Leica Viva Smartworx Hidden Point Routine

The hidden point routine is not about doing a distance distance intersection, it is about using a certain type of rod that has two prism assemblies.

The picture in this link is of the rod broken down, which is not the most helpful but you get the idea; a rod of known length usually determined by number of one meter extensions with two prisms in line with the rod enabling the calculation of a point at the end of the rod with the rod facing in any direction rather than just plumb.

https://www.stakemill.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=121_191_355&products_id=990

For a less precise approach you could shoot a level rod reflectorless at a known interval with known length but I do not see any place where a disto would come into play.

It is a great approach for getting to hard to reach places, I like to use a bipod, clamp or bungie cord to ensure the prisms are stable through the routine.

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@party-chef

There is actually a Hidden Point routine in GPS environment. What you're referring to is in TPS environment.

Ah, I thought that something seemed funny, well, I got nothing for you there. Good luck, too bad user "Survey the Mark" never comes around any more, he would know.

I use this method...although outside of the data collector.?ÿ

https://amerisurv.com/2008/10/31/tips-tricks-hidden-point-offset/

Thanks Shawn.

I have Captivate on my dc and I dont have that double prism rod. I use a 360 prism and make sure the same face is pointed at the instrument for both shots. I set up a spreadsheet to crunch the numbers.

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@darryl-beard

Nice prism pole and cool method. 

I always just shot 3 visible nails, taped the distance to the bar, made 3 measurements in my field notes, and had it calc'd back at the office or used the Point-Point-Point COGO intersection on the Leica 1200.  Or one could do 2 point radius intersection with an inverse to the 3rd as a check.  I always had nails and a tape measure in my pocket.

Sorry for the off-topic.  I have never used a Disto with Smartworx.  By this link, both Viva and Viva LT should be able to do the hidden point routine with a Disto:

https://www.mainetechnical.com/mc_files/3/Leica_SmartWorx_Viva_DS_us.pdf