How to Set Up Permanent Monitoring Points with Myzox Monitoring Prism

 

Permanent or semi-permanent monitoring points allow surveyors to repeatedly measure the same physical locations during a structural or construction monitoring project.

 

Instead of repositioning a conventional prism pole during every observation, a dedicated monitoring prism remains securely installed on the structure.

 

The Myzox TK-10S / TK-10 Monitoring Prism L-Bar Type is designed for this purpose and can provide fixed targets for repeated total station observations in building, excavation, retaining wall, bridge, slope and infrastructure monitoring projects in Malaysia.

 

MTM Precision Sdn. Bhd. is an authorized distributor of Myzox in Malaysia.

 

What Is a Permanent Monitoring Point?

 

A permanent monitoring point is a defined physical location established for repeated measurements over time.

 

Depending on the project, it may remain in place for:

 

Several weeks

 

Several months

 

Throughout a construction project

 

During a specified monitoring period

 

Longer-term structural observation

 

The objective is to ensure that future measurements refer to the same physical target.

 

Why Use Permanent Monitoring Points?

 

Movement monitoring is based on comparison.

 

If a target is repositioned every time, additional setup variables can be introduced.

 

A fixed monitoring target helps provide:

 

Repeatable target location

 

Clear point identification

 

Easier repeated observation

 

Reduced need to access the target during every survey

 

Consistent monitoring geometry

 

Long-term measurement history

 

This is particularly useful where the monitoring location is difficult to access.

 

Step 1: Design the Monitoring Network

 

Before installing prisms, determine which structures and locations need to be monitored.

 

For example:

 

Stable Reference Area

↓

Total Station Observation Position

↓

MP01 – Building

MP02 – Building

MP03 – Retaining Wall

MP04 – Retaining Wall

MP05 – Infrastructure

 

The monitoring network should be designed according to project requirements.

 

Step 2: Select Stable Reference Points

 

Reference control is critical.

 

The monitoring prisms are measured relative to the survey reference network.

 

If reference points move, apparent movement may appear at the monitoring targets.

 

Reference points should therefore be appropriately located and checked as part of the monitoring procedure.

 

Step 3: Select Suitable Target Locations

 

A good monitoring point should satisfy both engineering and surveying requirements.

 

Consider:

 

What movement needs to be observed?

 

Is the mounting surface suitable?

 

Can the target remain undisturbed?

 

Is there clear total station visibility?

 

Will future construction block the target?

 

Is the location accessible for inspection?

 

Target placement should not be based solely on convenience.

 

Step 4: Install the Myzox Monitoring Prism

 

The Myzox TK-10S / TK-10 uses a compact L-bar configuration designed for fixed monitoring applications.

 

Install the prism securely at the selected point.

 

After installation, verify:

 

Mounting stability

 

Prism condition

 

Target identification

 

Orientation

 

Line of sight

 

A loose monitoring target cannot provide a dependable fixed reference point.

 

Step 5: Adjust Prism Orientation

 

The target should be suitably oriented toward the total station observation location.

 

The Myzox TK-10S / TK-10 provides X/Y directional adjustment, allowing the prism orientation to be adjusted during installation.

 

This is useful where the mounting surface is not directly facing the total station.

 

Step 6: Confirm the Prism Constant

 

The Myzox TK-10S / TK-10 has a specified:

 

Prism Constant: -25 mm

 

The correct prism setting should be configured on the total station according to the instrument manufacturer's instructions.

 

For long-term monitoring, the prism setting should remain consistent throughout observation campaigns.

 

Step 7: Give Every Point a Unique ID

 

A monitoring point should never be identified only as "the prism on the wall."

 

Use a structured numbering system.

 

For example:

 

BLD01-MP01

BLD01-MP02

RW-MP01

RW-MP02

BRIDGE-MP01

 

This becomes especially important when dozens of monitoring points are installed.

 

Step 8: Photograph Every Monitoring Point

 

Create a photographic record during installation.

 

Useful photographs include:

 

Wide view showing the target location

 

Medium view showing surrounding features

 

Close-up of the prism

 

Point identification

 

Prism orientation

 

Photographs can help future survey teams find the correct point and identify physical changes to the installation.

 

Step 9: Record Monitoring Point Information

 

A monitoring point register may contain:

 

ItemExamplePoint IDMP01TargetMyzox TK-10SPrism Constant-25 mmLocationRetaining Wall Section AInstallation DateProject RecordBaseline CoordinateSurvey RecordPhotographAttachedConditionGoodRemarksClear line of sight

 

Good documentation is particularly valuable on long-duration projects.

 

Step 10: Establish Baseline Coordinates

 

Once installation is complete, measure the monitoring points to establish the initial reference positions.

 

These become the baseline measurements.

