As part of an ongoing commitment to transform the way mines manage their business, Caterpillar Inc. and Trimble are extending their collaboration to bring mining customers improved operational decision-making capabilities.
The collaboration will leverage Caterpillar Global Mining’s industry expertise and combine its in-pit operational execution system, Cat MineStar, with Trimble’s portfolio of technology-enabled mining information solutions.
This expanded collaboration in mining will include product integration and development, marketing, distribution and support of Trimble Connected Mine solutions.
The companies have signed an agreement that outlines areas for increased engagement to begin in early 2017. Caterpillar Global Mining is anticipated to become the primary sales, marketing, distribution and support channel for Trimble’s Connected Mine platform.
In addition, Cat MineStar and Trimble’s Connected Mine platform will be integrated and collaboratively developed. The expanded Caterpillar-Trimble collaboration will enhance both companies’ efforts to serve global customers with technologies and services across a mine?s entire operation and equipment fleet, regardless of brand, language or location.
“Caterpillar and Trimble have enjoyed a very successful relationship for decades and we are pleased to be working more closely to better leverage the products and capabilities in both companies for our mining customers,” said Tom Bluth, Caterpillar vice president with responsibility for the Surface Mining & Technology Division. “Whether it’s the mining pit supervisor or a corporate operational analytics teams, Caterpillar Global Mining continues to go beyond the iron by providing the technologies and expertise to help customers improve productivity and lower their cost per ton.”
“This collaboration demonstrates our mutual commitment to provide mine professionals with complete visibility from the mine to the mill,” said Bryn Fosburgh, vice president at Trimble. “As a result, mine operations can leverage accurate production, fleet and spatial data to optimize their workflow and control costs.”
Cat MineStar is a mining operational execution system purpose built to help miners boost productivity, enhance safety and improve equipment availability, regardless of equipment manufacturer. The system consists of five capability sets: Fleet, Terrain, Detect, Health & Command, which can be configured to suit the unique needs and capabilities of any mine, both surface and underground.
Cat MineStar has been a critical part of the digital transformation in mining since 1996 when it was first introduced. Today it is installed at more than 200 mine sites around the world. Utilizing improved interoperability, the Cat MineStar platform is uniquely positioned to help customers connect data and decision-making across the mining value chain, from the mine plan to plant processing or from an individual machine to across an enterprise.
Trimble Connected Mine provides an integrated and complete view of mine data to improve and accelerate operational and strategic decision making. Visual Intelligence is an optional module that enables the 3D visualization of Trimble Connected Mine data.
With a proven track record of enterprise-level implementations in some of the largest mines worldwide, Trimble is transforming the way mines work by combining mining expertise, spatial technology, business analytics, visualization and decision support tools to enable mining companies to fully optimize their resources for safe, productive and profitable mining.
Collaborating Since 1996. Caterpillar and Trimble have been collaborating in mining since 1996, when the two companies jointly developed a best-in-class machine control and guidance product, known today in the marketplace as Terrain. Today, Terrain is a leading guidance system for mining, with many of the world’s largest mining companies improving their productivity through use of this technology.
The companies’ first collaboration evolved into a joint venture in 2002 with the formation of Caterpillar Trimble Control Technologies (CTCT). Today CTCT develops machine control and guidance products for both the mining and construction industries, for any make or model of equipment regardless of manufacturer. Trimble positioning technologies, such as GPS and inertial navigation systems, are also used in many of Caterpillar’s semi-autonomous and autonomous systems.
Trimble is offering a new suite of services benefiting owners and operators of real-time networks (RTN): Trimble Network Management. The initial offering consists of three levels of service, ranging from simple backup to fully outsourced network operations.
Trimble Network Management is performed by Trimble’s global network operations team, comprised of network engineering, geodetic and IT professionals, already performing around-the- clock operations and maintenance in support of Trimble?s local and global networks.
Trimble Network Management is comprised of three levels of service, each one scalable and customizable to meet the requirements of the individual network owner.
Trimble Backup ensures users receive the highest possible level of uptime, maximizing productivity in the field. Trimble maintains a redundant network processor and server with 24/7 monitoring and support, and seamlessly maintains corrections to rovers in the event of a primary server failure.
Trimble Network Hosting brings RTN into the cloud using a fully redundant, decentralized data center. Network hosting can minimize the limitations of traditional IT solutions such as accessibility, server configuration and reliability.
