The Wow Factor: SmartWorx from Leica Geosystems

A 207Kb PDF of this article as it appeared in the magazine—complete with images—is available by clicking HERE

Every version of Leica Geosystems software contains user requested features. The latest product request that made the final cut was a "Field to Office" application. This full-featured FTP and transfer software is now built into the operating system of all System 1200 sensors, making it possible for total stations and GNSS receivers to send and receive data from within the software itself. Because this application was integrated into the firmware of System 1200 sensors, users who purchased instruments years ago can still take advantage of this application today.

Using any Internet connection that can be configured on a sensor, users can now more easily transfer files. Previously the only option was to use a RX1250 and a third party application, requiring the user to exit or minimize SmartWorx before transferring data. Incompatible software, remembering to copy the files to the correct location and then remembering to register files made this a less than ideal method to transfer files for use. Understanding these usability issues, Leica added intelligence to the transfer. If a file is a recognized type (geoid, coordinate system, or job file), the transfer application will place it in the correct directory for use. In the case of DBX files, the system will ZIP all of the files into a single file for transfer. When a user navigates to the DBX directory only the main job name is displayed for transfer, making the process simple and straightforward. If a ZIP file is on a remote server and retrieved using the application, intelligent software will recognize the contents of the file and extract and register the files accordingly. Intelligent transfer software will streamline the data transfer of all users. Users in the field will no longer have to reference where specific files go, eliminating one of the problems with other transfer software.

Finally the day has come when a total station or GNSS receiver can accomodate Internet and file transfers directly onboard. To that we say, WOW!

A 207Kb PDF of this article as it appeared in the magazine—complete with images—is available by clicking HERE