What do the "Tolerance Settings" do in HCL?

Use the Tolerance Setting as a Visual Guide

The tolerance setting within HCL is a color-coded guide to help you as you use the software for your measuring applications. There are two core ways tolerance will help you when it is turned on:

1. Provide color cues when you are doing applications:
   • RED color indicates measurements that are outside the tolerance set
   • GREEN color indicates measurements that are within the tolerance set
   • For example: if your tolerance is 4mm for 2D layout, if you are ever located outside of 4mm from your desired measurement locations, your points and data will appear RED until you get closer to your point.

RED point being 7mm away from desired point, with a tolerance setting of 6mm.

GREEN point being 7mm away from desired point, with a tolerance setting of 8mm.

Notice that the difference or red and green colors was changed simply because of the tolerance setting chosen.

2. Provide recommended working area to maintain your set tolerance during stationing:
   • See this article regarding the green layout circle when stationing for more information
   • The stationing green circle represents the area that the total station will be able to minimize measurement errors to not be greater than the tolerance you have set.

GREEN area highlighting the areas that will be able to be measured with location accuracy of 6mm confidence (the circle will shrink or expand depending on how much tighter or wider I change my tolerance).

How do I change my Tolerance Setting?

Navigate to the settings tab and simply choose your desired tolerance from the drop down menu.

You will be able to see the tolerance that is set by default, or you can define your tolerance by yourself.

Does the Tolerance Setting Affect the Total Station Accuracy?

No, the total station's accuracy is mostly dependent on how well the end user establishes control points and takes care to keep the total station secure. See the below articles that can help with accuracy concerns:

• What is the accuracy of the PLT 400 and how can I ensure it stays accurate?
• How do I Troubleshoot Inaccurate Stationing and Control?
• Control Point and Tool Setup - Best Practices

However, the tolerance setting could help the end user be more accurate with these visual guides. Regarding the green layout circle during stationing - this can assist the user to find the best locations to perform their layout that will minimize potential inaccuracies from their stationing set up.