The Geospatial Professional Network (formerly URISA) is seeking respondents to its 2025 GIS Management Survey. The survey is part of a research project on geographic information system (GIS) management practices.
The survey is designed to gather information from organizations using GIS technology, to learn about how they organize and GIS, and provide services to their users.
All respondents will receive a report of survey results.
To conribute to the survey, go to GIS Management Survey 2025.
NV5, a division of Acuren Corporation, has become the first geospatial company to acquire and deploy Hexagon’s Leica CoastalMapper, an airborne bathymetric lidar system for coastal and riverine mapping.
The CoastalMapper, developed by Leica Geosystems, combines a bathymetric lidar module with topographic lidar and an imaging sensor in a compact pod. The system collects bathymetric and topographic lidar data simultaneously with high-resolution imagery during a single flight. It captures up to 1 million bathymetric points per second and 2 million topographic points per second, producing imagery at a 5-centimeter ground sampling distance at standard flying altitudes.
The system can operate at higher altitudes than previous generation systems, enabling surveys of steep mountainous river terrain. Applications include infrastructure resilience, flood monitoring and environmental investigations in shallow and deep waters.
Kurt Allen, president of NV5’s Geospatial Business Unit, said the sensor system will allow the company to deliver more comprehensive datasets in coastal and riverine environments and support environmental resilience and infrastructure planning.
NV5 Geospatial will receive the Leica CoastalMapper from Hexagon by the end of the year, with a handoff that took place at Intergeo in Frankfurt, Germany, Oct. 7-9, 2025.
NTNU researchers have built SmartNav, a system that overcomes urban GPS errors using satellite corrections and Google’s 3D data. It achieves near-centimeter precision, paving the way for safer, more reliable self-driving cars.
Researchers at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) have created SmartNav, combining satellite corrections, wave analysis, and Google’s 3D building data for remarkable precision. Their method achieved accuracy within 10 centimeters during testing, and could make reliable urban navigation accessible and affordable worldwide, including autonomous vehicles.
The paper is published in the Journal of Spaial Sciences, DOI: 10.1080/14498596.2025.2536567.
“Cities are brutal for satellite navigation,” explained Ardeshir Mohamadi. “In cities, glass and concrete make satellite signals bounce back and forth. Tall buildings block the view, and what works perfectly on an open motorway is not so good when you enter a built-up area.”
Mohamadi, a doctoral fellow at NTNU, is researching how to make affordable GPS receivers much more precise without depending on expensive external correction services. “For autonomous vehicles, this makes the difference between confident, safe behavior and hesitant, unreliable driving. That is why we developed SmartNav, a type of positioning technology designed for urban canyons,” Mohamadi said.
To solve this problem, the researchers combined several technologies to correct GPS signals, resulting in a computer program that can be integrated into the navigation system of autonomous vehicles. The software developed by the researches uses PPP-RTK (precise point positioning – real-time kinematic), which combines precise corrections with satellite signals. The European Galileo system now supports this by broadcasting its corrections free of charge.
Meanwhile, Google launched a new service for its Android customers that provides 3D models of buildings in almost 4,000 cities around the world. The company is using these models to predict how satellite signals will be reflected between the buildings, allowing users to see if they are walking on the correct side of he street.
The researchers were able to combine all these different correction systems with algorithms they had developed. When they tested it in the streets of Trondheim, they achieved an accuracy better than 10 centimeters 90 percent of the time.
The use of PPP-RTK will also make the technology accessible to the general public because it is a relatively affordable service.
“PPP-RTK reduces the need for dense networks of local base stations and expensive subscriptions, enabling cheap, large-scale implementation on mass-market receivers,” Mohamadi said.
Drone-maker Orkid has unveiled a new variant of its Orkid 260 drone that incorporates four technologies to improve aerial data-capture technology.
According to the company, the Orkid 260VTOL represents a leap forward in the integration of advanced sensing and communication technologies, setting a new benchmark for multi-mission drone capability across commercial and industrial applications. The company said it is the “first vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) drone to bring all four of the most advanced aerial data capture technologies together — onboard, fully integrated, and operating simultaneously.”
The system combines lidar (YellowScan Surveyor Ultra), photogrammetry (Phase One P5 camera), GNSS/IMU (Trimble Applanix APX-RTX), and Starlink satellite communications integration in a single platform.
