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Imagine a surveyor tasked with converting old paper maps of a large property into a modern, digital format. The boundaries are defined by distances between key points, but the exact coordinates are missing. This is where the Traverse tool becomes invaluable allowing the surveyor to input those distances and angles from the paper map, ensuring the boundary lines are recreated with pinpoint precision.
To ensure every angle and distance is perfectly matched to the original data, the Inverse tool steps in. It enables the surveyor to digitally reconstruct the entire design.
Now, let’s break down the workflows supplied by Emlid Flow & Emlid Flow 360 in detail. If you prefer video format, jump straight to the video tutorial below.
Go for Inverse to learn more data
Planning your project or keeping track of its progress? With the Inverse tool in Emlid Flow, you can easily calculate a wide range of data between existing points, allowing you to seamlessly compare project results with the designed values—validating data or detecting displacements in real time.
In Emlid Flow, open the Inverse tool within your project, select any number of points, and review the results. Results vary based on the points selected: with 2 points, you’ll get point-to-point calculations; with 3 points, you’ll also see area, slope, perimeter, and more.
Using the Inverse tool in Emlid Flow
The workflow in Emlid Flow 360 follows a similar process. Learn more about the Inverse tool in Emlid Flow & Emlid Flow 360 through our documentation.
Go for Traverse to create new objects
Bringing your design to life in the field? The Traverse tool makes it easy to create new geometry relative to known points by entering distance, azimuth, and height difference values.
Open the Traverse tool in your project and select a starting point. Then, create the next point by entering the distance, direction (azimuth), and height difference, using the data available to you.
Using the Traverse tool in Emlid Flow
The process in Emlid Flow 360 is almost the same. For more details on using the Traverse tool in Emlid Flow & Emlid Flow 360, check out our documentation.
Emlid Flow’s Inverse and Traverse in action
Armando Martinez, an architect from Spain, has already integrated both tools into his projects and shared with us how they can become just another essential tool in a surveyor’s toolbox.
Calculating inverse to eliminate differences and make adjustments
Armando notes that it’s quite common to use the Inverse tool to identify displacements and turns when measuring plots. By identifying differences between the cadastre and the physical reality in real time, surveyors can adjust data collection and promptly prepare the necessary documents, such as for purchasing a plot.
“The tools provided by Emlid Flow and Emlid Flow 360 make our work easier as they allow us to make decisions in real time in the field, without the need for subsequent visits, saving time.”
Сalculating traverse to ensure perfect project alignment
Armando continues that when identifying differences between the cadastral data and the survey, surveyors usually need to create new stakeout points in real time. They use the Traverse tool to position and shift points in specific directions and distances based on the cadastral layers.
“The Traverse tool allows us, without the need to stop or go out to other programs, to generate points within our work from a topographical physical base. Thus facilitating the capture of data for later use. ”
Inverse & Traverse in Emlid Flow & Emlid Flow 360 video tutorial
If you’d like to learn more about the Inverse & Traverse tools in video format, check out the video below:
Try out Traverse & Inverse in Emlid Flow & Emlid Flow 360 today
Together, the Inverse and Traverse tools are powerful allies in transforming paper-based surveys into precise, accurate digital maps—preserving the integrity of the original work while embracing the convenience and precision of modern GNSS technology.
Inverse and Traverse are available with the Survey Plan in Emlid Flow, along with localization, linework, coding, WMS/WMTS layers, and more.