GPS World

Tag: field software

  • CHC Navigation launches Landstar8 data-collection app

    CHC Navigation launches Landstar8 data-collection app

    Screenshot: CHCNAV
    Screenshot: CHCNAV

    CHC Navigation has released LandStar8, a field surveying and mapping application for Android devices. LandStar8 is designed to be flexible and user-friendly for surveying and mapping tasks.

    LandStar8 is versatile, modular and customizable for topographic tasks such as surveying, stake out, cadastral, mapping and geographic information systems (GIS). Building on the legacy of LandStar7, the new LandStar8 provides features such as a refined user interface, streamlined workflows, faster operation, and integrated cloud services.

    “With LandStar8, we want to provide our users with unprecedented field experience,” said Rachel Wang, product manager of CHC Navigation’s Surveying and Engineering Division. “LandStar8’s modular design allows users to customize the interface according to their usage habits, making it easier and more efficient for field crews to work.”

    Cloud connectivity is built in, for backup, data storage or remote technical support.

    LandStar 8 has a simple and intuitive layout with large map windows and sharp graphics. Users can hide features they rarely use and display only those they need.

    On LandStar8, users can copy coordinate settings, control and staking points from another handheld controller by scanning a QR code. Projects can be edited and sorted by history and attributes. Custom coordinate systems, geoid models and coding libraries can be updated at any time by using resource packages. LandStar8 also features a terrain calibration wizard designed specifically for non-expert users.

    A proprietary MetaCAD graphics engine opens DWG and DXF base maps faster and with smoother rendering. DXF files up to 200 MB can be opened in less than 10 seconds. LandStar8 also supports opening external reference files, automatically recognizes CAD length units, and allows editing of CAD base maps directly in the field.

    LandStar8 is designed around a comprehensive cloud-based architecture that supports project backup, collaborative work and data storage. Its remote support capabilities help the office helpdesk resolve user problems and provide personalized technical assistance. A “share code” feature allows users to transfer project data between desktop computers and field controllers or among field controllers quickly to further boost work efficiency.

  • TerraGo adds advanced features to Magic apps

    TerraGo adds advanced features to Magic apps

    New features are now available for TerraGo Magic, including laser-rangefinder integration, offset data capture, Apple and Google turn-by-turn navigation, and proximity alerts. Also new is extended waypoint guidance for finding off-road assets and infrastructure.

    TerraGo Magic is a zero-code platform-as-a-service that enables customers to build their own custom mobile apps without writing any code by choosing from a menu of available, field-tested features.

    TerraGo Magic is also the underlying platform used to build TerraGo Edge, which includes these latest features in version 4.1, available for download from the iTunes App Store and Google Play.

    “With the addition of laser positioning and offsets for remote data collection, TerraGo helps us rapidly capture high-accuracy data for more assets and infrastructure, even those in difficult to reach locations,” said Fernando Mutia, IS supervisor for San Jose Water Company.

    Partnership with Laser Technology

    TerraGo is now partnering with Laser Technology Inc. (LTI) to enable all custom apps built by TerraGo Magic to seamlessly utilize LTI’s professional-grade laser rangefinders.

    TerraGo Magic partners and customers can now add TruPulse rangefinder support to their custom iOS and Android apps with the click of a button using the TerraGo Magic zero-code app platform.

    Also, Seiler Instrument – Geospatial, a partner of both LTI and TerraGo, will now add TruPulse support to its new Field2GIS app, which was built using TerraGo Magic and is now available from iTunes and Google Play.

    “We’re very happy to launch this partnership that we feel responds directly to our customers’ goals and the industry’s demand for improving the quality and productivity of their field data collection work,” said Derrick Reish, senior product manager at LTI. “By leveraging laser precision and cloud-based mobility, we can help our joint customers collect the accurate data they need at a level of efficiency that wasn’t possible just a few years ago.”

    “With TerraGo Magic, we totally change the traditional way of thinking about how custom mobile app versions get built, released and upgraded,” said Dave Basil, vice president of product development at TerraGo. “When we publish a new feature in Magic, it’s immediately available to all customer apps but doesn’t force it on all customers or require an upgrade beyond their control.”

    “With TerraGo Magic’s platform-as-a-service, customers can evaluate and include features based on their priorities, timeline, business requirements and users’ needs, giving them the flexibility and control of a custom solution  without the cost of custom app development,” Basil said.

