Author: GPS World Staff

Carlson SurveyGNSS for Post Processing Launched at Intergeo
Carlson SurveyGNSS post-processing program

Carlson Software Inc. has developed the new Carlson SurveyGNSS post-processing program, which it introduced today at Intergeo 2013, being held in Essen, Germany. The program is designed for surveyors and positioning professionals looking to achieve centimeter accuracy when working on the edge of their RTK infrastructure, perform sub-centimeter positioning, or provide the highest quality assurance to their customers.

The data post-processing solution is tightly integrated into the Carlson field and office workflow. SurveyGNSS is designed to accept GNSS data from any receiver in RINEX format. Furthermore, it will also accept proprietary GNSS data in an increasing number of manufacturer formats including NovAtel, Hemisphere GNSS, Altus/Septentrio, and Javad. Additional manufacturer formats will be added in concert with manufacturer cooperation and customer demand.

“The software has been tested extensively on data sets from around the world with very good results and feedback,” says Bruce Carlson, president of Carlson Software. “Many of our business partners are planning to carry SurveyGNSS and have participated in our pre-release testing.”

Carlson SurveyGNSS will process GNSS observations in traditional static, “stop and go” (static-kinematic), and kinematic (moving) antenna positioning modes. The software provides a straightforward, workflow-oriented user interface, which includes an overview map and the observation files, computed vectors, and positions presented in fully functional spreadsheet-like grids.

In addition, Carlson SurveyGNSS provides:
- A highly autonomous “hands-free” baseline processor offering on-the-fly ambiguity resolution, automated cycle slip detection/removal, and more for baselines up to 200km (125 mi).
- Automated search and retrieval of reference geodetic control and GNSS observations from public data sources such as the National Geodetic Survey and Continuously Operating Reference Station (CORS) networks in the United States.
- Rigorous least squares adjustment and analysis of all computed vectors.
- Seamless integration with downstream applications from Carlson Software and other vendors.
Carlson SurveyGNSS is being developed in partnership with WaSoft of Dresden, Germany, and its line of GNSS software technologies.

“SurveyGNSS helps make our survey product line the most extensive in the industry, from field data collection through all forms of processing to as-built mapping and plat drafting,” Carlson adds. “Our flexible licensing arrangements allow single users to process the field data of any number of crews using a wide range of GNSS equipment.”

Announced at Intergeo in Essen, Germany, Carlson SurveyGNSS is slated to be available from your local Carlson representative or dealer by December 1.
October 8, 2013
Trimble Releases CenterPoint RTX Correction Service into Geospatial Markets

Trimble announced today that its Trimble CenterPoint RTX correction service will be available to survey and land administration professionals around the world. Powered by Trimble RTX technology, the GPS, GLONASS and QZSS enabled correction service can offer better than 4 centimeter (1.5 inch) repeatable horizontal accuracy, without requiring the use of a base station or local VRS network.

The announcement was made today at Intergeo 2013, being held this week in Essen, Germany.

In addition to previously announced Agriculture devices, the CenterPoint RTX correction service is now compatible with the Trimble ProXRT for Land Administration and the Trimble R10 GNSS receivers. The worldwide subscription service is expected to be available to geospatial users in the fourth quarter of 2013.

Delivered via L-band satellite, CenterPoint RTX is designed for geospatial professionals who are not using RTK as the primary correction source. Advantageous in remote areas that lack local infrastructure and/or cellular coverage, the corrections are delivered directly to the GNSS receiver. No additional hardware, including radios, antennas, or even cellular data plans, is required to use the correction service.

“By combining global coverage, fast initialization times, and high-accuracy correction data, Trimble CenterPoint RTX offers geospatial professionals unprecedented operating freedom,” said Patricia Boothe, general manager of Trimble’s Positioning Services Division. “We are committed to offering field-proven positioning corrections to address a variety of users’ needs across applications and markets, starting with agriculture and now reaching into the geospatial markets.”

October 8, 2013
Carlson Launches Two Handhelds at Intergeo
Carlson Software has introduced a new and improved version of its affordable Qmini data collector. The rugged, but lightweight Qmini2 provides fast processing, yet fits comfortably in one hand.

Carlson also launched the Carlson MINI² data collector, which is more rugged, fast, and reliable than its predecessor. It comes with a numerical keyboard for easy coding of points.

