The U.S. Army’s Joint Precision Airdrop System (JPADS) has developed a new capability with a navigation alternative to GPS.
In recent tests, JPADS were dropped from planes, and immediately determined their location using optical sensors to compare local terrain with commercial satellite imagery. The new system demonstrated navigation to its intended point, using nothing but imagery to guide it.
The new JPADS also works with little knowledge of the aircraft’s location at the drop point.
JPADS, largely guided by GPS, has already proven its importance in supplying troops with necessary materials and equipment, relying less on vulnerable convoys.
Dropping critical supplies from the air has allowed the U.S. military to rely less on easily-ambushed truck convoys and helicopter resupply. Exposure to improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and ambushed convoys resulted in more than 3,000 causalities in Afghanistan and Iraq through 2007.
JPADS has proven to be an important tool in the Army’s logistics chain in many scenarios to supply troops with material and equipment in adverse terrain and remote locations when ground lines of communication are not possible or deemed too high a risk.
A JPADs pallet lands on target, followed by several others still in the air, during recent testing. (Photo: US Army)
The Army life cycle manager, Product Manager Force Sustainment Systems (PM-FSS), continues to improve the JPADS capability with technology enhancements being led by the Army’s Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center (NSRDEC), including making JPADS more robust and versatile to environment, terrain and other factors. Investments are focused on significant increased accuracy, lower cost and lower retrograde weight/volume of the reusable JPADS at all weight classes.
The U.S. Army NSRDEC, with Draper and numerous other partners, recently began testing a new version of the JPADS guidance system that takes advantage of Draper’s technology to navigate precisely to its intended ground impact point using imagery alone, and having minimal knowledge about the aircraft’s location when the package is dropped. The accuracy is critical, as payloads that stray even slightly off course can force troops to expose themselves to enemy fire, or can tumble down mountainsides in rugged terrain, explained Chris Bessette, Draper’s JPADS program manager.
“This is a huge step forward for aerial resupply,” Bessette said. “The guided airdrop system is keeping U.S. forces from the danger that has killed thousands of their fellow troops. By enabling the system to operate using imagery alone when dropped as high as 25,000 feet above Mean Sea Level and upwards of 20 miles away from the target depending on winds, we can ensure that JPADS is even more versatile so troops receive supplies like fuel, ammunition, food, and water in the safest manner possible.”
Draper’s JPADS software autonomously flies the cargo-carrying parafoil to land at a user defined location, adapting in real-time to local environmental conditions, such as varying wind. The company’s work on JPADS takes advantage of its expertise in applying position, navigation, and timing algorithms to combine the outputs of precision instruments to enable highly accurate, long-duration navigation solutions.
The recent testing demonstrated the ability to accurately navigate JPADS to a pre-selected user position, using imagery alone, with almost no information about where the package was released from the plane. During testing in Arizona, the payloads were dropped from planes, and then JPADS immediately determined their own location by comparing terrain features spotted using optical sensors with commercial satellite imagery of the area.
The Army is also supporting Draper in developing upgrades to the vision-aided navigation system to address current limitations, including cloud cover, which degrades the system’s ability to correlate vision sensor inputs with satellite imagery.
The military can leverage the same technology to help guide military free fall paratroopers and unmanned aerial vehicles utilizing imagery data alone, Bessette said.
UK aerial mapping company Bluesky has reduced the time taken to process the terabytes of data captured by more than 75 percent, which will speed the production of aerial photography.
Following a major research project, the team at Bluesky’s Leicestershire production facility has implemented an UltraMap system from Microsoft, which has allowed for the introduction of a continuous, uninterrupted processing workflow. By investing in an entirely new workflow, Bluesky has also improved the quality of the aerial images, reducing “building lean” and image distortion, and the accuracy of its digital height models.
Bluesky’s investment in software follows the recent purchase of two UltraCam Eagle cameras, also from Microsoft, and the introduction of new flying practices.
Bluesky has recently secured a number of high-profile contracts, including a multimillion pound contract for the supply of geographic data to Central Government organizations awarded by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), and a four-year contract to supply the national mapping agency for Great Britain, Ordnance Survey.
Earlier this year, Bluesky announced plans and commenced data capture for the first high-resolution aerial survey of the whole of the Republic of Ireland, and will also create digital surface models and terrain models.
