On September 29, North America’s largest real-time GNSS network, Leica Geosystems’ SmartNet, became the first network to adopt the draft NGS RTN Guidelines across multiple states, and can now provide an accurate tie to the new NAD83 (NA2011) National Spatial Reference System. For the first time, SmartNet users throughout the U.S. are working within a common frame of reference.
The Leica Geosystems SmartNet, which provides real-time positioning to more than 2,000 subscribers in 17 U.S. states and four Canadian provinces, became the first network to adopt the draft National Geodetic Service’s (NGS) RTN guidelines across its entire network. “This is huge for our subscribers,” said Director, Reference Station Operations Wendy Watson, “We are now providing centimeter-level accuracy, on a common frame of reference, everywhere in our network. That’s never been done before, and we’re proud to be first.”
The adjustment was a significant technical challenge, and will require some adaptations by current SmartNet subscribers. “It’s critical for subscriber and all their field crews to understand the effects of this adjustment in the field,” said Watson, “It affects all SmartNet users and all SmartNet stations. For most of the US subscribers there will be minor shifts in their positional data but in some areas like California the shift is greater. To compensate for these changes in the field, users will need to perform a transformation, localization, or calibration, and tie to existing control. We’ve provided webinars on this, which are archived at our site, and SmartNet representatives are happy to answer any and all questions. And also, we have a complete suite of online tools to assist users at http://adjustment.smartnetna.com.”
The SmartNet Adjustment Launch commenced on Saturday, September 29, at 9:00 p.m. ET and the SmartNet network was only down for the weekend—service resumed without a hitch on Monday, October 1, at 12:00 a.m.
“All SmartNet stations are now positioned to ensure an unprecedented level of internal precision and consistency between themselves, while at the same time providing an accurate tie to the new NAD83 (NA2011) National Spatial Reference System,” Watson explained, “By implementing the draft NGS RTN Guidelines, we positioned all of our stations to provide the requisite 2 cm horizontal and 4-cm vertical accuracy to the NSRS, while at the same time achieving the 1 cm level internal consistency needed to provide the high-precision and high-quality network corrections our users have come to expect. While we understand this change may have its challenges short term for some of our users, getting our entire network on the same, NGS-approved basis will improve the quality and consistency of everyone’s work.”
Geneq Inc. has introduced the SXBlue III-L GNSS, a palm-sized L1/L2/GLONASS GNSS receiver that is designed to use OmniSTAR’s G2 or HP service to attain realtime 10-cm accuracy in all regions of the world, including North/South America, Australia, Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. The SXBlue III-L GNSS connects wirelessly to smartphones, handhelds, tablet or notebook computer that are bluetooth-compliant. Optionally, the SXBlue III-L GNSS receiver is fully RTK capable (1cm real-time accuracy) when using an RTK network or other RTK reference station.
Photo: Geneq
According to the announcement, the SXBlue III-L GNSS is designed to use OmniSTAR’s G2 service, which supports GPS and GLONASS satellites, to provide 10cm accuracy in real-time in most parts of the world. The ability to track both GPS (31 satellites) and GLONASS (24 satellites) significantly increases the number of satellites in view, making the SXBlue III-L GNSS more productive in areas where trees, terrain or buildings block satellite visibility. It also outputs raw observation data that can be used for post-processing using free, online processing software services such as OPUS.
“We’ve set a new standard for world-wide, real-time high-precision mapping using OmniSTAR’s G2 service,” said product engineer Jean-Yves Lauture. “The affordable price and flexibility of the SXBlue III-L GNSS makes worldwide, dual frequency, dual constellation 10cm real-time accuracy available to a wide number of users.”
In addition to the OmniSTAR service, the SXBlue III-L GNSS also supports RTK GNSS. “If you want 1cm real-time accuracy, the RTK option lets the user connect to an RTK Network or a single RTK base station using standard RTCM and common industry formats,” said Lauture. “And, in that case, the RTK network or RTK reference station doesn’t need to support GLONASS for the SXBlue III-L GNSS to fully utilize the benefits of GLONASS.”