Both products were introduced at Intergeo, being held October 8-10 in Essen, Germany.

Photo: Carlson Software

The Qmini2. Weighing 11 ounces (315 grams), the Qmini2 includes a 5 megapixel camera and has a 3.7-inch (480 x 640) sunlight-readable display and comes with a stylus for ease of use. Other specifications include:
- Works on Windows Mobile 6.5 OS with a PXA310 processor 806Mhz, 256 RAM
- Provides 8GB non-volatile data storage plus a micro SD card slot
- Comes with Bluetooth (200-250 meter range to CRx with BT handle), WiFi, Internal GPRS module (data and voice) capabilities
- Has an internal 32-channel GNSS receiver (GPS + GLONASS) with SBAS (WAAS, EGNOS, MSAS) support
- Rated IP65 waterproof and dustproof
The Qmini2 comes with two batteries, a U.S. wall charger, and a soft carrying case. It may be purchased with Carlson’s SurvCE data collection software on board, or with Carlson GIS360, which uses both GIS and surveying technology in the field to collect data. For crash or crime reconstruction, The Qmini2 may also be used with Carlson’s CSI Mobile software.

For more information or to see the Qmini2 in action, stop by the Carlson Stand #3.097, Hall C, or outdoors at #100 at Intergeo, Oct. 8-10 in Essen, Germany.

The Carlson MINI2.

The MINI2. Manufactured to Carlson’s exacting specifications by Juniper Systems, the MINI² has an extra-large 800 × 480 TFT display for easy viewing of survey data and comes with a fast 1.0-GHz processor. It comes with an integrated 3G modem, 5-megapixel camera, and GPS/GNSS module.

Its scratch-resistant, touchscreen display is highly readable in both low light and glaring sunshine, providing a sharper image together with notable durability in tough conditions. With a dustproof and waterproof rating of IP68, the Carlson MINI² also meets the MIL-STD-810G military standard.

The Qmini2 will be available for purchase from your local dealer on November 1.

Both products can be viewed at Intergeo Stand #3.097, Hall C, or outdoors at #100. at Intergeo.
October 8, 2013
Topcon’s Hybrid Positioning Combines GNSS, Optical Measurement

Photo: Topcon Positioning Group

Topcon Positioning Group announces a new technology — Hybrid Positioning — that increases efficiencies and improves productivity on job sites, regardless of conditions, terrain or location. Hybrid Positioning is enabled through the Topcon Magnet software suite, a Topcon enterprise solution for the geomatics industry.

The new Topcon technology allows precise positioning professionals in the survey, construction, civil engineering and GIS industries to simultaneously connect to GNSS signals and standard robotic measurements on a single rover pole.

“This extremely clever and unique combination of GNSS and optical measurement is aimed squarely at improving a company’s profitability by allowing the use of GNSS positioning and optical positioning data at the same time,” said Ewout Korpershoek, chief marketing officer of Topcon Positioning Group. “When used with Topcon Magnet software, Hybrid Positioning improves field measurement efficiency at every phase of a project. With Hybrid Positioning technology, the key is versatility. For example, when line-of-sight is blocked, shots can be easily and quickly measured with the GNSS receiver. Now it is so easy to combine a standard Topcon robot and GNSS receiver to guarantee an integrated solution for the highest performance and productivity.

Photo: Topcon Positioning Group

“Combine these two proven solutions, plus advanced Magnet Field software, and you have Hybrid Positioning technology,” Korpershoek said. “By utilizing both GNSS and optical measurement, any project can be completed faster and with unsurpassed accuracy. By adding Magnet cloud-connected data workflow, truly outstanding increases in productivity and cost savings are assured.”

The new technological breakthrough has four key components: Hybrid Lock, Hybrid Resection, Hybrid Switch and Auto-localization.

Hybrid Lock allows accurate prism tracking by simply turning the instrument toward the prism location. Hybrid Resection ensures quick job site setup, as well as establishing RTK and geodetic coordinates. Hybrid Switch ensures a quick changeover from GNSS to optical measurement with a single touch. Auto-localization utilizes Bing Maps background, multi-point localization and works with RTK and NMEA positioning.