“2015 has been a phenomenal year in terms of data volumes to be processed,” said Bluesky’s Technical Director James Eddy. “We have introduced new flying methods, we have secured a number of large contracts and we are actively pursuing our own ambitious flying program. This has meant the volume of raw data to be processed is unprecedented.”
Microsoft UltraMap is an end-to-end photogrammetric workflow system that provides highly automated processing capabilities, allowing Bluesky to rapidly generate quality data products from UltraCam cameras. The improved workflow is designed to process huge amounts of data in the shortest possible time with the highest degree of automation, supported by guided manual interaction, quality control tools and powerful visualization.
“In order to process the many terabytes of data produced in a flying season — for example, we are looking at over a trillion DSM (digital surface model) points alone — the UltraMap system is just one component of a complex system,” continued Eddy. “We have also invested significantly in hardware, including an array of multi core processors, our network infrastructure, a robust backup system, internally produced software to increase and improve QA and improve productivity, and of course, perhaps most importantly, skilled and experienced staff.
“We now believe we operate one of the most advanced aerial imaging processing facilities in the UK, if not the world and we have the capacity to handle our largest-ever projects.”
Eos Positioning Systems has introduced a comprehensive RTK NTRIP app for Android that works with its Arrow line of RTK GNSS receivers. An Arrow GNSS receiver combined with the NTRIP app turns an Android smartphone or tablet into a powerful data collector capable of recording 1-centimeter accurate GIS data in real-time.
“We designed Eos Tools Pro for the RTK user,” said Chief Technology Officer Jean-Yves Lauture. “It is, by far, the most comprehensive NTRIP app for Android on the market today, turning smartphones and inexpensive Android tablets into powerful high-precision GNSS data collection devices.“
The app, named Eos Tools Pro, has user-configurable audible and visual alarms to alert the user of high PDOP, lost RTK correction, unacceptable correction age and several other important metrics. It supports all current and future constellations (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo and Beidou).
To eliminate any confusion as to which GPS/GNSS device the user’s app is using, Eos Tools Pro features a dropdown menu so the user may select any receiver the Android device has been paired with.
“The Eos Tools Pro app enables Android devices running Esri’s Collector app on Android smartphones and tablets to collect data as accurate as 1cm when connected to an Arrow GNSS receiver,” said Esri Product Manager Jeff Shaner. “It’s a big leap forward to enable Collector to serve the high-precision GNSS user.”
Google Maps is tightly integrated with the app to display the user’s location anywhere in the world. Detailed satellite information such as a skyplot that plots each visible satellite, whether it’s being used or not, and signal strength bar graphs from each constellation are also displayed. Finally, a Terminal screen displays the NMEA data flowing and allows the user to send commands to the receiver.
Eos Tools Pro and Arrow receivers are targeted at high-accuracy applications like GIS; environmental; agriculture; electric, gas, water utilities; surveying; machine control; and federal, state, and local government.
Garmin International has acquired PulsedLight Inc., a privately held designer of optical distance measurement technology in Bend, Oregon.
PulsedLight makes sensor boards that are highly accurate, small and lightweight. PulsedLight developed and owns the intellectual property that enables this technology, Garmin stated in a news release.
PulsedLight is the maker of the LIDAR-Lite, an optical distance measurement sensor for automotive blind-spot sensing, smart city traffic monitoring, 3D image scanning, collision avoidance, industrial measurements, security system components and other applications.
“Optical distance measurement technology fits in nicely with Garmin’s core competencies of location and positioning,” said Cliff Pemble, Garmin president and CEO. “We are delighted to add PulsedLight and their capabilities to the Garmin portfolio.”
“We are excited to have the support of a technology leader like Garmin. They are able to provide the resources and manufacturing expertise to integrate our technology into incredibly useful new devices that serve a multitude of markets,” said Dennis Corey, president and co-founder of PulsedLight. “We look forward to an exciting future under the Garmin umbrella.”
The PulsedLight office and its design associates will be retained by Garmin International. Financial terms of the acquisition will not be released.
Windows 10 and a new large display are key features of Juniper Systems’ latest tablet, Mesa 2 Rugged Tablet, released today.
Juniper Systems is a provider of ultra-rugged field data collection solutions.
Featuring the largest display produced by Juniper Systems to date, the Mesa 2 is also Juniper Systems’ first handheld to run on the new Windows 10, which the company said allows for improved decision-making in the field, as well as smooth transitioning from field data collection to office work and back.
