Leica Geosystems is committed to the continual development of technology solutions to ensure that our customers are provided with the best possible efficiencies in the field and return on their investment. For this reason, we are pleased to bring you the latest software updates.
With Captivate v8.50 a tilt strength indicator bar has been introduced, which
graphically represents the current tilt initialisation strength, making the user
aware of the current tilt quality. When the bar is low, it indicates a decreased tilt
initialisation quality, which means further pole movements are required to
increase the tilt quality and avoid losing initialisation.
Making the user aware of the tilt initialisation strength ensures that tilt
initialisation can be maintained and maximised, therefore improving productivity, user experience and measurement quality.
Regional configurator tool allows direct access to all the regional-specific files and settings, including user objects and resources, such as working styles, RTK
profiles, codelists, coordinate systems, stylesheets and many other configuration
files and lists.
With an internet connection, the objects within any region can be accessed and
downloaded directly to the field device, ready to be used straightaway.
The Regional configurator can be found within the Tools panel and can be used
without needing a specific license or HxGN GeoCloud account.
The Regional configurator tool supports and recognises all types of Leica
Captivate objects, and automatically places the downloaded objects into the
correct location, so that Captivate can directly use them without any further steps required.
In Leica Captivate v8.50, the option to choose a different line to use from within the Measure or Stake panel has been introduced. Now, all lines from any active job are shown in the 3D viewer and are selectable.
Using the context menu, the option Set as line to use can be used to set the selected line to be the new reference line. This new option ensures that when needing to change the reference line, the ongoing field task is not interrupted by avoiding the need to change panels or stop the measurement process.
In Leica Captivate v8.50, a new snapping tool has been introduced to allow specific points of interest to be easily extracted from attached reference files. Within the map view, the required snapping tool can be activated from the new selection toolbar. Then, by tapping near to a point of interest on a reference object, a temporary snap marker is automatically created at the correct location. Using the context menu, any placed snap markers can be imported as points into the database, or specific functions directly performed such as accessing COGO or Stake apps. There are two snapping tools, for different types of points of interest.
Allows snapping to the start/ends of lines or line segments, and to the corners of solid objects such as polyface meshes or 3D faces. This makes it easy to create individual points at the corners of polylines, such as building corners within a CAD file, or at the corners of solid objects such as walls within an IFC file.
Allows snapping to the centre point of an arc or the centre point of a circle. This makes it easy to create individual points at the centre of circular objects such as the centre of a column within an IFC file. Points created with the snapping tool will automatically have the reference data layer information assigned to the Point code, and for IFC data, include the GUID as an annotation. The snapping tool is available in all map views where multiple object selection is possible, which includes the 3D viewer app, View & Edit data and the Measure app.
In previous versions of Leica Captivate, when using the Import ASCII data tool,it was not possible to see how the import settings were configured, without going into the settings panel.
From Leica Captivate v8.50 onwards, an example of the data format, based on the configured import settings, is shown in the main import panel. This allows an easy way to check the current settings and proceed with import process.
With Leica Captivate v8.50 the Measurement Engine firmware has been updated to version 7.901. With this version the Precise Point Positioning (PPP) performance is improved in environments affected by ionospheric scintillation to enhance availability and accuracy. When compared to previous firmware versions, this firmware demonstrated up to 60% PPP horizontal accuracy improvements during peak scintillation events. Note that performance varies and is subject to the local environment and the duration and magnitude of scintillation. A vital part of these improvements lies in the combination of multi-constellation and multi-frequency configuration in GNSS receivers.
The Leica Captivate software version 8.50 can be loaded onto all CS Field Controllers, GS18 GNSS Sensors and TS/MS Total Stations with a CCP valid until at least 01.06.2024.
Prompt before storing has been redesigned to be both more simplified and more powerful. There is now only one setting – to switch it on or off, and the display configuration is removed from the settings.
A new play button on each code box gives a touchscreen user the ability to ‘tap to measure’. A single screen tap on the code box will both select that code and trigger a point measurement. This reduces the number of screen taps that are needed for measuring points, allowing to be more productive in the field.
Introducing an innovative feature that enables the storage of Line ID and/or Linework flag as Code information. By activating this setting, whenever a point is saved using linework, the Line ID and/or Linework flag will seamlessly be recorded in the point's Code information field.
The default setting Manually entering still allows the Code information to be entered manually. Be aware that the setting will only apply to subsequently measured points and will not affect already stored points.
This new setting will make it easier for “point based” data exports to contain line information and allow 3rd party software to better interpret your captured data.
