Leica SKI-Pro User Manual
50403020
GPS System 500
User Manual / Getting Started with SKI-Pro
Version 2.5
English
SKI-Pro GPS Software
Congratulations on your purchase of Leica Geosystems
SKI-Pro Software.
In order to use this software correctly and reliably, you
must follow the instructions given in this user manual and/
or in the on-line help system. You must also adhere to the
directions given in the user manual for the product with
which you are using the software.
The rights and responsibilities accuring in respect to Leica Geosystems as a
result of acquisition of the software are set out in the Leica Geosystems
Software Licence Agreement.
Preface
All of the instructions and directions required for technical specialist to use the software are included in this user manual, which is
only available in certain languages.
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Getting Started with SKI-Pro-2.5en
Product Identification
Technical Support
The software version of your copy of SKI-Pro is written on the CD-ROM label.
The License Number is given on the SKI-Pro Software Licence Agreement.
Enter the software version and licence number in the spaces provided below
and always refer to this information when you need to contact agency or
authorized service workshop.
Software Version:
Language:
Licence Number:
Technical Support is provided by
Leica Geosystems worldwide network
of representatives. We are represented in almost every country in the
world. A representative directory is
available at:
www.leica-geosystems.com
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Preface
Symbols used in this manual
Symbols used in this manual have the following meanings:
DANGER:
Indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
will result in death or serious injury.
WARNING:
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation or an unintended use
which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
CAUTION:
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation or an unintended use
which, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury and / or
appreciable material, financial and environmental damage.
Important paragraphs which must be adhered to in practice as they
enable the product to be used in a technically correct and efficient
manner.
Preface
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Chapter Overview
Introduction
Installation
An Overview of SKI-Pro
Quick Tour I - Real Time
Quick Tour II - Post Processing
Quick Tour III - Format Manager
Quick Tour IV - GIS/CAD Export
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Chapter Overview
Contents
Introduction ................................................... 7
Licence Agreement and Support .................................. 8
Software Protection ..................................................... 8
Installation ................................................... 10
Installation Instruction .................................................11
Uninstall SKI-Pro ....................................................... 12
Starting and exiting SKI-Pro ....................................... 13
An Overview of SKI-Pro .............................. 14
SKI-Pro components ................................................. 14
Software Navigation Tools ......................................... 21
Views ........................................................................ 23
Accessing the On-line Help ........................................ 26
Quick Tour I - Real Time ............................. 28
Lesson One - Starting a Project and
Importing Raw Data ................................................... 29
Lesson Two – Exploring the View/Edit Component ..... 34
Lesson Three - Exporting Coordinates to a
Custom ASCII File ..................................................... 36
Quick Tour II - Post-Processing ................. 39
Lesson One - Starting a Project and
Importing Raw Data ................................................... 40
Lesson Two - Processing Baselines........................... 43
Lesson Three - Creating a Coordinate System ........... 50
Lesson Four - Importing an ASCII File ....................... 52
Lesson Five - Calculating Transformation Parameters 56
Lesson Six - Using a Coordinate System
with a Project............................................................. 59
Lesson Seven - Exporting Coordinates to an ASCII File61
Quick Tour III - Format Manager................. 64
Lesson One - Creating a Format Template File .......... 64
Lesson Two - Uploading a Format Template File
to the Sensor ............................................................. 68
Quick Tour IV - GIS/CAD Export ................. 69
Contents
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Introduction
Welcome to SKI-Pro, Static-
KInematic-Professional GPS soft-
ware for post-processing and management of GPS data. SKI-Pro is the
complete GPS office software package that accompanies Leica GPS
System 500 Hardware.
What is SKI-Pro
Leica’s SKI-Pro software is a comprehensive, automated suite of
programs for GPS surveying including post-processing and support of
real-time measurements.
It’s functionality includes:
Data import
Data management
Data processing
Network adjustment
Datum transformation
Data export
SKI-Pro user interface (graphical view)
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Introduction
Licence Agreement and Support
Software Protection
Read the Software License agreement carefully before opening the package containing
the installation CD-ROM.
Part of SKI-Pro is not protected and may be used without
the software protection key (dongle). The unprotected part
contains:
• Satellite Availability
• Data Import
• RINEX Export
• ASCII Import / Export
• Project Management
• Coordinate Set Management
• Coordinate System Management
• Sensor Transfer
• View and Edit
• Codelist Management
• Antenna Management
Introduction
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Software Protection, continued
The protected options are available individually and can
be accessed by using the software protection key only.