With a full Windows 10 operating system, the Mesa 2 provides users with access to a broader range of software options to meet their data collection needs and is powerful enough to use in place of a desktop computer when in the office. The Mesa 2’s 7-inch display strikes a perfect balance between providing ample viewing area for collected data and reducing overall weight for minimal fatigue and superior, all-day comfort, the company said.
The Mesa 2 is designed to perform reliably in harsh environments, and is the only IP68-rated rugged Windows tablet available, providing complete protection against water and dust. It maintains a seal while its ports are in use, while most other tablets on the market are exposed to damage from water and dust if the port cover is not securely in place.
The Mesa 2 also features an extraordinary IllumiView display, providing best-in-class visibility in any lighting conditions, and its chemically-strengthened Dragontrail glass touch screen provides superior durability, reducing haze from surface scratches and cracks normally caused by accidental impact.
The Mesa 2 battery provides users with a full 8-10 hours of runtime, allowing for maximum productivity throughout the workday. Users may also purchase an optional expansion battery from Juniper Systems that provides an additional 4-5 hours of runtime plus hot swap capabilities for those extra-long days where overtime is required.
“The Mesa 2 is in a new sphere relative to our other ultra-rugged devices,” said Nate Holman, Director of Sales and Marketing at Juniper Systems. “While it features the same degree of outstanding quality and ruggedness as other Juniper products, the Mesa 2 provides users with more software options and greater processing capabilities, due to its full Windows 10 operating system and Intel quad-core processor. The Mesa 2 is designed to improve productivity along every point of the data collection process, from the initial planning and gathering of data, to the later data analysis, and finally through the decision-making process. It’s a tablet optimized for efficiency, designed to be ‘your office, anywhere’.”
The Mesa 2 Rugged Tablet will begin shipping in the first quarter of 2016.
Topcon Positioning Group has acquired a significant share of holdings a company that assists customers in virtual design and construction (VDC).
Viasys VDC — based in Espoo, Finland — has developed a suite of tools and services to assist customers in building virtual models for infrastructure and site-work projects. Using building information modeling (BIM) technologies, its solutions create VDC models that optimize the construction process throughout the project’s lifecycle, creating enhanced quality, higher efficiencies and reduced costs, Topcon said.
“Viasys VDC solutions allow for the import of virtually any BIM or non-BIM design model, offering seamless interoperability with open design standards currently in the market — which provides the contractor or engineer with full control and visibility of the entire design throughout the entire project,” said Heikki Halttula, CEO and president, Viasys VDC Ltd. “With advanced simulation tools and communication functions, design-build issues can be detected before actual work starts, or at any time during the process.”
Accurate 5D simulation allows for optimal planning and execution, Topcon said in a news release. Other significant features include cloud-based collaboration functions as well as mobile access to models and information on-site.
Topcon currently offers various BIM and remote site management/visibility solutions aimed at many of the markets served by Viasys VDC.
“Now, with our investment in Viasys VDC, we have partnered with the technology leader to allow us to offer an expanded platform for the future generation of advanced Topcon VDC solutions with seamless BIM interoperability for our partners and customers,” said Ewout Korpershoek, Topcon executive vice president for mergers and acquisitions.
“Partnering with Topcon is an exciting step forward to help advance our industry-leading VDC solutions, while also expanding their reach to a global audience,” Halttula said. “With Viasys VDC offices in Finland, California and Vietnam, we are also well positioned geographically to work directly with existing Topcon operations in Europe, North America and Asia.”
In addition to a full suite of BIM-based mobile workforce solutions, Viasys VDC offers an operational asset management solution as a basis for lifetime maintenance of the VDC managed projects.
High-tech aerial laser surveying is being employed to reveal the hidden archaeology of an Iron-Age hill settlement in Lancashire, England.
Visually, the archaeological features are difficult to see, but a Bluesky laser survey, commissioned by the Morecambe Bay Partnership, is expected to reveal previously undiscovered details of a settlement at Warton Crag. Identified as an important Heritage at Risk site, the site has already been subject to low-level archaeological investigations, which have identified remains from a small, well defended hill fort.
