Aptella has announced two BIM (building information modelling) hardware and software solutions that offer ease of use, along with full integration between them.

They are Topcon Positioning Group’s LN-100 3D positioning system, a combined robotic total station and self-levelling laser designed specifically for construction layout, and Autodesk’s BIM 360™ construction management software.

Topcon LN-100 3D positioning system

Topcon’s new LN-100 is said to be the world’s first 3D positioning system designed specifically for construction layout.

According to Eduardo Falcon, Topcon Positioning Group Executive Vice President and General Manager for its GeoPositioning Solutions Group, the LN-100 introduces seamless integration and flow of project data from the design to the field.

“This unit provides straightforward operation, removing the intimidation factor and reducing the learning curve in performing construction layout tasks,” he said.

“Its simple design and ease of operation strips away the complexity associated with advanced surveying instruments.

“And workflows are simplified through integration of the LN-100 with Topcon’s MAGNET^® suite of software solutions,” said Falcon.

The MAGNET Field Layout and Office Layout are specifically designed and configured to meet the needs of construction layout and BIM applications.

Topcon’s LN-100 picked up the 2014 Wichmann Innovation Award for best product or best application at Intergeo last November. Selected first place out of nine nominations, the Topcon LN-100 one-operator layout system was chosen with the criteria of “innovation, user-friendliness and practicality” in mind.

This ease of use and versatility combine to make the LN-100 an ideal fit for Australia’s construction industry, according to Cameron Waters, Survey Product Manager for Topcon’s Australian distributor, Aptella.

“All that’s required to begin operation is to place the LN-100 anywhere on a project site – on a tripod, column or on the ground – and press one button. The unit self-levels and an operator just has to turn on the wireless controller and get to work,” he said.

“One-person layout has never been this easy.”

With the wireless controller, an operator can call up simple point layout or CAD drawings anywhere on a site.

“Simply display the design point or line that needs to be staked out, touch it, and the LN-100 laser immediately points to the exact location,” Waters said.

The LN-100 can also lock onto a prism and guide an operator to the next design points. Its operating range allows it to cover a 200 m diameter.

Autodesk BIM 360™ construction management software

Waters said Topcon’s new 3D positioning system was ideal for BIM projects and could also be used with a wide range of Autodesk software solutions.

“Autodesk’s BIM 360^TM construction management software enables access to project data, almost anytime, anywhere throughout the building construction lifecycle,” he said.

“This allows it to empower project optimisation and improve management of construction performance.”

BIM 360^TM enables projects to be viewed virtually before construction starts, as well as functioning as a collaboration tool which can view and share models and data with multiple users.

“This increases overall project quality and communication, as well as helping deliver cost and time savings,” said Waters.

“As an Autodesk Silver Partner, Aptella we can now provide complete end-to-end BIM solutions for Australian industries, combining innovative hardware such as the LN-100 and scanning solutions, through to world-leading design and engineering software from Autodesk,” he said.

“No matter what the job – building infrastructure, electrical, plumbing, foundation and footings, walls, ceilings, HVAC, underground utilities or basic landscaping on any job site – we can offer our customers a solution that’s easy to use without sacrificing the required accuracy and performance.”

For more information on the range of Topcon and Autodesk products offered by Aptella please call: 1300 867 266 or email: info@aptella.com