Real Time Positioning Using the Laser Tracker with BuildIT Construction

Tutorial Download

If you would like to download the file used in this article, download the accompanying Training Data and extract its contents to a folder on your PC.

Import Model

• Import CAD data by selecting “File > Import > Import Models”
• Navigate to the “Positioning Workflow.buildit” file (download available above).
  

Connect Device – FARO Laser Tracker

In BuildIT Construction 2018, FARO Laser Trackers, Leica Laser Trackers, Leica Total Stations, and other devices can be connected.

• To connect to a device, we can use the Device Manager (CRTL + M). For our example, we will use a FARO Laser Tracker.
  • Ensure the tracker is powered on and properly warmed up. Refer to the manual for the FARO Laser Tracker to ensure proper technique and procedure. Also, ensure that the Tracker is connected either wirelessly or via ethernet cable to the laptop to be used.
  • Select Measure > Device Manager or use CTRL + M to open the Device Manager
  • Select “FARO Trackers” for the Device Type
  • Select “Vantage” for the Device Model
  • Select Add
  • This will pull up the device’s driver
  • Enter the IP address or Tracker ID and select connect to connect to the tracker
    

Align to Model

There are many methods to align to CAD models. For this example, we will measure points that have been included in the model as reference points.

• Select Measure > Inspect Point
  • Ensure that you have the proper tracker tooling selected in the device broker
• Measure the four reference points in the model, taking note of the position in the model
• Select Measure > Alignment and Scaling > Best Fit alignment
• Follow a procedure similar to Align Scans to CAD - Point Based Alignment with BuildIT Construction
  • From the manager, select the point measured by the tracker for “Measurement”
  • From the manager, select the point on the CAD model for “Nominal Geometry”
    • The “Point: Nominal” filter will help with this selection
  • Select “Add pair”
  • Repeat for the other points
  • Select “Apply” to align the tracker to the model coordinates
    

Inspect the Point to Align

Use the inspect geometry or point command with the Spherically Mounted Retroreflector (SMR) on the point to align.

• Select Measure > Inspect Point
  • Inspect geometry could also be used in this situation
• In the Manager, select the point or corner to inspect. This should be the point where the SMR is placed.
• BuildIT will then show you exactly how far to move that current point in order to be aligned to the model.
  

TIP: Both steps 3 and 4 can be combined using the “Auto Alignment” option in the Inspect Point command. This will update the alignment using the Best Fit as you measure.