“It is imperative that we get a better definition of the archaeological remains that are currently ‘hidden’ by the dense vegetation cover,” said Louise Martin, H2H cultural heritage officer at the Morecambe Bay Partnership. “This will enable us to develop conservation strategies for the site and work towards reducing the risk to the archaeological remains. The site is currently on Historic England’s ‘at risk’ register, so this work is crucial in developing partnerships and strategies to protect the monument for future generations.”
The Bluesky lidar system uses lasers to accurately measure the earth’s terrain and record features on the ground in 3D. A dedicated survey plane is equipped with aerial photography equipment and will fly over the site during the winter months when the tree and canopy cover is at its minimum.
Bluesky will process the millions of individual laser measurements to create detailed 3D computer models of the Earth’s relief — a Digital Terrain Model (DTM) — and ground surface including buildings and vegetation — a Digital Surface Model (DSM). This will allow the Morecambe Bay Partnership to model scenarios and strategies and share information with project partners.
The UB380 GPS/GLN/BDS tri-constellation octa-frequency high-precision board.
High-end GNSS board
For high-precision positioning, navigation and GBAS applications
The UB380 multi-GNSS receiver has 384 channels, based on Unicore’s multi-GNSS system on a chip. It features Unicore’s latest real-time kinematic (RTK) engine, which can process triple-frequency BDS and GPS and dual-frequency GLONASS observation data. This can significantly reduce initialization time, improve position accuracy and enhance reliability in difficult environments such as city canyon and canopy, as well as make the long baseline RTK possible. The receiver board can support GPS L1, L2 and L5; GLONASS L1, L2; and BDS B1, B2 and B3. The support of GPS L2P and L2C can satisfy the high-precision requirements of GBAS reference station equipment. The UB380 is compatible with industry-standard GNSS boards in size, interfaces and electrical standards.
M12M Replacement Receiver GNSS module. Photo: Jackson Labs Technologies
Legacy receiver module
Plug-and-play upgrade for xli server, fury GPSDO
The M12M Replacement Receiver released is form, fit and function compatible to the legacy Motorola M12M and M12+ timing and navigation receivers. It uses an eighth-generation GNSS timing-enabled receiver, allowing 72 GNSS-channel reception with any two GNSS systems being received simultaneously. It adds configurability via USB ports and dual in-line package (DIP) switches and various status displays. GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, QZSS and SBAS signals can be received. The module supports NMEA, Motorola binary and u-blox binary as well as SCPI (GPIB) communication protocols; is designed to allow plug-and-play retrofit of equipment designed for legacy Motorola receivers; and is certified as a plug-and-play upgrade to the Symmetricom/Microsemi XLI server and the Jackson Labs Technologies Fury GPSDO. It can be used to retrofit products for GLONASS/BeiDou compatibility. The module enhances performance parameters such as time to first fix; position, velocity and timing accuracy; tracking sensitivity; the addition of SBAS (differential compensation) capability; and the addition of external interfaces such as USB and a synthesized frequency output.
High-gain, high-rejection family designed for cell and telecom
The TW3150/52 antennas feature a 50-dB low-noise amplifier (LNA) gain to handle long cable runs often associated with installation on telecommunications towers. They cover the GPS L1 and SBAS (WAAS, EGNOS and MSAS) frequency bands and provide excellent cross-polarization rejection and enhanced multipath rejection.The TW3150 antenna features a four-stage dual-filtered LNA, while the TW3152 antenna includes an additional SAW pre-filter. This provides better than 80-dB of signal rejection above 1610 MHz and below 1545 MHz. The antennas are IP67 and MIL-STD-801F Section 509.4 compliant to withstand challenging environmental conditions.
Provides support for GPS, GLONASS and BeiDou with MediaTek
The ORG1510-MK Multi Micro Hornet is a fully integrated multi-GNSS (GPS, GLONASS and BeiDou) module. The miniature low-power architecture is designed to provide a GNSS component to devices that require fully featured components with small footprints, such as UAVs designed to follow action sports and other fast-moving activities or wearables. The ORG1510-MK contains the MediaTek MT3333 chip, which supports a fast update position calculation rate, and contains an onboard flash memory that does not erase when power is off. It consumes little power with the use of both standby mode and backup mode, and, in advanced applications, a periodic mode that can turn the device on and off when in backup or standby.
