5 Essential Elements of a High-Productivity Survey Controller By Bob Kilburn
If you’re looking new ways to optimize your surveying efficiency, have you considered your survey controllers? Regardless of which survey equipment you use, your con- trollers are at the heart of your work. They can either slow you down or give you a boost in efficiency and confidence. But with so many options available, how can you be sure to make the best use of this technology? Here are five essen- tial elements to consider when evaluating your options: 1. Durability Is the controller rugged enough to stand up to all weather conditions? Can you confidently use it in dirty or dusty en-
vironments? If it’s a tablet, will it break if you drop it? What happens if you drop it in the water? A quick check of the operating temperature range and IP rating can give you a good indication of durability. Keep in mind that while a tra- ditional surveying controller with buttons might give you the widest operating temperature range, the newest tablets come pretty close. Look for a rugged design and extremely high IP rating for proven ability to be fully dustproof and waterproof, even when immersed in several feet of water. 2. Flexibility
Can you quickly and easily access all the apps you use for your day to day work, including legacy apps? Is the operat- ing system powerful enough to allow you to open multiple apps at the same time? If it’s a traditional controller with buttons, is the screen large enough to easily see your data? For the highest performance and maximum flexibility, it’s hard to beat aWindows-based controller. But look for other capabilities as well. For example, touch screen technology that allows you to view and process data in the field can give you a significant productivity advantage. 3. Connectivity Fewsituations aremore frustrating than encounteringpoor signal strength and slow internet connections while you’re trying to transfer data. Look for a solution that provides a seamless link between the field and office along with fast internet speeds and reliable, consistent connectivity. Fast data transfers and effortless access to shared servers and browser-based data viewers should be standard. 4. Size
The rugged new Windows-based Leica CS30 tablet pictured above can be used in temperatures ranging from -25 to +55°C (-13 to +131°F) and carries high IP ratings of IP6x for dust resistance, IPx6 for water spray resistance and IPx8 for water submersion, making it a practical option for day-to-day field use in any conditions. Learn more.
Is the screen large enough to enable you to easily work with drawings? What about 3D visualizations? Can you see what the instrument sees to ensure your data is right? Can you easily work with your data on the display in the field? Do you need a large screen for graphics and the most powerful processing capabilities, or would a mid-sized screen and mid-range performance be a better fit for your requirements? Is the controller portable enough to carry all day and use in all tasks? You don’t have to compromise; some of the newest tablets provide a good balance between price and efficiency as well as size and power.
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csengineermag.com
April 2021
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