Category: Applications

GEO Business 2017 features free workshops, exhibition
GEO Business, the London-based international showcase for the geospatial industry, has unveiled its commercial workshop program for 2017.

Featuring more than 80 workshops from 200 international exhibitors, GEO Business is expected to attract over 3,000 visitors from around the world. Held at the Business Design Centre in London on May 23-24, the workshops and exhibition are all free to attend.

Tailored specifically to equip geomatics and geospatial professionals with practical demonstrations of the latest research, services and technology in action, the 80-strong workshop line-up covers everything from automation, multi-channel GPR, topographic surveying, and wearable technology to 3D modeling and visualization, hyperspectral imaging, UAV developments and laser scanning.

“Visitors to this year’s GEO Business will be treated to our most exciting line-up of hands-on commercial workshops yet,” said show director Caroline Hobden. “They’ll enjoy opportunities to experience first-hand, ground breaking new products and services from leading industry innovators, many of which won’t be exhibiting at any other event in the U.K. this year. Being able to compare what’s on offer in the market, and get advice and inspiration to ensure you make the best decisions for your business, is what makes GEO Business such an invaluable experience to the thousands of visitors that attend every year.” The full line-up is now online.

Workshop highlights include:
- Next-generation condition reporting and assessment using artificial intelligence and robotics as a service: Learn how these emerging and disruptive technologies can deliver far-reaching gains in productivity and capability (hosted by SCISYS UK).
- Reality modeling: The capture of infrastructure assets’ as-operated conditions, by the use of simple photos or point clouds into a reality mesh (hosted by Bentley Systems International).
- HERON, the wearable mobile surveying system: Indoor or outdoor applications, walking or driving configuration able to provide 3D real-time mapping, real-time localization, change detection analysis and a powerful software brain to adjust and optimize scans (hosted by Gexcel).
- Using MAPublisher to create quality maps: Output to HTML5, GeoPDF and the Avenza Maps app using a wide range of GI tools in Adobe Illustrator (hosted by XYZ Maps).
- NTM, the country’s most detailed tree map: Updated and upgraded. What’s changed, and who’s using it? (hosted by Bluesky International).
- Ordnance Survey: Catch up with the latest news on products, services and apps.
- Hyperspectral Imaging: To support design and maintenance of infrastructure corridors (hosted by Cyient).
“We’re very much looking forward to GEO Business 2017, and the opportunity to share ideas and innovations around satellite data with delegates in both our workshop session and on our stand,” said Jonathan Summer, business development director at Earth -i UK. “This is an important event on our calendar for this year.”

A few decades ago, few could have foreseen some of the technological advancements that now seem commonplace. The geospatial industry has certainly seen its share of game-changers. Applying these changes — and figuring out what’s next — is an over-arching theme at GEO Business 2017.

In addition to the workshops and presentations, the show will feature 200 exhibitors and a packed conference program of keynotes offering real-time insights into the challenges and opportunities ahead. The exhibitor list is available online.

For more information, and to register for a free ticket to attend the exhibition and workshops, visit www.geobusinessshow.com/register. Continuing Professional Development points are available at all workshops and conference sessions. Conference prices start at £15 per day.
March 20, 2017
AgJunction signs strategic agreement with Hemisphere GNSS

AgJunction Inc., a provider of innovative hardware and software solutions for precision agriculture, has signed a new strategic agreement with Hemisphere GNSS, a provider of GNSS technology.

For an undisclosed, one-time payment and a new long-term supply agreement, AgJunction has agreed to release Hemisphere from a license restriction that prevented them from selling their GNSS products directly into the global agricultural market. Supply and market restriction agreements previously created between AgJunction and Hemisphere ended in 2016 while the market restriction agreements continued indefinitely.

Both were originally one company. In 2013, Hemisphere GPS split with its precision agriculture division, which then named itself AgJunction, while the GNSS part of the business was purchased by UniStrong Science & Technology Co. and renamed Hemisphere GNSS.

The agreement is expected to provide customers a more direct relationship with their GNSS supplier, creating better efficiencies for original equipment manufacturers, value-added resellers and growers alike. This agreement is also consistent with AgJunction’s desire to provide its steering customers the ability to choose among several possible GNSS options.