Designed for recording sports activities, the FLYPRO XEagle UAV has replaced traditional UAV remote controllers with the XWatch, a smartwatch designed to control the XEagle. Users can control the devices to take off, land and follow, as well as adjust flight height with one click on the wrist within 300 meters. The smartwatch design enables users to fly the aerial vehicles to take high-definition pictures and videos while engaging in intense sports. A voice-control feature allows users to fly the XEagle without moving their hands using commands such as “FLYPRO, take off” and “FLYPRO, follow me”.
Thermal imaging camera core designed for integration
FLIR Tau 2 thermal imaging cameras are suited for demanding applications like UAVs, thermal weapon sights and handheld imagers. Improved electronics now give Tau 2 even more capabilities, including radiometry, increased sensitivity (<30 mK), 640/60 Hz frame rates, and powerful image processing modes that dramatically improve detail and contrast. Since the electrical functions are common between the Tau 2 640, 336 and 324, integrators have direct compatibility between the different camera formats, and Tau camera versions share many of the same lens options.
Amazon’s latest version is designed to deliver packages in 30 minutes
Source: Amazon
A new drone design introduced by Amazon for its planned Prime Air Delivery service is larger than the previous quadcopter and has a more advanced design, including the ability to operate with an auto-loading system that sets the payload inside an internal carrier bay. The hybrid design combines vertical lift and horizontal flight capabilities using lift fans and a pusher prop. The drone is capable of flying at an altitude of about 400 feet (122 meters) at about 55 mph (88 km/h) for a range of 15 miles (24 kilometers). It has sense-and-avoid situational awareness technology and is designed to deliver small packages in under 30 minutes.
The M300 Pro is a multi-purpose CORS GNSS receiver designed for applications such as positioning infrastructure, active geodetic network, deformation monitoring, machine guidance, harbor construction, land surveying and marine surveying. Designed for reference stations, the M300 Pro tracks GPS, GLONASS and BeiDou (B1, B2, B3), and will track Galileo, QZSS and other coming constellations. Its web server function enables remote control for access, configuration, programming, data download, reboot/restart, firmware update and code registration. It is compatible with many kinds of CORS software, using the standard data format RTCM and the various data transfer protocols such as UDP, TCP and NTRIP. Raw GNSS observation data can be saved in RINEX format and remotely downloaded. Multiple ports can be configured and connected with external sensors such as meteorological sensors, barographs and inclinometers. The PPS output function provides a guarantee for precision timing. It also has the functionality of event mark and external memory.
The Leica Velocity and Displacement Autonomous Solution Engine (VADASE) detects fast movements of man-made and natural structures in real time, running on board Leica reference stations and monitoring receivers. VADASE provides an in-depth look at accurate, high-rate velocity and displacement information of various activities and structures. It gives engineers and researchers complete, precise and reliable monitoring information. VADASE delivers actionable information independent of any GNSS real-time kinematic (RTK) correction service.
GNSS receiver with onboard memory for data storage
The DELTA-3 receiver has 864 GNSS channels, along with three powerful processors and program memory in a single chip, which uses less power and makes the total system less expensive. The 864 channels allow tracking of all current and future satellite signals. Delta-3 can track and decode the QZSS LEX signal messages. It is a powerful and reliable receiver for high-precision navigation systems, including high-dynamic systems, for machine and traffic control, high-precision surveying, and geodynamics and aerogeophysics applications. Delta-3 can operate as a receiver for post-processing, as a Continuously Operating Reference Station (CORS), or as a portable base station for real-time kinematic (RTK) applications, and as a scientific station collecting information for special studies such as ionosphere monitoring.
A configuration of ArcGIS and a JavaScript application
Photo Survey is designed for local governments to publish street-level photo collections and conduct focused property surveys that can identify blight, damaged structures or construction activity. It leverages location-enabled photos produced by many commercially available cameras and simplifies data processing so street-level photo collections can be gathered on a regular basis. Photo collections can then be combined with relevant survey questions in an ArcGIS Online map, and shared with the Photo Survey application. Once complete, the Photo Survey application can be used by the general public or local government staff to review street-level photos and complete property surveys.
Aman Enterprises introduces NMEA-BT — a Bluetooth iOS adapter that enables any high-precision GNSS receiver with a serial port to connect to an iPad or iPhone.
The NMEA-BT adapter is a small, weatherproof device that solves the problem of connecting non-iOS GNSS receivers and other field sensors to iOS devices. It connects to the iOS devices wirelessly using the native Bluetooth built into the iOS devices.
