One Point Fits All

Image from Reddit of improperly poured foundation

In 1996 Georg Rothbucher was visiting a customer at a construction site who was facing a difficult problem. Two thousand square meters of concrete had been poured incorrectly for the Finished Floor Level (FFL) of a new building. This surveyor was trying to recover the original reference point used to set the FFL – a chalk mark, pencil line or a nail.

The RS21 Smart Datum Marker

Georg was astounded to learn that although the surveyor had the best equipment available to set the reference point, the mark for the reference point was not permanently and visibly marked. This surveying crisis inspired Georg to develop the Datum Marker for finished floor level (FFL).

RS11 Precision Indoor Construction Benchmark

By 1997, Georg was selling Smart Datum Markers across Europe. This small piece of precisely-engineered plastic helped surveyors transfer the precision of their measuring instruments to the building itself, permanently. These markers could be quickly re-located and even used for 3-dimensional monitoring. Rothbucher Datum Markers can be securely attached to formwork, creating an indented impression in the concrete that serves as a reference point for elevation throughout the entire project's duration.

Berntsen recognized the potential of Smart Datum Markers, and today, that foresight has proven invaluable. Millions of these markers have been sold worldwide, with Berntsen proudly representing Rothbucher in the U.S. for nearly 20 years. This long-standing partnership underscores Berntsen's commitment to innovative, reliable solutions for the industry.

One Point Fits All System (OPFA)

Georg has continued to work directly with surveyors and engineers to create simple, precise solutions for managing reference points in countless applications.

The Rothbucher One Point Fits All System is designed to work seamlessly across a wide range of survey equipment, ensuring precise measurements and consistent XYZ coordinates for various instruments. With this system, surveyors can easily switch between different instruments while maintaining the same reference point, streamlining workflows and enhancing accuracy. The OPFA System is compatible with:

  • Total Stations and Robotic Total Stations: For high-precision point measurements and layout tasks.

  • Laser Scanners (including brands like Leica, FARO, Trimble, and Z+F): Paired with RSL420M, RSL422M, and RSLB10M targets for efficient 3D scanning.

  • LiDAR and SLAM Scanners: RSL452M targets provide flexibility for mobile mapping and indoor/outdoor scanning needs.

  • Drones and Mobile Mapping Systems: With RSL-X95M and RSLX97M targets, drones and mobile mapping systems benefit from enhanced data accuracy.

  • GNSS and GPS Systems: The RS0190M adapter ensures stable mounting and consistent coordinate reference points for GNSS/GPS receivers.

  • Specialized Scanners like NavVis and RIEGL: Compatible with RSL-X93M for NavVis and RSL453M for reflective targets on RIEGL scanners.

The One Point Fits All System - adaptable for all applications.

The OPFA System’s versatile mounting accessories make it easy to securely attach prisms and targets on various surfaces, enabling it to adapt to complex survey setups, such as building monitoring, infrastructure projects, and topographic surveys.

Reflective target markers

Reflective Target Markers

The product line includes reflective targets for a range of applications that can be affixed to permanent targets made of stainless steel or ruggedized plastic or placed temporarily for the duration of the job. Targets are flat, angled or retro and can be glued or screwed into place.

These markers can be used anywhere precise, repeatable control is needed

Smart Angle Target Markers

Rothbucher target markers are perfect for site layout as well as for monitoring and taking accurate measurements in large building construction projects. And they have many different applications for land, topographic, boundary, and mining surveys. Moreover, specialized markers have been developed to meet specific needs, ensuring easy installation (by adhesive, threaded inserts, or directly into concrete) and long-lasting durability for various applications.

Prisms

Versatile Rothbucher Prisms

Prism accessories

Rothbucher prisms are available for a variety of uses and in a range of styles. 360°, 220° or 180° rotations are available in silver or copper coatings (for Leica and Geomax systems). Additionally, these prisms can be fixed and are available in different sizes and colors. For exceptional versatility, accessories are available to work with your system and for your application – want to use a prism again and again in the same location? Simply affix the magnetic steel fixed point that blends into the background and stays in place until you need it as a reference point again – then just pop the prism on back on the fixed point and you’re good to go. If you want to leave a prism in place, magnetic prism covers are available that can be popped on and off using any prism pole with a 5/8" thread for difficult to reach locations.

Rothbucher prisms are extremely accurate, backed by a study authored by the Geodetic Laboratory of the Chair of Geodesy at the Technical University of Munich.

Laser scanner targets

Rothbucher Laser Targets

Rothbucher continues to fill out its full line of laser scanning targets: foldable, collapsible, tilting, swiveling, SLAM, drone, mobile mapping, sphere and more. Additionally, these targets are designed to adapt to your equipment and your application. Some are magnetized to stay put; some have ball bearing joint to ensure smooth and precise positioning. But all can work with the fixed point or be affixed to glass with a suction cup, glued into place or screwed into place.

Rothbucher’s One Point Fits All is a true system with interchangeable and adaptable parts that create precise, repeatable measurements every time. This system completes the surveying toolkit by creating a repeatable fixed point no matter what the application.

These precisely engineered targets are designed to make the surveyor's job easier, faster, and more accurate. Facing a challenging situation that requires a fresh approach? Reach out to us, and we'll collaborate with Rothbucher to find the right solution. With Rothbucher and Berntsen, you've got a team ready to support you every step of the way.

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