I've been looking up guides, video demos, and the like... It looks pretty good but it's hard to get a real idea of how it works and how it compares to other controller software - everything I find is a little vague. Keen on hearing your opinions!
Viva was basically SmartWorks with a UI facelift. Viva was way more user friendly than SmartWorks with a nice graphical interface. Both were very powerful in the hands of trained user with the correct purchased modules. While I have not regularly used any of Trimble's software in years, I could configure Leica's to do much more. And there lies the reason Leica's DC software used to get a bad rap. It can be complicated, SmartWorks' technical manual is closed to 1500 pages with Viva's coming in at around 1100 pages, they get down into the minutia of the software. I'm not saying it is hard to use on a day to day basis, just that you need to set things up. The Viva interface makes day to day operations a lot simpler to get acquainted with. Much of the same workflow is used in the current software, Captivate.
For mapping, I don't think you can beat Leica's approach. Codes can be set up with very detailed attribute tables and complicated linework is a breeze with everything visible on screen as you go. The biggest problem with layout is Leica's model for selling the software, while basic point layout is included, you needed to purchase the line staking and roading modules separately. If you have the correct modules, then it is great.
GPS: Good
TS: Crap
Any savvy operator willing to learn will be able to effectively use any of the gear/software from the major manufacturers out there. Some do certain things more intuitively or more efficiently than others, but there's an optimal way to get whatever you need done. So, depending on the type of work you do, one manufacturer might be a better bang for your buck.
Anyone telling you that one is "total crap" or that "all others are total crap" either has an axe to grind or doesn't have much experience with a range of gear.
Why are Leica's Total Stations crap?
Don't try to force the software to do what you want; force yourself to do it the way the software wants you to do it...
The OP gave two options. Smartworx is good with the Viva GPS units. I don't think it's very good using with a total station.
I was not commenting on Leica total stations. I love those, by the way. I just use a Carlson DC with them, and not a Leica DC
@jph Cool, thought I was missing something. I agree, I use an RT4 with mine.
Thanks so much for your expertise! If I recall you do/have done both land surveying and construction layout? I'd be using it for only the later.
I've notice it's very 'module' orientated. One key thing I was trying to figure out is if the robotic functionality is activated based on having certain modules, and if that's the case how much it costs. Other controller software charges quite a bit extra for the robotic stuff. Go figure.
And then there's the licensing stuff...
This is my lastest knowledge dive after realizing that dealing with the Geocom nonsense might be avoidable. CS15 controllers aren't hard to find right now and lots of them already have Smartworks Viva on them.
@jph I've confused things by typing "Viva" and "Smartworx" in the wrong order in my title: Apparently it's actually called "Leica Smartworx Viva"... so it's just Smartworks, but the Viva edition? Maybe they used to be separate things and were combined at some point?
Leica claims it's "good for both GPS and TPS instruments":
https://leica-geosystems.com/products/total-stations/software/leica-smartworx-viva
I just don't find things to be very "cut and dry" with these companies. And everything requires a huge-ass deep dive to figure out what's what. I'm sure glad this forum exists!
Edit: re-read every post and things finally clicked. I should have originally asked specifically about "Smartworx for Total Stations". But... I wouldn't have ever known any better anyways because it's so hard to figure out what you're getting unless you ask.
Wholly disagree, great for both, it's just not Surveying for Dummies like with Trimble where is simple for anyone to pick up.
Drives the Leica robots really well.
I actually prefer smartworx and smartworx viva to captivate the latest version. Once your knew them you learnt the menu numbers by heart and super fast, like typing commands in autocad vs navigating through menus to find function.
Smartworx was first generation, drove 1200 series robots and GNSS.
Smartworx Viva was second generation and drives TS15 robots, gs14/15 GNSS etc.
Captivate is the current version
Surveying for Dummies like with Trimble where is simple for anyone to pick up.
"Simple to pick up" is generally a good thing. Leica will do the job and do it well, but the learning curve is way, way steeper than it needs to be.
(Edit: should add that Captivate seems to have been an improvement. Infinity was/is still frustrating and opaque, especially concerning what is going on "under the hood".)
Have you used a Carlson DC, SurvCE with a Leica robot? I prefer that.
I've had only a little experience using the Leica DC with Smartworx with a robot. And I remember once, after collecting a bunch of topo, that I'd used the incorrect point numbers for my STN and BS. I figured that I would just edit the raw data later. I then wanted to use those point numbers for another setup, so I deleted the prior points - can't remember exactly why, now, but I did. That excellent Smartworx software, then decided that since I deleted the STN point from my coordinate file, that all that raw data was now bad, and deleted the shots from the raw file. WTF.
Maybe there was a way to exhume that data later on, but I didn't know, and was 3+ hours from the office, so I re-shot everything.
In all honesty, I think you could have technically purchased a CS10/15 with only either GNSS or TPS but I have never seen one configured that way nor I was asked about it at time of purchase.
Leica sells their DCs kind of like mobile phones. The hardware comes with the basics apps and you have to purchase additional apps to do the more advanced things. My CS15 came with the basics like TPS/GNSS setup, survey/coding, point layout, cogo, import/export and some other stuff for the basic purchase price. I then added sets of angles, reference line, DTM stakeout and the roading application.
If you are looking to pick up as CS15, I have one sitting in the case with very few miles on it. I bought it along with an MS50 about 4 months before they released the CS20. For some reason the CS15 will not run the Viva based GS16. I ended up getting a CS20 when I upgraded GNSS to the GS16.