“AgJunction is pleased with the signing of this agreement as it will insure our customers, who have chosen Hemisphere’s GNSS receivers and antenna technology, direct access and an uninterrupted supply,” said Dave Vaughn, CEO of AgJunction. “As a leader in the precision steering machine control business, it is incumbent upon us to provide the GNSS solution our customers prefer, and this agreement does just that.”

This agreement does not affect AgJunction’s exclusive right to sell certain steering and machine control technology covered by the company’s extensive IP portfolio into the agriculture market.

“Hemisphere is excited to work more directly with our OEM agriculture partners,” said Hemisphere President and CEO Farlin Halsey. “This new supply agreement will forge a deeper relationship, providing faster response to sales and support requests and increased customer feedback, resulting in stronger innovation and solutions. We would also like to thank AgJunction, and look forward to both companies’ future success.”

Specific terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

March 20, 2017
CMC introduces CMA-6024 GNSS for helicopters

Esterline CMC Electronics showcased advanced displays and CMC Electronics-brand integrated helicopter avionics at the Hai Heli-Expo, held Feb. 26-March 1 in Las Vegas.

Esterline’s new helicopter demonstrator featured the CMA-6024 GNSS landing system. While introduced last fall, the CMA-6024 has been customized for rotorcraft operations to allow operators to achieve precision approaches to CAT II and CAT III minimums at helipads.

The CMA-6024 GNSS module for aircraft.

The CMA-6024 GPS sensor that delivers a high-reliability satellite-based augmentation system and ground-based augmentation system (SBAS/GBAS) CAT-l/ll/lll precision approach solution for all aircraft.

“Our CMA-6024 is the result of over 35 years of experience in the design and manufacture of certified airborne GPS products for the air transport, business aviation and helicopter markets,” said Jim Palmer, vice president, Navigation Solutions. “It is a collaborative effort with NovAtel Inc. and its patented Narrow Correlator signal tracking technology.”

The CMA-6024 aviation GPS/SBAS/GBAS sensor, featuring an embedded VHF Data Broadcast (VDB) receiver, is a complete, self-contained, fully certified precision approach and navigation solution, certified to Design Assurance Level A (DAL-A). Designed as an easy-to-integrate solution for all aircraft, the plug-and-play tandalone unit requires no specialized installation or integration support.

The CMA-6024 provides a navigation solution that is fully compliant with Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) and Required Navigation Performance (RNP). The CMA-6024 includes SBAS Localizer Performance/Localizer Performance with Vertical Guidance (LP/LPV) and GBAS GNSS Landing System (GLS) GAST-C/D Precision Approach guidance for all aircraft. The CMA-6024 meets or exceeds the most stringent environmental requirements set out in RTCA/DO-160G and goes further to meet additional requirements for specific aircraft.

Built on the successes of the CMA-5024, the CMA-6024 is the next evolutionary step forward that adds a complete GBAS/GLS solution. All CMA-5024 receivers can be upgraded to a CMA-6024. All of the benefits of the CMA-5024 are retained and a new self-contained GBAS/GLS functionality has been added to produce the CMA-6024.

CMC’s family of GPS products includes the CMA-5024 GPS Landing System Sensor that meets the requirements for an Instrument Flight Rules, civil certified Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). The European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS), a component of SBAS, augments GPS to provide an extremely accurate navigation solution that will support all flight operations from en route through Localizer Performance with Vertical Guidance (LPV) CAT-l equivalent approach. The CMA-5024 is compliant with and completely supports EGNOS/SBAS, from departure, en-route navigation, and all EGNOS/SBAS LPV Precision Approaches, and complies with published Communication Navigation Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) navigational mandates.

CMC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Esterline Corporation, a specialized aerospace and defense company headquartered in Bellevue, Washington, that employs over 13,000 people worldwide.

March 16, 2017
Bill seeks to crack down on warrantless government tracking

As government agencies expand their use of cell-site simulators or “stingrays” and other digital tracking technology, Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, and Rep. John Conyers, Jr., D-Mich., introduced the Geolocation Privacy and Surveillance Act (known as the GPS act) to create clear rules for when agencies can access and track an individual’s geolocation information.

Chaffetz introduced the House version of the bill on March 6, with four Republican and three Democratic cosponsors. Wyden introduced the Senate bill Feb. 15.