The protected options are:
• GPS-Processing
• Datum and Map
• Adjustment
• RINEX Import
• GIS / CAD Export
If you are installing SKI-Pro all options will be installed
automatically but the protected options are accessible only
if the software protection key is connected to the parallel
port of the computer and if the purchased options have
been activated on the protection key.
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Introduction
Installation
Installing SKI-Pro is a simple process. This brief chapter
explains everything you need to know regarding installation.
System requirements:
The computer and system software you intend to use with
SKI-Pro must meet the following minimum requirements.
Note that SKI-Pro works best with the recommended
requirements.
The operating system must be one of the following:
Windows 98, Windows 2000, Windows NT 4.0 (or later),
Windows ME or Windows XP.
Internet Explorer 4.0 or higher is required.
Minimum Hardware requirements:
• PC with Pentium processor 133 Mhz
• 32 MB RAM
• 100 MB free space on harddisk (for typical
installation)
• RS232 COM port
• Parallel Port (for software protection key)
• CD-ROM drive
• Mouse installed
Recommended Hardware requirements:
• PC with Pentium processor 500 Mhz or faster
• 128 MB RAM
• 300 MB free space on harddisk
• RS232 COM port
• Parallel Port (for software protection key)
• CD-ROM drive
• Mouse installed
Before you install:
Ensure that your computer and software conform to at
least the minimum requirements as outlined above.
SKI-Pro requires at least 100 MB of free disk space. The
programs on the installation CD are compressed and will
be expanded during installation.
Installation
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Installation Instruction
SKI-Pro is delivered on a CD-ROM. If you do
not have a CD-ROM drive you can order the
installation on floppy diskettes separately.
To install SKI-Pro from CD-ROM:
Insert the CD-ROM labelled “GPS System 500SW”.
The install shield will start automatically and guide you
through the installation process.
During the installation you are given the following option to
install: Typical or Compact. If you choose Typical all
components including the optional components will be
installed. This option is recommended in most cases.
Choose Compact only if you are always using SKI-Pro
without the software protection key (dongle) and want to
save diskspace.
Older version of SKI-Pro already installed
If you have an older version of SKI-Pro already installed
on your computer all database information such as
Projects, Coordinates Sets and Coordinate Systems will
be updated automatically.
Database information from SKI 2.3 or earlier will
NOT be updated automatically. To update SKI
2.3 (or earlier) Projects you can either re-import
raw data and process them again or you can import final
coordinates or baselines via SKI ASCII files.
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Installation
Uninstall SKI-Pro
Do not delete any program files manually by
using Windows Explorer or any other File
Management program.
To delete the SKI-Pro installation on your computer follow
the instruction below:
From the WindowsTM Start bar, click Programs.
Select SKI-Pro.
Click Uninstall Leica SKI-Pro.
Confirm with Yes. All SKI-Pro files and settings will be
removed permanently from the harddisk.
Installation
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Starting and exiting SKI-Pro
To start SKI-Pro:
Ensure that the green software protection key (dongle)
is inserted into the parallel port of your computer.
From the WindowsTM Start bar, click Programs.
Select SKI-Pro.
Click SKI-Pro.
To exit SKI-Pro:
From the File menu click Exit or click on the icon of
the SKI-Pro main window.
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Installation
An Overview of SKI-Pro
SKI-Pro components
SKI-Pro runs on 32-bit Microsoft® WindowsTM 98, 2000,
NT, ME or XP platforms. As SKI-Pro software is based on
an intuitive graphical interface with standard Windows
operating procedures, it is remarkably easy to learn and
use. All components have a uniform appearance and
interact instantly and seamlessly with each other in a
multi-tasking software environment.
Those who are already familiar with WindowsTM will find
SKI-Pro very easy to handle. Those with no prior knowledge of WindowsTM will find it quick and easy to learn.
TM
SKI-Pro consist of several components:
• Project Management
• Coordinate Set Management
• Coordinate System Management
• Antenna Management
• Codelist Management
• Sensor Transfer
• Raw Data Import
• ASCII Import
• ASCII Export
• RINEX Export
• GIS/CAD Export*
• Datum and Map*
• GPS-Processing*
• Adjustment*
• RINEX Import*
*Some of these components are delivered as options
which gives the user the opportunity to select the combination which best suits his or her needs and budget. Refer
to chapter 1.2 Software Protection for more information.
