Abstract: A system and methods are provided for controlling a surveying device. In one embodiment, a method includes displaying a control screen including image data captured by a surveying device, detecting an input associated with the control screen, and determining a control command for the surveying device based on the input associated with the control screen. The method may further include controlling operation of the surveying device based on the control command, wherein the surveying device is configured to rotate in one more of a horizontal and vertical direction based on the control command. The device and methods may advantageously allow for precise pointing of a surveying device and translation of input position to surveying device commands.

Abstract: In a method of establishing the location of a pair construction points for a stud in a building, the points are defined by x and y coordinates. A beam of laser light is used to determine a z coordinate of each of the pair of construction points on surfaces of the building. The construction points are established by directing a beam of laser light toward defined x and y coordinate locations and establishing the z coordinate location of the construction points on building surfaces that have the defined x and y coordinates.

Abstract: A system and methods are provided for controlling a surveying device. In one embodiment, a method includes displaying a control screen including image data captured by a surveying device, detecting an input associated with the control screen, and determining a control command for the surveying device based on the input associated with the control screen. The method may further include controlling operation of the surveying device based on the control command, wherein the surveying device is configured to rotate in one more of a horizontal and vertical direction based on the control command. The device and methods may advantageously allow for precise pointing of a surveying device and translation of input position to surveying device commands.

Abstract: A method of determining the orientation of a robotic machine at a worksite contemplates providing a target on the machine, moving the target to a first position on said machine, determining the location of the first position in the worksite, moving the target to a second position on said machine, and determining location of the second position in the worksite. The first and second positions are known with respect to the machine. Finally, a vector between the first and second locations defines the orientation of the machine with respect to the worksite. The target may be moved to additional positions on the machine.

Abstract: In a method of establishing the location of a pair construction points for a stud in a building, the points are defined by x and y coordinates. A beam of laser light is used to determine a z coordinate of each of the pair of construction points on surfaces of the building. The construction points are established by directing a beam of laser light toward defined x and y coordinate locations and establishing the z coordinate location of the construction points on building surfaces that have the defined x and y coordinates.

Abstract: A method of establishing the location of a pair construction points for a stud in a building interior at a construction site and for determining the length of the stud needed to extend between the pair of construction points uses a robotic total station. The points are defined by x and y coordinates and anticipated z coordinates on upper and lower surfaces. The robotic total station establishes the points by directing a beam of laser light toward anticipated points and, through an iterative process, determining the actual location of the points on upper and lower surfaces that have the same x and y coordinates.