The company reports the SXBlue III-L GNSS measures 14.cm (5.57”) x 8.0cm (3.15”) x 5.6cm (2.22”) and weighs slightly over a pound (1.14lbs, 517g) including battery. The SXBlue III-L GNSS is the smallest and lightest GNSS L1/L2 OmniSTAR receiver being produced in the world today.
The SXBlue III-L GNSS is compact and rugged for optimal field use, requiring no backpack or external batteries. It was designed to meet the IP-67 rating, and can survive accidental immersion in water. The SXBlue III-L GNSS comes with a small, hermetically-sealed antenna that receives GPS, GLONASS, SBAS and OmniSTAR signals.
The SXBlue III-L GNSS is targeted at high-precision users in industries such as surveying, GIS, utilities, construction, agriculture, engineering and other natural resource industries in addition to local, state and federal government users.
Pacific Crest has introduced the XDL Rover, an advanced, high-speed, wireless data link built to withstand the rigors of GNSS/RTK surveying and precise positioning.
The XDL Rover is a lightweight, ruggedized UHF receiver designed for digital radio communications between 403 and 473 MHz in either 12.5 or 25 kHz channels. It uses Pacific Crest’s latest generation XDL modem technology while remaining backward compatible with existing Pacific Crest products. Users can instantly communicate with GNSS precise positioning receivers that share the same protocols throughout the world.
“The XDL Rover is an ideal high-speed radio receiver for products that require a one-way communications link,” said Dale Hermann, director of marketing and sales for Pacific Crest. “Its interoperability with existing equipment and greater functionality will allow customers to rapidly integrate and cost-effectively deploy the XDL Rover with their products and solutions.”
The XDL Rover joins the rapidly growing line of XDL products that includes the XDL Micro, a transceiver OEM board. The XDL Micro is a 0.5 Watt UHF transceiver designed for integration into products that require either a one- or two-way radio communication link that is configurable for operation between 403 and 473 MHz. The XDL radio line is based upon the successful ADL products from Pacific Crest.
Applanix has introduced the POS LV 120, the latest version of its positioning and orientation systems for land vehicles. Using commercial Micro-Electro-Mechanical (MEMS) inertial measurement unit (IMU) technology, the Applanix POS LV 120 is a small, lightweight system and provides an economical solution for any continuous positioning and orientation application.
POS LV 120 is a fully integrated, turnkey position and orientation system, using integrated inertial technology to generate stable, reliable and repeatable positioning solutions for land-based vehicle applications, Applanix said. Redesigned to be smaller and lighter, it maintains identical data interfaces and software compatibility with the established POS LV line of products.
“With a MEMS IMU and a 220 channel, dual-antenna GNSS receiver integrated into a single enclosure, the POS LV 120 is a cost-effective GNSS-Inertial solution designed to support many types of land-based mobile mapping projects,” said Kevin Andrews, product manager for Land Products at Applanix. “The integrated system is smaller than the standard POS LV computer system (PCS), making it ideal for use in lightweight applications such as robotics, autonomous vehicles, centerline mapping, asset mapping and short-range direct georeferencing.”
POS LV 120 is available now through the Applanix sales network.
Septentrio announces the full support of TERRASTAR wide-area differential and Precise Point Positioning (PPP) capabilities in some of its receivers. The Septentrio AsteRx2eL is an all-in-view dual-frequency GPS/GLONASS receiver, featuring an integrated L-band modem to receive TERRASTAR data transmitted by satellite and field-proven dm-accurate positioning using this data. AsteRx2eL also features GNSS+ technology, a unique combination of industrial grade performance algorithms, to better serve high-precision positioning needs even in the most severe conditions, Septentrio said.