An Overview of SKI-Pro
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SKI-Pro components, continued
The following external programs cannot be accessed from
within SKI-Pro but are installed automatically with SKI-Pro:
• Satellite Availability
• Road Line Editor
• Format Manager
These programs are not explained in this manual. Please
refer to the corresponding Manuals or Help Systems of
the programs for more information.
Project Management
All GPS data that is collected and that belongs together
can be organized in SKI-Pro within a single Project. This
Project could contain, for example, all data relating to a
particular contract you are carrying out for a client.
In the Project Management you can create, open, and edit
projects as well as register projects not contained in the
project list. The Project Management can also be used to
attach and modify Coordinate Systems.
Never delete a project or any of the files
contained within a project from outside SKI-Pro.
Always use the Project Management to delete
unwanted projects. Deletion of projects or project files
from outside of SKI-Pro can result in the destruction of the
consistency of the database, which will lead to
unrecoverable database errors.
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An Overview of SKI-Pro
SKI-Pro components, continued
Coordinate Set Management
The Coordinate Set Management manages Coordinate
Sets that are stored in the SKI-Pro database.
A Coordinate Set is a list of point coordinates that are
stored independently from Projects. A Coordinate System
may be assigned to a Coordinate Set, allowing you to
switch between Cartesian, Geodetic and Grid coordinates.
Points can be added either manually, by importing via
ASCII file or by dragging from an existing Project.
A Coordinate Set can either hold WGS84 or
Local Coordinates but does not allow to switch
between them.
Coordinate System Management
A coordinate system provides the information necessary
to convert coordinates to different representations (Cartesian, Geodetic or Grid) and to transform coordinates
between the WGS84 and the Local System. A Coordinate
System may be attached to a Coordinate Set or to a
Project.
Within SKI-Pro the user can work in the global system
(WGS84) or in a local coordinate system. The local
coordinate system may be a geodetically defined system
or it may be a simple grid system with neither an ellipsoid
nor a projection associated with it.
The Coordinate System Management is linked to a
database that stores the parameters. This database is
independent from the project database.
An Overview of SKI-Pro
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SKI-Pro components, continued
Antenna Management
The Antenna Management allows you to define and edit
parameters for different GPS antennas. This information
is stored in a global database and can be used to upload
to the Sensor or in a Project for GPS-Processing. All
Leica antennas are pre-defined upon installing the software and the user is not permitted to make any changes
to these pre-defined antennas.
Codelist Management
A Codelist contains Thematical or Free Coding information that may be assigned to points during measurement
in the field. A Codelist may be attached to a Project.
The Codelist Manager enables you to create and edit
Codelists for later use in the field.
Sensor Transfer
The Sensor Transfer component allows you to download
and upload data from the sensor.
Data can be downloaded or uploaded by a serial cable or
directly on to a PCMCIA memory card.
The following data may by downloaded from a sensor:
• GPS Raw Data
• Report files
• ASCII files
• Format Files
• Codelists
• Coordinate System Parameters
• Geoid Model field files
• Antenna definitions
• Configuration Sets
The following data may by uploaded to a sensor:
• Point information
• Coordinate System Parameters
• ASCII files
• Format Files
• Codelists
• Geoid Model field files/ CSCS Model field files
• Antenna definitions
• Configuration Sets
• Language Versions
• Firmware
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An Overview of SKI-Pro
SKI-Pro components, continued
Raw Data Import
The Raw Data Import component enables you to import
GPS field data into SKI-Pro.
It is possible to transfer GPS raw observations for postprocessing along with related point information as well as
coordinates recorded in Real-Time into Projects or Coordinate Sets.
GPS raw observations may be in Leica System 200, 300
or 500 format. Optionally GPS raw observations may be
imported in RINEX format. See also RINEX Import.
It is also possible to import coordinate files in ASCII
format into Projects or Coordinate Sets.
Additionally, there is the facility to import Precise
Ephemeris data.
ASCII Import
The ASCII Import component enables you to import
coordinates and baselines from pre-defined or userdefined files.
You may import pre-defined files of Leica standard format
SKI-ASCII or IDEX (InDependent EXchange format).
An import wizard allows to define unknown file formats
and enables you to import any kind of user-defined
coordinate files.
An Overview of SKI-Pro
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SKI-Pro components, continued
ASCII Export
The Export component enables you to export data from
SKI-Pro.
Coordinate information may be exported to ASCII files in
various pre-defined or user-defined formats.
See also GIS/CAD Export option.
RINEX Export
The RINEX Export enables you to export GPS raw observations to an ASCII file in RINEX format. Unlike the
RINEX Import this function is not an option and is available as standard.
