Mini Tripods – Big Impact in a Tiny Package

1. Reduction in Horizontal Centering Errors

One of the primary advantages of mini tripods is their ability to reduce pole plumbness error, which occurs when a surveyor levels a pole or tribrach over a control point. The height of a target plays a crucial role in accuracy:

• Standard tripod/pole setups: A target height of 1.5 meters (5 feet) introduces 4mm of potential plumbness error (when using a 40-minute bubble).
• Tribrach or pole with an 8-minute level bubble: Reduces error to 1mm, but still allows for potential accuracy loss.
• Mini tripods with a target height of 178mm (7 inches): Reduce plumbness error to under 0.1mm, making errors negligible.

Since survey equipment is often subject to bumps and calibration shifts, reducing potential centering errors at the source is critical. Mini tripods provide near-zero horizontal centering error, ensuring high-precision measurements.

2. Elimination of Vertical Centering Errors
Fixed-height mini tripods, such as the Rothbucher RSFP-X98-2, eliminate vertical centering error entirely. Unlike pole-mounted prisms where surveyors must manually measure and record target heights, a fixed-height tripod removes human error from the equation. This consistency dramatically improves total station accuracy, especially in least squares adjustment calculations.

Despite their many benefits, mini tripods have limitations that surveyors should be aware of:
1.    Obstructed Sight Lines

• Due to their low height, mini tripods may have restricted lines of sight in cluttered environments.
• Surveyors should strategically place control points to mitigate this issue.

2.    Durability Concerns

• Some mini tripods on the market have fragile spirit level bubbles that break easily.
• The Rothbucher RSFP-X98-2 addresses this issue with a robust, well-protected level bubble.

3.    Suitability for Soft Surfaces

• Many mini tripods struggle on grass, dirt, or uneven surfaces.
• The Rothbucher RSFP-X98-2 comes with rubber feet for better stability in these conditions.

4.    Stability in Windy Conditions

• Lightweight mini tripods can tip over in windy environments.
• Proper positioning (orienting back feet against wind direction) reduces this risk.

• Compared to other mini tripods, the Rothbucher RSFP-X98-2 Floor Stand is built for real-world surveying and scanning challenges. Key improvements over competing designs include:

  • Compact Folding Design: The legs fold up neatly for easy storage in a survey vest or pocket.
  • Enhanced Durability: Sturdy construction with a reinforced level bubble that withstands rough handling.
  • Rubber Feet: Improved stability on hard and soft surfaces alike.
  • Magnetic Attachment: Seamlessly integrates with Rothbucher’s One Point Fits All System, making target setup effortless.

  Shea highlights how pairing the RSFP-X98-2 with Rothbucher paddle targets completely transforms scanning workflows. This combination eliminates wasted time repositioning targets, allowing for faster, more efficient scans.

• In large scan projects, traditional control workflows require surveyors to move target poles between control points manually. This process is time-consuming and inefficient.
  With the RSFP-X98-2 Floor Stand, surveyors can:

  • Pre-place scan targets on control points before scanning.
  • Keep multiple tripods in their survey vest, allowing for quick, on-the-fly target placement.
  • Reduce wasted motion, significantly speeding up data collection.

  Instead of constantly repositioning a tripod or pole-mounted target, surveyors using the RSFP-X98-2 can scan a control point and move seamlessly to the next location. This approach results in higher accuracy and dramatically improved efficiency.

While initially designed for total stations and 3D scanning, Shea also highlights the multi-purpose nature of the RSFP-X98-2

• Use with GNSS Receivers:
  o    Ideal for short-term static GNSS observations without needing a full tripod setup.
  o    Perfect for backcountry surveying where carrying bulky tripods isn’t feasible.
• Pairing with Rothbucher’s One Point Fits All System:
  o    Expands usability to electric outlet targets, suction cup-mounted reference points, and floor targets.
  o    Allows for seamless integration into both traditional and modern surveying workflows.
• Enhanced Transportability:
  o    Traditional tripod kits weigh 20-30 lbs, taking up significant truck space.
  o    Mini tripods eliminate this burden, allowing surveyors to carry multiple units in their vest.