Trimble Introduces New Field Layout Software Suite

Trimble Introduces New Field Layout Software Suite that includes Trimble
Field Link for MEP and Structures Trades

SUNNYVALE, Calif., Jan. 13, 2011 — Trimble (NASDAQ:TRMB) introduced today its new field layout software suite that includes Trimble® Field Link for MEP and Trimble Field Link for Structures. The latest additions to Trimble?s field layout portfolio incorporate a version for MEP trades and a version for steel and concrete contractors distinguished by trade-specific feature sets. Using the ruggedized 7 inch touch-screen Trimble Tablet Rugged PC, Trimble Field Link can dramatically improve the productivity of field personnel performing lay out by providing more information readily at their fingertips.

Featuring task-based workflows, customizable views and a new user-interface designed to optimize the information presented, Trimble Field Link extends field layout capabilities. In addition to the advancements made in performing layout specific tasks, Trimble Field link adds reporting routines to detail layout productivity as well as the ability to document existing site conditions for RFI’s. Contractors working with Building Information Modeling (BIM) can now view 3D DWG and DXF design models in the field with Trimble Field Link, allowing field crews to make more informed decisions when problems arise.

Trimble Field Link was designed for the Trimble Tablet to take advantage of a larger touch screen, additional processing power, increased storage, Internet connectivity options and a full version of Windows 7. As a fully-functioning PC, the Trimble Tablet provides contractors the flexibility to run additional business applications.

“With the Trimble Tablet, we saw an opportunity to take our field layout software to the next level,” said Pat Bohle, general manager of Trimble’s Building Construction Division. “By enabling functionality such as job-level productivity reporting and the ability to review construction data in a 3D environment while in the field, the new solution empowers field crews with more information for timely decision making and increased efficiency.”

While the base features of Trimble Field Link are the same for MEP, concrete, steel trades and general contractors, Trimble has developed modules with feature-sets designed specifically for each contractor type. Trimble Field Link for MEP includes a Visual Layout module for automated layout and identification of indoor points associated with MEP systems. For concrete, steel trades and general contractors, Trimble Field Link for Structures contains modules that allow the creation of points from CAD files and the measurement of line work.

Trimble Field Link is expected to be available in the first quarter of 2011 through Trimble’s Authorized Distributors of layout solutions for MEP and Structures contractors.

Faster, More Compelling Models, Renderings, and Animations of Point Clouds

(Heerbrugg/ Switzerland, 23 June 2010)- Leica Geosystems announces Leica CloudWorx-VR for 3ds Max, 3ds Max design, and Maya. These plug-ins provide a convenient way for professionals to efficiently create more photorealistic and compelling models, renderings, and animations based on rich, High-Definition Survey™ data of sites & structures as collected by 3D laser scanners.

Easier, More Efficient Processing of Point Clouds for Multi-media Applications
The use of visually rich, High-Definition Survey data for multi-media applications such as marketing proposals, client education, and project communications has been steadily growing. However, traditional methods of processing as-built and topographic point cloud data and merging it with models and photography for multi-media applications have been time consuming. In addition, the quality of deliverables has been constrained by limitations in stand-alone point cloud software otherwise used for this. Now, Leica CloudWorx-VR-plus Autodesk 3ds Max or Maya overcome these limitations, making it easy to create even more compelling multi-media deliverables based on laser scan data.

Leica CloudWorx-VR offers 3ds Max and Maya users the same, familiar user interface they already know from using these multi-media tools. CloudWorx-VR lets users apply 3ds Max and Maya tools directly to large point cloud data sets. Users can efficiently load a dense, colored point cloud as a 3D background, merge point cloud data with other model elements, cast shadows on the cloud, and even process point clouds into smooth surface models – all within the 3ds Max or Maya interface. CloudWorx-VR supports data from Leica HDS and 3rd party laser scanners, enabling any laser scanner user to more easily expand service offerings to include exciting multi-media deliverables based on point clouds.

Global Access plus Local Support from Leica Geosystems
Users can purchase Leica CloudWorx-VR and receive local support directly from Leica Geosystems, the world leader in laser scanning hardware and software, and authorized representatives. The powerful, new plug-in was developed by Alice Labs (Netherlands), a start-up company comprised of experienced Leica HDS users plus talented academic staff. Alice Labs and Leica Geosystems have signed an exclusive agreement for Leica Geosystems to sell and support the plug-in product as Leica CloudWorx-VR, the newest member of the Leica CloudWorx family of convenient point cloud plug-in software.

