user guide

Annotate PLS

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To read more about GEs ecomagination commitment, visit:
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Copyright 2014 IKEGPS LTD.

620-02830
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Introduction
Annotate PLS will greatly increase your productivity when undertaking pole surveys from photos captured with
MapSight. This data allows you to create 3D models for use Power Line Systems Inc. PLS-POLE software*.

MapSight is a location-based measuring device

Using your Annotate PLS package you can quickly
o
o
o
o
o

Collect geo-located pole photos.

Measure wire span heights, even across busy roads.
Determine wire clearances from vegetation and buildings.
Make accurate attachment height measurements from photos **.
Create accurate 3D models from PLS standard components and export straight into PLS-POLE.

Photo in the field

This document will guide you through:

Setting up your Annotate PLS system.

Capturing field Data.
Transferring data from the MapSight to your PC.
Building a 3D model.
Exporting to PLS-POLE.

Build a 3D wireframe model

Export to PLS-POLE

* PLS-POLE software is not included as part of Annotate PLS. It is assumed that PLSPOLE has been licensed and installed. Please visit www.powerlinesystems.com for more
info.
** Annotate PLS works in conjunction with the standard MapSight desktop software.
Find the MapSight desktop software and associated user guide at
www.gemapsight.com/support .

Annotate PLS User Guide

Annotate PLS, System Overview Diagram

System Setup

Configure MapSight

Download and Install Software from the MapSight website page 4

Make custom Forms in MapSight desktop

Deploy onto the MapSight

p1

Sample Forms:
Sample Forms have been preloaded,
so you can go outside and start
collecting data. page 10

p1

Capture Data

Capture pole photos and measure poles in the office

Understand MapSight workflow page 11

p1

Download

Use MapSight desktop to move files from the MapSight to PC page 16

Inspect Report Data

Process photos in
Annotate PLS
Export to PLS-POLE

View data in MapSight

desktop as CSV/KMZ/JPG/
SHP/DWG page 18

p1

p2

Generate PLS models using MapSight photos page 21

p2
Export to PLS-POLE with one button-press page 29

p3
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System Setup
IMPORTANT: The following software is required to use your MapSight. Download from www.gemapsight.com/support

MapSight Software
MapSight desktop MapSight desktop makes file transfer from your MapSight device simple. Customise and deploy forms directly to your
MapSight device and generate various file types from captured data. Make accurate pole measurements from photos and save marked-up
photos.
Annotate PLS Make accurate 3D pole models from photos and export directly into PLS-POLE.

MapSight tools The on-board measuring tools for your MapSight. Your device has been shipped with the latest factory software - your
installed version shows on the MapSight device main screen. However the team at MapSight are regularly making product improvements.
To get the latest software releases with new tools, features and enhancements, regularly visit the www.gemapsight.com/support page.

MapSight Documentation
MapSight User Guide the most comprehensive A-Z guide to using your MapSight device.
MapSight Fieldcraft Guide - How to get the best results from your MapSight, tips and tricks to improve performance,
accuracy, and productivity

Additional software
Microsoft ActiveSync or Mobile Device Center- Programs necessary for connection to the PC. Some systems will already have
these preloaded. If not, you will need to install one (ActiveSync for XP or Windows Mobile Device Center for Windows 8, 7 or Vista).
Google Earth - desktop your data and measurements by clicking on their location on aerial photographs
PLS-POLE For 3D pole models, use MapSight data with Power Line Systems PLS-POLE software. Go to
www.powerlinesystems.com/products.html
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MapSight How It Works

1
3
2
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

Touchscreen/LCD display
Four-way directional button
Enter button
Power button
Digital Camera
Laser Rangefinder
USB data transfer port
Power port

GPS Location of pole

GPS Location of user

Distance to pole

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Photo is taken at
the same time

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Navigating on MapSight

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MapSight Tripod
We strongly recommend using a MapSight Low Magne:c Signature Tripod, which provides a stable pla?orm, so you can obtain the most
accurate results.

Tip: To ensure accuracy we
Additional stabilization makes it much easier to target poles and wires.
recommend that you perform
Minimise movement, ensure accurate measurements.

The MapSight low magnetic signature tripod has no effect on the MapSight compass.

a compass calibration after

air travel with your MapSight
or before starting intensive
measuring work.

IMPORTANT: A normal tripod will introduce errors in target position and measurements.

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Measuring the Location of a Pole

Minimize measurement inaccuracies by following these simple guidelines

Pole GPS shadow

Distance / Compass error

Most accurate method

Error increases
with distance

Compass error as
a result of
magnetic
interference
Best compromise between magnetic error
and GPS shadow
Reduced GPS signal due to the shadow of the pole.

Placing any GPS too close to the pole

obstructs GPS signals, reducing accuracy.

