Surveyors at E.L. Robinson Engineering deliver exceptional quality and efficiency through a culture that prioritizes innovation, including the best in laser scanning and total station technology.
“Nothing thrills us more than somebody coming in the door and saying, ‘How are you going to survey this?’ We enjoy the challenge.”
—Tom Rayburn, Manager of Surveying, E.L. Robinson Engineers
In the world of surveying, where precision and efficiency are paramount, E.L. Robinson Engineering stands as a beacon of innovation and resilience. With a philosophy that embraces challenges and a commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology, E.L. Robinson’s surveyors have consistently delivered exceptional results, even in the most demanding projects. From major bridge constructions across the Ohio River to intricate hydrographic surveys, their team has proven time and again that no surveying problem is too complex to solve.
At the heart of E.L. Robinson’s success is a culture that prioritizes both people and technology. By investing in the latest tools, the company ensures their surveyors are equipped to tackle any challenge with confidence and efficiency. Upgrading from robotic total stations to the Leica MS60 MultiStation was just one example of this commitment. Here’s an overview of why they made the change.
Problem: Inefficiency in Complex Projects
E.L. Robinson Engineering was facing challenges with their other brand of surveying equipment. The equipment struggled with precision and efficiency, particularly in complex projects like monitoring bridges. As Manager of Surveying Tom Rayburn, PS, noted, “The gun wouldn’t turn the angles between two prisms.” This inefficiency was compounded by additional costs, as the company had to rent equipment to meet project demands. These challenges affected their ability to complete projects swiftly.
Solution: An Upgrade to Best-in-Class Technology
To address these challenges, E.L. Robinson decided to upgrade their equipment. They transitioned from their existing survey gear to Leica’s advanced surveying solutions, including the MS60 MultiStation, a fast, high-precision total station with laser scanning capabilities. The decision was influenced by the need for faster, more reliable equipment that could handle complex tasks efficiently. “The integrated scanning of the MS60 was a big piece for us,” Rayburn explained. “It makes our field data collection much faster.”
The company was an early adopter of laser scanning technology with the Leica ScanStation 2 in 2007, which they subsequently replaced with a ScanStation C10. Today, they operate a Leica RTC360 terrestrial laser scanner, a Leica Pegasus TRK Neo 700 mobile mapping system, and a Leica BLK2FLY autonomous flying laser scanner in addition to four Leica GS18 T tilt rovers and four MS60 MultiStations. Embracing technology innovation has been an easy way to maximize the safety, efficiency and flexibility of their field crews.
E.L. Robinson also added the AP20 AutoPole to further enhance their field capabilities. This decision was driven by the need to reduce physical strain on their surveyors and to leverage the tilt capabilities of the equipment. “It saves us a lot of work and lets us shoot points we couldn’t reach before,” Rayburn said.
Results: Best-in-Class Surveying Capabilities
The upgrade to the MS60 and the addition of the AP20 AutoPole resulted in substantial improvements in E.L. Robinson’s surveying operations. The new equipment enhanced their ability to complete projects efficiently and accurately.
Moreover, the technological advancements have contributed to the company’s high employee retention rate, which is at 93% for surveyors who have been with the company for five years or more. As Rayburn noted, “If we can buy something that makes life easier for our surveyors and more efficient, we buy it.” This approach not only improves job satisfaction but also ensures that the company maintains a skilled and motivated workforce.
E.L. Robinson’s strategic investment in advanced Leica technology has transformed their surveying capabilities, reduced operational costs, and reinforced their reputation for efficiency and innovation in the industry.
“My philosophy is that there’s no surveying problem we can’t solve,” Rayburn said. “Nothing thrills us more than somebody coming in the door and saying, ‘How are you going to survey this?’ We enjoy the challenge.”
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