Measure Batch of Vectors

Measure Batch of Vectors was added with automated precision surface scanners in mind, such as the Nikon Laser Radar, Leica ATS600, or MS60. This command drives the device to the intersection point between a nominal vector and the measured surface to record a point, searching long the nominal vector until that point is found. It is a fast and efficient measurement of the entire group.

 

This can be particularly helpful when the instrument is measuring at an angle to a surface and the measured surface is not on the same plane as the nominal. In that scenario the instrument will point at the nominal guide point (shown on the purple line below):

If the actual target is on the blue line then the measurement will be nowhere near the actual target point on the as built surface.

SVI measurements allow the tracker to search along the guide vector to the corresponding location:

 

The settings for the measurements are controlled from the individual instrument interface settings. Below is an example from the Leica ATS600:

The measurement process is constrained by these settings such that the instrument does not search too far or take too long trying to zero in exactly at the intersection point.

 

Automated Measurement using SVI

In addition to direct measurement, SVI measurements can be setup in advance. As of the 2025.1 version of SA these SVI measurements can be pre-configured as part of a template by using the Trapping Controls within a relationship's properties.

Use the Guide Vectors selection option to set the desired drive vectors and enable the Auto Measure Guide Data check box:

Its important to first align the instrument within the job file but they trapping can trigger the SVI measurement process.

When trapping is initiated for this feature it will automatically try to measured the guide vectors.