Support of TERRASTAR-M and TERRASTAR-D allows precise position calculation anywhere on the globe, Septentrio said. TERRASTAR services achieve accuracy levels down to 10 cm without the use of extra communication such as radio or mobile. Powered by TERRASTAR services, AsteRx2eL provides a high level of flexibility for consistent dm-level accuracy everywhere on earth and cm-level where local RTK corrections are available. Septentrio multi-constellation receivers will provide position accuracy and high-availability independently of local infrastructure for the various applications in any of the markets that they traditionally serve:
Land and aerial survey and mapping
Machine control for agriculture, construction and mining
Precise navigation for land, sea and air
‘The introduction of support for TERRASTAR offers our customers an important additional option for accurate positioning, notably in the absence of local infrastructure,” Peter Grognard, founder and CEO of Septentrio Satellite Navigation, said. “It has been a pleasure for us at Septentrio to closely collaborate with the great team at TERRASTAR to develop and deliver a strong new value proposition with robust industrial performance everywhere on the globe.”
Handheld Group, a manufacturer of rugged mobile computers and smartphones, today announced the launch of its new rugged mobile device for field professionals, the Algiz 10X rugged tablet PC. The Algiz 10X can withstand tough weather elements and harsh handling. It has a large, 10.1-inch touchscreen.
“The new Algiz 10X is perfectly suited for field professionals who need a rugged tablet computer that is lightweight and built to withstand the harsh conditions that come with all kinds of industry fieldwork, and that can display detailed maps and other visuals even in bright sunlight,” said Jerker Hellström, CEO of Handheld.
The Algiz 10X is IP65-rated and meets stringent MIL-STD-810G military standards for protecting against dust, water, vibrations, drops, extreme temperatures and varying altitudes. It is lightweight at 1.3 kg (2.9 lbs), and 32 mm (1.2″) thick.
The Algiz 10X’s brilliant display features the latest generation of MaxView technology. The tablet also comes with a u-blox GPS receiver and WAAS/EGNOS/MSAS capability, plus Bluetooth 4.0, WLAN 802.11 b/g/n and it is WWAN Gobi 3000-ready with fully integrated modem and antennas for wireless connectivity. It has a built-in 5-megapixel camera with LED flash, and several connectivity opportunities, including waterproof USB 2.0, VGA and RS232 ports. The Algiz 10X operates on a powerful Intel Atom N2800 dual-core processor with 4 GB of DDR3 RAM, offering top-of-the-line computing capability, and the SSD disk is expandable via microSD for massive storage capacity. The Algiz 10X runs Windows 7 Ultimate, and is ready for Windows 8.
“With the Algiz 10X, we are expanding the popular product family that includes our Algiz 7, which is the preferred choice today for field professionals worldwide. The Algiz 10X comes with increased processing power and storage plus a larger display — something that the market has been asking for,” said Hellström.
Like all of Handheld’s lineup of rugged PDAs, smartphones and mobile computers, the Algiz 10X is specifically developed for field workers in industries such as geomatics, logistics, forestry, public transportation, utilities, construction, maintenance, mining, military and security.
The Algiz 10X rugged tablet PC is being showcased at INTERGEO in Hanover, Germany, on October 9-11, and will be shown Mobility for Business in Paris, France, on October 10-11, plus several shows throughout the fall.
The Algiz 10X will be available in January 2013. Orders can be placed immediately.
Trimble introduced today its next-generation GNSS surveying solution — the Trimble R10 — at the INTERGEO 2012 conference on geodesy, geoinformatics and land management.
As the smallest and lightest receiver in its class, the Trimble R10 combines powerful features and groundbreaking technologies including Trimble HD-GNSS, Trimble SurePoint, Trimble 360, and Trimble xFill to provide surveyors increased productivity, the company said. User-friendly features such as a quick-release adaptor and the ability to configure the receiver from a smartphone make it easy to deploy and use as a base station or rover, Trimble said.
Trimble also released new versions of its field and office software — Trimble Access 2012.20 and Trimble Business Center 2.80 — to extend Trimble’s Connected Site survey solution, which enables surveyors to collect and process reliable data more efficiently.
“Faster results, better reliability and improved overall performance are what our customers have come to expect,” said Anders Rhodin, general manager of Trimble’s Survey Division. “With the introduction of the Trimble R10, Trimble is delivering next-generation capabilities in a smaller, lighter and feature-packed system that is unmatched in the industry today.”
