High-precision surveying for the Benasque–Cerler cable car

Topographic support for a major infrastructure project in the Pyrenees by Aratop Topografía

Aratop Topografía S.L. is a surveying company founded in Huesca in 2004. Over the years, they have built a strong reputation in precision engineering projects across Spain and abroad, combining advanced technology with field expertise.

One of their most recent and high-impact projects has been the construction of the new cable car connecting Benasque and Cerler (Huesca, Aragón), a key infrastructure designed to improve access to the ski resort while reducing environmental impact in the area.

Objectives

Ensure maximum precision in construction layout
The main goal was to guarantee accurate positioning of structural elements for the new cable car, including pylons and station infrastructure, ensuring full compliance with the engineering design.
Support a high-capacity transport system
The infrastructure is designed to transport up to 2,400 people per hour, requiring strict control of geometry, alignment, and elevation throughout the execution phase.
Optimize field efficiency with advanced surveying tools
Given the scale and complexity of the project, Aratop needed reliable GNSS and total station workflows to reduce field time while maintaining survey-grade accuracy.

Solution

Aratop Topografía carried out continuous surveying and construction support throughout the project lifecycle, combining GNSS positioning with high-precision total station measurements.

The team used the Leica GS18 GNSS receiver for rapid and reliable positioning in open areas, and the Leica TS16 robotic total station for detailed layout and verification tasks in more complex or obstructed zones.

This hybrid workflow allowed the team to maintain control over alignment, elevation, and structural placement during all phases of construction, ensuring that engineering specifications were met with high accuracy.

Equipment used

Leica GS18
The GS18 GNSS receiver enabled fast and accurate positioning across the project area, even in challenging mountain conditions. Its performance allowed Aratop to efficiently capture georeferenced points for consruction control.
Leica TS16
The TS16 robotic total station provided high-precision measurements for layout and verification tasks. Its automation and accuracy were key for ensuring correct alignment of structural elements in the cable car system.

Benefits

High precision in a complex infrastructure project
The combination of GNSS and total station technology ensured millimetric control over critical construction elements.
Improved field efficiency
Aratop significantly reduced survey time by integrating GNSS workflows with robotic total station operations.
Reliable control during all construction phases
Continuous measurement and verification helped ensure that the cable car infrastructure was built according to design specifications.
Environmental and operational impact reduction
By improving access efficiency and reducing field revisits, the surveying workflow contributed to a more streamlined and less intrusive construction process.