Courts have issued conflicting opinions about whether the government needs a warrant to track Americans through their cell phones and other GPS devices. The Supreme Court unanimously ruled in 2012’s U.S. vs. Jones case that attaching a GPS tracking device to a vehicle requires a warrant, but it did not address other digital location tracking, including through cell phones, OnStar systems and consumer electronics devices.

The GPS Act applies to all domestic law enforcement acquisitions of the geolocation information of individual Americans without their knowledge, including acquisitions from private companies and direct acquisitions through the use of cell-site technology. It would also combat high-tech stalking by creating criminal penalties for surreptitiously using an electronic device to track a person’s movements, and it would prohibit commercial service providers from sharing customers’ geolocation information with outside entities without customer consent.

Wyden and Chaffitiz have now introduced versions of the GPS Act four times since 2011. Though hearings have been held, the Act has yet to make it out of committee for a vote.

“Outdated laws shouldn’t be an excuse for open season on tracking Americans, and owning a smartphone or fitness tracker shouldn’t give the government a blank check to track your movements,” Wyden said. “Law enforcement should be able to use GPS data, but they need to get a warrant. This bill sets out clear rules to make sure our laws keep up with the times.”

“Congress has an obligation to act quickly to protect Americans from violations of their privacy made possible by emerging technologies,” Chaffetz said. “As we welcome innovative technologies that help fight crime, we must be mindful of the potential for abuse. This bill will build a framework governing the use of geolocation and cell site simulator technologies.”

“We must enact the Geolocation Privacy and Surveillance Act to require the government to obtain a warrant based on probable cause to compel companies such as cell phone service providers to disclose the geolocation information of their customers,” said Rep. John Conyers, Jr. (MI-13). “Geolocation tracking, whether information about where we have been or where we are going, strikes at the heart of personal privacy interests. The pattern of our movements reveals much about ourselves. When individuals are tracked in this way, the government is able to generate a profile of a person’s public movements that includes details about a person’s familial, political, professional, religious, and other intimate associations. That is why we need this legislation to provide a strong and clear legal standard to protect this information.”

Support for the Act

Technology and civil rights organizations praised the bill’s introduction.

Neema Singh Guliani, legislative counsel at the American Civil Liberties Union: “In today’s world, most Americans use cell phones or other electronic devices that are capable of tracking their every move, including visits to a mosque, doctor’s office, domestic violence shelter, or political rally. This information that the government should not be able to get without a warrant – yet law enforcement routinely fails to meet this standard. Congress should swiftly pass the GPS Act to protect this sensitive information.”

Gabe Rottman, deputy director of the Freedom, Technology & Security Project at the Center for Democracy and Technology: “As we move into the world of connected devices, and as the sheer number of these devices grow, location tracking becomes more accurate, and more revealing. Basic notions of American privacy necessitate passage of this important reform to require a warrant for location tracking.”

Amie Stepanovich, U.S. policy manager at Access Now: “Computer scientists have proven that even a few location points can be used to reveal incredibly broad and personal information about an individual. At the same time, ever more devices are collecting our location data. Law enforcement agencies are using an increasingly sophisticated array of technology to obtain that information without proper legal protections. What you don’t know can hurt you. Access Now applauds the GPS Act for protecting this sensitive information and mandating a warrant requirement for law enforcement access.”

Lee Tien, senior staff attorney at the Electronic Frontier Foundation: “Geolocation data paints a detailed portrait of our daily lives that reveals sensitive information about us and our families — whether a visit to a children’s cancer specialist or to a church, synagogue or mosque. The government shouldn’t be able to track us without a warrant just because we use cellphones. The GPS Act ensures all Americans have strong legal protections for their geolocation data.”

March 16, 2017
GHOST project developing intelligent public transportation
News from the European GNSS Agency (GSA)

All across Europe, the number of smart cities is multiplying. To tackle their growing needs and to guarantee efficient city planning and maintenance, many cities are engaged in massive investments in such key areas as street lighting, road maintenance, traffic and waste management.

In parallel, public transportation is continuously evolving in terms of coverage, comfort and technology.

