What Does
Laser Total Station System Mean?
The laser total station system or total guidance system (TGS) is a guidance system used to steer a microtunnel through the sub-surface.
While using a laser guidance system, either a signal relay is used or the laser is physically repositioned to maintain the line of sight with the advancing microtunnel boring machine (MTBM).
This type of navigation system is used for extended drive lengths and also for curved alignments. A laser-controlled guidance system is commonly used for microtunneling projects and provides real-time data to the operator for controlled steering operations.
Trenchlesspedia Explains Laser Total Station System
The laser guidance system comprises individual self-leveling station units that maintain a connection throughout the alignment without the need for a manual, continuous survey. It registers the position and angle of incidence of the laser beam emitted from the guidance system.
As the tunnel progresses, additional stations are added as required to maintain a line of sight between all stations along the alignment.
The guidance system utilizes an active laser as a fixed reference point directed along the centerline of the tunnel at line and grade. This laser beam is projected onto the active target in the MTBM that contains photosensitive cells that read and convert the information to digital data.
This data is transmitted to the control console where the operator interprets it.