Trimble VX Spatial Station

Trimble (CA, USA) has introduced the Trimble VX Spatial Station, apositioning system that combines optical, 3D scanning and video capabilities - Trimble VISION technology - to measure objects in 3D to produce 2D and 3D data sets for spatial imaging projects. The Trimble VX Spatial Station enables users to blend extremely accurate ground-based information with airborne data to provide comprehensive datasets for use in the geospatial information industry.

With recent advances in the geospatial information industry, more opportunities and applications for spatial imaging data are being identified for industries such as transport and civil engineering, utilities and communications, natural resources management, government and military. Many of these applications use airborne information, but would also benefit from ground-based positioning and imaging. While satellite and aerial imaging provide exceptional overhead views and long-range details, the only way to capture comprehensive eye-level views is from the ground. A ground-based sensor such as the Trimble VX Spatial Station is a solution that delivers millimetre positioning accuracy, 3D measurements and video imaging -- all in one package.

The Trimble VX Spatial Station includes patented Trimble MagDrive servos, which spin the instrument with speed and agility -- more than 100 degrees per second -- to provide ultra-smooth control for precision pointing. The instrument's efficient movement ensures minimal waiting time between measurements.

The Trimble VX Spatial Station offers Trimble VISION technology, providing video streaming and image capturing capabilities. The technology streams digital images of a job site through a choice of data collection software, including the Trimble Survey Controller, Survey Pro or Trimble Survey Manager software running on the Trimble CU or TSC2 data controller, which saves time while measuring. Users can select target points for measuring by tapping the controller's touch screen at the appropriate points in the video stream. This capability provides significantly improved efficiency for remote or coarse aiming measurements while using a crew's existing workflow.

Trimble VISION technology includes a data overlay feature, which enables users to view positioning data over a video display of the job site. Users can see in real-time what features have been measured before leaving a job site, giving them confidence that all required points have been measured, which reduces the potential for rework and duplication. In addition, digital images of the site are stored for quality assurance and for presentation purposes.

For applications such as 3D modelling and volume calculation, which demand large numbers of measurements, the Trimble VX Spatial Station includes a 3D scanning function -- users can collect surface measurements and shapes (i.e. point clouds) very quickly. The scanning function is ideal for measuring large surfaces and volumes accurately; and scanned data can be easily combined with discrete point data.

With Trimble VISION technology, the Trimble VX Spatial Station produces data that can be used to generate high-quality visual deliverables in Trimble's RealWorks Survey office software. With the combination of pictures, surface measurements and discrete points, data recipients can easily see what points have been measured, what the measurement data represents as well as understand the data without losing their orientation, which can help to streamline review and approval of projects.

The Trimble VX Spatial Station is expected to be available in the first quarter of 2007 through Trimble's survey distribution partners.

Source: Trimble