“Regardless of job site location or adverse conditions or terrain, Hybrid Positioning systems will perform faster in the field than other instruments and with more versatility than an RTK-only system,” Korpershoek said.

October 7, 2013
GPS Tracking Solution Now Offers DMS Integration

Spireon, a Mobile Resource Management (MRM) and Business Intelligence Solutions provider, has completed an initial phase of the integration of its industry leading GoldStar GPS solution with Frazer’s Dealer Management System (DMS).

Frazer is a provider of software solutions that auto dealers across the nation use to grow their business and increase their productivity, including its comprehensive DMS, which has functions such as dealer inventory management, credit application processing, electronic contracting, set up bank contracts and BHPH deals, dealer management tools, loan servicing and accounting systems.

Joint customers of GoldStar GPS and Frazer can now experience online access to a single solution to execute critical commands. The integration allows dealers to execute commands directly from their Frazer application, interface saving customers time and improving their ease of use. Dealers can monitor and take action on their collateral within their day-to-day dealer management application. Key features of the initial phase of integration include the ability to conduct an on-demand locate, and disable and re-enable the starter interrupt.

“Spireon’s new partnership with Frazer is another example of Spireon’s ongoing quest to improve the ease of use of our solutions through key partnerships to enhance the customer experience for effective collateral management, vehicle tracking and risk mitigation. GoldStar GPS and Frazer users will experience a platform that will allow them to do more.” Explains David Meyer, Executive Vice President of Spireon.

“We have watched the incredible growth of GoldStar GPS and are very excited about now offering Goldstar GPS as an integrated feature within the Frazer DMS. This will make a lot of dealers’ lives just a little bit easier.” Michael Frazer, President.

October 7, 2013
Spirent Announces Carrier-Approved A-GNSS Record and Playback Solution for Mobile Device Testing

Spirent now offers A-GNSS record and playback capabilities for mobile device testing.

Spirent Communications today announced the availability of carrier-approved Assisted GNSS Record and Playback capabilities on its Hybrid Location Technology Solution (HLTS). This new A-GNSS Record and Playback capability provides unprecedented realism and repeatability by recording GNSS signals in the field and delivering synchronized assistance data over a radio access interface to test the A-GNSS positioning performance of mobile devices in the lab.

“With user location playing a key role in most smartphone services and applications, A-GNSS positioning performance greatly influences the end-user experience,” said Nigel Wright, vice president of wireless, Spirent Communications. “This new A-GNSS Record and Playback solution enables device manufacturers and network operators, as well as chipset and technology vendors, to accurately test this essential technology using real-world field conditions. This helps ensure high quality LBS and emergency service performance for every mobile subscriber.”

Combining GNSS signals from multiple satellite positioning systems (such as GPS and GLONASS) with assistance data delivered by the network to the device, A-GNSS is regarded as the most universal and precise positioning technology. As such, it is used in mobile devices to support the location information required by commercial services, social media and emergency services such as E911.

Although established A-GNSS simulation tools play an important role in generating repeatable and reliable controlled environments in the lab, they can have limitations when it comes to representing the full range of challenging conditions experienced by mobile users on live networks. Spirent’s A-GNSS Record and Playback addresses these limitations by capturing conditions in the field and playing them back in a reliable and repeatable lab environment. This helps to reduce device time to market and control testing cost by reducing the need for extensive field testing.

Spirent HLTS is recognized by the industry for its unique capabilities that span a wide range of test requirements from early R&D phases to mobile device acceptance. The HLTS now incorporates Spirent’s GSS6400 GNSS Record and Playback System (RPS), together with patent-pending SimHybrid software that generates and delivers the correct assistance data, synchronized with the recorded GNSS signals.

For more information on Spirent HLTS and A-GNSS Record and Playback, visit the Spirent website.

October 4, 2013
International Colloquium Focuses on Galileo Fundamentals
The Fourth International Colloquium – Scientific and Fundamental Aspects of the Galileo Programme will be held December 4-6, 2013, in Prague, Czech Republic.

This colloquium intends to bring together leading members of the European scientific community and their international partners. One of its aims is to propose those in charge of Galileo operations and development means of enhancing the scientific use of Galileo and to contribute to GNSS development based on scientific approaches.

