Challenges to capturing data:
Field crews are faced with many challenges and difficulties
when it comes to GIS data collection. The use of GPS in
mapping is a powerful tool, but there are times when it
has its limitations. Often the GPS satellite signal is blocked
by obstructions such as trees, steep terrain or high-rise
buildings. Additionally, a GPS receiver is inherently
designed to compute the locations of its antenna. This
means that in order to capture the location of a feature,
you need to occupy that location. This is not always safe
or practical when positioning features such as a gauging
station in the middle of a stream or a manhole in the
middle of the street.
Benefits of Offsets in GPS Data Collection
• Makes data collection easier in
hostile environments.
• Decreases safety liabilities in
dangerous situations.
• Reduces travel time to sites and objects.
• Allows you to record offsets and attributes
of hundreds of features from one location.
• Eliminates extra manpower needed to
collect data.
• Saves time, money and resources.
Offsets: Making the job easier and safer
The ability to apply offsets to features by recording both
a GPS position and an associated distance and direction
to the object of interest is very useful in challenging
situations. For example, suppose you wish to record the
attributes of a tower that is on the other side of a steep,
narrow ravine. Rather than risk injury climbing across the
ravine, you can use the offset capability to stand and
record the position at one side of the ravine then simply
record the offset to the tower on the other side.
The entry of offset information can be estimated without
measurement tools or obtained more accurately from a
laser positioning system. By integrating a laser
rangefinder and an electronic compass (providing
distance, inclination and azimuth) with your GPS, you
can significantly reduce travel time associated with field
data collection by eliminating the need to physically
occupy every point.
The offset function allows you to stay at one
location and record the offsets and attributes of
hundreds of features before moving to the next location
to do the same. Whether you are in need of 2D or 3D
measurement, it is important that the laser rangefinder
has the ability to measure a vertical angle and output
horizontal distance. This will provide the most accurate
positioning for 2D data and would also allow the you to
gather 3D data if needed.
Applications for GPS Laser Offsets
• Mapping location of objects in a steep,
narrow ravine.
• Safely recording of data near busy highways.
• Mapping of gauging stations in middle
of streams.
• Mapping of manholes and other features
located in the middle of the street.
• Positioning features where the GPS signal is
blocked by buildings or trees.
• Mining applications such as stockpile volume,
general mapping & face profiling.
• Mapping features which are on
private property.
MapStar Angle Encoder
TM
MapStar Compass Module II
TM

The MSAE calculates a turned, horizontal angle The MSCM II

between some reference point and the object being calculates azimuth
targeted. It will always require a second, known point readings referenced
to be available to sight as a reference. This directional to magnetic North,
information is then coupled with range and tilt from True North or
the Impulse to provide all the data user-defined
necessary to derive coordinates.
X, Y, Z coordinates This azimuth
for the target. information is then
Combine this laser coupled with
system with GPS to range and tilt
obtain +/- 0.1° from the
offset position Impulse to
accuracy. A key provide all the data
feature of necessary to derive X, Y, Z coordinates for the target.
the MSAE Combine this laser system with GPS to obtain +/- 0.3°
is that it's offset position accuracy. This new generation electronic
not affected compass requires field calibration in order to adapt to
by local local magnetic interference, but it only takes about 60
magnetic seconds to perform.
interference.

How Much Error Can You Afford?

Even 1.5° of error in a compass can result in over 13 feet of horizontal error when shooting to an object/feature
500 feet away! Additional errors may also become a factor if there is improper calibration or if the compass becomes
out of level. LTI's modular design allows the you to pivot the laser rangefinder 90° up or down while maintaining
the compass sensor level. LTI's system is engineered with an emphasis on accuracy to limit further degradation of
sub-meter GPS data.

Laser Offsets at 100 Feet Away: Laser Offsets at 500 Feet Away:
Equipment Accuracy Error Equation Hz Error Equipment Accuracy Error Equation Hz Error
LTI's AE 0.1° SIN (0.1) X 100 ft. = +/- 0.17 ft. LTI AE 0.1° SIN (0.1) X 500 ft. = +/- 0.87 ft.
LTI's CM II 0.3° SIN (0.3) X 100 ft. = +/- 0.52 ft. LTI CM II 0.3° SIN (0.3) X 500 ft. = +/- 2.62 ft.
Competitor A 0.5° SIN (0.5) X 100 ft. = +/- 0.87 ft. Competitor A 0.5° SIN (0.5) X 500 ft. = +/- 4.36 ft.
Competitor B 1° SIN (1.0) X 100 ft. = +/- 1.75 ft. Competitor B 1° SIN (1.0) X 500 ft. = +/- 8.73 ft.
Competitor C 1.5° SIN (1.5) X 100 ft. = +/- 2.62 ft. Competitor C 1.5° SIN (1.5) X 500 ft. = +/- 13.09 ft.

Key Advantages to Laser Technology's

?
Positioning Systems Did you know that LTI's Impulse laser
• Both systems are quick and easy to use. has a built-in offset function? You can
apply a horizontal offset to align the
• Offer industry leading accuracy, reliability laser with the GPS antenna (refer to
and support.
the above right photo). The offset
• Integrate seamlessly with every major GPS function can also be used when you
on the market and most popular software. are only able to shoot to the outside of
• Modular design allows full tilt range of our a feature but want the measurement to
rangefinder while maintaining the center, such as a large diameter
azimuth/angular accuracy. tree or telephone pole.

©2004 Laser Technology, Inc. All rights reserved.

GPS Laser Positioning Systems

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Reliability. Consistency. Versatility. Accuracy.

Measurably Superior.
7070 S. Tucson Way Local: 1 (303) 649-1000 Fax: 1 (303) 649-9710
Centennial, CO 80112 USA Toll Free: 1 (800) 280-6113 Web: www.lasertech.com