Built on a 100% electric, NDAA-compliant architecture, the aircraft delivers an estimated 1.5 hours of flight endurance with a range of up to 75 miles. Designed for mapping, surveying, utilities, oil and gas, defense, and critical infrastructure inspection, the new model expands the operational scope for high-precision, long-range missions.
Trimble has released two positioning system portfolios for mobile mapping and direct georeferencing — Applanix POS LVX+ and Applanix POS AVX RTX — designed to meet evolving demands in the geospatial industry. The solutions are designed to deliver improved accuracy and efficiency for land-based and airborne mobile mapping applications.
Trimble is showcasing both portfolios at Intergeo 2025, alongside Applanix POSPac Complete advanced post-processing software introduced last week.
Both portfolios include a one-year subscription to the Trimble CenterPoint RTX correction service and Applanix POSPac Complete for desktop and cloud, which includes post-processed CenterPoint RTX. By integrating real-time and post-processed data, users can achieve global coverage without traditional GNSS base stations, avoiding complications from base stations in different local datums or epochs. Both systems achieve centimeter-level accuracy and support Trimble IonoGuard technology for advanced mitigation against ionospheric disruptions.
“By bundling both real-time and post-processed RTX into the POS LVX+ land and POS AVX RTX air solutions for mobile mapping, these ready-to-use systems simplify procurement and enable immediate deployment,” said Steve Woolven, president and general manager of Applanix at Trimble. “These portfolios enable our customers to tackle the most complex mapping projects and ensure optimal accuracy for final deliverables.”
Land-Based Systems
The POS LVX+ portfolio offers six models with several key features: a smaller, lighter and more cost-effective design with rugged components suitable for diverse users and project types; the Applanix IN-Fusion+ multi-sensor aided inertial engine that maintains performance in challenging environments like urban canyons or tree canopy; suitability for projects using lidar sensors or cameras, plus fleet management and automotive applications; and onboard and external inertial measurement units that enhance reliability and performance.
Airborne Positioning
The Applanix POS AVX RTX portfolio includes four variants for mapping at different flying heights through improved orientation accuracy. Key features include over-the-air correction technology achieving positioning, velocity and orientation accuracy up to 0.03 horizontal meters root mean square (RMS) and 0.06 vertical meters RMS without additional setup or infrastructure; robust hardware with advanced inertial measurement units (IMU) and FAA-certified antenna and cabling; and combined real-time and post-processed RTX correction data for time-critical missions, large-scale corridor mapping and projects in remote or inaccessible areas.
Availability
The POS LVX+ and POS AVX RTX will be available in the first quarter of 2026 through Trimble Applanix sales channels. After the initial 12-month period, customers can purchase CenterPoint RTX license renewals and POSPac Complete term licenses. For more information or to request a demo, visit https://applanix.trimble.com/en/products/hardware/applanix-avx-rtx or https://applanix.trimble.com/en/products/hardware/applanix-pos-lvx+.
Eos Positioning Systems has announced end-of-life planning for four models in its original Arrow Series GNSS receivers, with discontinuation set for March 31, 2026, or when current inventory is depleted.
The company has began to phase out the Arrow Lite, Arrow 100, Arrow 200 and Arrow Gold receivers on Oct. 2, 2025. The models have been used by mapping professionals and organizations conducting field data collection.
Eos will maintain technical support for the discontinued models for at least five years following the end-of-life date, according to company officials. Support will be available through the company’s technical team and global distributor network.
“These products have served our customers well in a variety of field environments that I could not have imagined in the early days of our company,” said Jean-Yves Lauture, chief technology officer at Eos. “While their time in the spotlight is coming to an end, their impact will continue to resonate.”
The company will continue to offer its Arrow Series plus models, which include the Arrow 100+ and Arrow Gold+ receivers currently in distribution. Eos plans to release two additional models — the Arrow 200+ and Arrow 300+ — though specific release dates were not provided.
Eos is also developing the Skadi Series, described as precision GNSS solutions for professional applications. Additional product specifications and availability information will be announced at a later date.
The original Arrow Series receivers have been part of Eos’ product lineup since the company’s early operations. The devices provided GPS and GNSS positioning capabilities for mobile data collection workflows.