GIS/CAD Export (optional)
The GIS/CAD Export is an optional Export tool. It enables
you to write the point coordinates to AutoCAD (DXF/
DWG), MicroStation (DGN) or MapInfo (MIF) formatted
files.
Datum and Map (optional)
If the user requires final coordinate output in the coordinate system to which the GPS measurements are related
(WGS84) then this optional tool is not necessary. However, in most cases it is necessary to transform the
WGS84 coordinates into a local coordinate system.
The Datum and Map option provides you with a tool to
determine transformation parameters which can then be
used to perform datum transformations within two sets of
coordinates.
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An Overview of SKI-Pro
SKI-Pro components, continued
GPS-Processing (optional)
The GPS-Processing is an option that can be accessed
via the GPS-proc Tab from within a Project window. It
allows you to process GPS observations that have been
recorded in the field to achieve WGS84 coordinates and
their relative accuracy.
Static, Rapid-Static, Stop and Go, Kinematic, Kinematic
on the Fly, and Single-Point data can be processed.
The data to be processed may be selected graphically.
The computation itself is completely hidden for the user.
All selected data is processed automatically in a batch
process without the need for any user interaction.
After the GPS-Processing is completed the results can be
viewed and stored for further use in the Results-View.
Adjustment (optional)
Adjustment is an option that can be accessed via the
Adjustment Tab from within a Project window. It provides
you with a powerful tool for performing a least squares
adjustment on a network of baseline vectors and terrestrial data (directions, distances, vertical angles and azimuths).
Additionally it enables you to perform a network simulation
based upon default observation precisions to find out how
good the design of your network is before you measure.
A graphical user interface similar to that of View/Edit
allows you to select the points and observations to be
adjusted.
RINEX Import (optional)
RINEX Import is the optional part of the data Import tool. It
enables you to import GPS observation data collected with
third party receivers in RINEX (Receiver INdependent
EXchange) format.
An Overview of SKI-Pro
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Getting Started with SKI-Pro-2.5en
Software Navigation Tools
The various components of SKI-Pro may be accessed
using different methods. In order to navigate through the
software you may choose the tools which you prefer:
Menu
Toolbar
List Bar
Context-Menu
Tabbed Views
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An Overview of SKI-Pro
Software Navigation Tools, continued
Menu Bar
The Menu Bar is a special Toolbar at the top of the screen
that contains menus such as File, Edit and View.
The Menu Bar lists the available commands. If a command is not applicable it is greyed out and not accessible.
Toolbar
Toolbars allow you to organize the commands you use
most often the way you want to, so you can find and use
them quickly. You can easily customize toolbars - for
example, you can add and remove buttons, create your
own custom toolbars, hide or display toolbars, and move
toolbars.
List Bar
The List Bar gives you single-click access to all available
components and tools of SKI-Pro. Additionally if a Project
or a Coordinate Set is open it lists them. Therefore the
List Bar allows you to simply switch between a tool and/or
a Project or Coordinate Set.
You can display small or large icons or hide the List Bar.
The List Bar is divided into groups (folders) to help organize your information. Click a folder, e.g. Management, to
move to a different set of tasks.
Context Menu
Almost everywhere upon right-click on a particular item in
SKI-Pro a Context-Menu is available. A Context-Menu
lists all useful commands at a particular instant for a
particular item on the screen. It is possible to navigate
through the entire software by only using commands from
the Context-Menu.
Tabbed-View
Upon opening a Project, tabs at the bottom of the view
allow you to quickly switch from one view to another. You
may instantly switch from, for example, a Graphical View
(View/Edit) to the Points View or GPS-processing View.
An Overview of SKI-Pro
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Views
Explorer-View
Throughout SKI-Pro a powerful Explorer-View is utilized to
list information, be it database information or results from
calculations. This view which has similar functionality as
the WindowsTM Explorer view normally consists of two
panes. A Tree-View on the left-hand side and a Report-
View or Property-View to the right hand side. Listed data
may be easily arranged, sorted, selected and even
printed.
Explorer-View
Tree-View
The Tree-View pane provides you with
an overview of the items you are
currently working with, in an
expandable/collapsible hierarchy of
folders and pages .
Double-click on a folder or click to
expand (open) it.
If a folder is open double-click on it or click to collapse
(close) it.
Click on a folder or page to display the content of it.
Depending on the type of data to be displayed the data will
be listed in a Report-View or Property-View.
Tree-View
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An Overview of SKI-Pro
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