14 août 2025
Layout is Changing
Not long ago, construction layout meant manual measurements, tapes, and plumb bobs. No EDM and no GPS for civilian use. Fast forward to today, where modern projects have access to advanced BIM layout workflows, reality capture tools, and camera guided measurement systems.
At Auburn University’s Building Science program, students learn not only the fundamentals of construction measurement but also how to apply cutting edge technology in the field. Among these innovations, one tool stands out for speed, accuracy, and simplicity: the Leica iCON iCS.
The Leica iCON iCS helps you work faster and more accurately by combining EDM precision with camera based visual layout technology. Its unique sphere target, mapped with individually geo-referenced red dots ensures the system instantly knows your exact position and tilt in a 3D space. With automatic height reading from the pole’s white stripes you can skip manual rod height entry and start laying out points right away, saving time and reducing errors. Additionally, the tilt compensation of vSphere removes the time consuming task of using a bubble level and provides the flexibility to tilt the sphere to move around objects that block line of site. The result is unmatched speed and higher productivity for construction layout.
Step-by-Step Guide to Construction Layout with Leica iCON iCS50
Watch how the Leica iCON iCS50 transforms construction layouts with visual technology in the video above.
Chapters:
0:00-0:46 - On site with Auburn University - Get introduced to Auburn University’s Building Science program and hear why hands on exposure to advanced layout tools is shaping the next generation of construction professionals.
0:47-2:44 - What makes the iCS different – Learn how the Leica iCON iCS stands apart from traditional robotic total stations, combining EDM accuracy with camera-based visual layout for faster, simpler, and more flexible operation.
2:45-3:28 - Easy start up – See how the iCS levels itself in seconds and captures a stitched panoramic image of the jobsite, allowing you to start layout quickly without complex setup.
3:29-3:43 - Picking points from a picture - Learn how you can simply tap on a panoramic image to select a point, and the instrument automatically turns to that location making point layout more intuitive than ever.
3:44-5:24 - Setting control - Explore three easy methods to set control using survey points, vTargets, or existing walls so you can begin layout even when traditional control setups aren’t available.
5:25-8:22 - As-built walls - Watch how the iCS measures two perpendicular walls to orient itself to the room, providing a fast solution for as-built documentation and construction verification in spaces without survey control.
8:23-9:08 - Changing targets - See how easily the iCS can switch between different target types, giving you flexibility in the field without interrupting your workflow.
9:09-9:26 - Fast lock and tracking - Learn how the system quickly locks onto the vSphere target and maintains tracking, saving time and reducing frustration during layout.
9:27-10:47 - Follow the yellow dot - Observe the guided “blue dot to yellow dot” interface that makes it simple to walk directly to layout points with accuracy and confidence.
10:48-13:00 - Step by step guided layout - This chapter demonstrates how guided instructions lead operators through every step of layout, ensuring accuracy even for less-experienced users.
13:01-14:01 - Storing points and reporting deviations – See how the iCS records as-built points, compares them against design data, and generates deviation reports providing clear documentation for QA/QC.
The Future of BIM Layout is Visual
The Leica iCON iCS50 represents a step forward in iCON trades construction measurement technology. By combining visual layout, auto-height, and real-time tracking, it makes BIM workflows faster, simpler, and more accurate. Want to see the iCS solution in action? Shop now or contact an iCON trades expert to schedule a demo and experience the latest in layout for yourself.