GPS World

Author: GPS World Staff

  • Garmin Goes Android with Monterra GPS

    The Garmin Monterra.
    The Garmin Monterra. Photo: Garmin

    Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd., maker of popular GPS devices such as the nuvi, has announced its first Wi-Fi-enabled outdoor handheld GPS running the Android operating system, Monterra.

    Monterra has a vivid, sunlight-readable touchscreen, and users can easily access the Google Play Store and download apps through an available Wi-Fi connection on the device. Developers can create new apps that are  suited for the rugged, waterproof, and sensor-loaded handheld device.

    “Monterra provides outdoor professionals and enthusiasts with the ultimate ability to customize their GPS device to perfectly suit their personal and professional needs,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin’s vice president of worldwide sales. “With a four-inch, color, multi-touch display, unique 3D MapMerge, and the ability to create new apps, Monterra takes the outdoor GPS to a whole new level, and users are able to take advantage of the features no matter how adverse the terrain may be.”

    With the Android operating system, users are able to access popular  outdoor-related Android apps, such as Peak Finder, as well as professional apps like construction estimators and ArcGIS to extend some office functions to the field. Monterra also has a built-in FM radio and NOAA weather radio with SAME alerts, so users can receive watches and warnings related to their location. Users can either listen with headphones or through the built-in speaker.

    Monterra has a built-in 3-axis compass with accelerometer and gyro, which indicates the user’s direction even when standing still or not holding the device level. Its barometric altimeter has the ability to track changes in pressure to pinpoint precise altitude, and it can also plot barometric pressure over time to monitor weather conditions. It also has a built-in UV sensor so users can monitor the intensity of the sun, and reduce exposure if necessary. With its high-sensitivity, dual-band GPS and GLONASS receiver, Monterra finds its location quickly and maintains signal lock even in heavy cover and deep canyons.

    New to the Monterra is a unique mapping feature: 3D MapMerge. With this feature, users can combine two maps — like TOPO, basemap, or BirdsEye Satellite Imagery — then view the new unique map in three dimensions. Hills, valleys, lakes, roads, and points of interest combine to give Monterra’s maps unequaled detail and richness. Combine BirdsEye with TOPO US 24K, or a GIS-based water table map with a shaded relief basemap, then zoom in, pan out, and rotate the 3D map using multi-touch.

    Monterra has a built-in 8-megapixel autofocus digital camera that takes geotagged photos, plus a 1080p HD video camera with LED flash. Users can download photos and videos to their computer for either work or sharing using Garmin Adventures. Monterra has 8 GB of internal memory built-in plus a microSD slot for even more extra storage.

    Monterra features a vivid and highly durable mineral glass display that uses sunlight in combination with the unit’s LED backlight to increase brightness and view-ability. It has an IPX7 waterproof rating and also uses a dual-battery system, which allows users the option of using the rechargeable Li-ion pack (included) or traditional AA batteries. It is also compatible with the same mounts as the Garmin Montana, so users can take Monterra anywhere.

    Wireless sharing is easy with Monterra. It has WiFi, ANT+, Bluetooth 3.0 and NFC capabilities, which allows users to share data, maps, waypoints, tracks, routes, and geocaches with other wireless compatible devices. Additionally, Monterra is compatible with BaseCamp, a free software download that lets you view and organize maps, waypoints, routes and tracks.

    The new Garmin Monterra will be available third quarter 2013 at a suggested retail price of $649.99 (Worldwide with preloaded worldwide basemap), and $699.99 (U.S. with preloaded TOPO U.S. 100K with Navteq roads).

  • ESA Unveils ‘New Breed’ of Galileo Satellite

    ESA Unveils ‘New Breed’ of Galileo Satellite

    The European Space Agency (ESA) has released a series of photos providing the first detailed views of the next batch of Galileo satellites, the first of which has already been delivered to ESA for rigorous testing in simulated space conditions. Scroll down to see the photos.