Within this context, the exploitation of Galileo and its integration with other sensors is key to developing concrete solutions for current and future smart-city planning. Along these lines, the Horizon 2020-funded GHOST (Galileo Enhancement as Booster of the Smart Cities) project is designing, developing and validating an intelligent system for vehicles that equips existing public transport fleets with a Galileo-enabled camera and connects these vehicles to a web portal.

The GHOST system equips existing public transport fleets with a Galileo-enabled camera and connects these vehicles to a web portal. (Photo: GSA)

The system automatically takes pictures of predefined points of interest (POI) based on the accurate position of the vehicle — provided by Galileo. All images are sent to a processing server capable of detecting such anomalies as potholes or a burnt-out street light. The system then uses the web portal to report these findings to the relevant authorities.

“At this point, GHOST is designed primarily for reporting street lighting anomalies and road deteriorations, monitoring public garbage collection and detecting double parking infractions or disabled parking spots occupied by unauthorized vehicles,” said Project Coordinator Claudia Maltoni. “In addition to these basic functions, we have also identified more advanced services, such as spotting bus-lane and congestion-charging-area violations, which will be implemented at a later date.”

A user-focused system

The GHOST system’s key differentiator is its use of Galileo positioning, which gives it the capability to take autonomous snapshots with an error range of 1 to 10 meters (depending on the size of the POI). In densely populated urban environments, such a level of service is only possible with the combined use of Galileo, inertial sensors and Kalman filters.

The GHOST system’s key services:
- reporting street lighting anomalies and road deteriorations
- monitoring public garbage collection levels
- detecting double parking infractions or disabled parking spaces occupied by unauthorized vehicles
- monitoring timely collection of garbage.
Another unique feature is a free smartphone application that citizens can use to collect geo-localized snapshots. “Whenever an individual user sees an anomaly within a city’s infrastructure, all they have to do is snap a picture with their smartphone,” explained Maltoni. “This level of engagement not only enhances the overall system, but also empowers individual users to play a key role in urban upkeep.”

Improving urban efficiency

By taking advantage of the many vehicle movements happening in cities every day, GHOST proposes a competitive way to improve the efficiency of monitoring a city’s operations and infrastructure. Once finalized, the system will enable faster detection of double parking or road deterioration and help reduce traffic, accidents and pollution.

“Thanks to our field tests and favourable lab results, we are already setting up the next phase of the project, with the aim of taking the system’s technology to the next level,” concluded Maltoni. “This includes providing real-time, onboard image processing so that the system can handle such dynamic scenarios as bus-lane infractions and congestion-charging enforcement.”

The project is working to bring GHOST technology to market. Coordinators are busy making key contacts with interested public administrations, garbage collection companies and traffic police departments. It is also working to ensure that the system complies with all European regulatory standards, such as those related to circulation or privacy.
March 15, 2017
Telit offers new series of smart GNSS antenna modules
Telit, a global enabler of the Internet of Things (IoT), has introduced advanced positioning modules in the SE868xx-Ax family featuring multi-constellation GNSS receivers with 9 square millimeter patch antennas.

Telit’s SE868Kx-Ax series offers high performance for space-constrained applications such as wearables, tracking, telematics and security. The new integrated antenna modules include advanced features that significantly increase RF sensitivity, allowing for a much simpler integration without external components.

The SE868K3-A/AL is a multi-constellation GNSS variant with flash memory and a GNSS core.

The SE868K7-A/AL is a GPS variant with ROM memory and a GPS core.

The new module variants are designed with the same, ultra-compact 11 square millimeter cavity PCB package as the other modules in the series, with the bonus of a second low noise amplifier (LNA) and surface acoustic wave (SAW) filter. Footprint compatible with other modules in the family, the SE868Kx-Ax series includes variants with multiple interfaces and a combination of features including:
- Ultra-compact 11 x 11 mm “cavity” PCB package
- Standard variant with integrated 9 millimeter by 9 millimeter by 4 millimeter SMT antenna
- Low-profile variant with 9 millimeter by 9 millimeter by 2 millimeter antenna
- Additional LNA and SAW filter
- Real time clock (RTC) and temperature compensated crystal oscillator (TCXO)
- Jamming rejection
- Pin-to-pin compatibility with other modules in the series
- Ephemeris file injection (A-GPS)
- Satellite-Based Augmentation System (SBAS) compliant
With the different options available in the SE868Kx-Ax series, customers can design once and interchangeably mount the solution most appropriate for the environment, Telit said. This enables developers to select the right technology for their use case without having to redesign the entire application when it comes time to transition.

