Recognize these warning signs and know the advantages new technology can bring to your surveying business.
“The last thing you want to do is head out on a time-critical surveying project with an old GNSS receiver—especially when new models offer premium capabilities at an attractive price point.”
—Burke Asay, Product & Support Manager, Surveying & Engineering, Leica Geosystems Inc.
When was the last time you upgraded your RTK GNSS receiver? If your gear is more than 10 years old and still dependable, that’s quite an accomplishment.
But have you stopped to consider how much that old equipment is costing you in terms of lost productivity, missed opportunities, and even safety?
Here are five signs your surveying instruments might be putting your business at a disadvantage.
1. You don’t own an RTK GNSS receiver
If you’re a sole proprietor or small business owner, a robotic total station and digital level might be all you need to perform quality surveys. You might even have a top-of-the-line self-learning total station and a smart prism pole system that automatically measures pole height and eliminates the need to level the pole. But modern RTK GNSS technology is faster, even when working under canopy.
For surveys that require the absolute accuracy of a total station, tech-savvy firms use an integrated system or SmartPole that lets them easily switch between GNSS and total station measurement. In the past, some surveyors have avoided this approach due to the awkward weight of the GNSS receiver on top of the prism pole. However, the newest lightweight, compact GNSS smart antenna technology alleviates this challenge, making the SmartPole setup an easy way to gain flexibility and efficiency in your surveys.
2. Your existing GNSS antenna is nearing the end of its useful life
Quality instruments that are well maintained and kept current on firmware can give you extended operating performance beyond the typical three- to five-year lifespan of modern digital technology. But all technology eventually reaches the end of its useful life. The last thing you want to do is head out on a time-critical surveying project with an old GNSS receiver—especially when new models offer premium capabilities at an attractive price point.
“How many field techs would you need to hire to keep up with your requests for surveys? Upgrading your RTK GNSS technology can help you save 30% or more on field time while giving you new capabilities.”
—Burke Asay
3. You need more flexibility
Whether you find yourself working in more complex environments or simply want to maximize safety, the need to stop and level your GNSS antenna can be a limiting factor. GNSS smart antennas with tilt compensation can help you measure challenging points quickly and safely without compromising accuracy.
4. Your field techs are tired
Seasoned surveyors are used to putting in long days with heavy instruments, but younger field techs have different expectations. While you might not be able to shorten their working hours, you can lighten their load by swapping out older, heavier GNSS receivers for new compact, lightweight models that won’t break your budget.
5. You need to work faster
How many field techs would you need to hire to keep up with your requests for surveys? High demand is good for your business, but you’ll only grow if you maximize your productivity. Upgrading your RTK GNSS technology can help you save 30% or more on field time while giving you new capabilities such as total station interoperability and tilt compensation. These advantages can help you attract more talent to your firm, bridge the gap between supply and demand, and achieve more success.
Don’t let technological limitations hold back your business. Whether you need a basic RTK GNSS receiver, a high-performance model with all the latest capabilities, or technology that falls somewhere in the middle, you might be surprised at what you can buy with your budget.
Reach out to your local rep or dealer and ask about the latest options. Your business deserves an upgrade.
To talk to one of our experts and learn more about how to optimize your surveying potential with technology, please contact us.
About the Author:
Burke Asay has more than 20 years of experience working with surveying technology. He began his career as a surveying technologist for Nantucket Surveyors in Massachusetts, where he developed his appreciation for fast, dependable and accurate hardware and software. From there he applied his field knowledge to developing System 1200 applications with the Leica North America Software Development Team in Montreal before moving into a role supporting surveyors and engineers in the US and Canada as an application and technical support specialist, focused on Leica Geosystems solutions. Today, as product manager for Leica Geosystems in the U.S. and Canada, Burke listens to the ideas, needs and challenges of professionals to help drive developments that will increase surveying efficiency and productivity. Burke has a diploma in Geomatics from the British Columbia Institute of Technology.