By replacing the iOS device’s internal GPS location information with the location information from the intrinsically more accurate external GNSS devices used by mapping and survey professionals, NMEA-BT allows users to pair external GNSS devices to their location-enabled iPhone or iPad app. The patent-pending product helps preserve the user’s investment in sub-meter and centimeter GNSS receivers and other sensors while users migrate their workforce to iOS devices.
A free app from the Apple iTunes App Store (NMEA Talker) enables the user to specify any required GPS connection parameters; connect to a local cellular RTK network (NTRIP) or a Direct IP (DIP) based correction service; and feed the corrections to the GNSS receiver, allowing for centimeter accuracy in real time in the field. The app can also be used to display error notifications like high PDOP, loss of an RTK correction, loss of satellite lock.
In addition to connecting to GNSS devices, users can connect to other sensors like laser rangefinders, resistographs, underground cable locators, and commercial weigh scales that output NMEA-formatted data.
For developers, they have full access to the entire raw NMEA stream of data from multiple devices without sacrificing app security or design architecture. No proprietary libraries are required to access the NMEA data stream.
GPS/GNSS Receiver Compatibility
The NMEA-BT has been tested with the following receivers:
John Deere StarFire
Trimble Pro 6, Geo Explorer, 372
Casel H372
Topcon HiPer series
Septentrio APS and NR series
Geneq SXBlue series
Ag Leader 6000 and 6500 series
Raven Industries – Envizio Pro series
Novatel
The only requirement to interface the NMEA-BT adapter is that the GNSS receiver must output at least the $GPGGA and $GPRMC messages via serial port.
At CES in Las Vegas, HERE unveiled the HERE HD Live Map, an advanced cloud-based map asset commercially available for vehicles today. HERE is demonstrating HD Live Map at CES: Central Plaza, Booth #CP-2.
Ready to be deployed in connected vehicles in North America and Western Europe, HD Live Map creates a highly detailed and dynamic representation of the road environment, enabling a vehicle to effectively “see around corners” beyond the reach of its on-board sensors.
HD Live Map is an integrated offering, consisting of multiple layers of data delivered in a map-tile format. It is designed to enhance both Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and automated driving functionality, and therefore make driving more comfortable and enjoyable.
HD Live Map includes data which tends to have high permanency, such as lane level information; data which is temporal in nature, such as road construction, traffic and accidents; and analytics data, including speed profile information that informs the vehicle about how to drive based on actual human behavior data.
With highly automated driving set to become prevalent in the next few years, the immediate next step for the automotive industry is to capitalize on the new generation of ADAS that leverages wireless network connectivity and the cloud.
With HERE HD Live Map, automakers have the ability to enhance a vehicle’s ADAS functionality — such as adaptive cruise control, adaptive headlights and curve speed warnings — by giving it access to more accurate and more reliable near real-time content and contextual information about its environment. In doing so, the industry can help drivers build the prerequisite trust and familiarity they need to feel comfortable with increasing levels of vehicle automation.
“As we move towards higher levels of vehicle automation, drivers need to feel that their car is making the right decisions on their behalf,” Floris van de Klashorst, HERE’s vice president of automotive. “When it comes to trusting your car, having consistent real-time awareness of road conditions near and far is absolutely critical. With HD Live Map serving this need, we believe it will become the car industry’s most intelligent vehicle sensor.”
Self-maintaining map. HERE HD Live Map is the first map from HERE that is self-maintaining: through multiple modes of sensor aggregation and ingestion the vehicle’s map is updated and delivered in near real-time.
For example, if vehicle sensors detected a speed limit sign which is inconsistent with what is currently in the map, the map would update accordingly so that other vehicles driving approaching the same spot have the new, correct information. This is important for ADAS functionality such as adaptive cruise control.
Similarly, if a new lane closure was reported, the map would update accordingly so that other vehicles approaching the area can already prepare to switch lanes or alternatively re-route if traffic is heavy.
HERE HD Live Map delivers connected ADAS content via layered live tiles, with dynamic traffic flow data, real-time incident reporting and speed profile data derived from rich behavior information.
HD Live Map is also data-efficient, requiring a small data footprint, with new events able to be layered on the map without the need to update the whole map itself. The small file sizes within each live tile make the delivery of highly precise data much leaner, thus reducing bandwidth requirements.
