Trimble introduced this week the Trimble® VX(TM) Spatial Station, an advanced positioning system that combines optical, 3D scanning and video capabilities – – Trimble VISION(TM) technology — to measure objects in 3D to produce 2D and 3D data sets for spatial imaging projects.
The new Trimble VX Spatial Station revolutionizes the scope of services that surveyors, engineers, mapping and geospatial professionals can offer as well as provide them with an entry into spatial imaging applications to enhance business opportunities. 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 an ideal solution that delivers millimeter positioning accuracy, 3D measurements and video imaging — all in one package.
"Growth opportunities in the geospatial information industry and technology convergence provided the catalyst for the development of the Trimble VX Spatial Station," said Jurgen Kliem, general manager of Trimble’s Survey Division. "Based on the industry’s direction and the need for accurate data, our engineers and in-house surveyors have combined optical positioning, 3D scanning and video capabilities to offer surveyors and geospatial professionals a dynamic solution that answers their real-world needs today while also equipping them for tomorrow’s challenges."
An Advanced Optical Platform for Precision Positioning
Built on the most advanced hardware platform of its kind, the Trimble VX Spatial Station includes patented Trimble MagDrive(TM) 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.
Guided by Trimble VISION Technology
Like no other instrument on the market today, 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(TM), Survey Pro(TM) or Trimble Survey Manager(TM) software running on the Trimble CU or TSC2(TM) 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.
3D Scanning for Measuring Large Surfaces and Volumes
For applications such as 3D modeling 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.
Data with Pictures for Sharing
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(TM) 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.
Availability
The Trimble VX Spatial Station is expected to be available in the first quarter of 2007 through Trimble’s survey distribution partners. For more information, visit: www.trimble.com/trimblevx.shtml.
About Trimble’s Engineering and Construction Business
Trimble, a world leader in GPS, construction lasers, robotic total stations and machine control solutions, is creating a broad range of innovative solutions that change the way construction work is done. The Engineering and Construction business of Trimble focuses on the development of technology and solutions in the core areas of surveying, construction and infrastructure. From concept to completion, Trimble’s integrated systems streamline jobs and improve productivity.
About Trimble
Trimble applies technology to make field and mobile workers in businesses and government significantly more productive. Solutions are focused on applications requiring position or location — including surveying, construction, agriculture, fleet and asset management, public safety and mapping. In addition to utilizing positioning technologies, such as GPS, lasers and optics, Trimble solutions may include software content specific to the needs of the user. Wireless technologies are utilized to deliver the solution to the user and to ensure a tight coupling of the field and the back office. Founded in 1978 and headquartered in Sunnyvale, Calif., Trimble has a worldwide presence with more than 2,600 employees in over 18 countries.