The colloquium will address four major areas of research:
- Scientific applications in meteorology, geodesy, geophysics, space physics, oceanography, land surface and ecosystem studies, using either direct or reflected signals, differential measurements, phase measurements, radio occultation measurements, using receivers placed on the ground, in airplanes or on satellites.
- Scientific developments in physics, dealing with future GNSS, particularly in testing fundamental laws in astronomy and in quantum communication. Relativistic reference frames and relativistic positioning will be addressed.
- Aspects of metrology, such as reference frames, on board and ground clocks as well as precise orbit determination
- Scientific aspects of satellite navigation and positioning such as signal propagation, tropospheric and ionospheric corrections and means to model and mitigate multipath and interference
During this colloquium, the various possibilities to use navigation satellites such as Galileo satellites for scientific purposes shall be reviewed and the question be answered how these scientific applications can contribute to make the most of the present systems, and define their future evolution. The conference will be organized as a series of plenary talks and two parallel half-day sessions.

To learn more about the colloquium, visit the event’s website.
October 4, 2013
Hemisphere GNSS Offers New Eclipse Positioning Modules

Photo: Hemisphere GNSS

Today, Hemisphere GNSS introduces the Eclipse P306 and P307, the latest models in the Eclipse series. The Eclipse P306 and P307 track multi-frequency GPS, GLONASS, and BeiDou satellite signals and are Galileo and QZSS ready. By tracking more signals, RTK positioning performance improves especially in challenging environments.

The Eclipse P306 and P307 are the first products to utilize the company’s new SX4 ASIC. Capable of simultaneously tracking code and phase signals on 89 satellites, SX4 boasts 372 channels and can be configured to address several diverse applications through software.

Smaller than a business card, the Eclipse P306 upgrades existing designs using Hemisphere’s standard 34-pin modules. The Eclipse P307 is a drop-in upgrade for designs based on the industry accepted 20-pin module. Both products offer scalable performance. RTK accuracy is achieved in either single- or dual-frequency mode. When subscribed for multi-frequency, multi-constellation RTK, Eclipse receivers have fast RTK initialization times even over long distances.

“While the Eclipse P306 and P307 provide outstanding RTK performance,” commented Dr. Mike Whitehead, Chief Technology Officer of Hemisphere GNSS, “non-RTK users benefit from our COAST, SureTrack, and HeadStart technologies.” COAST and SureTrack work together to maintain sub-meter positioning for 40 minutes when differential corrections are lost. HeadStart reduces the occurrence of cold starts by keeping time while the receiver module is powered off, providing faster startup times.

Support of the Chinese BeiDou GNSS constellation is significant. The BeiDou constellation not only fully covers China, but extends beyond, covering 2/3 of the world’s land mass, benefiting 5.8 billion people. Coverage currently includes Asia, Australia, New Zealand to South Africa, Europe and all of Russia, as well as Hawaii with, on average, three or more BeiDou satellites visible above 15°.

In February 2013, Hemisphere GPS changed its name to Hemisphere GNSS, Inc., after parting ways with its agriculture unit. While both names are owned by the company, in order to reflect the company’s support of all GNSSs and update the company’s image, “Hemisphere” has been adopted as its brand name. The company also has adopted a new logo and has launched an updated website, www.HemisphereGNSS.com.

Hemisphere will be introducing the new Eclipse P306 and P307 OEM positioning modules at the annual Intergeo conference in Essen, Germany, October 8th-10th, 2013 at Booth #A3.070.

October 3, 2013
Nexteq Navigation Launches New Version of NexGeo GIS Software Suite

Nexteq’s NexGeo Office.

Nexteq Navigation has officially released the next version (V2.0) of its GIS data collection suite, NexGeo. The suite consists of a mobile application for GNSS handhelds to collect and organize GIS data, as well as a desktop application used to customize and organize projects, manage field crews, and integrate with other data formats.

NexGeo aims to provide a complete solution, from augmenting accuracy to a user-friendly, efficient data-collection tool. An improved user interface provides seamless access to Nexteq’s positioning algorithms, notably in the PPP field, including SBAS-based Freedom algorithm, Internet-based i-PPP global services, and traditional RTK, all available in the field as well as post processed where necessary.