Trimble Network Operations provides the expertise of the same Trimble network operations team trusted to maintain the Trimble RTX and VRS Now networks. Geodetic experts across the globe will monitor and maintain a RTN network 24/7.
Trimble Network Operations offers additional flexibility with resourcing, allowing RTN owners/operators to focus on their core competencies, or even expand into new horizons.
“Trimble Network Management is designed to reduce operating costs for the owner/operator,” said Patricia Boothe, general manager of Trimble Advanced Positioning. “And by leveraging Trimble’s team of network operations professionals as well as our scalable infrastructure, we can enable the private network owner to deliver improved network performance resulting in an enhanced end-user experience.”
Trimble Network Management is available today for RTN owner/operators using Trimble Pivot Platform network software.
Trimble has introduced Catalyst, a software-defined GNSS receiver that works with select Android mobile handhelds, smartphones and tablets. When combined with a small, lightweight, plug-and-play digital antenna and subscription to the Catalyst service, the receiver provides on-demand GNSS, geo-location capabilities to transform consumer devices into high-accuracy mobile data collection systems.
The announcement of the new product, designed for GIS professionals, was made at Trimble Dimensions.
Through smartphone and tablet developments accelerated by the bring your own device (BYOD) to work movement, field workers and consumers increasingly have access to positioning technologies for geospatial data use and collection. The Catalyst software receiver collects data and inspects or manages assets using smart devices. The software-defined GNSS receiver is designed to be integrated into a wide range of applications—providing a dual-frequency, multi-constellation receiver. The mobile device receives dual-frequency signals from the plug-and-play Trimble DA1 digital antenna. The small size and light weight of the antenna makes it possible to store in a car glove box or backpack, available for use on demand. By adding a Trimble Catalyst subscription, users can choose the level of accuracy to suit their application needs from meter level to centimeters.
Trimble calls its Catalyst service Positioning-as-a-Service. It is available on-demand. Users download applications to suit their business needs, purchase the low-cost DA1 digital antenna and subscribe to the level of service required for the application. For GNSS corrections, the solution automatically selects the best available correction service based on the user’s location and subscription level. Corrections powered by Trimble RTX technology and the Trimble VRS Now networks are supported. Trimble RTX corrections can be received either via IP/cellular connection or L-band satellite. The subscription cost is based on usage, allowing users to scale up/down for projects with minimal capital expense.
“The addition of Trimble Catalyst expands our portfolio to address the needs of organizations that have adopted a workplace Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) strategy for their businesses and individuals who periodically need accurate positioning to support various work activities,” said Ron Bisio, vice president of Trimble’s Geospatial Division.
TerraFlex Geospatial Data Collection. The first available application for the Trimble Catalyst service is the Trimble TerraFlex cloud-based mapping and GIS field software, enabling users to achieve up to centimeter-level accuracy. TerraFlex is a scalable cloud-based solution addressing a variety of field requirements including attribute-rich GIS data collection on consumer devices. With an intuitive interface and streamlined toolset for creating custom digital form templates, TerraFlex keeps the data flow standardized and streamlined from the field to the office.
TerraFlex provides a common interface for users across a range of common mobile and smart devices to provide robust, high-accuracy GNSS positioning and detailed asset attribution collection. The Catalyst service for TerraFlex provides a new option for a higher level of accuracy for users’ workflows without the upfront investment of traditional hardware GNSS receivers. It enables scaling up to meet specific project demands and allows a workforce to collect high-accuracy location in conjunction with other work tasks.
Availability. Catalyst service subscriptions and Catalyst DA1 antenna are expected to be available in the first quarter of 2017. In addition, a Software Development Kit (SDK) is expected to be available in the fourth quarter of 2016 for developers who are interested in developing new applications that use the Trimble Catalyst positioning on-demand service. Information and updates.
System equips the F-35 and unmanned aircraft with safer, more accurate landing guidance
The U.S. Navy has awarded Raytheon Company a $255 million contract for development and production readiness of its next generation precision landing system. The Joint Precision Approach and Landing System uses GPS satellite navigation to provide more accurate landing guidance for manned and unmanned aircraft, replacing radar and beacons used in older systems.
This contract, announced by the Department of Defense on Sept. 21 and Raytheon on Oct. 19, includes options which, if exercised, would bring the value to $270 million.
