Clients occasionally ask why we use a mix of Leica and Trimble instruments rather than standardising on one brand. The honest answer: both manufacturers produce excellent survey-grade equipment, and the right choice often depends on the specific task rather than brand loyalty.
Total Stations
| Feature | Leica TS16 | Trimble S7 |
|---|---|---|
| Angular Accuracy | ±0.5" | ±1" |
| Distance Accuracy | ±1mm+1.5ppm | Comparable, ±1mm+1.5ppm range |
| Robotic Tracking | Excellent in dense urban sites | Excellent, slightly faster lock-on in our experience |
| Best For | High-precision setting out, dense site conditions | Fast-paced topographic capture |
GNSS Receivers
| Feature | Leica GS18 | Trimble R12 |
|---|---|---|
| RTK Horizontal Accuracy | ±3mm+0.5ppm | ±4mm+0.5ppm |
| Tilt Compensation | Built-in, allows surveying without perfectly level pole | Built-in, comparable performance |
| Best For | Fast topographic detail in tricky access conditions | Control network establishment |
3D Laser Scanners
For laser scanning, Fortress Surveying standardises on the Leica RTC360 — its combination of scan speed (up to 2 million points/second), on-board visual SLAM tracking between scan positions, and registration accuracy makes it the clear choice for as-built and heritage documentation work in Dubai.
Why It Matters to You as a Client
The brand of instrument matters less than three things: regular calibration, operator skill, and appropriate methodology for the task at hand. Fortress Surveying maintains current calibration certificates for all equipment and trains our field engineers across both manufacturers' platforms — so you get the right tool for your specific survey, not whatever happens to be in the van.
Survey-Grade Equipment, Every Project
Leica and Trimble instruments, calibrated and ready. Get a fixed-price quote within 2 hours.