position is still a raw position with accuracy which can be achieved by the modern smartphones. Of course reliability is much higher in case of surveying GNSS rovers. But the story of calculating the position is only half of the way at this point.

The raw initial position is sent to the supplier of the RTK corrections server and the server sends back the corrections, which are applied by the measurement engine to the position. Then the NMEA stream produced by the rover receiver gives an accurate position down to the milimeters.

Read more about RTK corrections in this article >> 

Cellular modems

Here we are getting to the point where we can meet another module of our small “flying saucer” at the top of the pole: cellular modems.

These small devices are the source of access to the internet which is required to upload the position to the server and download the corrections from it.

It is worth mentioning that modern rover receivers (like GeoMax Zenith16) can work with the internet connection delivered by the handheld computer (tablet or data logger) and they do not need the cellular modem inside.

Corrections can be provided by the UHF modems as well. These types of modems can be used in remote areas to receive the corrections, however there has to be a transmitter of the corrections in close proximity (base).

Zenith35Pro GNSS receiver in standard configuration can be used either as a rover or a base as it has the UHF modem installed.

Antenna module

So we’ve been through the measurement engine, cellular modem and now it is time to mention the other parts of the rover receiver. They are also very important as they provide the external communication and also integrate all the modules together.

Antenna module is responsible for receiving the radio frequency signals from the satellites and is located just under the top cover of the rover receiver. It’s a precisely designed element with highest radio frequency sensitivity, allowing it to receive very weak satellite signals.

Communication module

The communication module is responsible for physical (wire) or remote (wireless) connection of the accessories with the rover receiver. Modern devices (like Zenith35 Pro) have Bluetooth, WiFi, USB and Serial communication allowed. These ports allow the rover receiver to connect to the field computer (data logger, laptop, tablet) as well as update the internal firmware of particular modules.

Main module

The last part is the main module which connects all of the peripherals together, supplies power and digital memory for the modules, delivers physical communication via keyboard panel and sometimes indicators (different colour lamps) or even LCD display.

That’s all when it comes to how the rover receiver is built. We can talk more about things like robustness or waterproofness but to be honest all of the rover receivers available on the market today are built to last and considering the fast pace of development of the satellite precise positioning before they got broken they will be out of date in terms of the used standards.

---

Have some questions? Email us at info@hitechniques.ie We'll be happy to help.

As we work not only with large companies but also a smaller ones and even individuals, we are often asked about whether someone can or cannot set out their own housing development. Today we want to answer that question and explain what you need in order to tackle such a task.

Can I set out my housing development?

The short answer is yes, you can indeed set out your own house, if you feel up to the task.

In order to do that, though, you'll need four fundamentals:

• AutoCAD,
• georeferenced AutoCAD drawing (including legal boundaries, house coordinates and roadways),
• setting out equipment,
• and finally - knowledge and training on said equipment.

Let's take a closer look at each of these elements.

AutoCAD

So what exactly is AutoCAD?

AutoCAD is a computer-aided design software developed by the company Autodesk (hence the name AutoCAD). It allows you to draw and edit digital 2D and 3D designs more quickly and easily than you could by hand. The files can be saved and stored on your computer or in the cloud, so they can be accessed from anywhere at any time. 

AutoCAD file format is either in DXF (.dxf) or DWG (.dwg). 

AutoCAD was once an expensive package bought in a particular year, AutoCAD 2013 for example. Retailing at around €2,500 you bought it with the intent of updating in 5 years, which was not feasible for some small companies with only one user.

Annual subscriptions have improved this. Now you can buy the latest every year for a 1/5 of the price and always have the latest, most up to date version, meaning there is no issues with i.e. opening a file due to incompatibility.

Using AutoCAD in Hitechniques, we can point you in the right direction and guide you to the right place.

Georeferenced drawing

Before I explain what coordinated drawing is, let's go back to basics and talk about what coordinates are.

Coordinates are the numbers describing the position of the particular point on the map. There are 2 coordinates - Easting and Northing. Sometimes, when the level is important, they are followed by a third coordinate - Height. Easting coordinates are listed first followed by Northing - Easy way to remember is it’s in alphabetical order (ENZ). Coordinates are described by the coordinates system.

Generally, there are 2 coordinates systems in use in Ireland.

