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Posted by Levanier on May 1, 2020 at 11:28 amHello everybody, I’m pretty new to surveying and have run into a problem with performing As-builts with Trimble Access. I work with some Survey Veterans that couldn’t figure it out and gave up. The problem happens after performing some as-builts and taking down for a new setup. After we set the instrument up, all the coordinates for the previous as-builts change and align to the new setup. Doing this multiple times will pile all the As-builts on top each other. I’m assuming this is just a simple problem that will probably cause me to facepalm, but it would be great if we could actually perform as-builts easily.
zammo replied 3 years, 11 months ago 6 Members · 5 Replies- 5 Replies
Are you starting a new job in the datacollector for each as-built or using the same coordinate file for all of them? The only way this makes any sense is if you’re using the same coordinate file for all of them and using the same assumed coordinates. FWIW, survey veterans don’t just give up when they can’t figure something out and always provide proper training, guidance and supervision so things like this don’t happen. This reflects very poorly on the people you’re performing the work for.
Willy- Posted by: @levanier
… all the coordinates for the previous as-builts change and align to the new setup. …
I can’t imagine how literally that could happen. I can easily imagine how you would end up having the same coordinate for your instrument position at each setup. If your “survey veterans” can’t figure it out also, then they either aren’t all that veteran or they are playing tricks on you.
If your instrument setup positions are intervisible make the next position one of your as-built points from the first. Note the point number. When you set up at the second, use that point number as your instrument point. Use the first instrument point number as your backsight point, for orientation. That way you will have different coordinates for you instrument points.
Williwaw’s suggestion of just doing these in different files is also a valid alternative.
I give you credit for searching for answers. Nevertheless I have no respect whatsoever for the employer that has put you in this position. They would not send an untrained and unsupervised person to do any tradesman’s job… Why do they think it makes sense to do that with surveying?
My guess? Your “veterans” are using the same point numbers for each separate as-built, in the same job, on an assumed coordinate system.
Or someone is editing the values for instrument point and/or backsight point after the fact. Not sure why this would happen, but I know of no other way in Access to change observed values after the setup has ended.
Both are examples of poor procedures and lack of understanding how field software (any field software) works.
Posted by: @norman-oklahomaNevertheless I have no respect whatsoever for the employer that has put you in this position. They would not send an untrained and unsupervised person to do any tradesman’s job… Why do they think it makes sense to do that with surveying?
Because there is a large percentage of surveyors that look down upon the most basic of training for skilled technician positions, let alone any education for a license that requires more knowledge than a couple years of “mentorship” can offer. We’re too good for all that book-learnin’ and training stuff…
If you call up your employer and he/she cannot explain how to fix this problem in the DC, it’s time to start looking for another organization.
“…people will come to love their oppression, to adore the technologies that undo their capacities to think.” -Neil PostmanStart with the basics. Are they using GPS, Robot, or Total Station?
Hey mate,
As previously stated, GPS or Total Station? If it’s a Total Station check the following:
– Make sure that the previous as-built points have really changed co-ordinates.
– Make sure you’re not selecting the ‘Use Last’ option for your new setups, if your shifting the jigger, you need to redo the backsight check or resection again fresh. Make sure that every new setup finishes with the “Station setup completed” prompt before you resume work.
– Check the raw data or the point manager to see where the points were being shot from. This will confirm whether the points were calculated from the original setup or not.
– If you’re resectioning your setups make sure you’re using a different point number for each new setup.
I’ve been using Trimble Access and Survey Controller for a few years now and never come across this problem, it doesn’t sound like a setting issue but more of a procedural issue. Previous readings and setups aren’t going to shift unless you’re shifting them yourself, more than likely by accidental error in every new setup. For your next as-built try exporting your data after each setup and collating it on the field controller, then download all the exported files when you get back to the office and see where you may have gone wrong, dragging the data into a raw data editor of sorts will show the details for each setup and should show any errors in these procedures if they exist.
I would speak to a local Trimble representative for a second opinion. The points I stated above may seem basic and silly, but you’ll be surprised how many people I’ve worked with who forget the simple things, this is in no way a stab at you or your mentors, just how we’re geared up as human beings.
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