Leica Equipment FAQ: Setup, Accuracy, and Troubleshooting

Leica's Construction Product Lines

Leica's construction lineup includes the TS series conventional total stations, MS series motorized total stations with MultiStation scan capability, and the robotic AP20 AutoPole for single-person layout. GNSS products include the GS18 T (with tilt) and GS18 (without tilt) for construction positioning. Machine control runs under the iCON brand — iCON grade for dozers and graders, iCON excavate for excavators. The CS20 is the standard data collector running Leica Captivate field software.

Leica Captivate Software

Leica Captivate is the touchscreen field software running on the CS20 controller and select total station on-board controllers. It manages stakeout, traverse, data collection, and COGO. Office software is Leica Infinity for data processing and adjustment. Machine control uses Leica MC1 in-cab control and iCON office software for design management. Design files import as LandXML, DXF, or Leica LHD format.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Leica TS and MS series total stations?

The TS series are conventional total stations (TS06, TS10, TS16) ranging from 1 to 6 arc second accuracy. The TS16 is the current precision construction model at 1 arc second. The MS series (MS50, MS60) adds scanning capability for point cloud capture — used where scan deliverables are part of the project scope. For standard construction layout, the TS16 is the appropriate choice; the MS series is for projects requiring as-built scanning.

What is the accuracy of the Leica TS16 total station?

The TS16 achieves 1 arc second angular accuracy and 2mm + 2ppm EDM accuracy — equivalent to Trimble S7 and Topcon GT-1200. At 200 feet, this delivers approximately ±1/8 inch positional accuracy. The TS16 is Leica's precision construction layout instrument, used for column layout, structural work, and applications where top-tier total station accuracy is required.

What is the Leica GS18 and why does it have tilt compensation?

The GS18 T is Leica's flagship construction GNSS receiver with IMU-based tilt compensation. It maintains RTK centimeter-level accuracy with the pole tilted up to 60 degrees from vertical, eliminating the need to perfectly level the rod before every measurement. This significantly speeds up high-volume stakeout. The GS18 (without the T) is the same receiver without tilt compensation, at a lower price point.

What is the Leica AP20 AutoPole?

The AP20 AutoPole is Leica's single-person total station system. The prism pole includes a motorized head that automatically aims the prism back toward the total station, allowing the TS16 with ATR to track the operator without manual aiming adjustments. Combined with the CS35 tablet, one person can run a complete layout session without a second person at the instrument.

What data collector does Leica use?

The CS20 is Leica's primary data controller — a rugged Windows-based handheld running Leica Captivate. The CS35 is a larger tablet form factor for applications where a bigger screen is preferred. Both connect to TS series total stations and GS GNSS receivers via Bluetooth. Leica instruments can also be connected to third-party Android data collectors running compatible software via standard protocols.

What is Leica iCON machine control?

Leica iCON grade is the machine control system for dozers and motor graders. It uses dual GNSS antennas and the MC1 in-cab control box for 3D GPS grade control with automatic blade actuation. Leica iCON excavate extends this to excavators with IMU-based bucket tip positioning. iCON integrates with Leica ConX cloud platform for design file distribution and fleet monitoring.

What is Leica ConX?

ConX is Leica's cloud platform for connecting office and field — similar to Trimble WorksManager. Project managers upload design files and control data to ConX; the field accesses them on data collectors and machine control boxes via cellular. ConX provides real-time machine positions and production tracking when machines are online. It is included with iCON machine control subscriptions.

How do I troubleshoot a Leica total station error?

Common Leica total station errors: "Tilt sensor error" — re-level the instrument; "EDM error" — clean the EDM window and prism, check alignment; "Battery low" — replace or charge. For error codes with numeric codes, refer to the instrument manual or the Leica error codes page. Persistent errors after field correction require service center attention.

Are Leica instruments compatible with Trimble or Topcon accessories?

Standard tripods (5/8-11 thread) and tribrach mounts are compatible across brands. Prisms with the correct prism constant (Leica typically uses 0mm for 360 prisms, -34mm for standard circular prisms) can be used across brands. Batteries, data collectors, and field software are proprietary and not interchangeable. Always verify prism constant settings when mixing brands in the field.

What is the warranty on Leica instruments?

Leica provides a 1-year standard warranty on instruments. Extended warranties and service agreements are available through authorized dealers. The Leica SmartWorx Viva instruments include factory commissioning and first-year calibration checks in some regional markets. Batteries carry a 6-month warranty. Damage from drops or submersion is not covered under standard warranty.

Where can I get Leica equipment serviced?

Leica maintains authorized service centers in major US cities. Factory service (for complex repairs and full calibration) is available through Leica's US service operation. Turnaround is typically 1-3 weeks for standard calibration. Express Tools can coordinate service referrals for instruments purchased through us.

What accuracy does Leica GNSS achieve in construction?

The Leica GS18 T achieves 8mm + 0.5ppm horizontal and 15mm + 0.5ppm vertical RTK accuracy — among the highest published specs for construction GNSS. In practice, real-world accuracy on a construction site is affected by satellite geometry, multipath, and correction quality. See the GPS accuracy FAQ for real-world expectations.

What is the working range of Leica total station ATR?

Leica ATR (Automatic Target Recognition) on the TS16 functions reliably to approximately 1,000 meters with a standard 360 prism. In practice, construction layout work rarely exceeds 300-400 meters from a single setup. ATR performance degrades near highly reflective surfaces or when multiple prisms are in the field of view — use the fine-aim mode to confirm the correct prism is locked.

Can Leica instruments be used for underground construction?

Leica is particularly strong in underground and tunneling applications. Their instruments include specialized tunnel survey configurations, gyroscopic total stations for azimuth transfer underground, and robust cases for the wet, dusty conditions of tunnel work. If your work includes tunnel construction, Leica's underground product line is worth reviewing specifically.

How does Leica iCON handle excavator grading?

Leica iCON excavate uses angle sensors on the boom, arm, and bucket combined with a GNSS-determined machine position to compute bucket tip coordinates in real time. The operator sees a 3D cross-section display showing bucket position relative to the design surface and receives cut/fill guidance. Automatic bucket control is available on compatible excavator models through the electrohydraulic interface.