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Magnetic interference affects

compass accuracy
Keep away from large magnetic
objects, e.g. cars, steel fences.
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Minimal effect of compass error

Minimal GPS Shadow

Safer, more efficient workflow

Using MapSight allows you to effectively plan and simplify your field data collection routes, improving safety and
collection efficiency.

The Old Collection Method

Two person collection

A complicated route with numerous road
crossings

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The MapSight Collection

Method
Single person collection
A simplified, safer route that minimizes
road crossing

Annotate PLS User Guide

Capture Data

Sample Forms
MapSight desktop comes with a number of Sample Forms to get you up and running quickly and
learn the basics of the system.
Some of these sample forms are used in this training document for as examples for the below
scenarios.
Use MapSight desktop to deploy these forms to your MapSight unit and get used to the MapSight
workflow and then build your own forms.

Field Tips
Fully charge your MapSight unit before use.
Practice on close by poles before venturing too far.
For further tips see the MapSight Fieldcraft guide.

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Capture Data
Collection Route Planning Plan ahead
To gain adequate pole data it is best to capture several photos of a pole from different angles (primary and Auxiliary
photos). The order in which the photos are captured is not important, photos are linked using the pole location data. In
some cases you may find it is best to capture an auxiliary photo prior to a primary
Additional information can be added to pole photos using text forms, such as pole ID numbers etc.

PLS Pole Audit

PLS Aux Pole Pic

Primary Photo PLS Pole Assessment Pic

Pole ID

Auxiliary Photo - Secondary PLS Photo/s

Must photograph the full length pole

ID number entered

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Must have top of pole this is the reference

point (the pole base is optional).
A closer photo of the top of the pole can
provide greater detail.
GPS location links the photo to primary photo
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Capture Data
Sample Form PLS Pole Audit

Full PLS Pole photo A single top-to-bottom photo of the pole.

1. Open the PLS Pole Audit form

Tip: Rename the job on your

MapSight by selecting the
Job box and entering in a job
name.

2. Select the PLS Pole Audit

Task

3.

4.

Aim at the pole, ensure:

The crosshairs hit the pole
The vertical guide is aligned
The entire pole is visible in the photo.
Tap Next to capture.

Tip: Tasks can be completed in

any order. Mandatory tasks
are shown with a Star.

The PLS pole Audit and Auxiliary PLS Pic tasks

both utilise the True Size PLS tool. This tool
captures known-scale photographs for accurate
post-measurement.

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Tip: Use the Targeting Thin

Objects technique to ensure
correct targeting. See the
MapSight Fieldcraft Guide for
more info .

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Tip: Use the green back

arrow if you want to
redo the previous step.

5. If satisfied with the picture tap

Next.
7. Enter the Pole ID
and tap OK.

6. Select Pole ID.

8. Now both tasks have

been completed tap
Save.

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Capture Data
Sample Form Auxiliary Photos

Add auxiliary PLS Pole Photos to improve detail these may be taken at
any stage as GPS location is used to tie them together. It can be a close up
photo of the top of the pole to enhance detail.
1. Open the PLS Aux Pole Pic form
Note: The Job name is retained from
the previous task.

2. Select the Auxiliary PLS Pic task

3. Capture the same pole as
photographed in the first PLS Pole
Audit form (from a different angle)
again ensuring:
The crosshairs hit the pole
The vertical guide is aligned
4. Tap Next to capture.

Note: It is not necessary to capture the

base of the pole on auxiliary photos.

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5. If satisfied with the picture tap

Next.

Repeat the PLS Aux Pole Pic task

from different viewing angles
as many time as you feel necessary
to obtain enough data.
(3 photos are generally enough)

6. Tap Save.

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 Download - Move files from the MapSight to PC

1. Plug in the USB & power cables

If using Windows Mobile Device Center, click
Connect without setting up your device

2. Wait for Windows to discover the MapSight*

3. Start MapSight desktop

4. Import the Data from your MapSight

Select the Reports Tab

Click Import Jobs




5. Data will be copied onto the PC

Check Sample Job and

tap OK

The data is copied to the Data Folder specied in MapSight desktop Tools > Se3ngs.

* Windows should automatically find the MapSight on plugging in the USB cable, however if your PC fails to find the device it may
be necessary to download additional Microsoft Windows connection software, either Windows Mobile Device Center or Windows
ActiveSync. See www.gemapsight .com/support.

