GPS World

Author: Tracy Cozzens

  • Missouri Surveyors Launch Online Learning Portal

    Geo-learn-logoGeoLearn has partnered with the Missouri Society of Professional Surveyors (MSPS) to provide customized product training for its members.

    With GeoLearn’s abilities, MSPS can provide more options to its members who seek continuing education opportunities. By accessing the online learning portal through the MSPS website, professional land surveyors and their staff can improve or refresh their knowledge base of land-surveying practices relevant to Missouri.

    According to GeoLearn, the online interface is easy to use, affordable, and provides a tool to inventory all course work taken through GeoLearn for easily tracking continuing education credits earned. This is a modern way to get a quality service and course content that is specifically addressed to Missouri-licensed land surveyors. The coursework is available with no delay once a person is signed up for the presentation they select. There is also the convenience of being able to enter the portal and get continuing education credits anytime, at any place.

    “We’re happy to partner with MSPS in providing online training,” said GeoLearn CEO Joe Paiva. “We’ve already collaborated with them, Seiler and Mo DOT in producing a free course for the public, on how to use the Missouri DOT Real Time (GPS) Network; many users, not just surveyors, have questions about the network, how they can access it and use it.” In addition, MSPS has launched two Missouri-specific courses on survey minimum standards, presented by J. Michael Flowers, PLS.

    The Missouri Society of Professional Surveyors is the premier professional association in Missouri for those engaged in the practice of land surveying. Its purposes include representing the interests of, and to be the primary voice for, the surveying profession in the state; elevating the standards of practice for land surveying in the state for the benefit the public; supporting the general public and offices of public records by encouraging the delivery of superior land surveying services that upgrade land records; sponsoring legislation and educational programs beneficial to the public and land surveyors; and striving to improve the professional recognition of the profession by the public and other related professions.

  • Leica, Aibotix, and Headwall Offer Airborne Sensor Solution

    The Airbotix X6.
    The Aibotix X6.

    Leica Geosystems, Aibotix and Headwall Photonics are offering an integrated high-performance airborne sensor solution using a hyperspectral imager and the Aibot X6 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The Nano-Hyperspec sensor is optimized for size, weight and power to enable aerial acquisition of all spectral and spatial data within the scene of interest. A UAV with integrated Headwall sensor has been successfully flown and was presented at InterGeo 2014, held last week in Berlin.

    Precision agriculture, forestry, geological research, and environmental monitoring are application areas that can benefit from the airborne hyperspectral imaging solution, the companies said. Equipped with the hyperspectral imager, the Aibot X6 can, for example, take pictures of fields or vineyards to determine the chlorophyll content, plant health, and invasive species, and offer farmers information on the state of the plants and harvest. By means of UAV and hyperspectral imager, farmers can measure before harvest, where the grain is driest or should be mowed first. Or, they can determine where rain has washed away fertilizer and where they must re-fertilize.

    For geological mapping, landfills and open mine sites can be overflown to quickly and efficiently track precious metals or minerals. Environmental monitoring and research to derive contamination of soil or water can be determined spectrally from the air quickly using the Aibotix UAV and Nano-Hyperspec sensor.

    The Nano-Hyperspec sensor measures 76.2 x 76.2 x 119.4 millimeters and weighs less than 0.68 kg. The sensor is integrated with a high-speed data processor and high-capacity flash storage. It collects image data across 640 spatial bands and 270 spectral bands with a Visible-Near-Infrared (VNIR) range of 400-1000 nm. The field of view is exceptionally wide, meaning that flight swath efficiency is maximized to cover as much territory as possible while the UAV is aloft. Further, it delivers crisp image data not only directly underneath the flight path but off to the edges.

    The integrated data storage is 480 GB, which will yield more than two hours at a frame-rate collection rate of about 100 fps, which is matched to the actual performance of the UAV itself. The direct-attached GPS with IMU yields the ability to generate ortho-rectified imagery data products.

    The Nano-Hyperspec comes pre-loaded with an airborne version of its Hyperspec III application software that manages sensor operation, image acquisition, and sensor performance while aloft. Hyperspec III software is designed to work in a complementary fashion with the GPS/IMU as well as incoming LiDAR data to collect spectral data and generate a completely integrated hyperspectral data cube.

