Geo Week News

December 5, 2013

3D positioning system a first for BIM

12.05.13ln16

Topcon says new LN-100 eliminates ‘intimidation factor’ of construction layout

Topcon Positioning Systems Inc. (TPS) on Thursday introduced what it calls the world’s first 3D positioning system for BIM projects, boasting one-person construction layout for interior building infrastructure, footings and foundations.

Livermore, Calif.-based TPS is a subsidiary of Japan-based Topcon Corporation, the world’s largest manufacturer of precision GPS and GNSS systems, commercial lasers, and optical instruments for the global surveying, civil engineering, asset management, mapping, construction, agriculture and mobile control industries. Its brands include Topcon, Sokkia, 2LS and MAGNET.

Eduardo Falcon, executive vice president for Topcon’s GeoPositioning Solutions Group, said the LN-100 eliminates “the intimidation factor” when performing construction layout, and “strips away the complexity associated with advanced surveying instruments.”

To operate the LN-100, a user places it within the layout zone – on a tripod, on the ground – even mounted to a building. By pressing the power button, the LN-100 self-levels. Once the wireless controller is booted up, the user can get to work capturing accurate horizontal dimensions and vertical elevations. Topcon calls it an “entire zone of 3D positioning data.” The LN-100’s operating range covers a 650-foot-diameter area.

With the wireless controller, an operator can call up point layout or CAD drawings. The display shows a design point or line that needs to be staked out. When the operator touches it, the LN-100 laser immediately points to the exact location, and can also lock onto a prism and guide an operator to the next design points.

The LN-100 incorporates Topcon’s MAGNET software platform, including MAGNET Field Layout and Office Layout, which are specifically designed for construction layout and BIM applications. The software also integrates seamlessly with a wide range of Autodesk’s BIM software.

Other Topcon BIM devices include the GLS-2000 laser scanner, the IS series of imaging robotic stations and the DS series of standard robotic stations.

BIM applications include:

Interior Building Infrastructure
 

  • Decking
  • Wall and Ceiling
  • HVAC
  • Electrical
  • Plumbing
  • IT Cabling

Foundations & Footings

  • Anchor Bolts
  • Foundation Walls
  • Building Footprint
  • Concrete Forms
  • Caissons
  • Abutments

 

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