    Webinars

    TerraGo is hosting a webinar on Aug. 15 at 12 p.m. ET with a live demonstration of the latest features in TerraGo Magic Apps and TerraGo Edge.

    To learn more about the technical details and operational benefits, join TerraGo and LTI in the webinar Advanced Mobile Data Collection Finds the Range with Laser-Precision, on Aug. 22 at 12 p.m. ET.

  • Spectra Precision Introduces New and Enhanced Survey Solutions

    Spectra Precision introduced at INTERGEO this week new and enhanced products in its portfolio of survey solutions. With the new additions, survey and construction professionals have more positioning instrument choices to meet their job requirements, the company said.

    Spectra Precision made the announcement at INTERGEO 2015, the world’s largest conference on geodesy, geoinformatics and land management.

    The new and enhanced products include:

    Spectra Precision FOCUS 35 RX – A new range of motorized total stations providing high-speed, accuracy and precision in measurement. The FOCUS 35 RX robotic instrument moves the power of the observer from the instrument to the range pole, improving efficiency. The speed of observation and precise positioning of the FOCUS 35 RX Robotic Total Station is provided by patented StepDrive motion technology, which controls the horizontal and vertical motion of the motors, eliminating the need for traditional motion locks. The FOCUS 35 RX includes a tracking sensor that uses LockNGo FastTrack tracking technology, enabling the instrument to constantly lock onto the prism.

    The FOCUS 35 RX is available in 2”, 3” or 5” accuracies, features market leading extended operating time with its dual battery system and is controlled externally by Spectra Precision Ranger, Nomad, or T41 data collectors running Spectra Precision Survey Pro or Spectra Precision Layout Pro field software on the Ranger or Nomad.

    “The streamlined design, extremely light weight, very quick turning speed and exceptional battery life enhance the overall value-proposition of the FOCUS 35 RX and make this instrument a very compelling choice for a wide range of survey and construction applications,” said Olivier Casabianca, Spectra Precision Business Area Director. “With the introduction of the FOCUS 35 RX, Spectra Precision continues to expand and improve its portfolio with powerful solutions using new technologies.”

    Spectra Precision Nomad 1050 Data Collector — The Nomad 900 has been updated with new features and capabilities. The Nomad 1050 has more RAM, more Flash and more speed. The base processor is now 1 GHz compared to 806 MHz on Nomad 900 and the Nomad 1050 has 512-MB RAM and 8GB flash storage. The other major enhancement is a new 3.75-G dual-mode GSM and CDMA WWAN modem to provide fast and versatile connectivity for Spectra Precision customers. Also, the new WWAN module uses an internal antenna eliminating the need for an external antenna.

    Spectra Precision Survey Pro 5.7 Field Software — Constant improvement and enhancement continues with Survey Pro. Survey Pro version 5.7 contains significant changes to enable more productive field data collection. Included in this update are new map displays that enable viewing and managing most of the map features that are located on the main map display. The GNSS and robotic staking screens can also display a map view to include background maps along with the standard dynamic guidance control option. The GNSS offsets routine has been updated and now includes a distance-distance option. For those customers who wish to use GNSS and robotic simultaneously, there are now enhanced options for configuration and switching between modes.

    Spectra Precision Survey Office v3.60 Software — Spectra Precision Survey Office now includes enhanced functionality; support for the Spectra Precision FOCUS DL-15 Digital Level and the import of leveling data from any DiNi level; least squares and 5 and 7 parameter Helmert transformations with reports; Geoid 12B support and grouping by country in the Coordinate System Manager; Point Cloud support plus many more additional enhancements.

    Spectra Precision MobileMapper Field GIS Application for Android Devices — A new version of the popular MobileMapper Field GIS application now running on Android devices. This new software is dedicated to GIS data collection and focuses on simplicity to maximize the number of field personnel contributing to the geospatial business. Primarily for MobileMapper 300 users, the application will be the key component of Spectra Precision’s Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) solution. This makes it possible to pair Android tablets and/or smart phones with the MobileMapper 300 GNSS receiver to collect GIS data with survey-grade accuracy.

    “With the introduction of these new and enhanced products into the Spectra Precision portfolio, survey and construction professionals have a wider range of economical choices to get the job done,” said Olivier Casabianca. “These new Spectra Precision optical products complement the ground-breaking line of Spectra Precision solutions, enabling Spectra Precision to offer a complete range of survey products.”