“The SE868Kx-Ax series is an exciting enhancement to our positioning product portfolio,” said Felix Marchal, EVP GNSS and short range, Telit. “Our commitment to excellence is reflected in the years of experience releasing breakthrough positioning modules and solutions. This latest release specifically addresses the integration challenges that IoT developers face today. Leveraging the low-profile and SMT mounting options that do not compromise the host PCB, developers can take advantage of the most important and advanced features available in positioning technology tangibly booting the efficiency of global design efforts, schedules and budgets.”

The Telit IoT Know How program assists customers to accelerate the deployment of cost-effective and future-proof solutions integrated with GNSS from idea to market, the company said.

The variants will be available in the second quarter of 2017. Telit is exhibiting them at Embedded World 2017, Nuremberg, Germany, March 14-16, located at hall 3, booth 3-518.
March 15, 2017
Agricultural robots market worth $12.8B by 2022

The agricultural robots market is expected to grow from $2.75 billion in 2016 and is expected to reach $12.8 billion by 2022, at a compound annual growth rate of 20.71 percent between 2017 and 2022, according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets.

The increasing focus on farm efficiency and productivity and increasing global demand for food are some of the significant drivers for the growth of the agricultural robots market.

Hardware. The hardware component is expected to hold the largest share of the agricultural robots market between 2017 and 2022. The hardware components include automation and control systems, and sensing and monitoring systems. Automation and control systems such as global positioning system (GPS) receivers, guidance and steering devices, and variable rate technology devices form a major part of the agricultural robots market. These hardware components have the largest share of the overall agricultural robots market owing to their extensive use in field farming technologies.

Weather forecasting. Weather tracking is one of the important parameters in agriculture as this application facilitates up-to-date information on prevailing climatic conditions, such as temperature, rain, wind speed and direction, and solar radiation. There are various kinds of devices used for this application, which include handheld instruments and on-field weather stations. Weather tracking helps in taking decisions before severe and potentially dangerous climatic conditions occur, thereby protecting a farmer’s family or business.

North and South America. The Americas held the largest share of the agriculture robot market in 2016. This growth is attributed to the increased industrialization of farming equipment with the need for improved efficiency and productivity to meet the global demand for food. Efficient farming requirements, high production accuracy and increased use of farm management software are some of the factors for the growth of the agricultural robots market in the Americas.

Major players in the agricultural robots market mentioned in the report include Deere & Company (U.S.), Trimble Inc. (U.S.), AgJunction Inc. (U.S.) and AGCO Corporation (U.S.).

The report is titled “Agricultural Robots Market by Type (UAVs, Milking Robots, Harvesting Systems, Driverless Tractors), Offering (Hardware-Automation & Control System, Sensor & Monitoring Device; Software; Services), Application, and Geography — Global Forecast to 2022.”

The report includes 203 pages, including 79 market data tables and 79 figures, with an in-depth table of contents.

A PDF brochure on the report is available.

March 15, 2017
UK’s Bluesky acquires US aerial survey company Col-East

British aerial mapping innovator Bluesky International is expanding its business into North America following the acquisition of Col-East Inc., a Massachusetts-based aerial survey company. Col-East has been mapping the Northeast United States for 65 years and will continue as Col-East International Ltd., forming the U.S. arm of Bluesky.

Founded in 1952, Col-East has a long-established reputation for high-quality topographic mapping with particular expertise in specialized aerial surveys, such as high-precision aeronautical mapping requiring skilled analysis. Bluesky has seen an increase in the demand for specialized large-scale mapping, 3D modeling and feature extraction in recent years in the European market, and the company intends to apply these skills to the expanding U.S. market.

Bluesky has improved on aerial mapping techniques in the UK in recent years, backed by the latest digital cameras and 3D laser mapping technology. The Leicestershire-based company will not only be equipping Col-East aircraft with the latest digital aerial surveying equipment, including cameras and sensors for laser (lidar), thermal and infrared capture, but will also be building on the existing technical and experienced Col-East skill base by introducing new workflows and image-processing techniques honed in the competitive U.K. and European markets.