1. IG (Irish Grid or National Grid), superseded in 2001 by
2. ITM (Irish Transverse Mercator)

The official system is Irish Transverse Mercator (ITM) which is our local coordinates starting at point 500000,500000 off the coast of Kerry and increasing in increments of 1 m northerly and easterly and every millimetre in between. ITM is more compatible with satellite positioning used for precise surveying and minimise mapping distortions. (https://www.osi.ie/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Survey-Ireland-2007-ITM-Tutorial1.pdf)

Figure 1: Irish Grid Coordinates

Source: Wikipedia

Some local authorities still use Irish Grid system, however it hasn’t been recommended by Ordnance Survey Ireland since 2001 (Gas Networks Ireland, some local offices of Irish Water, County Councils). 

Figure 2: Irish ITM Coordinates

Source: Wikipedia

What if you have a house drawing but don't know ow to put it on site layout?

A digital map or AutoCAD survey of the site needs to be acquired either through past surveys or purchased online. A site layout of all the units and roadways, footpaths and car parking bays, etc. will need to be considered, when adjusting the position of the house layout. Ideally this should be done by the professional.

How do you get a georeferenced drawing?

Research into the site development and professionals involved, will have surveys from past projects or planning applications and these are going to be more detailed and more accurate

Digital Maps can be purchased online from https://www.osi.ie/products/professional-mapping/

These maps are sometimes not that accurate but give a good indication of site boundaries and surround lands and roadways. Accuracy of these can be sometimes up to 1.5m out of position and must always be checked and referenced. Again, ask a professional for help if needed).

Setting out equipment

Now that you have your coordinated drawing ready, it's time to do the actual setting out. 

You can be tempted to do the setting out using one of the simple, traditional methods but we strongly encourage you to invest in a modern survey equipment and software. Accurate setting out is a fundamental part of the construction works, and errors can be very expensive and time consuming to correct.

When your equipment is ready, your drawing can be uploaded to a portable data logger and then with the help of GNSS rover or a total station, you can precisely set out your design using marking stakes, flags or nails depending on your site.

Surveying training

Modern surveying instruments and software are designed with the end user in mind, so there is a lot of pressure on making them as easy-to-use as possible. Once you have a general idea on how things work and some hands-on training you should be able to perform a simple survey or set out a building without any issues.

If you'd like to start using GNSS rover or a total station but have no previous experience, you can sign up for one of our surveying training courses. They're designed with beginners in mind and are a great way to get into the world of construction surveying. 

---

Need help choosing the right instrument for you? Get in touch with us to schedule a consultation and/or a free demo on your chosen unit. Call 01 257 2323 or email info@hitechniques.ie

GNSS-based technologies help construction companies in a range of ways by saving time, reducing expenses and improving overall customer satisfaction. Technology’s ability to accurately measure projects with unprecedented speed offers new ways to monitor progress and maintain quality control.

There are a wide variety of units available, and choosing the right GNSS receiver is critical to the success of your project. The question is how to sift through all the GPS/GNSS receiver choices? 

Making a decision of which “bells and whistles” to pay for and which ones to pass up is not so easy. But before you even get into that, you should first focus on the basics.

There are 3 primary factors you need to consider when buying a GNSS rover. We will talk about them using the GeoMax Zenith16 GNSS Receiver as an example.

What should you look for in a good GNSS receiver?

1. Connectivity

Generally speaking, there are four main constellations we use GPS, GLONASS, Beidou and Galileo. The Zenith16 automatically comes with GPS and GLONASS, but it has the option of adding on the other two constellations as well. As the Zenith16 uses the GSM signal from the tablet or phone it has a very reliable connection and maintains an RTK fix in challenging areas of limited sky visibility. Thanks to stronger and more established network connection of Android devices, you will get a quicker and consistent Fix. No more wasting time waiting for a connection.

2. Functionality

Irrespective of the hardware and price, you get the same functionalities and features of the X-PAD Ultimate software that you'd have with more advanced models. Zenith16 offers the same high standards and ease of use.

3. Accuracy 

Even though Zenith16 is an entry level GNSS rover, it provides great accuracy and reliable results. In combination with an RTK subscription this receiver is capable of providing centimetre accuracy in real time. 