Raytheon will complete development for an auto-land capability to be used by both manned and unmanned aircraft, as well as finalize the integration with the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter: the first aircraft to be equipped with JPALS technology.
A U.S. Navy F-35C Lightning II lands aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz in the Pacific. (Photo: US Navy)
When operational in 2018, the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps will use JPALS on the F-35C carrier variant, F-35B short takeoff/vertical landing variant and the MQ-25A multi-mission unmanned vehicle.
“The JPALS solution revolutionizes landings for manned and unmanned military aircraft,” said Dave Wajsgras, president of Raytheon’s Intelligence, Information and Services business. “Aviators will be able to trust this technology to provide safe, secure, and reliable landing guidance, at any time of day, in all kinds of weather and environments.”
Developed in partnership with the U.S. Navy to provide pinpoint landing guidance on carriers in rough seas, JPALS is tailorable to a wide range of environments including contingency operations requiring rapid deployment, or land-based airfields with curved, segmented and specialized approaches, and can integrate and modernize landing systems on legacy aircraft for joint interoperability.
JPALS improves navigational alignment prior to approach, allowing aircraft to land on any aircraft carrier or amphibious assault ship, day or night, even in adverse weather conditions. As the only military ground-based augmentation system in the world, the system features anti-jam protection to ensure mission continuity throughout a range of threat environments.
Trimble’s GCS900 Grade Control System is now available with xFill technology to sustain real-time kinematic (RTK) positions during correction outages.
xFill uses Trimble RTX technology, delivered via satellite, to “fill in” for RTK corrections in the event of temporary radio or Internet connection outages. As a result, contractors can experience fewer interruptions and less machine downtime.
The announcement was made at Trimble Dimensions.
The Trimble xFill technology maintains RTK-level accuracy during periods of radio or cellular interruption and will continue to extend RTK fixed positions with a gradual decrease in accuracy for a period of up to 5 minutes in construction applications. The technology provides seamless transitions between RTK and xFill. It functions by using the last known RTK position in conjunction with satellite-delivered RTX technology to sustain high-accuracy positions.
The xFill service is available throughout most of the world, in areas where Trimble RTX-based services are delivered via satellite.
“Contractors can now take advantage of improved RTK performance and reliability with the addition of xFill technology to the GCS900 Grade Control System,” said Scott Crozier, director of marketing for Trimble’s Civil Engineering and Construction Division. “Trimble xFill gives users who require uninterrupted connectivity and accuracy a more reliable solution, resulting in more machine uptime and fewer work stoppages.”
A: Current integrations of GPS include a controlled reception pattern antenna (CRPA). Testing with a standard interference or jamming source will not provide accurate results. Wavefront generator simulators are capable of outputting signals that correctly stimulate the GPS receiver’s antenna electronics. All of the signals are correctly displaced according to the antenna’s reception pattern with a jamming source that is coherent.
A: Testing GNSS receiver spoofing and jamming resilience under real-life scenarios requires mixing live-sky GNSS signals with synthesized spoofed signals. This requires the spoofing signal generator to be time- and position-locked to the live-sky signal to within nanoseconds. GNSS simulators that allow nanosecond-level synchronization to live-sky signals can enable such testing. Low-cost simulators can enable testing with multiple simultaneous spoofers/jammers.
A: With the sophistication of GNSS threats, simulators should be able to generate a variety of interferences and jammers that users can easily control. Also, the jammers’ characteristics (Doppler, power level, and so on) should reflect the dynamic of the vehicle and jammers. Such characteristics are almost impossible to simulate when the jamming source is not integrated with the simulator.
A: For jamming, test for multi-frequency/constellation, accurately controlling jamming-to-signal ratios and strength levels, and simulate several types of jammers: carrier-wave, sweep, noise, FM chirp and so on. For spoofing, two synchronized simulators are best: one for the live sky and one for the spoofer. Tightly control the sync accuracy, the relative power between the two signals, and the spoofer’s estimation accuracy of the target’s position.
A: Antenna technology, directionality and filtering have a large part to play in mitigating the impact of jamming and spoofing. Conventional laboratory receiver testing often overlooks the effect of the antenna. New approaches need to be developed to allow antenna effects be incorporated into testing either by including the antenna to be part of the test setup or by accurately simulating the directionality/filtering capability of the antenna.