In Leica Captivate v8.3, the clarity of when the data filter is active has been increased with the introduction of a data filter status icon. The new icon allows clearly identifying the jobs or datasets that have a data filter active, and therefore may contain points that are filtered out and not visible
the Tunnel axis method has been enhanced with two additional features. The relationship of the design tunnel axis can now be determined with rotation & shift values from an alignment. In addition, the as-built attitude (orientation and pitch) of rings can now be calculated relative to the design trajectory (to deliver “lead” and “look up” values).
A new calculation method Surface to DTM has been introduced. This allows the volume to be calculated between the defined surface, and an existing DTM.
The consistency between all the volume calculation methods has been improved, so that the “from” and “to” are always selected in the same order for every method. This means that the direction of the existing Surface to surface method has been reversed.
A new Backup option has been added into the Format Data Memory panel. This automatically creates a system backup file, and hence a customised system recovery point
The backup includes all system settings and Leica objects but excludes jobs and data files that are stored in the internal memory.
Introducing the new Tilt Initialization Meter Icon, designed to constantly monitor the strength of the tilt initialization process. When the meter bar starts to decrease or weaken, it serves as a gentle reminder to initiate additional pole movements. This is crucial for maintaining the tilt compensation status and ensuring uninterrupted tilt compensated measurements.
In previous versions of Leica Captivate, certain menus and functions were blocked or hidden when using continuous distance measurements. This restricted access to settings and certain functions unless the measurement was stopped.
However, in Leica Captivate v8.3, these restrictions have been removed, allowing access to settings and tools while keeping continuous distance measurement on. Please note that continuous distance measurements will still need to be stopped if the target type needs to be changed or if the app is switched. This improvement increases productivity, avoids losing tilt initialisation, and allows for a focused measurement workflow.
The Set and Distance buttons are now available in the total station's Remote Control panel. This allows for starting a setup on the controller while triggering distance measurements from the total station, saving time and ensuring consistency in the Setup and Measure apps.
The Leica Captivate software version 8.3 can be loaded onto all CS Field Controllers and TS/MS Total Stations with a CCP valid until at least 01.12.2023
GeoCloud Drive is the first service of HxGN GeoCloud, a cloud-based collaboration portal for measurement professionals. It allows convenient storage, sharing, and access of data in organized projects by field and office crews. Leica Captivate v8.1 supports GeoCloud Drive, enabling easy uploading and downloading of data and Leica objects from cloud-stored projects. No specific GeoCloud Drive for Captivate license is required, but access to a HxGN GeoCloud online account is necessary.
When managing multiple projects and needing to create or use a new job every day or for each task, it can quickly lead to a cluttered memory device with an overwhelming number of jobs. This can make it difficult to locate the specific job you need, especially when relying on the job carousel.
Fortunately, with the latest version of Leica Captivate (v8.00), organizing your jobs has become effortless. Introducing the concept of sites, you can now efficiently categorize and manage your jobs. Simply assign each job to a specific site when creating or editing it, and easily keep track of your tasks.
Topographic surveyors often encounter the task of measuring circular and rectangular objects like inspection covers and manholes. To simplify this process, many third-party software workflows only require 2 or 3 measured points to automatically define the shape.
Three new linework options have been introduced: the 3 pt rectangle, 2 pt circle (2D), and 3 pt circle (2D). These options can be accessed when the Coding functionality is set to Create linework. Now, surveyors can enjoy an enhanced measurement experience with improved accuracy and visibility for circular and rectangular objects.
It is now possible to define up to 60 attributes per point code. The attributes for each code in the codelist can be pre-defined in the Leica Infinity Code Manager or created on-the-fly when measuring in Leica Captivate. Import and export options that previously supported 20 attributes will now support 60 attributes
Previously, accessing the Select Linework panel required tapping the linework icon or pressing the function keys F4(Define) followed by F4(Linework). This could be cumbersome, as it required using the touch screen or pressing two keys.
Now, a new method has been introduced. Simply select a code box and press the Space key on a controller to open the Select Linework panel with just one key press.
There is an increasing trend to exchange data between the field and the office using the internet. The Export data tools now include a new option to allow the exported data to be uploaded and shared via a link within an email
The AP20 Autopole eliminates the need to hold the pole vertical when measuring points. Previously, tilt compensation was available in Leica Captivate measure and stake applications, but not in the Setup application.
It is now possible to perform a total station setup using the tilt compensation functionality of the AP20. In any setup method that uses multiple target points, the backsight or target points can be measured with a tilted pole, and the setup computed taking tilt compensation into account. Note that single target point setups do not support tilt compensated measurements, for example Set orientation and Known backsight. This new functionality allows the full benefits of the AP20 to be gained, increasing the speed and flexibility of the solution even further.
The Leica Captivate software version 8.0 can be loaded onto all CS Field Controllers, GS18 GNSS Sensors and TS Total Stations with a CCP license valid until at least 01.06.2023
Previous versions of Captivate would allow only one IFC file to be viewed at a time. With Leica Captivate v7.50 it is possible to display the information from multiple IFC files simultaneously, giving a more holistic view of the available design elements in a project.