Trimble as released its new post-processing software, Trimble Applanix POSPac Complete.
The solution combines Trimble ProPoint positioning engine, post-processed Trimble CenterPoint RTX (POSPac PP-RTX) and Applanix IN-Fusion+ multi-sensor aided inertial engine. This integration offers geospatial professionals the ability to deliver accuracy and efficiency in the crewed and unmanned systems, land and marine mobile mapping and surveying industries.
POSPac Complete will be showcased at INTERGEO 2025.
A redesigned software solution embedded with POSPac PP-RTX, Applanix POSPac Complete is available exclusively as an all-in-one term license that bundles essential GNSS augmentation options — single base, Applanix SmartBase post-processed VRS and POSPac PP-RTX service — into a single, transparent annual fee. This eliminates hidden costs, simplifies budgeting and ensures access to software updates, while Trimble RTX removes the need for base stations and provides global coverage.
Because Trimble RTX is embedded into the software, users around the world can attain seamless and efficient workflows with centimeter-level accuracy, even in remote or inaccessible areas, increasing productivity in their mapping process. Additional time savings are gained with the elimination of the time-consuming and challenging task of setting up and managing base stations that may be in different local datums or epochs.
“The new POSPac Complete is more than just a software update; it’s a paradigm shift in how geospatial professionals achieve high-accuracy results because of Trimble’s unique RTX factor,” said Nico Jaeger, product manager at Trimble. “By integrating the power of PP-RTX directly into the software, we’ve eliminated the logistical headaches of base stations and streamlined the entire workflow, making mobile mapping more accessible than ever before. Altogether, it helps new and experienced users to produce survey-grade results with unprecedented speed and simplicity, truly representing the next generation of geospatial processing software.”
Additional features in the new POSPac Complete include:
Optional add-on features available for purchase:
The POSPac Complete solution will be available in November 2025 through the Trimble sales channels. For more information or to request a demo, click here.
JAVAD Data Collector (JDC) is designed to run seamlessly on any Android device and interface seamlessly with JAVAD GNSS smart antennas. JDC features simple, intuitive workflows that require minimal training, making it accessible for users of all skill levels. The software includes a Signal Bar for a quick view of receiver status, ensuring users can easily monitor their equipment’s performance. Its easy navigation allows users to move through the software efficiently. It is designed to streamline operations of customers ranging from individual surveyors to large surveying firms, making it easier to deploy and manage receivers across teams of any size with minimal training. JDC is available for download through the company website. JAVAD GNSS, javad.com
The AU20 MMS is a vehicle-mounted mobile mapping system designed for accurate and efficient collection of 3D spatial data. It combines high-performance lidar technology, versatile sensor support and intelligent data processing to provide a practical and flexible solution for professionals in road surveying, asset management and infrastructure documentation. Its lidar system uses fourth-generation real-time waveform processing to achieve a scan rate of 2 million points per second and 200 revolutions per second, producing point cloud data with 5 mm accuracy and 3 mm precision. This level of detail allows for the identification of fine surface characteristics and features, supporting comprehensive asset inventories and condition assessments. The system’s long-range, multi-cycle laser technology enables high-density data capture up to 250 m in vehicle-mounted applications. CHC Navigation, CHCNAV.com
Teledyne Optech will showcase its portfolio of solutions designed for topographic and marine mapping and electric utility inspection at Intergeo 2025, taking place Oct. 7-9 in Frankfurt, Germany. The company will exhibit at Hall 12.0, Stand 0C067.
Featured technologies will include Fathom, a topo-bathymetric airborne lidar system designed for data integration of topo lidar, bathy lidar and a multispectral camera capturing the coastal scene from dry land to below water. Also on display will be EchoONE, Optech’s smallest lidar sensor to date at just 1.65 kilograms, combining long-range performance with NDAA compliance and real-time generation of georeferenced point clouds. Visitors will also see Network Surveyor, powered by Galaxy Edge and designed to meet the time constraints of electric utilities, featuring real-time processing and a software analytics stack for utility operators.
Visitors are invited to view a new compact lidar sensor designed for integration in modern wing and belly pods. Deployable in lightweight aircraft and helicopters, the sensor delivers high resolution for mapping projects, utility asset management and vegetation monitoring. Teledyne Optech will host a reception Tuesday, Oct. 7, from 4-6 p.m. at the stand.
