Kinematic Surveying

Long ago, industrial metrology was freed from its initial static application. Today, more and more applications have moved into the kinematic point of view where movement can either become the centre of attention, or an object, no longer rigid and silent, is waiting to be measured. For this purpose, the suitability of these established measurement systems in terms of kinematic applications are to be considered, therefore it is necessary to develop new concepts for these emerging tasks. The highest demands for spatio-temporal positioning are found in the industrial production process.

Example: Kinematic measurement of a robotic arm

Short film about robotic surveying

The real-time reference point determination of radio telescopes can be carried out economically over the long run only during the radio telescope’s (non-geodesic) time of operation.

In addition, the Geodetic Institute is currently running investigations on the performance of kinematic measurement systems with respect to the standard requirements in the field of kinematic surveying. First, the position accuracy with moving objectives must be determined without a time reference. Then, positioning of the space-time delay is required, wherein the ability to identify phenomena is closely associated with instrument-specific parameters.

A newly developed reflector holder (active hub) allows for the tracking of a reflector for optimum alignment with the measuring system.