  • Airbus, Exelis Partner to Provide ENVI Users Integrated Access to Imagery and Services

    Airbus Defence and Space and Exelis are teaming up to provide users of ENVI image analysis software a limited-time voucher offer for new imagery as well as easy access to the Airbus Defence and Space imagery archive through an application programming interface (API) plug-in integrated within Exelis’ ENVI software. The partnership between Airbus Defence and Space and Exelis helps to expand the network that makes imagery easily accessible to GIS users, the companies said.

    The voucher program will offer a specific amount of Airbus Defence and Space imagery free of charge with any new ENVI license purchase, starting October 1, 2014. ENVI combines advanced spectral image processing and geospatial analysis technology with a modern, user-friendly interface. ENVI users will be able to integrate the Airbus Defence and Space imagery they receive through this program seamlessly into the ENVI software for use in applications such as feature extraction, change detection analysis, target identification, and more.

    The partnership has enabled Exelis and Airbus Defence and Space to develop and integrate an extension in ENVI software that directly connects to the Airbus Defence and Space imagery archive via an API. This allows ENVI users the opportunity to search and discover the Geo-Intelligence imagery archive directly within their ENVI environment. Users will have access to a full range of fresh optical and radar imagery including 1.5m SPOT 6 and SPOT 7 and 50cm Pléiades data.

    “This agreement between Airbus Defence and Space and Exelis gives ENVI users easy access to a full range of fresh optical and radar imagery, providing them with more accurate results for their projects and helping them make better decisions,” said Bernhard Brenner, head of the Geo-Intelligence programme line of Airbus Defence and Space. “We are excited to see new opportunities developing with this growing partnership.”

    “This integrated approach modernizes the way that people will discover data and access new imagery in conjunction with their existing imagery or GIS layers,” said Stuart Blundell, general manager at Exelis Visual Information Solutions. “By letting ENVI users easily identify and geo-locate thumbnail previews of available imagery within an area of interest without leaving the ENVI environment, our customers will save time and make better decisions in mission and project planning and execution.”

    The voucher program will be available to new ENVI users as of October 1, and soon after all ENVI users will be able to search and discover the Airbus Defence and Space imagery archive.

  • Topcon to Add 3D Mobile Mapping System to Product Lineup

    The IP-S3 3D mobile mapping system, by Topcon.
    The IP-S3 3D mobile mapping system, by Topcon.

    Topcon Positioning Group will add the IP-S3 to its line of 3D mobile mapping systems by the end of this year. The fully integrated high-density digital imaging system is more compact, lightweight, and designed to scan at a rate up to five times faster than previous models.

    Scanning at 700,000 points-per-second, the system is designed to offer data-rich results with its 30 MP panoramic imagery. Weighing 18 kg (39 lb.), the IP-S3 is engineered to offer simplified installation.

    “The IP-S3 is a mobile mapping powerhouse,” said Charles Rihner, vice president of the Topcon GeoPositioning Group. “It bundles years of mobile mapping experience to glean a high-density and high-resolution camera in a unit that is much smaller than its predecessors. It is so lightweight that a single person could mount it on a vehicle without assistance from anyone else.”

    The system pairs with Topcon Mobile Master Office software to perform all post-processing functions in a single application.

    “Mobile Master Office software offers a complete workflow in a single package, turning raw sensor data collected by the IP-S3 system into rich and precise point clouds and images,” said Rihner.

    The system is planned for release in late 2014.

  • Sokkia Introduces NET AXII Measuring Station

    Sokkia's NET AXII.
    Sokkia’s NET AXII.

    Sokkia has released the the NET AXII, the latest in its line of high-accuracy measuring stations. Designed for precision-intensive tasks such as monitoring, bridge construction, and other highly detailed engineering projects, the NET AXII series is a fully robotic total-station solution.

    The series includes the NET1 AXII and the NET05 AXII with 1-inch angle accuracy and 0.5-inch angle accuracy, respectively. “NET1 AXII is an excellent choice for long distance measurements, and NET05 AXII is a powerful solution for high-accuracy survey and construction projects,” said Brice Walker, vice president of survey sales.

    “These fully robotic models offer a superior level of performance compared to conventional systems that simply lock on to the nearest targets, Walker said. “The NET AXII auto-collimation system allows the measuring station to lock on to targets that are closest to the center view of the telescope, providing long-range precision even in low-light conditions. Additionally, the exclusive Reflector Prescan technology dramatically improves setup efficiency by automatically locating approximate reflector positions, even in situations where they cannot be seen by the human eye.”