In the near-term, HD Live Map utilizes a variety of data gathered and delivered by the HERE location platform to enhance the vehicle and the driver’s awareness of what’s happening on the road.
As vehicle automation increases in the future, HD Live Map is ready to serve as an agnostic location cloud, ingesting, aggregating and delivering in near real-time ever vaster quantities of data produced by a variety of sources, especially vehicle sensors. For example, HERE is exploring further enriching its platform with new sensor data from Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz vehicles, which would benefit all automakers deploying HD Live Map.
HERE has already been providing either parts or full specifications of HD Live Map for automated driving testing purposes to more than ten automotive companies. Many of those have taken advantage of HD Live Map data HERE is offering of specific stretches of open road in Silicon Valley and Michigan in the United States, as well as in France, Germany and Japan.
Now, with HD Live Map offered across key regions, HERE is able to support automakers seeking to widen and deepen their automated driving development efforts. In supporting larger testbeds, HERE intends to continue to refine HD Live Map together with automakers to ensure it is optimized for their needs today and tomorrow.
“Highly-detailed map data is not only very useful but a requirement for full-featured automated and autonomous driving. In the near term, highly-detailed map data will enhance the performance and benefits of current-generation driver assist technologies; over the longer term, they will enable more effective and efficient operation of vehicles altogether by drivers or self-driving cars. Adding a feedback loop to continually gather, update and share the latest road data will further elevate the technology’s potential,” analysts at IHS Automotive said.
The Alaska Geologic Map shows the generalized geology of the state, each color representing a different type or age of rock. (Image: USGS)
A new digital geologic map of Alaska is being released today, providing land users, managers and scientists geologic information for the evaluation of land use in relation to resource extraction, conservation, natural hazards and recreation.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) map gives visual context to the abundant mineral and energy resources found throughout the state in a detailed and accessible format.
“I am pleased that Alaska now has a state-wide digital map detailing surface geologic features of this vast region of the United States that is difficult to access,” said Suzette Kimball, newly confirmed director of the USGS. “This geologic map provides important information for the mineral and energy industries for exploration and remediation strategies. It will enable resource managers and land management agencies to evaluate resources and land use, and to prepare for natural hazards, such as earthquakes.”
“The data contained in this digital map will be invaluable,” said National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis. “It is a great resource and especially enhances the capacity for science-informed decision making for natural and cultural resources, interpretive programs, and visitor safety.”
“A better understanding of Alaska’s geology is vital to our state’s future. This new map makes a real contribution to our state, from the scientific work it embodies to the responsible resource production it may facilitate. Projects like this one underscore the important mission of the U.S. Geological Survey, and I’m thankful to them for completing it,” said Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska.
This map is a completely new compilation, carrying the distinction of being the first 100 percent digital statewide geologic map of Alaska. It reflects the changes in our modern understanding of geology as it builds on the past. More than 750 references were used in creating the map, some as old as 1908 and others as new as 2015. As a digital map, it has multiple associated databases that allow creation of a variety of derivative maps and other products.
“This work is an important synthesis that will both increase public access to critical information and enhance the fundamental understanding of Alaska’s history, natural resources and environment,” said Mark Myers, Commissioner of Alaska’s Department of Natural Resources. “I applaud the collaborative nature of this effort, including the input provided by the Alaska Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys, which will be useful for natural disaster preparation, resource development, land use planning and management, infrastructure and urban planning and management, education, and scientific research.”
Geologists and resource managers alike can utilize this latest geologic map of Alaska, and a lay person can enjoy the colorful patterns on the map showing the state’s geologic past and present.
More than other areas of the United States, Alaska reflects a wide range of past and current geologic environments and processes. The map sheds light on the geologic past and present. Today, geologic processes are still very important in Alaska with many active volcanoes, frequent earthquakes, receding and advancing glaciers and visible climate impacts.
“This map is the continuation of a long line of USGS maps of Alaska, reflecting ever increasing knowledge of the geology of the state,” said Frederic Wilson, USGS research geologist and lead author of the new map. “In the past, starting in 1904, geologic maps of Alaska were revised once a generation; this latest edition reflects major new mapping efforts in Alaska by the USGS and the Alaska state survey, as well as a revolution in the science of geology through the paradigm shift to plate tectonics, and the development of digital methods. Completion of this map celebrates the 200th anniversary of world’s first geologic map by William Smith of England in 1815.”