A: Most jamming occurs due to RFI used to keep positioning unavailable. As such, typical jammers are CW or sweep-CW. Testing is then mostly a matter of proper jamming-to-signal simulation. On the contrary, spoofing aims at luring the receiver from its true position. Simulations are difficult as slowly power increasing spoofing signals must be synchronized with true received signals to take over the locked tracking loops.
Telit has announced the commercial availability of the SL869-3DR, a GNSS module for global use that leverages information from internal gyros, accelerometers and a barometric pressure sensor to perform dead-reckoning navigation for application areas such as track and trace and in-vehicle systems.
The module delivers accurate position data either directly from its multi-constellation receiver or from a fully autonomous dead-reckoning system, requiring no connections to external devices or components other than an antenna for satellite signal reception and power.
The module allows integrators to design zero-installation, in-vehicle navigation and tracking devices for fleets and other commercial or consumer applications that operate perched on the dashboard, connected only to vehicle power.
The SL869-3DR is a flash-memory based module capable of tracking three constellations simultaneously. The module integrates an array of micro electromechanical systems (MEMS) designed to provide it seven degrees of freedom. The innovative design of the internal sensor array in conjunction with the Telit MEMS-only Dead Reckoning (MoDR) software and intellectual property, deliver the host device unparalleled portable, turnkey dead-reckoning performance.
The Telit MoDR solution ensures that reliable position, velocity and time information is constantly available to the host application even when GNSS coverage is compromised, without the need for connection to the vehicle for wheel-ticks for speed or reverse-gear data. Its standard footprint lets navigation and tracking system integrators reuse existing device designs, eliminating complexity from external sensors and other apparatus, getting to market quickly with updated designs or product innovation.
“A significant number of the millions of commercial vehicles and fleets on the roads today are still operating with no or unreliable navigation systems because installation costs to connect the device to vehicle sensors are too high and require very specialized skills,” said Felix Marchal, executive vice president of GNSS and Short Range Wireless. “With the SL869-3DR we overcome that barrier because it enables devices that you simply connect to vehicle power and go. Up until now, ‘power-and-go’ navigation systems have largely relied on open-sky visibility, which is not typically where most commercial fleets operate. They are moving through tunnels, urban canyons and other environments where these systems cannot produce a position solution. Reliable MEMS-only dead reckoning, or MoDR as we call it, relies on very complex mathematical modeling and expert design of the sensor array. Developers must therefore, thoroughly scrutinize performance of the different products in the market. I am delighted that the SL869-3DR has outperformed competing products in its class across a wide range of test cases.”
The SL869-3DR is designed to support GPS, QZSS, GLONASS, Beidou and is Galileo ready. Telit MoDR technology boosts position accuracy in areas with adverse satellite reception conditions like urban canyons, overhead foliage, tunnels and parking garages. It integrates an embedded array of sensors including accelerometers, gyroscopes and a barometer (pressure sensor).
An antenna ON, antenna sense (open / short circuit) feature, allows the host application to inform the user of problems with the connection to the external antenna. An additional LNA delivers better sensitivity in harsh environments, better enabling devices with integrated antennas. The module also features fast calibration and is pin-to-pin compatible with the SL869, SL869-V3 and SL869-ADR.
Below is a video where performance the autonomous SL869-3DR MoDR is compared with the SL869-ADR automotive navigation module connected to vehicle sensors (wheel ticks and reverse signal).
The Spectratime Force 2020 Rubidium clock is designed for the defense market.
Spectratime, a provider of high precision atomic clocks and a business of the Orolia Group, has launched the Force 2020.
The Force 2020 is a rugged, anti-vibration, GPS/GNSS-lockable, ultra-low-noise Rubidium atomic clock for highly dynamic defense platform applications.
According to Pascal Rochat, managing director of Spectratime, “Next-generation defense airborne radars, drones, helicopters, secure shipboard and radio communications systems use high K-band frequencies which require ultralow noise performance. In tactical missions, ultra-low-noise performance can only be minimally degraded during exposure to dynamic vibration and high-g environments to maintain the integrity of the battlefield systems. Spectratime’s Force-2020 rubidium atomic oscillator is perfect for such critical applications, and thus we are currently working with large defense contractors to integrate our new product into their highly dynamic defense platform systems.”