The Trimble HD-GNSS processing engine integrated in the Trimble R10 is a new generation of core positioning technology, Trimble said. Trimble HD-GNSS surpasses traditional fixed/float techniques to provide a more accurate assessment of error estimates than traditional GNSS processing engines. Measurements collected with Trimble HD-GNSS are precision-based so surveyors can confidently collect data in challenging environments where they may have been unable to collect data before. Reduced convergence times and instantaneous point measurements allow surveyors to start measuring sooner and up to 60 percent faster.
Supporting 440 channels with two built-in Trimble Maxwell 6 chips, the Trimble R10’s integrated Trimble 360 technology allows consistent and reliable tracking of available GNSS satellite signals for existing and currently planned GNSS constellations and augmentations.
Trimble has extended its Trimble SurePoint technology, a cornerstone of the S-Series total stations, to the new GNSS surveying system. The incorporation of this technology simplifies the survey data collection workflow by providing faster measurements, increased accuracy and greater quality control. The Trimble R10 includes an electronic bubble that appears on the controller display so that all measurement information is displayed in one place. Trimble SurePoint constantly monitors the pole tilt and protects surveyors from collecting erroneous data by only allowing data to be stored when the survey pole is plumb. Simultaneously, pole tilt angle values are stored for every point collected to ensure data traceability.
Powered by Trimble RTX technology, new Trimble xFill leverages a worldwide network of Trimble GNSS reference stations to deliver position information via geostationary satellites. xFill seamlessly “fills in” for RTK or VRS corrections in the event of a temporary connection outage such as a radio black spot so users experience less downtime in the field.
Designed for ease of use and durability, the Trimble R10 offers the ruggedness and reliability. Additional features include multiple connectivity capabilities such as Wi-Fi and 3G cellular connectivity, a lithium-ion battery, an integrated GNSS antenna, 4 GB internal memory, and an internal 2 Watt radio.
Trimble Access is a field solution that enables wireless connectivity between the project team members to expedite data collection, processing, analysis, and project information delivery through improved workflows, collaboration and control. The complete solution speeds both typical and specialized surveying tasks, and enables easy and fast two-way information sharing between the field survey crew and the office. Surveys can be completed faster with less time spent traveling back and forth to the office. Management and field crews can closely collaborate by viewing the same information in near real-time.
Trimble Access version 2012.20 offers new functionality compatible with the Trimble R10, including:
Tilt auto-measure: Topo point or Rapid point measurements can now be automatically started when the pole is plumbed to within a predefined tilt tolerance. Coupled with auto store, hundreds of points can be measured with only one tap on Measure.
Tilt warnings: Users are now notified if the pole moves outside a predefined tilt tolerance during point measurement.
Tilt distances: Measurements collected with the Trimble R10 can now have an associated tilt distance providing additional quality control information. Use the QC Graph for a quick visual check to see the range of tilt distance errors for any particular job.
eBubble display: An electronic bubble can be used instead of a traditional pole bubble. The eBubble enables a clearer, easier and more accessible display of the bubble providing the surveyor just one place to focus when leveling and measuring.
In the Office – Trimble Business Center 2.80
Trimble Business Center office software is a complete surveying office suite designed to manage, analyze and process all field survey data, including data from optical instruments (total stations and levels), GPS/GNSS and spatial stations (imaging and 3D scanning data).
Version 2.80 advances the capabilities of surveying offices with key new functionality, including:
Trimble R10 support: Users can import RTK and PPK tilt magnitude and quality data from a Trimble Access Job or JobXML file and also export this data using the Custom Exporter. The new version also has the capability to Import Trimble Access Job or Job XML files containing xFill observations.
Ribbon menu layout: A new ribbon menu layout and quick access toolbar help users quickly locate commands required to complete a task for an improved user experience.
Microsoft Windows 8 support: Version 2.80 is compatible with the Microsoft Windows 8 Operating System.
Station View field-of-vision indicator: Users can view which Station Views are open and in which direction they are facing. The indicators improve workflows for measuring points photogrammetrically with images from Trimble VISION instruments.
The Trimble R10 GNSS System can be ordered beginning mid October 2012. Shipping is expected to begin during the latter part of the fourth quarter in 2012. Trimble Access software version 2012.20 and Trimble Business Center Software version 2.80 are available now through Trimble’s Survey Distribution Channel.
