Using Distance Angle Offset Method with LaserSoft® Connect™

We designed the LaserSoft Connect app as a free solution that bridges TruPulse rangefinders and laser offset workflows with Esri’s ArcGIS Field Maps solution, for use with any GNSS receiver. The Distance Angle method is one of three laser offset methods available to users. While each comes with its own unique workflow and gear requirements, the goal is the same.

Some assets are located in hard-to-reach or dangerous locations. Whether these assets are on roadways, dangerous or steep terrain, or private property, you’re better off keeping your distance. Instead of physically occupying the positions of assets like these, and grabbing coordinates with your GNSS receiver, use laser offset workflows to stick to safe and convenient locations only.

Understanding the Workflow

This laser offset workflow requires you to choose and occupy both a Backsight Point and an Occupy Point. You’ll want a clear line of sight between each point. If you have precise, RTK level GNSS accuracy, these two points don’t need to be more than 50 meters apart. Increase the distance between your Backsight Point and Occupy Point as your GNSS accuracy drops from RTK quality into less precise territory. Your Backsight Point should be away from the asset(s) you’ll be positioning. The Occupy Point should be near the asset(s).

A TruPulse laser rangefinder, MapStar TruAngle encoder, and GNSS receiver are required to perform the Distance Angle workflow. This method equips you with 3d mapping capabilities by first establishing a known location at the Backsight Point. After that, the final steps are recording a second position at the Occupy Point and capturing a reference angle to the Backsight Point. Then, you can use your TruPulse laser rangefinder to position all the assets within sight of your Occupy Point. Since the TruAngle encoder is immune to magnetic interferences, this method is especially useful in urban locations and other areas prone to interferences.

Performing the Workflow

Make sure the LaserSoft Connect app is installed on your Android device. Open up ArcGIS Field Maps and head into your profile settings. Once there, tap the Offset option and select Laser Tech Connect. Next, tap on Provider and select Integrated. This video demonstrates these first steps in action with a screen recording that you can follow along with:

Here is how to perform the Distance Angle offset method with the LaserSoft Connect App and ArcGIS Field Maps:

1. Choose a Backsight location and occupy its location.
2. Start a point in ArcGIS Field Maps, tap the three dots icon for more options, and select Offset From Location. This launches LaserSoft Connect.
3. Connect your TruPulse laser rangefinder and MapStar TruAngle encoder to the app via Bluetooth and establish a GPS connection.
4. Tap the Distance Angle option.
5. Measure and enter your Antenna height and Laser Height.
6. Record the Backsight Point’s location.
7. Move to your Occupy Point and record its location.
8. Use your rangefinder to aim at the Backsight Point, then zero your TruAngle encoder to capture a reference angle.
9. Use your TruPulse rangefinder to position asset(s) from your Occupy Point.

This video demonstrates each step in action, along with a screen recording that you can follow along with:

In that video, we use the TruPulse 200i laser rangefinder, MapStar TruAngle II encoder, and a Trimble receiver. You are not limited to these devices. Any Bluetooth-enabled TruPulse rangefinder will work. You can also use the original TruAngle MapStar encoder and any GNSS receiver. The LaserSoft Connect app is available in the Google Play store for free. Contact our team if you have any questions.