    Features include Bluetooth connectivity options, an IP65 durability rating, and TSshield security and maintenance.

  • Topcon Announces Latest Addition to 3D Layout Line

    Topcon's LN-100W 3D positioning system.
    Topcon’s LN-100W 3D positioning system.

    Topcon Positioning Group announces an update to its world’s first line of 3D positioning systems designed for one-operator layout — the LN-100W.  The latest model includes Bluetooth functionality.

    The LN-100W is on display at InterGeo 2014, being held this week in Berlin.

    “LN-100W offers an enhanced level of connectivity with the addition of Bluetooth functionality,” said Ray Kerwin, Topcon director of global surveying products. “Now operators have an additional wireless communication option that will provide greater versatility with devices such as tablets that might not be WLAN ready.

    “The update exemplifies our focus on making the LN-100 as simple to use as possible,” said Kerwin.  “The LN-100W offers the popular self-leveling, one-operator 3D layout features of the original model, and takes the ease-of-use a step further.”

    The LN-100W is the newest of BIM (Building Information Modeling) solutions from Topcon.

    Watch a video demonstration from InterGeo below.

  • Trimble Offers Pipeline Construction Software for Oil and Gas

    The Trimble Access Pipelines launcher.
    The Trimble Access Pipelines launcher.

    Trimble announced today an addition to its Trimble Access family of field software applications: Trimble Access Pipelines. Designed for surveyors involved in oil and gas pipeline installation, Trimble Access Pipelines addresses challenges encountered by pipeline surveyors by automating common pipeline survey tasks. The software solution saves time by simplifying attribute and inventory collection and integrating all the data into one easy-to-use data collection workflow.

    The announcement was made today at InterGeo 2014, the world’s largest conference on geodesy, geoinformatics and land management.

    Trimble Access Pipelines, a new addition to the ever-increasing suite of applications available for Trimble Access field software, offers a streamlined workflow for pipe inventory collection and validation, weld mapping and as-built measurements. The software significantly reduces project time and redundancies by collecting pipe attribute data, recording the relationship between welds and pipes, and electronically linking the joint attributes to measured welds. Using the application, pipeline surveyors can capture the necessary data so construction can proceed without costly delays.

    Trimble-Access-Pipeline-Screen-W

    The complete end-to-end solution is enabled when combining the power of Trimble Access Pipelines and Trimble Business Center. Trimble Access Pipelines can quickly generate customized reports for the tally and weld map data or the surveyed pipeline directly on the controller. All field data can be seamlessly transferred into Trimble Business Center to produce rich, complete deliverables including as-built plots using the Trimble Business Center Advanced Drafting module.

    “One of the most time consuming challenges pipeline surveyors face is the collection of pipe attribution detail and recording the information with weld positions,” said Benoit Mallen, business area manager of Oil and Gas for Trimble’s Geospatial Division.”With Trimble Access Pipelines, we have leveraged Trimble’s strength in positioning technology and combined it with a workflow-specific application to create a streamlined solution that can meet the needs of geospatial professionals working in the oil and gas industry.”

    Trimble Access Pipelines and Trimble Business Center Software version 3.30 are available now through Trimble’s Geospatial Distribution Channel.

    A free trial of the Trimble Access Pipelines application as well as other available modules for Trimble Access are available to all existing Trimble Access users, and can be activated and installed using the Trimble Access Installation Manager. For more information on Trimble Field software, visit www.trimble.com/Survey/Field-Software.

  • Carlson Launches GIS360 for Android at InterGeo

    Carlson-GIS-360-Android-PNG-1

    Carlson GIS360 for Android, introduced at InterGeo this week in Berlin, is a mobile field GIS-GPS tool that utilizes both GIS and surveying technologies for field data collection.

    “Taking advantage of the graphics processing power of Android devices, GIS360 now includes an innovative 3D viewer so the user can see data and models in 3D on site,” said David Loescher, Carlson U.K. sales director and director of GIS360 Development.

    In addition to allowing field crews to navigate maps and collect and report data all in the field, GIS360 provides the data and fully rendered models of mines, earthworks and pipe networks can that can be viewed in 3D. The software’s Siteview function uses the Android devices’ built-in GPS, compass and gyros to give the user the view of the site that is in front of him.

    Carlson GIS360 provides a wireless connection to any map server of choice, so users are never without a map. This saves considerable time and effort as field crews can verify that all of the data collected is accurate before leaving the site. No costly site revisits are necessary and no office work is needed.