Trimble’s Connected Site solutions for surveyors create seamless working relationships among Trimble products, technologies and services. Through the Connected Site, Trimble is focused on providing solutions that address the customers’ full work processes. By carefully combining technology innovation with a deep understanding of the users’ workflows, data integration and maintenance across the lifecycle of projects, Trimble helps surveyors reach new levels of productivity for their businesses.
The enormous importance of geoinformation for the energy revolution, cloud computing, open data and enterprise applications based on Microsoft Bing Maps — these are just some of the many fascinating issues that will take center stage at INTERGEO in Hanover, Germany, October 9-11. Host DVW e.V. — the German Society for Geodesy, Geoinformation and Land Management — is pooling issues relevant to its specialist areas at the trade fair and conference and is set to welcome some 16,000 visitors, including 1,200 conference delegates. The international meeting takes place in a different German city each year, with about 520 international companies, 40 percent of which are based outside Germany.
GPS World’s Editor-in-Chief Alan Cameron, International Account Executive Chris Litton, and Contributing Editor for Survey/GIS Eric Gakstatter are in attendance.
On the first day of the fair, Cornelia Rogall-Grothe, state secretary at the German Federal Ministry of the Interior, is launching the first national INSPIRE Conference with a speech on “INSPIRE: the driving force behind the national geodata infrastructure.”
This year, for the first time, INTERGEO will incorporate the conference of the Council of European Geodetic Surveyors (CLGE), which will take place Thursday. The third conference of its type brings together surveyors from 36 member countries in Hanover.
The Navigation Conference is also being held as part of INTERGEO for the second time. Once again, the event will seek to utilize synergies between navigation, IT and geoinformation.
The conference is focusing on the latest topics and many technical solutions for capturing up-to-date geoinformation. Cutting-edge sensor technology will be presented along with the latest systems solutions.
The Indian Space Research Organization has announced that the orbit-raising maneuvers of GSAT-10 satellite have been successfully completed from ISRO’s Master Control Facility, Hassan. GSAT-10 was launched September 30. The third and final orbit-raising maneuvers was performed October 3 to place the GSAT-10 in an orbit with 35,734 km apogee (farthest point to earth), 35,585 km perigee (nearest point to earth), and an inclination of 0.172 degree with respect to the equator. Currently, the orbital period of GSAT-10 is 23 hours 50 minutes.
According to the announcement from the Indian Space Research Organization, the two solar panels and the two dual gridded reflector antennas were also deployed later in the day. Currently, the satellite is in final orbital configuration at 70.18 degree East longitude. In the coming days, the satellite will be moved towards its designated location of 83 degree East and in-orbit testing of its communication and navigations payloads will be performed.
As is often the case, NORAD/JSpOC has temporarily “lost” the satellite following one of its orbital maneuvers. The last published two-line orbital element set for the satellite is dated September 30.
Trimble introduced today the Trimble Geo 5 and Juno 5 handheld GNSS devices, further extending Trimble’s portfolio for data collection, maintenance and inspection applications. The Geo 5 and Juno 5 series are both optimized for GIS field workflows, including Trimble’s TerraSync field software available on all Trimble GIS platforms.
Since 1994, the Trimble GeoExplorer line of GNSS handhelds has been used for professional GIS data-collection applications. While the GeoExplorer 6000 series is the most capable Trimble handheld for GIS data collection, not all customers require the larger screen and innovative Floodlight technology of the 6000 series. The Geo 5 provides the essential functions for all day, submeter productivity in a smaller package, Trimble said.
The Trimble Juno product line is used worldwide for maintenance, inspections and asset management applications. With the addition of the Juno 5 series, Trimble is providing a rugged handheld that delivers the capabilities and convenience of a smartphone, Trimble said. The Juno 5’s slim, ergonomic design is thinner and lighter than other rugged computing products in its class today and provides a more advanced feature set than the Juno 3 series.