Product features
Output frequency up to 500 MHz
Can use the patented SmarTiming+ technology, disciplining an external SAASM or a non-SAAMS GPS or GNSS 1PPS reference up to 100,000 seconds with an auto-adaptive loop time operating at 1-ns resolution
State-of-the-art frequency and timing signal stability performance
Integration of an ultra-low-noise OCXO oscillator with optional low g-sensitivity and a single or dual vibration-isolated tray for the OCXO and/or the Rb oscillator to meet various dynamic application requirements.
U-blox has launched the LARA-R3121, a new module comprising a single-mode LTE Category 1 modem and a GNSS positioning engine specifically designed for Internet of Things (IoT) and machine-to-machine (M2M) devices.
The LARA-R3121 is designed for IoT applications including smart utility metering, connected health and patient monitoring, smart buildings, security and video surveillance, smart payment and point-of-sale (POS) systems, as well as wearable devices, such as action cameras.
“Most IoT modules on the market use LTE modem technology, developed by handset-focused silicon vendors. They may not provide the best fit for IoT applications, because they focus on features targeted at Tier 1 handset makers, limited by short life cycles. The LARA-R3121 is different with features and qualifications crafted for the industrial markets,” said Andreas Thiel, u-blox co-founder and executive VP, Cellular Products and IC Design. “This is the only cellular module comprising a LTE Cat 1 modem and a GNSS engine, with complete module hardware and software all developed by a single supplier. With our focus on the IoT market, we bring an ‘IoT first’ approach to silicon design.”
The LARA-R3121 is supplied in the small 24 x 26 mm LARA LGA form factor for compact IoT devices. This standardized package enables straightforward automated manufacturing and is pin-compatible with the u-blox LARA-R2 series, which supports multimode LTE Cat 1 with 2G/3G fallback.
LARA-R3121 module by u-blox.
According to the company, it is a landmark in u-blox’s long-term strategy to create modules based on the UBX-R3 LTE modem technology platform, an internally developed, flexible, software-defined modem architecture specifically designed for IoT and M2M.
The essential modem, positioning and module components of the LARA-R3121 are developed in-house, allowing for freedom for innovative feature development, for enabling end-to-end security and giving full control of product quality, while ensuring the long term product availability required by many IoT applications. Because modem and GNSS technologies were all developed in-house, u-blox is also able to provide unparalleled technical support for developers.
The LARA-R3121 features FOTA, providing customers with a solution to issue firmware over the air updates. It also benefits from end-to-end security features, such as secure boot, secure transport layer, secure authentication, secure interfaces and APIs. Like other cellular modules from u-blox, it complies with a nested architecture, which allows for easy migration, and future-proof, seamless mechanical scalability across cellular technologies.
As a single mode, LTE-only device, LARA-R3121 takes advantage of the fact that LTE networks are becoming universally available. Increasingly, products do not require fallback to 3G or 2G, which means that non-essential components can be removed, reducing cost and power consumption.
The 10 Mbits downstream and 5 Mbits upstream maximum throughput of LTE Cat 1 provides data rates sufficient for good quality video streaming.
Rockwell Collins has awarded a contract to Systron Donner Inertial (SDI) for an inertial measurement unit (IMU) needed for the new Boeing 777X Integrated Flight Control Electronics (IFCE) fly-by-wire system.
The SDI300 aviation-grade inertial measurement unit by Systron Donner Inertial.
The core of SDI’s solution is its SDI300 aviation-grade IMU, which delivers reliable high performance and stability over full temperature and vibration environments, the company said.
The compact, low-power, high-quality SDI300 IMU enables efficient and smooth aircraft maneuvers through the most complex flight scenarios and challenging environments, while improving total system cost-effectiveness, reduced obsolescence and increased sustainability.
“SDI is honored to be selected and partnered with Rockwell Collins, BAE Systems, and Boeing for the 777X IFCE Program. The collaboration, teamwork and support provided by Rockwell Collins and the IFCE program team has been outstanding,” said David Hoyh, director of sales and marketing for SDI. “Systron Donner Inertial has a strong execution and service record on today’s B777.
“The new, smaller, lighter SDI300 aviation IMU will leverage SDI’s next generation quartz gyros and system architecture and be certified to DO-160/DO-254 Level A requirements, creating an innovative MEMS solution for the 777X’s advanced fly-by-wire system,” Hoyh said.
For more information and specifications on the COTS SDI300 or for information on the complete SDI product line, call +1 925-979-4500, e-mail: [email protected]; or go to www.systron.com.