ACCURACY - RTK H/V (MM + PPM) Hz 10 mm + 1 ppm, V 20 mm + 1 ppm

Bonus

There is one more thing you need to consider, when making a choice and that is the price. 

When it comes down to brass tacks, the Zenith 16 is the cheapest GNSS Rover in its range. It's the perfect option when you're working with tight budget. It costs significantly less to set up and you can even operate the unit from your own phone using its data.

Conclusions

You could easily spend weeks (if not months) searching the market hunting for the perfect instrument. That is, if you had the time and patience of course. But when you take a step back and consider what you really need, the choice is often very simple - you pick a set up that won't break a bank but will offer reliability and accuracy needed in a demanding construction industry. 

Infrared thermography is one of the best methods to determine areas of energy loss from buildings, which makes it a necessary tool for many construction businesses. Thermal imaging cameras allow engineers to quickly identify regions of excessive temperature or sources of heat loss, such as thermal insulation gaps.

In 2009 Irish government introduced a legislation that requires any dwelling that is for sale or to let to have a Building Energy Rating (BER) specified. Since using infrared thermography is one of the best methods to determine areas of energy loss from buildings, thermal cameras became practically indispensable.

The best thermal-imaging cameras allow you to see and measure temperature differences accurately and from a safe distance. They are great not only for determining the building's BER but also roof inspections, assessing water damage and many other structural investigations (including tunnels, concrete bridge decking, restoration work as well as the mechanical and electrical systems).

How does a thermal camera work?

In the most basic of terms, thermal imaging allows you to see an object’s heat radiating off itself. Thermal cameras more or less record the temperature of various objects in the frame, and then assign each temperature a shade of a color, which lets you see how much heat its radiating compared to objects around it.

Thermal cameras detect temperature by recognizing and capturing different levels of infrared light and converting infrared radiation into a two dimensional picture. Many models have a sensitivity that will indicate a 0.2 degrees differential. This allows a perfect representation of the energy performance of the structure under known conditions by skilled operators. By using the information intelligently, building owners can assess if and when they require repair or maintenance or if new constructions reach the performance criteria. 

How to choose the right infrared camera for you?

With an enormous selection of thermal imaging cameras available on the market today. To find the right thermal imaging camera, you should consider these 5 features of the camera in comparison with the needs of your unique application.

1.Temperature Range: The temperature range of a thermal imaging camera may be one of the most important considerations. Before you make a purchase, you need to ask yourself: At what likely temperature will you be capturing images? Will there be a wide disparity in temperatures? 

2. Resolution: Most thermal imaging cameras have lower pixel counts than visible-light cameras, so assessing detector resolution is also an important part of decision making. The size of your imaging area and target will dictate the resolution needed. For example a small object detection will require high-resolution thermal imaging cameras.

3. Accuracy: Often a thermal imaging camera isn’t just used to detect differences in temperature, but also to measure the differences in temperature. In this sense, accuracy and repeatability are key considerations. Most high-quality thermal imaging cameras achieve a ±2% accuracy or better.

4. Image fusion: In certain applications, thermal images must be compared to visible light images to clearly present findings in temperature differences. Some thermal imaging cameras come with the ability to clearly highlight the difference between thermal and visible images, which makes image capture in these applications much easier.

5. Durability: the durability of a thermal imaging camera is important, especially for applications like high-end surveillance, security, and monitoring of critical infrastructure. If thermal imaging cameras must sit outdoors for long periods of time, or be moved around a rugged industrial environment, durability will be an important consideration.

There are many different models of thermal imaging cameras out there and choosing the right one may seem difficult at times. Assessing the 5 camera qualities listed above will point you in the right direction.

There’s no single thermal imaging camera for all applications, but there are models that will be great for a range of tasks. In order to invest your money wisely you need to take your time and really consider what features you do and don't need.

---

Need some help choosing the right tool? Talk to our advisor today - call 01 257 2323

Using total stations for surveying enabled contractors to measure angles and distances extremely accurately. Latest models are well designed and easy to operate with minimal training required and are a far cry from measuring tape and wooden stakes. They save time, minimise errors, and make jobs much easier and more efficient.