“Britain has a long tradition as a pioneer in mapping techniques, and the Bluesky team was behind the creation of what was the world’s first nationwide high-resolution aerial photo map, created back in 1998,” said Rachel Tidmarsh, managing director of Bluesky International Ltd. “Since then, we have developed new systems and techniques that are underpinning advances in environmental and 3D mapping, and we will be introducing these advancements to the U.S. market with the acquisition of Col-East.”

As well as topographical mapping and aeronautical work, Col-East offers a range of aerial imaging services such as the production of terrain models, orthophotos and volumetrics, providing cost-effective mapping solutions from estates to development sites and complex transportation corridors.

Col-East owns a huge archive of aerial photography that has been captured over many years and dates, back to 1946. Col-East will gain immediate access to Bluesky’s proprietary technology used in the development of some ground-breaking derived products, including 3D building modeling, tree mapping, air quality mapping and state-wide solar power potential mapping. Products will also be available to purchase through the new Col-East online Mapshop, which will be launched soon.

“It’s a very exciting time for Col-East,” said Mark Thaisz owner and general manager at Col-East. “Bluesky is bringing significant investment, new technology and added resources that will allow the business to expand freely. Already we’ve equipped our aircraft with a new Vexcel UltraCam Eagle survey camera which offers high accuracy and unsurpassed clarity to bring a whole new edge to the aerial survey market in New England.”

March 15, 2017
Launchpad: Survey book, receivers, black box for cars

SURVEY & MAPPING

Handbook on GPS

Written for professional users of GPS systems and data

GNSS Survey & Engineering: Handbook for Surveyors and Survey Engineers, by Huibert-Jan Lekkerkerk, provides the professional GPS user with enough background to understand and correct the operation of satellite navigation equipment in general, and GPS in particular. The book is based on lectures the author has written for the Geomares Education Skilltrade course in hydrographic surveying as well as a series of articles on satellite navigation systems. ISBN/EAN: 978-90-825818-2-9, 236 pages.

Geomares Publishing, www.geomares.nl/store/

Modular receiver

Future-proof system tracks currentand planned constellations

Topcon MR-2 GNSS receiver.

The MR-2 modular GNSS receiver system combines all current and planned constellation tracking with a comprehensive set of communication interfaces to service any precision application requiring high-performance real-time kinematic (RTK) positioning and heading determination. It can perform as a mobile RTK base station, marine navigation receiver, mobile mapping device and as a GNSS receiver for agricultural, industrial, military or construction applications. Using Topcon HD2 heading determination technology, the MR-2’s dual antennas compute high-performance heading and inclination determination alongside the RTK positioning engine for precise navigation and guidance applications. Communication interfaces include Ethernet, serial and CAN. It can operate without disturbances in high-vibration environments.

Topcon Positioning Group, www.topconpositioning.com

The Optech Galaxy T1000 reduces operating costs and improves performance

Terrain mapper

Designed to reduce operating cost,improve performance

The ALTM Galaxy T1000 combines a 1000-kHz effective ground measurement rate with Optech’s SwathTRAK technology to create a compact, efficient and versatile lidar sensor. A doubling of the laser pulse repetition frequency and an increase to its variable-terrain capability with SwathTRAK technology reduces the number of flightlines by up to 70 percent over traditional fixed field of view (FOV) sensors. SwathTRAK leverages the Galaxy’s programmable scanner by dynamically adjusting the scan FOV in real time during data acquisition, enabling constant-width data swaths and constant point density even in highly variable terrain and far fewer flightlines to collect and process.

Teledyne Optech, www.teledyneoptech.com

TRANSPORTATION

Auto navigator
Lifetime map updates, lane routing

TomTom VIA1625.

The TomTom VIA GPS devices are available in three models: VIA 1425, VIA 1525 and VIA 1625 — 4-inch, 5-inch and 6-inch touchscreens, respectively. They offer an enhanced address search that helps drivers define destinations from the search menu or by touching a point on the map. TomTom VIA devices also offer Advanced Lane Guidance, helping drivers prepare for exits and intersections by clearly highlighting the correct driving lane for a planned route. Drivers also have the ability to update maps for the device’s lifetime at no extra charge with Lifetime Maps.