“Whether users are engaged in initial data-collection tasks or inspection of assets, it is critical they have a complete solution they trust,” said Daniel Wallace, general manager of Trimble’s GIS Data Collection Division. “Now with two platforms in both the Geo and Juno families, customers can confidently choose a handheld that best fits their needs. Trimble TerraSync software is the unifying workflow that brings these choices together, so customers can always trust the quality of their data throughout the complete lifecycle of a field management project.”
Complete with wireless communications options, integrated cameras and bright, sunlight-readable screens, both devices are built for work in the field and rugged enough to withstand shock, vibration, water and dust.
Today, Hemisphere GPS announced the new S320 network rover and XF2 handheld data collector. With support for network RTK corrections, the S320 network rover is an integrated solution that simplifies land surveying applications by eliminating the need for a base station and radio modem, the company said.
A variety of public and private organizations post RTK network corrections on the Internet. The S320 GSM cellular communication connects users to Internet-based corrections and processes the data to achieve centimeter-level positioning performance. As a result, users do not need to purchase and operate their own RTK base station and radio modem connection. Users also have the option of using satellite-based L-band corrections for high-precision mapping jobs.
Hemisphere GPS’ XF2 next-generation data collector combined with Carlson SurvCE software provides a familiar and proven interface to the S320. The two products communicate through a Bluetooth wireless connection and attach to a standard survey pole making the system portable and simple to operate, Hemisphere GPS said.
“Hemisphere GPS’ S320 network rover and new XF2 provide a very powerful and cost-effective surveying and mapping solution,” says Phil Gabriel, vice president and general manager of Precision Products for Hemisphere GPS. “The rugged design and versatile performance of our S320 makes it a great fit for a variety of applications.”
Launched one year ago, S320 combines the advanced GNSS receiver performance of Hemisphere GPS’ Eclipse technology, precise geodetic antenna, wireless communication and batteries in a portable, rugged unit. Compatible with a variety of existing surveying equipment, S320 is a multi-GNSS positioning system designed for applications in GIS, mining, construction, mapping, land, and marine surveying.
The S320 network rover and XF2 will be featured by Hemisphere GPS in hall 9, stand B62 at the INTERGEO Conference and Trade Fair in Hanover, Germany from October 9-11. The products are available through the Hemisphere GPS Precision Products global dealer network.
Trimble has introduced at the ION GNSS Conference in Nashville the Trimble BD920-W3G receiver and communication module. As part of Trimble’s GNSS OEM portfolio, the new compact module features centimeter-level, real-time kinematic (RTK) positioning capabilities coupled with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and cellular that deliver flexible communication options for precise, mobile positioning. The BD920-W3G module’s connectivity and configuration ease allow system integrators and OEMs to easily add GNSS centimeter-level positioning to specialized or custom hardware solutions, Trimble said.
“The OEM and system integrator communities demand high performance, reliability and support for their positioning solutions,” said Dale Hermann, director of marketing and sales. “The Trimble BD920-W3G delivers the latest in GNSS and communication technology in an easy-to-integrate form factor for demanding conditions and applications such as field computing, port automation, and lightweight robotic or unmanned vehicles.”
The Trimble BD920-W3G module has been designed for applications requiring centimeter accuracy in a compact package. By integrating wireless communications on the same module, the task of receiving and transmitting data such as RTK corrections is greatly simplified. A single intuitive Web interface allows a variety of use cases to be supported. In addition to GNSS base and rover setups with Wi-Fi or UMTS modem, the module also allows simultaneous customer access to the Internet.
The dual-frequency GPS/GLONASS BD920-W3G provides customers with a more integrated product that can reduce their integration effort and time to market. Wireless communications and Ethernet connectivity are available on the module to allow high-speed data transfer and configuration via standard Web browsers. USB and RS232 are also supported. By tightly integrating communications and GNSS receiver, integrators can reduce costs and integration complexity, the company said.
The Trimble BD920-W3G is expected to be available in the first quarter of 2013 through Trimble’s Precision GNSS + Inertial sales channel worldwide. The BD920-W3G can be viewed in 3D on Trimble’s 3D Warehouse by SketchUp. OEMs and integrators can also download a 3D model into their applications. For more information, visit www.trimble.com/gnss-inertial.