    The software’s “cloud” options mean that users’ data is always backed up with the ability to share between field and office in real-time. GIS360 goes beyond just positioning as it includes a wide range of tools for mobile workforce management, GPS data collection, tracking and asset maintenance.

    Used on an Android tablet or smartphone, Carlson GIS360 for Android can take GIS data anywhere, Carlson said. The built-in GPS and compass instantly calculate what the user is looking at and then displays the data automatically.

    “The GIS360 development team set out to make the collection of asset information easier and more efficient by combining the power of GIS360 with affordable Android devices,” added Loescher. “The result not only saves a lot of field time, but also makes the process far easier for everyone concerned.”

     

  • NGA Issues Advisory Notice on Web Mercator for Mission-Critical Operations

    The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) has issued an advisory notice on the use of Web Mercator for mission-critical operations.

    The notice outlines application risks to operations and adherence to Department of Defense World Geodetic System 1984 (WGS 84).

    “This message outlines the risks associated with the use of Web Mercator applications for DoD and GEOINT user community operations. The NGA Geomatics Office has assessed the use of Web Mercator and other non-WGS 84 spatial reference systems may cause geo-location / geo-coordinate errors up to 40,000 meters. This erroneous geospatial positioning information poses an unacceptable risk to global safety of navigation activities, and Department of Defense, intelligence community, and allied partner systems, missions, and operations that require accurate and precise positioning and navigation information. The NGA Geomatics Office reminds the community to use DoD approved World Geodetic System 1984 (WGS 84) applications for all mission critical activities.”

    Many popular commercial visualization, mapping and mobile web device applications use a Web Mercator spherical earth reference. “These applications are not an equal alternative to DoD WGS 84, as they do not provide the same geo-coordinates or geo-location accuracies,” the advisory states.

     

  • Live from InterGeo

    Geospatial Solutions/GPS World staff will be reporting from InterGeo October 7-9. The massive trade show, held this year in Berlin, is considered the world’s leading conference trade fair for geodesy, geoinformation and land management. With more than 16,000 visitors from 80 countries, it is one of the key platforms for industry dialogue.

    Staff members attending include GPS World Editor and Publisher Alan Cameron, Survey/GIS Editor Eric Gakstatter, and Digital Editor Joelle Harms. All three are accepting meeting invitations for companies interested in discussing their products and services. Contact [email protected].

    VIDEOS

    Supergeo Technologies, Inc., chats with Eric Gakstatter, GPS World and Geospatial Solutions contributing editor, about its different GIS solutions for worldwide users.

    PHOTOS

     

    BLOGS

    InterGeo: The Worldwide GIS Showcase (09/25/14)

    NEWS

    Sokkia Introduces NET AXII Measuring Station (10/07/2014)

    Topcon Announces Latest Addition to 3D Layout Line (10/07/2014)

    Trimble Offers Expanded GNSS Portfolio for Surveyors (10/07/2014)

    Trimble Offers Pipeline Construction Software for Oil and Gas (10/07/2014)

    Carlson Software Introduces Surveyor2 Data Collector at InterGeo (10/07/14)

    Carlson Launches GIS360 for Android at InterGeo (10/07/14)

    Hemisphere GNSS Offers New Survey-Grade GNSS Antennas (10/07/14)

    Applanix Offers Single-Board GNSS-Inertial System for UAV Mapping (10/07/14)

    Icaros to Unveil Versatile Nadir/Oblique Aerial Mapping System at InterGeo (10/03/14)

    InterGeo Event Considers Land Management Challenges (10/03/14)

    Trend- and Media-Forum at InterGeo Features Innovation, China (10/03/14)

    Juniper System, Soil Instruments Partner on Geotechnical Monitoring (10/03/14)

    Oxford Technical Solutions Launches Board Set for System Integrators (10/03/14)

    Orbit GT Showcases UAS Mapping Pro at InterGeo (10/03/14)

    Icaros to Demonstrate Measuring Tool for Oblique Imagery at InterGeo  (09/24/14)

    EUROGI Conference to Be Held in Conjunction with InterGeo (08/11/14)

    Join Us for Our Post-Show Webinar

    New Product Trends in UAV, Survey, Mapping, and Geospatial Data Collection and Analysis
    InterGeo Post-Show Report

    Thursday, October 16, 10 a.m. PDT/ 1 p.m. EDT / 5 p.m. GMT

    Summary: UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) are taking over the surveying industry, thanks to their ever-improving sensors and the fact that they are getting lighter and can therefore remain in the air for longer. They complete surveying and inspection tasks that would otherwise be difficult to tackle, and do so with impressive cost-efficiency. UAV trends and technology will be among the focal points at the InterGeo conference in Berlin in early October.

