Surveyors today employ a variety of ways for documenting their field surveys : for example, electronic data collectors, audio recorders, field books with sketches and notes and also digital photographs to provide visual documentation of monuments and work sites .

Using the power of digital images may introduce some challenges. The survey crew must remember to take the necessary photos while on the job site and must ensure that the photos are correctly correlated to the measured points or features. On a project where there may be hundreds of points and photos,  a fast and error-free way to correlate the images correctly  is crucial. During download, the images must be kept with the other field data and managed on the office computer system. Trimble Surveying Systems offer functionality designed to make it easy to include digital imaging into the standard survey workflow.

Trimble Business Center Software allows surveyors to define feature codes that include attributes for attaching an image or other file to a point. In the field, Trimble Access or Trimble Survey Controller software can automatically prompt for the attributes and remind the crew that an image is needed.  Images captured with a camera or a camera-phone with WiFi or Bluetooth can be transferred wirelessly to the Trimble TSC2 Controller. The operator can then assign the images to the survey points as the survey is conducted or, after all the data collection is completed. Crews can even assign multiple images to a single point. Once the images have been attached, the Trimble system provides seamless management of the image and data files.

With a Trimble VX Spatial Station, it’s even easier. Using the built-in camera in the Trimble VX, surveyors can shoot, store and connect an image to a point in a single operation. Before leaving the field, the Trimble system helps the field crew verify that all of the required images are stored in the data collector. They can even view the images in the field to ensure good quality and complete visual evidence.

In the office, the transfer to Trimble Business Center automatically brings in all of the field data and image files.  It’s simple to recall and view the images that are attached to a point. The image files are stored separately alongside the field data, and users can easily access them for utilisation in reports and other project  documentation.

For enhanced data management, Trimble Access Software provides direct connection to the office. With the Trimble AccessSync™ feature, survey files can be continuously synchronised between field and office. Images can be sent to the office for near instantaneous review and analysis. Trimble Access enables field crews to provide detailed information to the office and receive fast, secure turnaround on changes and decisions before they leave the job site.

For more information,   contact your nearest Trimble Survey authorised dealer:
Ultimate Positioning  (QLD/NSW/VIC/TAS/ACT/SA/NT) :   www.ultimatepositioning.com
Haefeli-Lysnar (in WA ) www.haefeli-lysnar.com.au
Email:  trimble_support@trimble.com