The latest version of the software contains a slew of improvements and new features, Nexteq Navigation said. NexGeo Mobile on the handheld is redesigned to provide intuitive shortcuts to the software’s main functions directly on the dashboard, simultaneously presenting a panoramic view of working mode, data quality, and handheld status. Improvements of NexGeo Mobile include pausing and resuming features, quick navigation to preset waypoints with compass or map view, offset feature collection using data from a laser rangefinder, and enhanced options of Feature Cloning, Filtering, and Updating.

When managing projects, post processing the data and tracking the field operation in NexGeo Office, the new interface, including comparison and review tools to customize results, significantly improve the capability of project management and post data analysis. A new coordinate system manager offers an easy way to set up customized coordinate systems.

Besides all the functional changes made to NexGeo, the software suite has received a complete interface overhaul, as well as improvements to loading times and performance. Experienced users will remain at home with the NexGeo feel, as the backbone of the software suite has not changed. All existing projects are compatible with the new versions.

In keeping with Nexteq’s commitment, NexGeo v2.0 is available for free download for all existing authorized clients. For users interested in trying out the NexGeo experience, demonstrations can be provided by contacting [email protected].

October 2, 2013
Geneq Introduces Sub-Meter GNSS Receiver for iPad, iPhone

The iSXBlue II from Geneq works with the Apple iPad and iPhone.

Geneq Inc. announces the iSXBlue II GNSS, a sub-meter GNSS receiver that is Bluetooth-compatible with Apple iPads and iPhones.

Fully authorized and approved by Apple, the iSXBlue II GNSS implements an Apple proprietary Bluetooth authentication feature allowing the NMEA GNSS data to replace the internal GPS location of the iPad or iPhone. A free SDK (software development kit) is available from Geneq to further utilize all the features of the iSXBlue II GNSS.

The iSXBlue II GNSS uses both GPS and GLONASS with SBAS (WAAS/EGNOS/MSAS/GAGAN) to attain 30-cm/1-foot (RMS) accuracy in real time using free SBAS corrections. In addition to Apple iPads and iPhones, it connects wirelessly to any smartphone, handheld, tablet computer or notebook computer that is Bluetooth- compliant.

“The iSXBlue II GNSS is the first high-accuracy GNSS receiver in the world for the Apple iPad and iPhone,” said Jean-Yves Lauture, product engineer, “and by implementing both GPS and GLONASS with SBAS, it provides iPad and iPhone users real-time, sub-meter accuracy around the world.”

The iSXBlue II GNSS builds on the success of the proven SXBlue II GNSS that was designed to optimize SBAS performance under tree canopy and in rugged terrain. With the ability to track 55 satellites (31 operational GPS, 24 operational GLONASS), the SXBlue II GNSS uses between 12 and 19 satellites in view at any time, providing superior performance when working under and around tree canopy, buildings and rugged terrain.

The next-generation iSXBlue II GNSS is the same, small, palm-sized unit as the SXBlue II GNSS and utilizes a small 2.7” diameter GNSS antenna. The unit is waterproof (submersible), dustproof and ruggedized, with an IP-67 rating. Its Class 2 Bluetooth 2.0 has a typical range of 15 meters, and is Apple-approved. The internal, rechargeable, field replaceable Li-Ion battery has on-board LEDs let the user know how much battery life is left. The operating temperature range of the iSXBlue II GNSS is -40°C (-40°F) to 85°C (185°F).

In addition to the built-in long-range Bluetooth transceiver, the iSXBlue II GNSS also has a standard DE-9 RS-232 port and a USB Type B port whose outputs are fully programmable up to 10-Hz standard, and a 20-Hz option. Other optional features are L1 RTK for <2-cm real-time accuracy and base-station RTCM output.

There is no need for post-processing or other sources of differential corrections as the iSXBlue II GNSS uses WAAS (North America), EGNOS (Europe), MSAS (Japan) and GAGAN (India) satellite corrections. Users receive real-time, 30-cm/1-foot positioning all day long.

The iSXBlue II GNSS is targeted at GPS/GIS mapping professionals in industries such as forestry, utility, agriculture, environmental and other natural resource industries in addition to local, state and federal government users.

October 2, 2013
NovAtel Awarded Contract to Supply WAAS Receivers for FAA System

NovAtel’s WAAS G-III receiver.

NovAtel, an OEM provider of high-precision GNSS positioning products, has been contracted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to produce and deliver 176 Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) third-generation reference receivers (G-III).