    The first Galileo Full Operational Capability (FOC) satellite was delivered to ESA’s ESTEC technical centre in Noordwijk, the Netherlands, on May 15. It is being prepared for testing in the ESTEC Test Centre, a unique facility for Europe with all the facilities needed to validate a satellite for launch under one roof.

    This initial FOC satellite is functionally identical to the first four Galileo In-Orbit Validation satellites already in orbit, the operational nucleus of the full Galileo constellation, but has been built by a separate industrial team.

    Like all the other 21 FOC satellites so far procured by ESA, the satellite’s prime contractor is OHB in Bremen, Germany, and the navigation payload was produced by Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd. in Guildford, UK. The photos shown here were taken at OHB.

    The satellite is approximately the size and shape of an old-fashioned telephone booth, dominated by its circular L-band antenna that will continuously broadcast navigation messages down to Earth.

    The smaller, hexagonal antenna beside it will perform a no less vital task — picking up emergency messages from vessels in distress to relay to search and rescue authorities, contributing to the international Cospas–Sarsat system.

    A second Galileo FOC satellite is due to join its predecessor at ESTEC later this summer, preparing for a launch scheduled for later this year.

  • Septentrio, Esri BeLux Bring Centimeter Accuracy to Mobile GIS Apps

    Septentrio, Esri BeLux Bring Centimeter Accuracy to Mobile GIS Apps

    Septentrio-geopod-W
    Photo: Septentrio

    Septentrio NV, the Belgian manufacturer of high-end GNSS receivers, and Esri BeLux, the regional distributor of Esri software, have joined forces to offer a user-friendly mobile solution that is accurate up to 1 centimeter. The combination of Esri software and the AsteRx-m GeoPod operates seamlessly using standard, open interfaces on any professional tablet. Used today by a major utility company, the new bundled solution allows anyone in the organization to accurately locate field assets and record geo-referenced data on the spot, Septentrio said.

    The AsteRx-m GeoPod upgrades professional tablet PCs with a high accuracy GNSS receiver, giving the user access to sub-meter, or even centimeter, accurate positions without needing specialized equipment. Using a standard USB connection, the AsteRx-m GeoPod can be connected to any professional tablet, giving the user free choice to select a device.

    The receiver uses satellites from the GPS and GLONASS constellations to increase the availability of a high-quality position solution, even in areas with bad satellite visibility. In addition, the receiver offers innovative tracking and positioning algorithms designed for demanding professional environments.

    The included RxAssitant software takes care of configuring the receiver and connecting to NTRIP-capable RTK or DGNSS networks, allowing a seamless integration with existing software applications like esri ArcGIS for mobile.

    Applications for the AsteRx-m GeoPod include construction, field service, utility mapping, highway maintenance, government mapping and emergency services.

  • Nightmare on GIS Street: GNSS Accuracy, Datums and Geospatial Data

    Sponsored by: Hemisphere
    Broadcast Date: Thursday, June 20, 2013
    Moderator: Eric Gakstatter, Survey Scene Newsletter Editor
    Speakers: Kevin Kelly, Geodesist, ESRI, Inc.; Craig Greenwald, Technical Director, GeoMobile Innovations; Michael L. Dennis, RLS, PE, Geodesist, NOAA

    A look at the challenge of dealing with horizontal datums in your GIS. We are moving into a new era in dealing with datum transformations. Geodata 2.0 is coming, and it can create big headaches when attempting to combine disparate geospatial databases. Sensors such as GPS receivers, remote sensing imagery, and 3D scanning provide much more accurate data, setting up a collision with outdated and mismatched legacy horizontal datums.

  • Effigis Offers New Version of EZSurv Post-Processing Software

    Effigis today announced the worldwide availability of a new version of its OnPOZ EZSurv GNSS post-processing software (V2.92). Improvements include automatic access to data from more than 8,000 base stations around the world and availability of more than 750 mapping systems, as well as enhanced compatibility with 22 native GNSS formats.

    EZSurv, Effigis’ GNSS post-processing software, provides a reliable, efficient RTK offline solution to improve survey or GIS data accuracy, the company said. EZSurv is fully compatible with most industry-standard field survey and GIS data collection software.