The Piksi Multi is a multi-band, multi-constellation receiver for the mass market. Autonomous devices require precision navigation, especially those that perform critical functions. The receiver uses real-time kinematics (RTK) technology, providing location solutions 100 times more accurate than traditional GPS. Piksi Multi supports GPS L1/L2 and is hardware-ready for GLONASS G1/G2, BeiDou B1/B2, Galileo E1/E5b, QZSS L1/L2 and SBAS. The Piksi Multi Evaluation Kit also has been upgraded with all-new components. The new kit contains two Piksi Multi GNSS modules, two integrator-friendly evaluation boards, two GNSS survey-grade antennas and two high-performance radios, so that it can deliver reliability and range — well over 10 kilometers — and all of the accessories required for rapid prototyping and integration.
For dedicated time and frequency transfer applications
The Septentrio PolaRX5TR.
The PolaRx5TR has 544 hardware channels and supports all major satellite constellations including GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS and IRNSS. A calibration circuit is incorporated to measure and compensate for internal delay, removing the need for calibration using external equipment and ensuring measurement latching is always accurately synchronized with the PPS input. The PolaRx5TR is compliant with the new-format CGGTTS version V2E of Consultative Committee for Time and Frequency (CCTF) recommendations. Also included as standard is Septentrio’s Advanced Interference Mitigation (AIM+) technology, giving outstanding interference robustness in difficult radio environments. Up to eight independent logging sessions can be configured logging to either the 16-GB internal memory or to an externally connected device.
The NCS Titan GNSS simulator has up to 256 channels (and 1024 multipath channels) and up to 4 RF outputs per chassis, providing flexibility and outstanding performance . The extra complexity and cost of using multiple signal generators is avoided, improving reliability without compromising on functionality. Its innovative design allows users configure channels for any GNSS signals and allocate those channels to any of the RF outputs fitted. This flexibility enables the same simulator hardware to be used for an extensive range of tests, for all types of GNSS applications. The NCS TITAN GNSS Simulator was developed in cooperation with WORK Microwave GmbH, Germany.
The GSS200D Interference Detection and Analysis solution, developed with Nottingham Scientific Limited, comprises field-based hardware and a secure data server for automatic capture and analysis of GNSS radio-frequency interference. Deployments of GSS200D probes provide users with a thorough understanding of the RF interference environment at sites of interest. Spirent has already detected thousands of disruptive GPS L1 interference events with its global network of GSS100D detectors. By adding support of additional frequencies and constellations, as well as improving the analysis and reporting, the GSS200D responds to the demand of critical infrastructure and civil aviation customers.
For surveyors, contractors, builders and engineers
The Carlson BRx6 is a multi-GNSS, multi-frequency receiver. It has a multi-band 372-channel GNSS receiver, Athena RTK technology and an integrated Atlas L-band receiver. The BRx6 also contains electronic sensors that measure tilt, direction (electronic compass) and acceleration, supporting Carlson SurvCE’s advanced features such as LDL (live digital level or e-bubble), leveling tolerance, auto by level, tilted-pole correction and advanced stakeout features. SurvCE contains sophisticated checks for compass and acceleration anomalies to ensure accuracy. The BRx6 delivers affordable, high-positional accuracy. Manufactured to Carlson’s exacting specifications by Hemisphere GNSS, the BRx6 can be used as a precise base station or lightweight rover. RTK corrections can be received over UHF radio, cell modem, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or serial connection.
RTK Assist is a subscription-based service that provides users with satellite-delivered correction data to seamlessly continue centimeter-level accuracy during real-time kinematic (RTK) correction outages caused by communication disruptions. Users are able to maintain RTK-level performance for up to 20 minutes, reducing any associated downtime and optimizing solution productivity. The RTK positioning with correction data is delivered directly to the receiver via satellite, allowing for a continuous centimeter-level solution that is globally available 24/7.RTK Assist is best suited for applications where there are potential obstructions, dead spots or baseline limitations that would cause RTK network correction losses for short periods of time.
The POSPac MMS 8 is GNSS-aided inertial post-processing software for georeferencing data collected from cameras, lidars, multi-beam sonars and other sensors on mobile platforms. POSPac MMS 8 uses the Trimble CenterPoint RTX subscription service to deliver these benefits for mobile mapping from land, air, marine and UAV platforms. With an internet connection, users can achieve centimeter-level accuracy within one hour after data collection — there is no need to wait for delivery of public-domain ephemeris data. Users can map inaccessible regions that have no existing Continuously Operation Reference Stations (CORS) without the cost of deploying local base stations. With Trimble’s private network, users can attain consistent and reliable uptime.