    Our correspondents will return with a fresh report, moderated by GPS World Editor and Publisher Alan Cameron and Survey Scene Editor Eric Gakstatter.

    Register for free!

  • Icaros to Unveil Versatile Nadir/Oblique Aerial Mapping System at InterGeo

    Icaros, Inc., a provider of aerial remote sensing and 3D visualization solutions, will unveil the IDM 1000 digital oblique mapping system next week at the 2014 InterGeo Conference in Germany. The versatile Icaros Digital Mapper (IDM) 1000 combines a high-accuracy photogrammetric nadir camera with four high-quality oblique sensors in a modular airborne imaging package.

    “Icaros developed the IDM 1000 for mapping organizations that want to maximize their investment in an aerial sensor system,” said Tom Bosanko, CEO of Icaros. “The IDM 1000 can be configured to meet the geospatial application needs of traditional photogrammetric imaging as well as 3D oblique mapping, all in one flexible system.”

    Icaros will display the IDM 1000 in booth #A4.009 Hall 4.1 at the InterGeo Conference and Trade Fair being held in Berlin October 7-9.

    The modular IDM 1000 package is built around the IDM 200 nadir camera with a new mount supporting up to four 45-degree oblique sensors. The standard IDM 1000 configuration includes an 80-megapixel (MP) nadir natural-color (RGB) sensor, four 36-MP oblique RGB sensors, modular mount, embedded GPS/INS, flight planning and management system, and the Icaros Photogrammetric Suite (IPS) of software tools.

    “Clients have the option of purchasing the IDM 1000 as a complete solution,” said Bosanko. “Or they can buy and operate the IDM 200 as a stand-alone unit and add the oblique cameras and mount later as their mapping offerings expand to include 3D modeling and oblique visualization.”

    The IDM camera family offers eight sensor-design alternatives, including near infrared and thermal infrared imaging. Each IDM camera delivers sub-pixel accuracy, high-dynamic range and true-color pixel collection. Depending on altitude, the pixel GSD ranges from 1 cm to 100 cm in nadir or oblique operations. The IDM 1000 can be flown on rotor or fixed wing aircraft and modified for flight on some UAVs.

    Aerial oblique imagery is used extensively in tax appraisal and assessment, and its applications are expanding rapidly into facility management, infrastructure monitoring, building energy audits, public safety and other GIS markets that benefit from creation of accurate 3D models and elevation data sets. The IDM 1000 is considered ideal to serve in the energy, utility, oil & gas, mining, urban development, security and defense markets.

    “The IDM 1000 package includes all of the software needed to process nadir and oblique imagery and perform advanced photogrammetric measurements,” said Bosanko. “The new Icaros Measurement Tool (IMT) is included.”

    The IMT is a universal oblique measurement tool. It enables customers working within Esri’s GIS environment to view and measure structures in oblique aerial imagery captured by any commercial oblique sensor system, including those from Pictometry, Vexcel/Microsoft, IGI, Leica, and Midas. IMT works equally well measuring images captured by oblique sensors mounted on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

    As GIS users continue the move to 3D, oblique imagery will be critical for constructing accurate image-based realistic 3D models. IMT enables users to manipulate and view oblique imagery while leveraging other geospatial data layers within their GIS environment. This capability allows users to navigate multi-image scenes in three dimensions while zooming and panning.

    The IMT software will also be demonstrated in the Icaros booth at InterGEO.

     

  • Geospatial Solutions Staff to Report from InterGeo

    GPS World/Geospatial Solutions staff will be reporting from InterGeo October 7-9. The massive trade show, held this year in Berlin, is considered the world’s leading conference trade fair for geodesy, geoinformation and land management. With more than 16,000 visitors from 80 countries, it is one of the key platforms for industry dialogue.

    Staff members attending include GPS World Editor and Publisher Alan Cameron, Survey/GIS Editor Eric Gakstatter, and Digital Editor Joelle Harms. All three are accepting meeting invitations for companies interested in discussing their products and services. Contact [email protected].