Land Surveying Layout - Faster, Easier & More Accurate
The Rothbucher Systeme RS150M Stake Out Aid is one of the most innovative and field-proven construction layout tools available today. Engineered specifically for robotic total stations, the RS150M revolutionizes layout workflows on hard surfaces such as concrete, steel, and finished floors. Surveyors and construction layout professionals trust it for its speed, precision, and user-focused design—often reporting accuracy and efficiency improvements of up to 4× compared to traditional methods.
At its core, the RS150M is a mini-prism layout system designed to eliminate the frustrations that come with peanut prisms, reflectorless shots, and improvised marking solutions. Instead of balancing a prism by hand, fighting with level bubbles, or trying to interpret reflectorless measurements at tight angles of incidence, the RS150M provides a stable, magnetic, hands-free reference point that can be placed instantly on any flat surface—horizontal, vertical, or overhead.
One of the tool’s defining features is its true nodal prism, which ensures exceptional centering accuracy. Unlike low-quality or off-brand prisms that introduce angular drift or inconsistent offsets, the RS150M’s prism geometry is optimized for reliable, repeatable precision. This advantage becomes especially clear during vertical face layout, where accuracy is most critical. Whether setting control lines, marking embeds, laying out elevator walls, or establishing pile cut-off benchmarks, the RS150M provides a fast, predictable workflow with no guessing and no alignment challenges.
The RS150M also incorporates Rothbucher’s signature 50 mm fixed prism height and a uniquely engineered sliding mechanism. This allows the user to choose between two refined benchmark workflows:
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Height of Target (HT) = 0 mm: Slide the prism down to reveal the engraved centerlines behind it, then mark directly on the wall or formwork at true center.
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HT = –50 mm: Keep the prism in its standard position and simply mark along the top edge of the prism holder.
Both methods reduce marking errors and nearly eliminate the “mark-and-guess” challenges that come with handheld prisms. Surveyors frequently mention how this alone saves hours on projects that require repetitive benchmark placement.
The RS150M excels in environments where reflectorless measurements struggle. Even the best total stations carry higher error in RL mode, especially when the angle of incidence tightens. With the RS150M, users gain the accuracy advantages of infrared prism measurement while still working directly against the wall or form surface.
Its magnetic base makes it ideal for steel structures, formwork, and mechanical outfitting, while the removable rubber pads provide grip on concrete or painted surfaces. This dual-use design is intentional—many users remove the pads when they want maximum magnetic contact and reinstall them for delicate surfaces.
In real-world project scenarios, the RS150M has proven invaluable for:
• Marking wall and column grid lines after slab pours
• Establishing horizontal and vertical control for tall formwork
• Layout of embeds, anchor bolts, inserts, and mechanical openings
• Benchmarking during multi-lift concrete placements
• Precision layout on ceilings or soffits
• Elevator shaft alignment and cut/fill control
Surveyors around the world consistently report that the RS150M is not a replacement for every prism—but a tool they are grateful to have in their kit because it solves the jobs that traditional methods make difficult, slow, or risky.
Combining German engineering, field-driven design, and proven performance, the RS150M Stake Out Aid is one of the most impactful accessories available for robotic total station workflows. It’s a simple tool with a profound effect on accuracy, safety, and productivity—transforming modern construction layout into a faster, more precise, and more enjoyable process.