Speed is the name of the game

With Leica Geosystems’ commitment to selflearning instruments, the new Leica GS18 T GNSS RTK rover is the next evolution in the Leica Captivate Experience.

In this edition of Expert Insights, Bernhard Richter, Leica Geosystems GNSS business director, discusses the technology behind the industry’s first tilt compensation solution that is immune to magnetic disturbances and is calibration free.

• What is the Leica GS18 T GNSS RTK rover?

The Leica GS18 T is the fastest and easiest to use GNSS RTK rover because the user does not need to hold the pole vertical anymore. This is thanks to the first tilt compensation solution that is entirely immune to magnetic disturbances and calibration free. Statistical analysis confirmed that on average users can save up to 20 per cent over conventional surveying practices with the GS18 T. With the fastest and easiest, self-learning GNSS Smart Antenna, the immersive experience of Leica Captivate is continued.

• What does this new technology do for the user experience?

Before defining the scope of any development, the utmost importance is to understand what pain is relieved. Pole levelling is a pain. On every point, a few seconds are needed to centre the bubble and hold the pole vertical. Some points are even not accessible with GNSS, such as corners, because the pole cannot be levelled. In addition, pole levelling requires a high level of concentration and distracts the user from safety relevant events, such as passing trucks. The GS18 T was designed with these user problems in mind.

• How does the GS18 T GNSS RTK rover work?

天线通过将GNSS位置与源自综合惯性测量单元（IMU）得出的高度信息相结合，估计了倾斜的极点尖端位置。该技术类似于航空领域的解决方案，在该领域，标题，音高和滚动是重要的关键参数。知道倾斜极的螺距，滚动，标题和方位角，可以计算相对于GNSS天线的杆尖端位置。

We developed an affordable precise IMU that calibrates automatically and does not impose additional calibration procedures for the user. It was very important for us that when the user turns on the instrument, he will be ready to measure.

GS18 T针对GNSS Rover的运动学RTK用例进行了优化，在该运动室中，速度和易用性对于测量和列出点很重要。

• For what applications can the new technology be used?

Put simply, this GNSS RTK rover can be used in any application. We did, however, focus on heavy construction, utilities, and surveying and engineering industries in the development and design stages. Especially useful in construction projects and maintenance of existing infrastructure, the GS18 T can measure anywhere on site since it is not affected by magnetic disturbances. The same goes for those working with electricity, gas, water and telecommunications in the utilities field. These professionals don’t need to be surveying pros to be able to easily get the measurements they need for the job. Now, for our surveying and engineering professionals, they can trust they are getting the most accurate results at the fastest speed possible.

• If there are regulations requiring the pole to be levelled during the measurement, can users still benefit from the Leica GS18 T RTK rover?

Since the tilt values of the pole can now be stored for every measurement, such values can be shown in a report to prove the pole was levelled within the required tolerances.

• Why should users invest in the GS18 T GNSS RTK rover?

如果不再需要在现场取决于工作，则用户将获得20％和更多的时间节省。现场工作人员变得更加生产力，可以同时获得更多的工作。现场工作人员将能够在GNS（例如房屋的角落或汽车部分阻塞点）等GNS之前直接测量无法直接测量的点。

• Any sneak peeks into further Leica Geosystems GNSS innovations?

We are dedicated to innovation at Leica Geosystems, and we continue to lead the industry in a new way of GNSS measurement with the GS18 T RTK rover. Though we feel our self-learning GNSS instruments will always adapt to the ever increasing satellite constellation demands, we will continue to explore opportunities to bring even more value to our customers.