RQAW Surveyors Use GNSS Innovation to Maximize Productivity and Data Capture

When full-service engineering and architectural firm RQAW created a new in-house Land Survey department, technology was a significant consideration. The Fishers, Ind.-based company knew that bringing surveying services in-house was a clear opportunity to increase efficiency, quality and consistency. But starting with a small crew meant using technology that would maximize productivity and accuracy.

Ryan Perry, PS, director of the new department, already knew which brand he wanted for the team’s survey technology. “The quality of the data we get with Leica Geosystems is superior, and the support is fantastic,” he says. Prior to joining RQAW, “I had already been using the GS18 T [GNSS RTK tilt rover]. The time saving component of not having to stand there and plumb the rod every time is significant. But when I saw the GS18 I, I was amazed by the potential.”

The next-generation GNSS RTK rover, the Leica GS18 I has the same tilt capabilities but also has an imaging sensor that allows you to capture photogrammetric measurements from a distance as you walk around a site. You can see the data captured in the field and pull discrete measurement points while onsite using Captivate field software. In the office, any additional measurements needed can be pulled from the images using Infinity Office software, preventing return trips to the field while greatly increasing safety and efficiency.

For Perry, the GS18 I was the key to enabling his small crew to do the work of a much larger team. “The ability to visually compare all the utilities that are coming into a building at a certain point and reference the different utility meters is incredible and you get that documentation as well because of the images,” he says. “Steps and ADA-compliant ramps are also tricky to capture conventionally; with the imaging [in the GS18 I], we’re able to quickly capture a lot of data in those areas and not have to worry about missing something in the field.”

“It’s about how much work can we get done in the amount of time we have with the people we have,” he adds. “Anything we can do to save time will make us more profitable as a department. We handle transportation and architectural work all over the state, so if we can be more efficient in the field and cut out the need for a trip back because we missed something, that’s a huge advantage.”

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To learn more about how to optimize your surveying potential with technology, get in touch with a surveying and engineering expert at Leica Geosystems.