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Generate Reports in MapSight desktop

1. Locate your job in the Imported Jobs panel

2. Select your desired file format and click on the

desired report
MapSight desktop automatically:
generates the folder structure for the current job within the MapSight desktop Data folder
creates Generated Reports based on the configuration settings - Tools > Settings > Reports or manually using the Generate Reports
buttons

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Report Data
KMZ -

Google Earth
In MapSight desktop Reports
tab double click on the .kmz
file

CSV

Spreadsheet (or database import)

Double-click the .csv file to view as a spreadsheet

By clicking on the Pole icon in Google Earth you can view the
associated JPG photo along with other captured data

NOTE: To include pole attachment data, simply regenerate the reports

after performing your measurements
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Report Data
PDF -

Adobe

TWZ -

GeoPDF

In MapSight desktop Reports

tab double click on the .pdf
file
Double click the .twz file to
create a GeoMark for
viewing in a GeoPDF

By clicking on the arrow in

the GeoPDF you can view
the associated JPG photo

NOTE: To include pole attachment data, simply regenerate the reports after
performing your measurements
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Report Data
SHP Shapefiles
In MapSight desktop Reports
tab double click on the .shp file

FieldSmart View
This feature is for those users of GEs MapFrame
FieldSmart product
Please contact support@ikegps.com if you would
like to learn more about this feature.

By clicking on the icon you can view the associated attribute

information from the shapefile

NOTE: To include pole attachment data, simply regenerate the reports

after performing your measurements
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Annotate PLS Introduction

Annotate PLS is created for users that are familiar with Power Line Systems PLS-POLE product.
If you are not an experienced PLS-POLE user, we strongly advise you to first familiarize your self with PLS-POLE before starting with Annotate
PLS.
Annotate PLS is used to add components (constructed in PLS-POLE) to calibrated photos. Providing a quick accurate technique for importing
existing pole components for analysis.
To edit/add specific components in your PLS Library, it is necessary to do so in PLS-POLE software.

Check the location of PLS-POLE libraries

Important - It is critical that the PLS-POLE libraries are set up in the default location before starting with Annotate PLS.
If libraries are not in the default location, Annotate PLS will not load the libraries correctly.

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Process photos in Annotate PLS

Before opening the photos, ensure the PLS pole libraries have been set up correctly (in their default location) in PLS-POLE.

Tool Bar
Photo Frame

Zoom Window
Properties Panel

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1. Before opening an photo, set the preferences Units: Imperial or Metric.

2. Nearby photo Threshold adjusts the radius which is searched when adding additional nearby photos.
3. Create a new project.

4. Browse to the MapSight desktop PLS Pole data folder* and select a
primary PLS Pole Audit photo collected earlier.

*See MapSight desktop Tools>Settings if unsure

on the location.

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5. Add a pole component, set the reference point at the top of the pole.

7. Select the pole type from the dropdown menu

The base point on the photo adjusts with the length of
the pole type.

6. In the pole properties window, Select the

pole material from the dropdown menu. *

*Available menu items dependant on library

contents from PLS Pole

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8. Adjust the base point of the overlaid pole using the up/
down arrow keys and the Zoom window for fine tuning.

9. Add a Cross-arm and select the mounting point on the pole.

10. Change the angle of the Cross Arm to align with

the photo by altering the Azimuth angle.
*Available menu items dependant on library contents from PLS Pole
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11. Add a brace to the Cross-arm and connect to the pole.

12. Assign the brace type.

13. Add Auxiliary photos Select photo> Add Nearby photos.

Tip: nearby photos are selected using the location

radius tolerance as set up in Annotate
preferences.

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14. Locate the PLS Aux Pole Pic folder and select the enclosed photos folder.

15. All Auxiliary PLS Pic photos (within the specified position tolerance radius) are
added to the project.

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16. Add a reference point at the top of the pole for each photo.

When the reference point is added, the pole

wireframe is shown on the photo.
Fine tune the Azimuth to get the best overall fit.

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17. Save the project.

18. Ensure the PLS-POLE dongle is installed and

export the photos to PLS-POLE.
19. The model will open automatically in PLS Pole.

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20. In PLS-POLE, as you rotate the pole view, the

background photo will change depending on the
viewing angle.

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Create a Framing Template

If the pole is similar to others it is possible to save the pole as a Frame template which can
be inserted as a base model into other projects.
1. Using the model from earlier, select all components you
want to save in the Frame template.
2. Using the select tool, either drag a rectangle over all the
components, or hold Ctrl and select individual
components (components appearing in red are selected).

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3. Click Save framing and

save the file as
SamplePole.ifrm

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4. Create a new project, and open an photo of another pole from the
same job.

5. Rather than starting a new pole from nothing, load the

framing from the last pole.

6. Click Load Framing and open the SamplePole.ifrm

file created earlier.
7. Place the wireframe pole using the top point as a
reference.

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8. Adjust the Base Point and Azimuth angles as in the earlier pole Audit task.

9. Edit the pole , add components and adjust where

necessary for best fit.
10. Add any additional photos and complete the
model as earlier.

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Custom Forms
By customising your workflow using MapSight desktop, speed up and get the best results for your application.
For information on how to create custom forms see the MapSight User Guide

Measure attachment heights in photos

Photos collected using the MapSight True Size PLS tool, can be also be opened and measured using MapSight desktop. See the
MapSight User Guide on www.gemapsight.com/support.
If you have any difficulties using ikeGPS software or need further information please contact support@gemapsight.com for
assistance.

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ik