Capture Features Remotely With Trimble TerraFlex and LTI TruPulse Laser Rangefinders

The latest release of Trimble® TerraFlex™ software now supports the capture of remote features using the TruPulse® series laser rangefinders developed by Laser Technology, Inc. (LTI). LTI is a pioneer in laser-based measuring products and have partnered with Trimble for more than 25 years. So, what does this mean for TerraFlex users capturing data in the field? 

The “GIS style” of collecting field data is a fine balance between accuracy and efficiency. GIS users often have a lot of information they need to capture on the job. This requires a streamlined workflow that enables field workers to combine multiple technologies for acquiring data productively. When it comes to capturing the location of features, being able to extend the reach of GNSS receivers into often-times tough-to-capture environments enables field workers to collect high quality locations in more places. With support for LTI TruPulse laser rangefinders built directly into TerraFlex and a new guided offset workflow, users can now capture more features, more accurately, safely, and efficiently.

Improve the safety of your field crews

Field crews often need to capture data in environments that may be hazardous or places that are hard to reach. This can be a manhole or road sign on a busy street, a gas meter on private property, or a power pole on the other side of a levee. By equipping your team with TerraFlex and an LTI TruPulse laser rangefinder, they will be able to safely and accurately capture the position of these assets without having to physically occupy the location.

Improve the accuracy of features you capture

In situations where obstacles like tree canopy and buildings can degrade the quality of your GNSS positions, using a laser rangefinder can help extend the reach of high accuracy GNSS. Choosing the right TruPulse laser rangefinder for your application is important in order to get the best results.

• TruPulse 360°
  The TruPulse 360° models are capable of measuring distance, inclination and azimuth which enables the most efficient and quickest remote feature capture workflow. The TruPulse 360° is best suited to environments without magnetic interference which can impact the accuracy of the internal compass, such as a park or forest block.

• TruPulse 200
  The TruPulse 200 laser rangefinder is capable of measuring distance and inclination to targets. It is best suited to working in urban environments where sources of magnetic interference are more likely.

• TruPulse 200X
  The TruPulse 200X is a ruggedized laser rangefinder that is also Bluetooth® compatible with iOS smart devices. It features the highest distance and inclination accuracy to deliver the best remote offset position result.

When capturing features using TruPulse laser rangefinders in TerraFlex, the application will combine both GNSS error and laser error and stores that as feature metadata. This gives a true picture of the accuracy of the captured feature location and the information needed to verify its quality.

Increase your data collection efficiency

In situations where efficiency has a higher priority than accuracy, using a TruPulse 360 laser rangefinder can help speed up data collection in areas with densely populated features. If the job requires capturing the location of all assets in a park, the field user can remain stationary and capture locations without having to walk to each one. Paired with TerraFlex streamlined data entry workflows, this will greatly increase the productivity and efficiency of field crews.

To learn more about TerraFlex, visit our website here. If you want to know more about LTI TruPulse laser rangefinders, visit the LTI website here.