    The latest version of EZSurv offers easy, automatic access to base station providers worldwide: data from more than 8,000 stations around the world can be automatically accessed directly through the EZSurv interface, without any extra user intervention, the company said.

    Effigis constantly works on bringing data from more base stations to EZSurv users to improve worldwide connectivity to regional reference frames. “We regularly implement compatibility with additional base station providers as we get the necessary technical information,” said Denis Parrot, president of Effigis. Once compatibility is established, all necessary information to access new base stations is automatically updated through the Internet, without any software release or update.

    This latest release also integrates compatibility with new GNSS binary formats, which brings EZSurv compatibility to 22 native formats.

    Finally, EZSurv now offers more than 750 predefined “Map Projections/Datums” to help users quickly translate GNSS positions into regional mapping systems. This predefined map projection set is continuously updated on users’ desktops by a simple Internet download.

    “EZSurv V2.92 brings GNSS post-processing to an unprecedented level of ease of use,” added Denis Parrot. “EZSurv is a real gateway to many GNSS networks worldwide and provides post-processed results in the proper reference frames. Our commitment to streamline GNSS post-processing makes EZSurv the ideal tool to complement RTK systems.”

  • Tallysman Wireless Wideband Dual-Feed GPS L1/GLONASS/ Galileo Antennas

    Press-Release-Tallysman-TW4421_TW1421-W
    Photo: Tallysman

    Tallysman Wireless announces the TW4421 and TW1421 antennas, which offer a step forward in performance for small GNSS antennas, the company said.

    The TW4421 is a low-cost dual-feed magnetic mount antenna covering the GPS L1, GLONASS L1, Galileo and SBAS (WAAS, EGNOS & MSAS) frequency band (1574 to 1606 MHz). The TW4421 features a 25-millimeter dual-feed wideband patch element that provides excellent multipath rejection with a more linear carrier phase response, by virtue of a low axial ratio across the full frequency bandwidth, Tallysman said. It is especially suitable for high accuracy applications, and also offers high out-of-band signal rejection.

    The TW4421 is housed in a compact IP67 magnetic mount enclosure and is available with a wide range of connector options.

    The TW1421 embedded antenna is lightweight (30 gm) and features a very small footprint (35 mm diameter x 7.25 mm). The TW1421 is suited for use in applications where performance and small size are of paramount importance, such as extreme-sport-wearable tracking devices and UAVs.

    “Most small low-cost GPS/GLONASS/Galileo antennas are narrow-band devices with an elliptically polarized response at the GPS and GLONASS frequencies,” said Gyles Panther CEO of Tallysman Wireless. “The TW4421/1421 antennas feature a 40-percent wider bandwidth patch, with a dual-feed structure, which provides unparalleled multipath rejection previously only available in much larger, more expensive antennas.”

  • NavCom Introduces StarFire Rapid Recovery

    NavCom Technology, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Deere & Company, announced the release of new software for its Sapphire-based receivers, including the SF-3050, SF-3040, and LAND-PAK. The multi-frequency GNSS (GPS+GLONASS) receivers are now capable of supporting NavCom’s new StarFire Rapid Recovery feature, which allows users to quickly regain StarFire accuracy after short GNSS signal blockages caused by shading, bridges or other similar constraints. Other new features include support for proprietary GLONASS RTK correction messages from third party base stations and a new web server interface for the SF-3050.

    “The functionality and capabilities gained from these new features allow our customers improved productivity in the field,” said Steve Ault, NavCom’s Product Manager. “Previously, users would have to wait out the traditional 45-minute pull-in delay when they lost the GNSS signal, but now, StarFire Rapid Recovery helps users ride through short GNSS signal outages of up to three minutes and regains 5cm StarFire accuracy within two minutes after entering StarFire mode. Our customers are now up and running within five minutes with StarFire Rapid Recovery, thereby increasing the maximum possible uptime.”

