News Feature

Introducing the Leica AP20 AutoPole – the world’s first tilt pole for total stations

The Leica AP20 AutoPole is an innovative solution for automated total stations that boosts productivity to the next level through tilt compensation, automatic pole height readings and unique target identification. It complements Leica Geosystems' robotic total stations by extending reliable sensors onto the surveying and construction pole. The technological convergence in the AP20 addresses core pain points in today’s total station workflows by making it possible to measure with a tilted pole, to automate height readings in the software and to prevent the station from locking onto unwanted targets. Leica Captivate and iCON field software provide full control and visual guidance thanks to sophisticated 3D visualisation. Integrated into the overall measurement workflow on survey and construction sites, the AP20 turns the total station and reflector pole into an interconnected solution that increases flexibility and productivity.

Core features of the AP20:

• Automatic tilt compensation: This feature saves time by eliminating the need to level the pole and hold it steady during point measurement. Furthermore, it increases safety on site as users can fully focus on their tasks instead of the level bubble.
• Automatic pole height readings: The AP20 automatically measures the current length of the reflector pole and applies the detected changes in the Leica Captivate and iCON field software. This eliminates time-consuming post-processing to fix incorrectly manually entered or forgotten target heights, saving time in the office as well as the field.
• Automatic target identification (TargetID): This feature enables the total station to identify your target during search, preventing you from accidentally locking onto other targets. It is particularly useful when multiple surveying and construction crews are working on a site together.

For surveying service providers

The AP20 AutoPole speeds up surveying measurement and layout tasks. AP20 users can easily and accurately measure previously inaccessible points thanks to the tilt compensation. Automatic updating of reflector height in the field software gives surveyors confidence that the recorded height is always correct. This prevents errors, avoids cumbersome post-processing and eliminates the need to return to the field for a re-measurement. In addition, the unique identification of the AP20 AutoPole ensures that the user's instrument always finds the correct target. Coupled with a robust design, the AP20 fits flexibly into Leica Geosystems' automated total stations survey setup.

For construction professionals

The AP20 boosts efficiency and productivity, even on the busiest of projects, by removing the last analogue steps in robotic total station workflows. Layout and measurements work accurately on uneven surfaces, around obstacles and in previously difficult positions, such as concrete column edges or utility pipes in a trench. Flexible measuring options and confidence that the instrument is only locked to the right target enhance worker safety on construction sites, along roadways and in other potentially hazardous settings workers face every day.

Boosting workflows in the construction industry

The AP20 enables skilled professionals to complete more work in less time. At the same time, it lowers the technical entry barriers for newcomers. The AP20 helps transform the measurement professional's processes within automated total station workflows. By preventing waste and mistakes that result in rework and unnecessary journeys, the AP20 improves construction efficiency and enhances sustainability. The innovation is another step toward autonomous workflows in line with Hexagon's mission to develop autonomous solutions leading to increased productivity, safety and sustainability.