What they’re saying
Dr.-Ing. Christian Hesse of Dr. Hesse und Partner Ingenieure, Germany reports, “We were impressed by point cloud animations of an historic ship that we saw at the 2009 Leica Geosystems HDS Worldwide User Conference in San Ramon, CA, and discussed the point cloud plug-in for 3ds approach with the presenter. We’ve since changed over from another vendor’s software to deploy this technology and we have been very pleased to quickly expand our business into this exciting area with excellent results. Our customer’s response was outstanding.” An example of this work done by Dr. Hesse und Partner Ingenieure is on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQ4_biRWHvM
/>
Pricing & Availability
Leica CloudWorx-VR is immediately available. Ordering information is available from authorized Leica Geosystems representatives.
Leica Geosystems – when it has to be right
With close to 200 years of pioneering solutions to measure the world, Leica Geosystems products and services are trusted by professionals worldwide to help them capture, analyze, and present spatial information. Leica Geosystems is best known for its broad array of products that capture accurately, model quickly, analyze easily, and visualize and present spatial information.

Those who use Leica Geosystems products every day trust them for their dependability, the value they deliver, and the superior customer support. Based in Heerbrugg, Switzerland, Leica Geosystems is a global company with tens of thousands of customers supported by more than 2,400 employees in 22 countries and hundreds of partners located in more than 120 countries around the world. Leica Geosystems is part of the Hexagon Group, Sweden.

Leica PowerDigger 3D: Cutting-Edge Excavator Guidance

(Heerbrugg, 22 April 2010) Leica Geosystems releases its next-generation, cutting-edge, 3D guidance system for excavating construction machines, Leica PowerDigger 3D. Leica PowerDigger 3D expands Leica Geosystems’ unique PowerSnap concept, which provides total flexibility and interchangeability of machine control products and of machines such as excavators, dozers, and graders. PowerDigger 3D is the result of many years of experience in developing machine control systems.

Unique PowerSnap concept makes it easy to swap panels
Thanks to PowerSnap, machine guidance systems are no longer restricted to just one machine. PowerSnap allows users to swap panels between laser, slope, and 3D machine control completely seamlessly as the job demands. PowerSnap also provides a cable-free system: data communication via infrared and induction for power supply offer contractors high reliability and system uptime. Leica Geosystems provides machine control solutions for diggers, dozers, and graders that can now use the XC16 control panel with the corresponding 2D or 3D software.

PowerSnap also lets new customers manage their investment path as they move into machine control; offering complete backwards compatibility and affordable upgrade paths from traditional laser/slope control – all the way to 3D. Additionally, the easy removal of panels helps deter theft and vandalism – an ideal solution for rental machine fleets.

A wide range of features and benefits
Leica PowerDigger 3D software offers direct support for popular 3D design models (CAD) – meaning no interpretation of drawings and no need for stakeout. With full 3D visualization, operators know exactly where the bucket of the excavator is and where it needs to be positioned. The system supports full GNSS (GPS & GLONASS) coverage as standard, which provides maximum coverage and uptime on most job sites. Thanks to its high-performance graphic display, the system is intuitive to use, allowing operators to quickly gain confidence with the system.

The Leica PowerDigger 3D control panel has a rugged housing and is equipped with a 7-inch full-color touch screen that takes the user through the installation, setup, and operating modes at a glance. Simple design models can even be created directly on the jobsite. The system supports a wide range of popular data formats including LandXML, DXF/DWG surface models, Polylines, and all GEO formats etc. The system also features built-in dredging and volume calculations.

2D and 3D “out of the box”
Leica PowerDigger 3D provides a fully functional 2D system at no extra cost. The system can be easily upgraded and is fully scalable from basic 2D to full 3D capability in the same control panel – one option does not exclude the other – and, if the machine loses GNSS coverage, the digger drivers can continue in “2D mode” with full functionality.

A managed investment path
For 3D solutions, Leica Geosystems offers a simple upgrade path: Contractors that are not sure whether they want to make the whole investment today can simply buy a 3D-ready panel and upgrade later to suit to their needs. For those who only need 3D for a short period, Leica Geosystems or a distribution partner can rent Leica GNSS sensors / Leica Total Stations as well as 3D software.

---

Leica Geosystems – when it has to be right
With close to 200 years of pioneering solutions to measure the world, Leica Geosystems products and services are trusted by professionals worldwide to help them capture, analyze, and present spatial information. Leica Geosystems is best known for its broad array of products that capture accurately, model quickly, analyze easily, and visualize and present spatial information.

Those who use Leica Geosystems products every day trust them for their dependability, the value they deliver, and the superior customer support. Based in Heerbrugg, Switzerland, Leica Geosystems is a global company with tens of thousands of customers supported by more than 3,500 employees in 28 countries and hundreds of partners located in more than 120 countries around the world. Leica Geosystems is part of the Hexagon Group, Sweden.

---

Contact:

Alessandra Doëll
Director Marketing Communications
Leica Geosystems AG
CH-9435 Heerbrugg
Switzerland 

Tel: +41 71 727 3451 (Direct)
Tel: +41 71 727 3131 (Reception)
E-Mail: Alessandra.Doell@leica-geosystems.com