TerraGo GeoPDF software suite version 7 offers new features to enable open, cross-platform, cloud and mobile access to advanced maps, engineering drawings, high-resolution imagery and other types of spatial data assets. Version 7 has tools for publishing GeoPDFs, including TerraGo Publisher for ArcGIS, TerraGo Publisher for ArcGIS Server, TerraGo Composer, TerraGo GeoPDF Platform Toolkit, TerraGo Publisher for Raster and TerraGo Toolbar. Features include PubPy, which extends and enhances integration into ArcGIS ArcPy to enable on-demand web services and GIS portals; and OpenGeoPDF, which adds Open Geospatial Consortium GeoPackage to GeoPDF documents to enable GIS-Lite applications using TerraGo Toolbar 7.0. Other features include mobile-workflow support, advanced layer control and remote desktop.
Aeropoints are desgined for for companies across the industrial sector — including mining, construction, quarries and landfills.
AeroPoints are smart ground-control points designed to make it easy to capture survey–accurate mapping using drones. The portable ground-control markers are visible from the air and capable of quickly capturing their own positions down to 2-centimeter absolute accuracy. AeroPoints work with any camera or drone, and integrate seamlessly with Propeller’s cloud–based data platform and processing engine. They’re solar–powered, durable and weather- resistant, and they don’t require any on-site connection. To use AeroPoints, customers simply lay them down, fly their drone, and then pick them up again. They automatically connect to a wireless or mobile hotspot when back in range to upload captured positional data.
The miniVUX-1UAV is a compact miniaturized 360-degree field-of-view lidar sensor weighing 1.6 kilograms. It is developed for the implementation of emerging survey solutions by small UAS, UAV and Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS). The sensor offers multi-target capability and accuracy using echo digitization and online waveform processing for data acquisition. It is capable of 100,000 measurements per second and offers an operating altitude of 100+ meters. Its small size and low weight make it suitable for mounting under limited weight and space conditions, allowing UAV-based acquisition of survey-grade measurement data for agriculture and forestry fieldwork, archaeology and cultural heritage documentation, glacier and snowfield mapping, and landslide monitoring.
Safer Together is designed to reduce the risk of mid-air collision between aircraft and UAVs. Developed by senseFly and the Air Navigation Pro app makers, it is designed to make the skies a safer place by providing general aviation (GA) pilots and drone operators with awareness of each other’s airborne activities, giving them the knowledge they need to take any actions necessary to avoid mid-air incidents around 200–400 feetabove ground level, where most light-weight drones fly. SenseFly added GA functionality to its eMotion flight-planning software, enabling operators to create a special advisory when activating automated drone flights. eMotion transmits the advisory to Air Navigation Pro’s server, which will push the information to all smart devices of connected app users. In turn, senseFly drone operators will be able to view the Air Navigation users’ flights in real time.
The Geo-iNAV 1000 SAASM is a low-cost, rugged SAASM GPS-aided inertial navigation system. It tightly couples a SAASM GPS sensor with a high-stability Quartz micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) inertial measurement unit (IMU) to provide a high-performance navigation solution in challenging environments. Features include simple integration, SAASM GPS with path to M-code, internal high-accuracy quartz MEMS IMU, tight-coupling with Geodetics’ Extended Kalman Filter, in-motion dynamic alignment, and RS-232, RS422 and Ethernet (TCP/UDP) interfaces.
The Hover Camera Passport hovers in place to allow users to quickly and easily take photographs. The self-flying camera is aimed at consumers, flying without the restraints of controllers. Once the camera is unfolded and powered on, the passport can take 13-megapixel photos and 4,000-pixel (4K) video using proprietary embedded artificial intelligence technology. The Hover Camera Passport introduces a new design into the flying camera field, with its propellers and motors encased in a strong, light carbon-fiber structure that ensures fingers can’t slip through during normal use. Features include auto-follow with face and body tracking, 360 spin; orbit; and self-positioning using a combination of sonar, its downward viewing camera and artificial intelligence.