This map detail, of the Anchorage area, shows the city spread out on a plain of loose glacial deposits shown in yellow, and the bedrock making up the hillsides of Anchorage shown in green and brown. The rocks shown in green, called the Valdez Group, are sedimentary rocks formed in a trench 65 to 75 million years ago from thousands of undersea debris flows similar to the modern Aleutian trench where oceanic crust dives under continental crust (a subduction zone). The rocks shown in brown on the map are a chaotic mix of rock types called the McHugh Complex that were also formed about the same time, adjacent to this ancient subduction zone. Some time after deposition of the Valdez Group, hot fluids formed gold-bearing quartz veins; the veins were mined starting in the 1890’s. The rocks were pushed up, and attached (accreted) to North America through plate tectonic forces in the past 65 million years. The dotted line passing through the east side of Anchorage is the approximate trace of the Border Ranges Fault system, the boundary between the accreted rocks and the rest of the continent. This map detail, of the Anchorage area, shows the city spread out on a plain of loose glacial deposits shown in yellow, and the bedrock making up the hillsides of Anchorage shown in green and brown. The rocks shown in green, called the Valdez Group, are sedimentary rocks formed in a trench 65 to 75 million years ago from thousands of undersea debris flows similar to the modern Aleutian trench where oceanic crust dives under continental crust (a subduction zone). The rocks shown in brown on the map are a chaotic mix of rock types called the McHugh Complex that were also formed about the same time, adjacent to this ancient subduction zone. Some time after deposition of the Valdez Group, hot fluids formed gold-bearing quartz veins; the veins were mined starting in the 1890’s. The rocks were pushed up, and attached (accreted) to North America through plate tectonic forces in the past 65 million years. The dotted line passing through the east side of Anchorage is the approximate trace of the Border Ranges Fault system, the boundary between the accreted rocks and the rest of the continent. This map detail, of the Anchorage area, shows the city spread out on a plain of loose glacial deposits shown in yellow, and the bedrock making up the hillsides of Anchorage shown in green and brown. The rocks shown in green, called the Valdez Group, are sedimentary rocks formed in a trench 65 to 75 million years ago from thousands of undersea debris flows similar to the modern Aleutian trench where oceanic crust dives under continental crust (a subduction zone). The rocks shown in brown on the map are a chaotic mix of rock types called the McHugh Complex that were also formed about the same time, adjacent to this ancient subduction zone. Some time after deposition of the Valdez Group, hot fluids formed gold-bearing quartz veins; the veins were mined starting in the 1890’s. The rocks were pushed up, and attached (accreted) to North America through plate tectonic forces in the past 65 million years. The dotted line passing through the east side of Anchorage is the approximate trace of the Border Ranges Fault system, the boundary between the accreted rocks and the rest of the continent. (Image: USGS)
GNSS receiver maker Septentrio has announced the availability of its geographical information systems (GIS) PinPoint-GIS on the ArcGIS Marketplace.
PinPoint-GIS was developed to enable straightforward GIS data collection without the need for expensive additional software linking a GNSS receiver with the Esri ArcGIS Platform
PinPoint-GIS helps ArcGIS users make informed and timely decisions, Septentrio said. It turns GNSS data collected by Septentrio’s receivers such as the Altus NR2, Altus GeoPod and the AsteRx-U into actionable GIS data. Height and other project parameters are available directly in the ArcGIS workflow without any additional steps by the user.
Pinpoint GIS makes ArcGIS easily accessible through existing hardware — consumer commercial and ruggedized device, tablet or even smartphone — regardless of operating system. PinPoint-GIS Web makes ArcGIS available from a standard web browser or from an Android app, downloadable from Google Play.
The Android app works with Esri’s Collector for ArcGIS and provides an accuracy widget which confirms horizontal and vertical accuracy in a highly visible way. This brings the user the immediate security that the captured data meets the required accuracy in both the horizontal and vertical.
“Integrating ArcGIS functionality into PinPoint-GIS empowers ArcGIS Online users,” said Gustavo Lopez, PinPoint-GIS Product Manager. “With the click of a button, a PinPoint-GIS user can turn accurate and reliable GIS data collected from their Septentrio GNSS receiver into actionable data needed for smarter decisions, effective analysis and customized maps all within the easy-to-use ArcGIS.”