TomTom, TomTom.com

Aftermarket telematics

Connected cars for dealerships

The Kahu connected car solution is designed for auto dealers, providing streamlined lot management while delivering a new finance and insurance (F&I) profit center by offering consumers a modern location tracking and stolen vehicle recovery service. Kahu provides accurate vehicle data for proactive maintenance reminders that can improve vehicle health and keep vehicles within warranty. Kahu includes an aftermarket GPS device and mobile apps for both dealers and their customers.

Spireon, www.spireon.com

Black box for cars

Dashboard camera helps in accidents

vPinPoint is a 3D “black box” technology for vehicles using a dashboard camera. In July 2016, Roke fitted the tech to an autonomous Toyota Prius and demonstrated how data captured via vision processing technology could be used to provide a precise 3D reconstruction following a road incident. The tech is expected to offer insurers, drivers and, in the case of autonomous vehicles, manufacturers independent evidence of what happened, leading to safer vehicles and helping build public trust in driverless vehicles. Unlike current dashcams, the technology uses computer vision algorithms to enable the precise position and orientation of any vehicle — car, bike, lorry or autonomous vehicle. This allows for near-perfect 3D reconstruction of any accident to be created even if the vehicle loses complete control.

Roke Manor Research, www.roke.co.uk

UAV

Module for UAV testing

Research and education platform offers Linux autopilot on Raspberry Pi

The Navio2 platform is being used in universities and research institutions worldwide. It has a u-blox M8N GLONASS/GPS/Beidou chip and two inertial measurement units (IMU): the InvenSense MPU9250 and an STMicroelectronics LSM9DS1 — both offering nine degrees of freedom. Other features include a barometer, servo control and a friendly programming environment. Open-source drivers and detailed tutorials are available in C++ and Python. All experimental data can be processed directly on Raspberry Pi, a tiny computer designed to teach programming. Navio2 runs Ardupilot flight stack and can operate in different flight modes including manual, stabilize, follow-me and auto.

Emlid, www.emlid.clom

Drone-based agricultural solution

Early identification and troubleshooting of crop issues

SenseFly’s eBee SQ long-range agricultural drone can now come paired with Agribotix’s FarmLens agricultural data-processing cloud-processing platform to make collecting and analyzing aerial data easier. The eBee SQ is built around Parrot’s Sequoia sensor, which features multispectral sensors that capture calibrated data across four distinct spectral bands and imagery in a single flight. The FarmLens Professional subscription bundled with the eBee SQ gives users the ability to perform the full crop-scouting workflow while working in the field. Users can fly large areas efficiently, capture ground-truthing images, make notes and share detailed information about trouble spots via the Agribotix Digital Scouting Report.

Agribotix, agribotix.com

sensefly, www.sensefly.com

March 13, 2017
Topcon’s new concrete paving system uses ‘millimeter GPS technology’

Topcon Positioning Group has launched a new system for automated concrete paving — the ZPS system — with the new Z-Robot and Z-Stack sensor.

Using enhanced Topcon “millimeter GPS technology,” the ZPS system is designed to bring unmatched accuracy to concrete paving with a fraction of the hardware required for a traditional local positioning system.

The new Z-Robot is an advanced robotic total station with integrated Z-beam laser technology. The Z-Robot is designed to provide a hybrid function of high-precision, optically based vertical accuracy control and the convenience of Z-beam laser positioning to maintain that accuracy across the paver.

“The ZPS system’s self-leveling Z-Robot cuts setup time in half compared with previous concrete paving methods,” said Murray Lodge, senior vice president and general manager of the Construction Business Unit. “With traditional systems, you need multiple, expensive robotic total stations to control the paver at any given time and at least another complete set of instruments for downrange transition. With the ZPS system, only one Z-Robot controls the paver — increasing productivity and profitability, and dramatically lowering the cost of the solution compared to LPS.”

On board the paver, the ZPS system uses the new Topcon Z-Stack modular-designed system that seamlessly integrates GPS, optical targeting, and Z-beam reception into one unit by interlocking the required sensing technologies in one rugged “stack.”