The Karma drone, designed to accompany a GoPro camera, features a compact, fits-in-a-small-backpack design and includes an image-stabilization grip that can be handheld or mounted to vehicles, gear and more. Karma is designed to capture smooth, stabilized video during almost any activity. Compact and foldable, the entire system fits into the included backpack that’s so comfortable to wear during any activity, users will forget they’ve got it on. The game-style controller features an integrated touch display, making it easy to fly without the need for a separate phone or tablet. The three-axis camera stabilizer can be removed from the drone and attached to the included Karma Grip for capturing ultra-smooth handheld and gear-mounted footage.
The Epson Moverio BT-300 augmented reality (AR) smart glasses are light, binocular and transparent with an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display. Combining silicon-based OLED digital display technology and Android OS 5.1, the Moverio BT-300 enables transparent mobile augmented reality (AR) experiences, including while flying drones. With the DJI GO app and the Moverio glasses, drone pilots are able to see clear, transparent first-person views from the drone camera while simultaneously maintaining their line of sight with their aircraft.The DJI GO app works with the DJI Phantom, Inspire and Matrice series flying platforms as well as the Osmo handheld gimbal and camera.
The GPS-713-GGG-N and GPS-713-GGGL-N ATEX-qualified triple-frequency GNSS antennas come with Inmarsat rejection filters. Hazardous environments — those found on oil platforms, tankers and refineries — require compliance with the European 94/9EC ATEX directive. Based on the company’s Pinwheel technology, both antennas maximize performance with multi-constellation reception of L1, L2, L5 GPS; L1, L2, L3 GLONASS; B1, B2 BeiDou; and E1, E5a/b Galileo frequencies, the company said.The GPS-713-GGGL-N also supports L-band from 1525 to 1560 MHz. Customers can use the same antenna for GPS only, or up to quad-constellation applications, resulting in increased flexibility and reduced equipment costs. The two antennas deliver choke-ring-level antenna performance, but without the size and weight. Both provide enhanced Inmarsat interference rejection, which allows tracking of GNSS signals in the presence of high-powered Inmarsat transmitters typically found on marine vessels.
The GV-86 is a high-sensitivity GPS receiver module supporting dead reckoning, which enables positioning in environments where no GNSS signals can be received, such as tunnels, underground car parking and deep urban canyons. The receiver concurrently receives GPS, SBAS and QZSS satellite signals. The dead-reckoning function is realized by integrating the information from a gyro sensor and a velocity sensor. It has fast time to first fix, and highly improved noise tolerance, and a configurable position output update rate up to 10 Hz (10 times per second.)
DJI, maker of unmanned aerial vehicles, and DroneSAR, an Irish tech start-up for search and rescue, on Thursday announced a new search and rescue app that seamlessly integrates a drone’s unique aerial perspective on life-and-death searches into incident management software, ensuring rescue crews can use drones effectively to save lives.
DroneSAR can stream live images and video, from a regular or thermal imaging camera, to an incident command center as well as other rescue teams on the ground. The software can tag the GPS coordinates of a victim and automatically transmit them by email or SMS, enabling ground crews to reach victims more quickly. Completed search patterns are all recorded and logged for easy handover to oncoming rescue crews.
The app takes into account various types of terrain, allowing the drone to fly patterns to survey an area faster and more effectively. Flight paths can be adjusted for any terrain including hills, mountains, trees or flat land. The software allows users to choose an automatic aerial search pattern based on variables such as altitude, field of view, battery life and probability of detection. By organizing the process of data collection and providing a framework to manage and analyze it, DroneSAR ensures drones can be used methodically as part of a rescue protocol, allowing personnel to work more safely and effectively.
“From understanding on how to use the technology, to communicating findings and data, to figuring out the most appropriate tactical approach, first responders can benefit greatly from this software app on our DJI hardware,” said Romeo Durscher, director of Education at DJI. “Many of the tasks and strategies deployed during a search and rescue operation can get sped up with automation, helping to reduce the time it takes to find a victim and save lives.”
The software was developed based on research done by DJI in conjunction with the European Emergency Number Association and Ireland’s Donegal Mountain Search and Rescue team. The groups found that while a five-person rescue team on foot needs an average of two hours to find a victim in one square kilometer, a drone can do the job in 20 minutes or less while taking additional active steps to achieve a successful rescue.
“Our aim is to save lives,” said Oisin McGrath, co-founder and CEO of DroneSAR. “Our software will reduce risk to search teams and reduce search time. If we can save just one life, that is mission success for us at DroneSAR.”