When working with IFC data, the information assigned to each object is very valuable. The common and user-defined property sets of each IFC object can be read and can be displayed. When selecting an IFC object in the 3D viewer, the Information option is shown in the 3D viewer menu.
During the building phase, as-built measurements document the final build, allowing for easy comparison to the original design and analysis of any changes. To associate each measured point with the relevant design object, Leica Captivate v7.50 enables the creation of a code using information from the IFC object. In the Measure app, users can select an IFC object in the 3D viewer and choose to use its details as code.
Leica Captivate v7.50 introduces a new feature that allows coding newly created points using the code and attributes from the design point. This feature is available in the Measure to line, Stake to line, and Stake points apps. When working with IFC data, the code attribute 1 of each point created by measuring or staking to the line will contain the GUID from the imported object, enabling automatic matching of measured points to the relevant IFC object.
Leica Captivate v7.50 allows measuring and stakeout tasks in one app, including coding and linework functionality. A new extension enables code boxes and linework creation within the Stake points and Stake to line apps. It also offers the option to automatically copy design codes and attributes to staked points. This extension allows for measure and check routines in the same app, with the ability to compare staked/checked data to the original design model.
Leica Captivate v7.50 now allows users to automatically populate code information for created points in the Stake points and Stake to line apps, making it easier to code staked points individually while retaining code information from the design point.
This is especially useful when importing design from an IFC object, as it allows the points to be associated with the design IFC object once imported back into the office software.
The Update Software panel in Leica Captivate now includes a Settings panel to reduce distraction.
Users can personalize how often CCP expiration and new firmware notifications are shown, from daily to yearly. If the panel is hidden, the notification settings cannot be changed, and no CCP or firmware notifications will be displayed. This allows for customized regulation of messages based on company needs.
To prevent accidentally storing angle-only measurements, Leica Captivate v7.50 offers a new check that shows a confirmation message when points without a distance measurement are about to be stored.
This check can be found in the Point storage settings, within the TS offsets and checks panel. By default, the check box is activated, displaying warning messages for angle-only measurements unless deactivated.
With Leica Captivate v7.50, a new hotkey allows toggling between tilt compensation modes without leaving the app.
Pressing the hotkey turns tilt compensation on and switches the mode instantly. A message confirms the change of tilt compensation modes. It can also be added to the My TS Favorites bubble.
The AP20 PoleHeight feature in Leica Captivate automatically ensures correct pole height measurements. Users can configure and apply a pole extension to each AP20 measured pole height change, even when using an extension to the AutoPole. This new setting in the Point storage settings, AP Offsets & Checks panel, allows for entering an extension to be applied to only the next measurement, including a negative extension height for a worn-off pole tip.
In Leica Captivate v7.50, you can now keep the laser pointer on while turning the instrument using the arrow keys. Simply press the Pntr on (F6) button in the Turn Using Arrow Keys panel to utilize the laser pointer.
The Pntr auto (F6) button allows the laser pointer to automatically turn off again while turning the instrument. This feature is especially useful when positioning the instrument remotely with a CS Controller.
The Check tunnel app offers several methods to check a tunnel profile during the different phases of a project. One of these methods allows scanning a “slice” of the tunnel, meaning the tunnel profile between two chainages. This method can be used with an MS60 MultiStation.
With Leica Captivate v7.50 an additional method specifically for the MS60 MultiStation has been added, which uses the full potential of the MS60. With the As-built by MS band scan method, the MS60 scans the tunnel profile with a speed of up to 30000 pts/s and makes it possible to scan the tunnel profile while the instrument is set up between the defined chainages.
The new method allows for a much-improved work speed and is also more flexible when scanning a tunnel profile by not making it necessary to move an already set up instrument outside the defined chainages.
In comparison to previous versions, an improvement of the RTK availability in challenging environments of over 30% is expected. This includes improved
positioning accuracy and reliability. Note: the position type xRTK, with a typical 3D accuracy of 20cm, has been removed in Leica Captivate v7.50 to instead provide solutions with higher accuracy and reliability.
To get the maximum performance from this improvement, both the GS Sensor and the CS20 Controller or CS30/CS35 Tablet need to be updated to the latest
version
The Leica Captivate software version 7.50 can be loaded onto all CS Field Controllers, GS18 GNSS Sensors and TS Total Stations with a CCP license valid until at least 01.11.2022
Our specialist Survey team work alongside our customers as technical partners, able to provide indepth advice and training. Reach out to them for help with any curly questions or technical challenges.
Get in touch with our team to upgrade to the latest version of Leica Captivate
Richard Harrison
South Island
Bryan Claridge
North Island
Mark Green
North Island