The contract includes engineering support for the receiver as well as support for the current generation reference receiver (G-II), Geostationary Earth Orbit Uplink Subsystem – Type 1 (GUST) receiver, and Signal Generator (SIGGEN).

The third-generation WAAS program is a technology refresh of the highly successful, currently operating second generation WAAS Satellite-Based Augmentation System (SBAS). WAAS provides integrity monitoring, correction data, and increased satellite availability to users of GPS within its coverage area. The integrity monitoring features of the WAAS allow the use of GPS L1 C/A for safety-of-life applications and in particular for the civil aviation industry. The third-generation WAAS will monitor and augment the modernized GPS L5 signal, allowing aviation receivers to operate in two protected aviation frequency bands with assured integrity.

NovAtel’s WAAS G-II receiver.

NovAtel’s reference receivers and uplink station equipment have been a central element of the WAAS since its inception. The G-III reference receiver uses fully updated hardware and tracks all GPS signals including the legacy GPS L1 C/A, L2P(Y) (semi-codeless), and the modernized L2C, L5, L1C signals as well as the WAAS L1 C/A and L5 signals.

The WAAS G-III reference receiver provides a rich set of range measurement data, signal integrity metrics, and logs for processing by the system’s data communication processor. The receiver architecture is designed to facilitate future expansion and reconfiguration to support the evolving needs of WAAS and other SBAS systems worldwide, including multi-constellation augmentation systems.

“We have a long relationship with the FAA and have worked very closely with the WAAS program team to develop a third-generation ground reference receiver that carries over the pedigree of our first and second generation products, while adding features and processing capacity required for the modernized system,” said Jason Hamilton, director of marketing for NovAtel. “The WAAS G-III was designed and tested specifically for ground reference networks requiring reliable continuous operation, high-longevity components, and DO-178B design assurance.”

October 1, 2013
Hemisphere GNSS Launches GeoMapper Mobile Handhelds and GIS Software

Photo: Hemisphere GNSS

Today, Hemisphere GNSS announced an all-new series of rugged mobile handheld devices with application software options to support survey, GIS, and mapping professionals. GeoMapper handhelds are designed to work in harsh outdoor environments and features an intuitive and scalable software package.

The GeoMapper family of products (GM100, GM200, GM300, and GM500) offers a variety of features also suitable for forestry, public safety, asset management, utilities, meeting a variety of field data collection requirements. GeoMapper 100, GeoMapper 200, and GeoMapper 300 feature a Windows Mobile operating system. The GeoMapper 500 tablet offers added flexibility and functionality on the Android OS platform. All GeoMapper models provide high-resolution and direct-sunlight-readable display technology for ease of visibility in all situations.

The GeoMapper 300 has dual cameras and a unique built-in laser range capability for acquiring instant geo-referenced images and target location data. Both GeoMapper 300 and GeoMapper 500 feature Hemisphere’s high-accuracy, multi-GNSS, multi-frequency Eclipse RTK technology as standard. All GeoMapper handhelds are IP65 rating or higher for their enclosures to ensure durability in most outdoor environments.

All GeoMapper handhelds feature a newly developed, user-friendly, and scalable GeoMapper Mobile software package designed for professional Field Mapping and GIS applications. GeoMapper Mobile and GeoMapper Office products feature optional post-processing and RTK positioning capabilities to meet the needs of the most demanding professionals.

“Hemisphere has made substantial investments in expanding our Survey and GIS product portfolio, leveraging our unique capabilities of designing GNSS receivers, antennas, and handheld computing technology from our parent company, providing our customers with exceptional value,” said Phil Gabriel, president of Hemisphere GNSS. “Leveraging our 23 years of GNSS development experience with the latest in handheld technology is a natural and exciting next step for us.”

In February 2013, Hemisphere GPS changed its name to Hemisphere GNSS Inc. after parting ways with the Agriculture business unit (Now AgJunction Inc.). While both Hemisphere names are owned by the company, in order to reflect the company’s support of all Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) and update the company’s image, Hemisphere GNSS Inc. has adopted the use of a new logo and launched a new website.

Hemisphere GNSS will be introducing the new GeoMapper series at the annual Intergeo conference in Essen, Germany, October 8-10, 2013 at booth #A3.070.

October 1, 2013