    NavCom’s StarFire Network, a Global Satellite Based Augmentation System, provides five centimeter horizontal accuracy worldwide and the freedom and flexibility that a DGPS solution offers, NavCom said. Starfire offers 99.999% uptime, a seven-satellite constellation, and StarFire over IP (SFoIP) delivery for redundancy to ensure system availability and position accuracy.

    StarFire Rapid Recovery and third-party GLONASS RTK are options available via a software update for all current StarFire receivers offered by NavCom’s global dealer network.

  • FCC Order Enables NextNav to Commence Commercial Operations

    NextNav-bldg
    Photo: NextNav

    On June 6, the FCC, following a unanimous vote of the commission, issued an order enabling NextNav, LLC to begin commercial operation of its advanced positioning network, which is designed to support 911 emergency first responders.  NextNav is deploying its nationwide network using Part 90 Multilateration Location and Monitoring Service licenses that are held by its affiliate, Progeny LMS, LLC. NextNav has been operating a fully-deployed location network for trial, testing and other non-commercial purposes in the San Francisco Bay Area for more than three years.

    “We are pleased that the Commission has unanimously approved our ability to enter into commercial service,” said Gary Parsons, CEO of NextNav. “The commission conducted an extremely thoughtful review of the technical characteristics of our innovative system, and this order will allow us to offer location services that have the potential to significantly enhance 911 and public safety applications.”

    NextNav’s high-performance terrestrial positioning network is designed to complement GPS in urban areas and inside structures, places where GPS is significantly degraded or denied due to blockage of the fainter, satellite-based GPS signal. The FCC-chartered Communications Security, Reliability and Interoperability Council Working Group III found that NextNav’s system delivered 90 percent smaller search rings then existing technologies in challenging indoor urban environments, and was the only technology tested capable of providing floor-level height accuracy.

    The operation of this system is significantly enhanced by its use of Part 90 M-LMS spectrum licenses, which are designated for the location of mobile devices.  The spectrum licenses used by NextNav cover nearly all major U.S. urban centers and over 93 percent of the U.S. population.

  • Trimble Launches Unmanned Aircraft System for Photogrammetric Aerial Mapping

    Trimble Launches Unmanned Aircraft System for Photogrammetric Aerial Mapping

    The Trimble UX5. Photo: Trimble
    The Trimble UX5. Photo: Trimble

    Trimble has introduced its next-generation Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) — the Trimble UX5 aerial imaging rover with the Trimble Access aerial imaging application. The new solution builds upon the strengths of its predecessor, the Trimble Gatewing X100, to offer enhanced image quality and intuitive workflows. Combined with the Trimble Business Center photogrammetry office software module, the Trimble UX5 is the a complete UAS photogrammetric mapping solution specifically designed for surveyors and geospatial professionals.

    Trimble’s UAS for photogrammetric aerial mapping allows surveyors and geospatial professionals to collect data with an unmanned aircraft for large projects. A wide variety of traditional surveying applications such as topographic surveying, site and route planning, progress monitoring, volume calculations, disaster analysis and as-builts in industries such as surveying, oil and gas, mining, environmental services, and agriculture can now benefit from aerial imaging by allowing professionals to safely collect large amounts of accurate data in a short time.

    “With the recent introduction of the Trimble Business Center photogrammetry module and now the Trimble UX5 and Trimble Access aerial imaging application, Trimble continues to pioneer the development of UAS photogrammetry data collection and integration for geospatial professionals,” said Erik Arvesen, vice president of Trimble’s Survey Division. “The complete solution represents a significant leap in efficiency, transforming traditional workflows with faster data collection, easier processing and enhanced deliverables.”

    The new Trimble Access aerial imaging application is field software for planning UAS missions, performing flight checks and monitoring flights — all with intuitive workflows. The imaging application is used to define the project area, avoidance zones, and flight parameters as well as take-off and landing locations. In the field, it is used to perform pre- and post-flight checks and download the flight data and images after landing. The new wizard-like digital checklists give the operator a complete “to-do list” so critical steps are not bypassed or missed in the field that can enhance reliable and safe flights. The software also includes fixed post-flight procedures to ensure that operators do not leave the field with a dataset that is incomplete or inconsistent.