The booth will also showcase Teledyne Marine’s sonar and software solutions for marine infrastructure projects, including dredging, offshore wind and port and harbor operations. Live demonstrations of Teledyne FLIR IIS’ spherical imaging camera Ladybug 6, with spatial accuracy of plus or minus 2 millimeters at 10 meters distance, will be available.
Mike Lee, director of product management at Teledyne FLIR IIS, will speak Tuesday, Oct. 7, from 12:50-1:10 p.m. on “Beyond Resolution: Advancing Mobile Mapping Through Spherical Imaging Innovation.”
Teledyne Optech is a lidar solutions provider. With operations and staff worldwide, Teledyne Optech offers solutions for topographic and marine mapping, defense and electric utility inspection.
Septentrio, part of Hexagon, has started volume shipments of its mosaic-G5 modules. Measuring 23 mm by 16 mm and weighing 2.2 g, mosaic-G5 enables reliable positioning without performance compromises for commercial UAVs, robots, geographical information system devices (GIS) and many other size and power-constrained industrial applications. The company’s GNSS technology provides enhanced positioning availability in challenging environments where signals are degraded or obstructed.
“We have had a lot of interest in the mosaic-G5 module series since its announcement earlier this year. After successful beta testing with various customers, I am pleased to say that we have now started shipping volume orders,” commented François Freulon, director of product management at Septentrio.
The mosaic family offers users a range of receiver modules to balance performance and cost. The quad-band mosaic-G5 P3 and the triple-band heading module mosaic-G5 P3H provide positioning availability in challenging environments for applications such as mapping or light show UAVs. The modules complement the mosaic product line, including the mosaic-X5 receiver, which the company positions as a benchmark for GNSS open-signal anti-jamming and anti-spoofing² resilience in a small form factor.
The mosaic-go G5 evaluation kit is available through the Septentrio webshop for testing and prototyping. It offers direct autopilot connections, and the free RxTools user interface assists with setup and evaluation.
Septentrio will showcase the mosaic-G5 modules at Intergeo in Frankfurt, Germany, Oct. 7-9, in Hall 12, Booth 114.
Vantor has rebranded from Maxar Intelligence. The newly named company also unveiled Tensorglobe, an AI-powered spatial intelligence platform.
The rebrand represents the culmination of the company’s multi-year journey to productize its core operational technology and transform from a satellite imagery provider into an end-to-end spatial intelligence company.
According to the company, the name Vantor speaks to how the company unlocks a real-time competitive advantage by delivering total clarity for missions across the space, air and ground domains, ending the era of disconnected sensor platforms. “Vantor is solving the most critical challenges across the defense and commercial sectors, including the urgent need for more advanced battlespace systems and the push to unleash autonomy across every industry,” the company said in a press release.
The company addresses these challenges with multi-domain spatial intelligence solutions that integrate sensor data across satellites, drones and ground-based assets to improve decision-making and drive autonomous operations at scale. Over the past six months, Vantor has launched several AI-enabled solutions, including:
Vantor has partnered with innovators across the defense and commercial sectors to jointly build integrated intelligence solutions. For instance, Vantor is delivering the foundational spatial intelligence for Anduril’s next-generation mixed reality combat system designed for the U.S. Army’s Soldier Borne Mission Command Architecture (SBMC-A) program. The company has also signed partnerships with Saab and Taiwan’s AIDC to integrate Raptor into mission-ready systems designed for contested environments.
JAVAD GNSS and ProStar have announced an integrated collaboration for high-precision utility mapping and infrastructure asset tracking. The collaboration features JAVAD GNSS U.S.-made smart antennas and the mobile utility mapping software, PointMan by ProStar.
This strategic partnership expands the reach of both companies and addresses the growing demand for fully integrated and field-ready precision mapping solutions in the utility industry.
The combined solution pairs:
“Through strategic partnerships with leading hardware manufacturers like JAVAD, we are transforming the utility mapping industry,”said Page Tucker, CEO and founder of ProStar. “We see this as part of a growing trend in the industry where major hardware providers recognize they can create greater value for their customers by bundling our PointMan solutions with their hardware products.”