GPS World

Tag: offshore positioning

  • Fugro Offers High-Accuracy Offshore Positioning Service

    Fugro has introduced its high-accuracy G2+ service, designed to benefit offshore operators around the globe who require positioning and measurement accuracy at centimeter level.

    G2+ is an enhancement of Fugro’s G2 service (based on GPS and GLONASS). The service uses highly advanced GNSS augmentation algorithms developed in house. The code and carrier-phase signals transmitted by GPS and GLONASS satellites are monitored globally by Fugro’s worldwide network of reference stations.

    These observations are processed centrally in real-time using the company’s proprietary algorithms to generate precise corrections which are used to augment the standard signals broadcast by GPS and GLONASS satellites.

    Customers receive corrections via seven high-powered communications satellites, providing at least two independent G2+ data sources. The new satellite positioning service will be particularly beneficial when seeking to measure latitude, longitude, elevation and speed with high accuracy in real-time, Fugro said.

    Applications include offshore construction, survey services, vessel monitoring and structural monitoring. The ultra-high accuracy enables the real-time correction of tidal changes — which impact the accuracy of seabed mapping — as well as the real-time monitoring of the motion of floating and fixed structures.

    The 3D accuracies of the system approach those of GNSS RTK (real-time kinematic) systems while avoiding the need for an RTK base station or local transmission link, overcoming the logistical challenges and range limitations associated with coastal RTK systems, Fugro said.

    The launch of G2+ follows the recent launch of Fugro’s G4 satellite correction service, which takes advantage of all four global navigation satellite systems: GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou and Galileo.

  • Veripos Offshore PPP Services Improve Accuracy

    Veripos, a supplier of high-precision GNSS positioning facilities to offshore and associated industries, has upgraded its Apex and Apex² precise point positioning (PPP) services.

    The services now typically provide users with a horizontal position accuracy of better than 5 cm and 12 cm in the vertical at the two sigma (95 percent) confidence level.

    The enhanced levels of performance, now available to all current users of Apex and Apex² without any need to upgrade, have been calculated from static data obtained in Aberdeen, Scotland, where Veripos is headquartered, as well as Houston, Texas, and Singapore. Veripos said that accuracies may vary with observing conditions, however.

    The improved accuracy follows a major upgrade of the entire Veripos global reference station network for tracking all GNSS signals, together with introduction of new receivers and geodetic antennas for delivery of better measurement quality resulting from refinements to algorithms and software used to derive necessary GNSS orbit and clock corrections.

    Designed to meet all offshore positioning and navigation applications, the dual-beam Apex and Apex² PPP services are relayed via seven geostationary communications satellites to ensure continuous availability and service redundancy while providing access to both GPS and GLONASS constellations. Positional accuracy is maintained regardless of user location, Veripos said.

  • Fugro Launches G4 Correction Service for GNSS Augmentation

    Fugro has launched the G4 service, designed to provide GNSS augmentation for offshore positioning applications. The new satellite correction service takes advantage of all four GNSS: GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou and Galileo.

    By using all available GNSS satellites, Fugro’s G4 service is designed to improve availability and reliability of offshore positioning and thus enhance the safety and productivity of a wide range of survey and other activities offshore. G4 represents a significant advancement compared to augmentation systems which are based on GPS-only or GPS + GLONASS, the company said.

    The BeiDou system operated by China currently provides coverage in the Asia-Pacific region. Fugro’s G4 service already utilises the first BeiDou satellites and is ready to start using the Galileo satellites as soon the EU announces Initial Operational Capability (IOC) status for this system. Galileo and future BeiDou satellites will be automatically included as they come online, steadily increasing availability and robustness of the integrated augmentation service.

    The new G4 service will be particularly beneficial when the line-of-sight to certain satellites is obstructed by offshore structures – a key consideration during critical positioning operations. The G4 augmentation signals, transmitted via seven high–powered communication satellites to provide at least two independent broadcast channels anywhere in the world, will offer Fugro’s customers unrivalled coverage and availability.

  • Veripos Picked for Offshore Fleet Positioning

    Singapore-based Miclyn Express Offshore (MEO), a provider of offshore support vessels across South East Asia, Australia and the Middle East, has awarded Veripos a five-year contract for provision of high-precision GNSS positioning services in support of its fleet of 27 ships.

    Under the terms of the contract, Veripos will provide MEO’s fleet with Veripos Ultra Precise Point Positioning (PPP) service designed to deliver decimeter-level accuracies globally along with associated integrated mobile receivers. Among the first vessels assigned to utilize the service and equipment are MEO’s new 2,000 dwt platform supply vessels, MEO Ranger and MEO Resolution, both of which have been equipped with LD5-GG2 receivers. Meanwhile, four older MEO vessels have been similarly configured to receive Veripos Ultra service.

    Commenting on the latest contract award, Walter Steedman, Veripos chief executive officer, said it further consolidated the company’s continuing leadership for provision of precise GNSS positioning services for offshore applications throughout the region and beyond.

    Miclyn Express Offshore employs more than 1,400 shore-based personnel and seafarers.

  • Veripos Introduces GNSS Mobile for Offshore Positioning

    LD7
    Veripos LD7

    Veripos, supplier of high-precision GNSS positioning services to the offshore industry, has extended its range of integrated mobile receiver units with introduction of a multi-frequency system featuring GNSS heading, L-band positioning and wireless communication capabilities, the LD7.

    Typical use is for the provision of high accuracy heading output combined with high accuracy positioning data for vessel systems.

    Compatible with both GPS and GLONASS networks, the fully ruggedized 272-channel system includes an additional processor for on-board configuration and customized applications separate from its GNSS engine. Integral wireless options include Bluetooth for simple configuration in addition to an optional full-band UHF radio modem for transmission and reception of RTCM or RTK corrections.

    With 2GB internal memory and provision for remote Ethernet access, the LD7 also features an extended range of interface facilities for data output, timing and event marks in addition to a second antenna port for GNSS heading.