    The Trimble UX5 can provide a safer method to collect data compared to traditional surveying methods, Trimble said. Flights are fully automated, from launch to landing, and require no piloting skills. The operator facilitates the aircraft’s operation and built-in safety procedures can ensure safe and successful launches. Data collection can be performed remotely without exposing individuals to hazardous terrain, environmental contaminants or heavy equipment and machinery.

    The Trimble UX5 unmanned system in use at a construction site. Photo: Trimble
    The Trimble UX5 unmanned system in use at a construction site. Photo: Trimble

    The Trimble UX5 aerial imaging rover has been designed to follow the latest developments in the “prosumer” camera market, providing optimal image quality along with maximum photogrammetric accuracy.

    Incorporating a mirrorless 16-megapixel camera with a fixed focal-length external lens, the Trimble UX5 provides high-resolution imagery and accurate deliverables. The large field of view from the camera allows the UX5 to cover 50-75 percent more area to enhance efficiency and reduce operational costs. In addition to the increase in flight efficiency, the Trimble UX5 is capable of producing 3D surface deliverables with a ground sampling distance of approximately 2.4 centimeters (approximately 1.0 inch).

    Designed to operate in real-world conditions, the Trimble UX5 is capable of flights between 75 and 750 meters (approximately 246 and 2,460 feet) above ground level and can be flown in light rain and windy conditions, up to 65 kph (approximately 40 mph).

    The Trimble UX5 airframe is comprised of a carbon frame inside expanded polypropylene. Impact-resistant plastics and composite fibers are used for the aircraft components, including winglets and belly plate. This design and choice of materials results in a rigid aircraft with strong torsional stability and the ability to withstand rough landings.

    Performance enhancements also include the ability to execute steep landing approaches and thrust reversal for accurate and repeatable landings. The landing procedure starts 300 meters (approximately 984 feet) from the landing location allowing the UX5 to be used for jobs that have site restrictions such as buildings, towers or trees.

    Orthophotos, contour maps, point clouds, digital surface models (DSMs) and feature maps can easily be created from aerial images using the Trimble Business Center photogrammetry module. Single-click processing for stitching images streamlines the office process for generating powerful deliverables, Trimble said.

    The Trimble Business Center allows surveyors and other geospatial professionals to combine aerial photography with data collected from GNSS receivers, total stations, 3D laser scanners and more. By combining imagery from the Trimble UX5 and any Trimble VISION instruments, users can visualize their project from both aerial and terrestrial perspectives, measure points within the images and create 3D models of the infrastructure and terrain.

     

  • GPS CNAV Civil Capabilities Now Being Tested

    CNAV-logoU.S. Air Force Space Command is now testing CNAV capabilities on the GPS L2 and L5 signals. The initial CNAV Live-Sky Broadcast began June 15 and will take place until June 29. Civil users and manufacturers are invited to participate.
    The GPS Directorate (SMC/GP) is implementing the CNAV (Civil Navigation) Test Program, conducting Live-Sky CNAV testing before deployment of the Next Generation Operational Control System (OCX). CNAV is a capability to be provided by Civil Navigation message types for the purpose of improved GPS navigation through the use of signals L2C and L5.

    According to the GPS Directorate, the CNAV Live-Sky testing program will span several years and will evolve to support GPS enterprise and modernized civil navigation performance objectives. Objectives include:

    1. Verify and validate the CNAV requirements specified IS-GPS-200F and IS-GPS-705B.
    2. Facilitate the development of robust IS-compliant L2C and L5 civil receivers.

    Below is the latest Notice Advisory about the upcoming test issued to NAVSTAR users. More information can be found in the NAVCEN test plan PDF.