“The Z-Stack sensor is revolutionary,” said Lodge. “It combines time-proven Topcon positioning technologies into one multifunctional, consolidated and complete system that provides better accuracies and more efficient paving than ever before. The system requires no separate base station and only one cable needed for power and connectivity.

“The system also offers a wider working area, with a range of up to 150 more feet than with traditional methods — minimizing instrument transitions,” Lodge said.

March 9, 2017
Topcon offer Bentley reality modeling with UAS solutions

Topcon Positioning Group introduces Topcon ContextCapture, powered by Bentley Systems, a reality modeling software solution that will be offered with Topcon UAS (unmanned aerial systems).

The system is designed for mapping, construction and surveying professionals to quickly turn simple photographs and or point-cloud data into true-to-life, highly detailed 3D models for use throughout a project lifecycle.

“The offering will include Topcon ContextCapture Standard and Topcon ContextCapture Advanced,” said Charles Rihner, vice president of the Topcon GeoPositioning Solutions Group. “The standard package will be bundled with Falcon 8 and Sirius Basic/Pro and allows operators to process data from these UAS into textured 3D reality meshes, point clouds and orthophotos. ContextCapture Advanced allows users to process data from any UAS. It also includes ContextCapture Editor, which enables operators to take advantage of all project data by integrating reality meshes and point clouds, into infrastructure workflows. The result is access to a wide variety of reality modeling tools to help increase productivity.”

Context Capture software by Topcon.

The ContextCapture Advanced integration includes computer-aided design (CAD), inspection, GIS, civil engineering, and survey workflows on desktop and mobile devices, in multiple formats.

“This represents the next step in the Topcon and Bentley collaboration to advance the concept of constructioneering — allowing users to start from a reality-captured survey context and leverage and update their digital engineering models throughout the construction process, and finally deliver the as-built infrastructure in real time,” Rihner said.

“We are excited to bring to market this new joint offering that enables greater efficiency and productivity in the global construction market,” said Phil Christensen, Bentley vice president of reality modeling. “Our reality modeling solution for mapping, construction, and surveying professionals will enable them to quickly turn UAS imagery into engineering-ready 3D reality models that can be used immediately and updated throughout the construction lifecycle. Since we announced our constructioneering partnership last November, we see this as only one of many new integrations between Bentley and Topcon that will enable better project outcomes.”

March 9, 2017
Topcon updates 2D indicate system for excavation, Wi-Fi for imaging

Topcon Positioning Group is providing an update to its X-52 entry-level machine control system for excavation. The 2D system is designed to offer cost-effective indicate grade control.

“The X-52 system features the all-new MC-X1 controller, which offers compatibility with all brands and models of excavators,” said Kris Maas, director of construction product management. “Operators with limited exposure to machine control systems will find the system intuitive and very easy to use. Its reliable and rugged TS-i3 tilt sensors detect the precise positioning of the boom, stick and bucket at all times.”

The system is designed to provide a forward-thinking investment for contractors who want to enhance its capabilities in the future. “Later this year, the X-52 will be upgradeable to a full 3D system with GNSS, which allows it to expand along with business needs.

“The X-52 not only allows operators to work faster and with better accuracy, but also promotes a safer work site by keeping grade checkers out of the trenches,” Maas said.

The system is designed to pair with the GX-55 touchscreen control box to offer sunlight-readable indicate grade reference in any climate condition.

Wi-Fi for Imaging Station

Topcon also added advanced connectivity options to its DS-200i direct aiming imaging station. The DS-200i, now with Wi-Fi access, provides real-time, touchscreen video and photo imaging to capture measured positions.

“The ultra-wide 5 MP on-board camera provides photo documentation in the field and can now transmit live video using either LongLink or high-speed WLAN as an access point, which allows the FC-5000 or Windows 10 tablets to easily connect,” said Ray Kerwin, director of global surveying products.

“The addition of Wi-Fi connectivity offers convenience to the powerful video capabilities of the DS-200i. The system allows for non-prism measurements to be aimed and measured to remote objects — saving time without having to return to the tripod,” Kerwin said. “The live video allows a remote user to know exactly what is being measured.”

Additional standard features include Hybrid Positioning functionality, Xpointing technology for quick and reliable prism acquisition, TSshield telematics security and maintenance technology, and a rating of IP65 for water-resistant construction.

March 9, 2017