 

Future observations can then be compared against:

 

Baseline X₀, Y₀, Z₀

 

The baseline should be established according to the project's survey methodology.

 

Step 11: Repeat Measurements

 

Monitoring measurements can then be carried out according to the required schedule.

 

For example:

 

Baseline → Week 1 → Week 2 → Week 3 → Week 4

 

or by construction stage:

 

Baseline → Piling → Excavation → Foundation → Structural Works → Completion

 

The monitoring interval should follow project requirements.

 

Step 12: Inspect Targets Regularly

 

A permanent monitoring point should not simply be installed and forgotten.

 

During the project, check for:

 

Loose mounting

 

Physical damage

 

Target rotation

 

Construction impact

 

Obstruction

 

Dirt or contamination

 

Changes to the surrounding structure

 

If the prism has been disturbed, follow the project's procedure before comparing the new measurement with the original baseline.

 

Myzox TK-10S / TK-10 Key Specifications

 

SpecificationDetailsModelsTK-10S / TK-10TypeMonitoring Prism L-Bar TypePrism Diameter1 inch / 25 mmPrism Constant-25 mmPrism Height60 mmBeam Deviation5″DimensionsH90 × W86.5 × D30 mmWeightApprox. 207 gAdjustmentX/Y direction

 

The compact size is useful where multiple permanent monitoring targets need to be installed.

 

Where Are Permanent Monitoring Points Used?

 

Typical applications include:

 

Building Movement Monitoring

 

Fixed prisms installed on selected structural locations.

 

Retaining Wall Monitoring

 

Multiple targets positioned along a retaining structure.

 

Deep Excavation Monitoring

 

Prisms installed on surrounding buildings and excavation support systems.

 

Bridge Monitoring

 

Fixed targets positioned at selected bridge locations.

 

Slope Monitoring

 

Targets installed at predetermined slope monitoring points.

 

MRT and Railway Monitoring

 

Fixed targets used around stations, viaducts, excavation areas and adjacent structures.

 

High-Rise Construction

 

Monitoring points established around surrounding structures and selected construction areas.

 

Permanent Prism vs Temporary Prism Pole

 

For normal surveying, a prism pole is highly practical.

 

For long-term monitoring, a fixed prism offers a different advantage.

 

Temporary Prism Pole:

Move target to survey point.

 

Permanent Monitoring Prism:

Leave target at survey point and return to measure it.

 

This simple difference is fundamental to deformation monitoring.

 

How Many Permanent Monitoring Points Are Needed?

 

There is no standard quantity.

 

The number depends on:

 

Structure size

 

Monitoring objective

 

Required coverage

 

Expected movement

 

Project specification

 

Site geometry

 

Visibility

 

Large projects may require dozens or even more monitoring targets.

 

The monitoring layout should be established by the responsible project professionals.

 

Can Permanent Prisms Be Used for Automated Monitoring?

 

Yes, fixed prisms can serve as targets for suitably configured automated total station monitoring systems.

 

A specialized monitoring total station may repeatedly observe predetermined targets according to a programmed schedule.

 

The monitoring prism remains the physical optical target.

 

System capability depends on the total station, monitoring software and overall monitoring design.

 

Common Mistakes When Setting Up Monitoring Points

 

Avoid:

 

Poor mounting locations

 

Loose prism installation

 

Incorrect prism constant

 

Unclear point identification

 

Poor target orientation

 

Unstable reference control

 

Future line-of-sight obstruction

 

Missing baseline records

 

No installation photographs

 

Ignoring disturbed targets

 

Proper planning at the installation stage can prevent many problems later.

 

Total Station Calibration for Permanent Monitoring

 

Long-term monitoring depends on repeated measurements.

 

Surveying instruments should therefore be maintained appropriately throughout the monitoring period.

 

MTM Precision provides total station calibration and surveying instrument service in Malaysia, supporting professional monitoring and construction survey applications.

 

Myzox Permanent Monitoring Prism Supplier in Malaysia

 

MTM Precision supplies Myzox monitoring prisms, total station accessories and professional surveying equipment in Malaysia.

 

We support surveyors, contractors, consultants and monitoring teams carrying out building, excavation, bridge, slope and infrastructure deformation monitoring.

 

Contact MTM Precision

 

MTM Precision Sdn. Bhd.

Myzox Authorized Distributor in Malaysia

 

Showroom & Service Centre

No. 29-1 & 29-2, Jalan Bandar 18,

Pusat Bandar Puchong,

47160 Puchong, Selangor, Malaysia.

 

Website: www.mtmpre.com.my

Email: mtmpre@yahoo.com

WhatsApp: +6016-6607346

 

Contact MTM Precision for Myzox TK-10S / TK-10 Monitoring Prism price, availability and permanent monitoring point enquiries in Malaysia.