Upgrading your equipment usually brings a learning curve and requires time needed to get up to speed with the new tool. It also requires a big investment. So why would you want a robotic total station when you already have the manual one and a good system in place?

Read more about the fear of upgrading in our article >>

Differences between Manual and Robotic Total Station

There are two types of total stations on the market - manual and robotic. The biggest difference between them is that robotic models have a motor so they can be controlled remotely instead of manually.

Manual total station is a 2-man operation. The instrument must be manually turned, and the prism sighted each time. The EDM (Electronic Distance Measurement) also must be triggered mechanically each time. Robotic total station only needs 1 person to work. It pairs with a tablet and automatically follows the prism and is continuously measuring with the EDM.

With a robotic total station, you can record an average of 600 to even 1500 points in a day (depending on the terrain and other variables). With a 2-man system it's around 250-400 points per day.

A mechanical total station requires more focus on manual tasks, which limits ability to catch mistakes. With the robotic instrument, operator has more freedom and can focus on the site more, quality checking the layout. There is more time available to do these checks with the robot as there is a larger out points and more time to remeasure. This significantly increases overall productivity.

Taking a punt on the investment

If you're in a mid- to large-sized construction company, you no doubt feel the pressure, knowing that the slightest advantage could make-or-break winning the next big contract. In today's world of rapid development using digital layout solutions is a must just to keep up with the competition.

When we talk about investment it is the act of giving time, resources, or effort to a particular task to make it successful.In this case its investing in equipment to survey or set out with a reduction in time and resources being the objective.

At the beginning of all projects, the developer sits down to discuss the time and resources needed to complete the project. Project programmes are usually scrutinised to reduce the project span and hence reducing the labour and resources required (manpower, preliminaries, plant, etc.). There is always emphasis on eliminating errors (Quality Standards) and reducing man hours and fundamentally the labour costs.

With these objectives in mind, we compared the price of setting out points with a 2-man and Robotic Total station.

This table illustrates the reduction in total cost per layout point. It shows that investing in a robotic instrument will bring savings in the long run.

Once you have your new equipment and your team is trained, you will start saving time and ultimately money thanks to increased accuracy and productivity. You can take on bigger/more complex projects, getting a great return on your initial investment.

---

If you need some advice choosing you next instrument or would like to schedule a Free Demo, give us a call at 01 257 2323.

Working with Brian Grace

Brian Grace owns and runs his general consulting engineering practice - BDG Engineering Consultancy - since 1995 and offers a wide range of services, including structural design, planning applications, building supervision, site mapping and property surveys.

Brian always stresses the importance of competency in current engineering methods and advances. It's one of the reasons why he decided to come to us, looking for new solutions that would help his business.

A big part of what we do at Hitechniques is advising our customers on which type of equipment will be the best for their business. In order to do that we learn about their needs and pick the solutions based on that knowledge. It's not always the latest or the most expensive, it's about finding a solution that will work for them.

For Brian we picked Zenith16 GNSS Receiver with X-PAD surveying software form GeoMax Positioning. It's a set that provides great performance and accuracy needed for the types of surveys Brian is often required to conduct.

How consulting engineering practice benefited from upgrading their surveying equipment? - Read Brian's story

"I've been asked by the Hitechniques team for feedback on my recently purchased GeoMax Zenith16 GNSS RTK Rover. This I do, following return from site after completing another topographical survey, which took me approximately two hours. I already have the survey uploaded to my office drawing package and am now ready to commence my design work.

I have no hesitation in saying that prior to the Zenith16, the two hours above would have been TWO DAYS (and possibly two people).

I attended the one-day course with Philip several years ago and on completion, with no prior experience of GNSS, had enough knowledge to be confident to hire the unit and complete a survey to my requirements.

Subsequently, as needs arose I hired the unit from Hitechniques on a daily / weekly basis, which was very satisfactory. I found I was ‘saving up’ jobs so that when I had the unit, I was doing several surveying jobs at a time. Once the ease of use and efficiency of the GNSS is experienced, it is almost impossible to return to traditional surveying methods!!

I am a sole practitioner, and the one-man operation of the Zenith16 is very attractive as opposed to a total station etc.

I have the Zenith16 and GeoMax X-PAD software for approximately three months. I have completed several surveys since purchase, and while I’m sure I’m not yet using it to its full potential, it has more than met with my survey expectations.