    NOTICE ADVISORY TO NAVSTAR USERS (NANU) 2013034 NANU TYPE: GENERAL

    *** GENERAL MESSAGE TO ALL GPS USERS ***

    The purpose of this notification is to inform users of an upcoming event related to the GPS satellite constellation.  Air Force Space Command will be
    testing CNAV capabilities on the GPS L2C and L5 signals on Jdays 2013/166-2013/182.  There are no planned GPS satellite outages or degradations for this activity. L2C and L5 CNAV message testing should be transparent to GPS receivers that do not process L2C or L5 CNAV.  These test events will provide an opportunity for civil users and manufacturers to participate in L2C and L5 evaluation. Details on the test plan are located at the NAVCEN web page. Any military or civil users who encounter user equipment problems during or after testing should contact the applicable POCs identified below as soon as possible.  Aviation users should file reports consistent with FAA-approved procedures. Users are cautioned that L2C and L5 signals are not operational.

    *** GENERAL MESSAGE TO ALL GPS USERS ***

    POC: CIVILIAN – NAVCEN AT 703-313-5900, HTTP://WWW.NAVCEN.USCG.GOV
    MILITARY – GPS OPERATIONS CENTER at
    HTTPS://GPS.AFSPC.AF.MIL/GPSOC, DSN 560-2541,
    COMM 719-567-2541, [email protected],
    HTTPS://GPS.AFSPC.AF.MIL
    MILITARY ALTERNATE – JOINT SPACE OPERATIONS CENTER, DSN    276-3514,
    COMM 805-606-3514, [email protected]

     

  • OS-Agnostic Indoor Location Software Offered by Trusted Positioning

    Trusted Positioning has released the Trusted Portable Navigator (T-PN) indoor location software. Available for any operating system, this mobile embedded software allows mobile users to navigate shopping centers, airports, and subway stations. No additional hardware or infrastructure required.

    The T-PN combines the use of existing smartphone motion sensors with wireless updates (such as Wi-Fi and GNSS) for a complete solution with no extra hardware or infrastructure needed.

    T-PN needs no additional infrastructure: This enables a consumer to navigate through an environment with no existing navigation technology. T-PN integrates with existing sensors such as Wi-Fi and GPS when available and utilizes significantly less power than either GPS or Wi-Fi positioning. The company reports that accurate positioning can be maintained while the phone is swinging in a hand, a call is answered, the phone is in a pocket or purse, or the consumer is texting.

  • Android Beats iOS, Microsoft Handily in Smartphones, Tablets

    Three-fifths of all smartphones, tablets, and notebooks shipped worldwide during the first quarter of 2013 run Google’s Android mobile operating system, independent analyst firm Canalys reports.

    Manufacturers shipped 308.7 million smart mobile devices between January and March, Canalys states. Android powers 59.5 percent of all shipments. Apple’s iOS ranks a distant second at 19.3 percent, fueled by its strength in the smartphone and tablet markets, followed by Microsoft at 18.1 percent, buoyed by its relative strength in the notebook segment. Rival platforms including BlackBerry account for the remaining 3.1 percent.

    Among the three device categories under the microscope, the tablet market continues to experience the fastest growth: Worldwide tablet shipments grew 106.1 percent year-over-year to 41.9 million units. Apple continues to lead tablet shipments with a 46.4 percent share, but Android-based rivals narrowed the iPad’s lead for the third consecutive quarter.

    “Spearheaded by Google and Amazon, the commoditization of the tablet market has happened far quicker than that of the wider PC market,” said Tim Coulling of Canalys. “Profit margins are being squeezed and vendors without a low cost structure will find it hard to compete. A solid range of must-have accessories and a software and services strategy are vital as vendors will increasingly need to make revenue around their devices.”

    Smartphone shipments eclipsed 216.3 million during the first quarter, up 47.9 percent over year-ago totals. Android accounted for 75.6 percent of all smartphone shipments, led by Samsung Electronics, which increased its volume 64.3 percent year-over-year to capture 32 percent market share. Apple’s iPhone shipment volume grew just 6.7 percent over the first quarter of 2012, the smallest increase since the launch of the original iPhone back in mid-2007.