The metrology division of Leica Geosystems has successfully completed a landmark data collection project with Caterpillar Inc.

The four-day project captured a D9 bulldozer’s track-in-motion data as well as other important 3-D coordinate data derived from the bulldozer’s surface and movement. This unique data acquisition project generated 123 channels of data collected simultaneously from instruments fixed to the ground, moving with the tractor chassis and more than 40 channels of two-stage telemetry data rotating with the track. Caterpillar engines will ultimately use the data to create detailed 3-D dynamic models to perform analysis, predict traction performance, and evaluate new and existing product designs.

Two Leica LTD800s were used to measure simultaneous forces exerted on the bulldozer track shoe. At the same time, they measured displacement (position and angle) of the track shoe to the ground. The first laser captured X, Y and Z coordinates while the second tracker captured the pitch and roll of the track shoe.

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