I am a consulting engineer in general practice and therefore not a specialized surveying provider. However, over the years I have found that the most basic of projects now nearly all require a detailed survey prior to commencement of my work. Some jobs may not be big enough to require the services of a dedicated surveying contractor. This is where I find the benefit of owning the GNSS – you have the accuracy when you need it.

Projects such as boundary disputes, legal mapping etc. now all require the precision provided by GNSS and using it in such situations provides confidence to clients that the job is done accurately.

When I took delivery of the Zenith16 I received a days training with the new unit from Roch (of Hitechniques) and we covered all the features of the rover and software to allow me to commence surveying immediately. Subsequently, any small queries I’ve had, Roch (and all the Hitechniques team) were hugely knowledgeable only a phone call away to address any issues.

All in all, I am very pleased I purchased the Zenith16 and I find it is ideal for the general survey type of work I require as a consulting engineer. I can confidently say I certainly won’t be returning to the old measuring tape!!!" Brian Grace, Chartered Engineer

---

Working with Brian was a great pleasure and we are very happy knowing he's satisfied with his purchase.

We'd like to take this opportunity to, once again, thank him for sharing his experience with us and the community, and to wish him all the best with his future endeavours. 

Hitechniques Team

What is a pipe laser and how does it work?

A pipe laser is a type of construction laser that is used to measure and determine the correct grade for pipes. It makes grade calculations in sewer, wastewater and other linear pipe runs a lot easier. 

Pipe lasers provide ease of operation and computerized self-calibration that can speed pipe laying. They directly determine your pipe grade and help you to handle all the tricks and exceptions that arise when you are installing sewer pipe and other lines. 

Pipe lasers shoot a high-powered beam of light at a predetermined angle to establish the appropriate grade of a construction project. Standard pipe grade setting involves determining the length of pipe, the depth to the invert and details such as any protrusion into manholes. Ensuring you have accurate and appropriate numbers, you can calculate the change in depth of the pipe invert over the length of the pipe and derive a grade percentage from that.

How to calculate pipe laser reading?

A pipe grade is the incline or decline at which a pipe is set, and is expressed as a percentage. The grade of the pipe helps manage liquid flow in underground construction projects. This percentage is calculated by dividing the elevation difference by the run of pipe.

If the gradient between the manholes is given in rise/fall or as a ratio, calculate the laser reading as follows:

Things to remember:

1. If the rise/ratio is given as 1 in 85 make sure that both dimensions are the same

e.g.  1” in 240” NOT 1” in20’

        0.150m in 30m NOT 150mm in 30m 

        150mm in 3000mm NOT 150mm in 30m

2. + grades always RISE away from the laser

    - grades always FALL away from the laser

3. When using the LASER CONVERSION CHART read the Rise/Ratio (e.g. 1:85) from the LEFT hand column and the corresponding Pipe Laser Reading (1.176) from the RIGHT hand column.

Potential outside sources of error

• During pipe laying, logging in the pipe may be encountered leading to refraction of the laser beam. Since the beam appears to drift, the operator is likely to think that something is wrong with the instrument. This refraction problem can be solved by placing a fan at one end of the pipe to keep it clear.
• Retraction caused by heat and particles in the air can also be a problem when using a rotating laser beam, especially at extended distances. To give you an example, a reading error of up to 6mm can be caused by refraction and the curvature of the earth at as little as 300 meters range.
• Reflections can result in incorrect signals to the laser detector. Glass-walled buildings can cause such reflections. This problem can be prevented by shielding the building from the beam with a blind mounted on the instrument.
• Other factors which can affect the laser beam are heavy rain, fog or snowfall - water and ice particles in the air can lead to incorrect readings. 

Pipe lasers can make a huge difference in overall cost project by saving time and ensuring highest accuracy.

Pipe lasers are designed to help with specific pipe installation challenges, including long linear runs of supply or waste pipe. They don’t eliminate the need for skilled personnel to ensure that the overall installation is true and correct, but they can make a large difference in overall project costs and accuracy and can let pipe installation personnel perform their own measurements easily on smaller projects.

---

Download our handy Laser Conversion Chart.

Hire pipe laser at a great rate from our Hire Shop.