Shanghai-based GNSS technology and solutions company Shanghai Huace Navigation Technology Ltd. — known as CHC Navigation — has opened a North American subsidiary, CHC Navigation USA Corporation, in Scottsdale, Arizona.
CHC Navigation was established in 2003 and was ranked as one of China’s top GNSS and RTK technology and solutions companies in 2017. It has customers in more than 100 countries worldwide and has been providing GNSS and RTK products and solutions to the US marketplace since 2009.
The establishment of a North American head office in Scottsdale illustrates CHC Navigation’s ongoing commitment to expanding its products, services and customer support in the U.S. and North American marketplaces.
CHC USA will warehouse, sell and service from Scottsdale all of its products to its dealer and OEM network of customers across North America. With the new U.S. presence, CHC USA will be able to respond more quickly to its dealer and customer order requests and service requirements.
CHC USA specializes in CORS GNSS base-station infrastructure, deformation monitoring, surveying and mapping. With new 3D lidar scanning and hydrographic unmanned survey vessels launching later this year, CHC USA’s North American office and team members will continue to focus on ensuring a great customer experience.
“On the heels of strong CHC Navigation growth in the US in 2018, the time was right to establish a domestic US sales and service office and warehouse with a local team of positioning industry professionals,” said George Zhao, CEO of CHC Navigation. “Our U.S. and Canadian customers have been very supportive of CHC Navigation over the years and our focus will continue to be on providing industry leading products and services to our valued North American dealers and customers,” added Phil Gabriel, President of CHC Navigation USA.
Topcon Positioning Group is offering a new edition of its real-time 3D job site monitoring and management system, Sitelink 2.0. The update includes a new pay-as-you-go point-based service model, new features to Sitelink Support Desk, as well as a new Haul Truck application, the company said.
Version 2.0 includes a newly redesigned web portal that features a consumption-based “Service Point” investment model.
“We are introducing a completely new way to service our customers that allows them to take advantage of a pay-as-you-go account-based system rather than year-long pre-paid subscription-based plans,” said Murray Lodge, senior vice president, construction. “With no expiration date on the Service Points, contractors can be assured their investment will be protected in their personal account and allocated when it best suits their needs.”
Also, new to the service includes remote configuration functionality in Support Desk. It allows Topcon support personnel to directly access and configure receiver components on connected machines, while simultaneously retaining an active remote session of the 3D-MC machine control software.
“We have made support more efficient with less downtime for operators with our team having the ability to go straight into the configuration settings for receivers and make adjustments, minimizing work stoppage on the site,” said Lodge.
The latest version also includes a new Topcon Haul Truck application, which utilizes an Android or iOS app that can be installed on a phone or tablet. It is designed to provide a complete and easy-to-use cloud-based, haul management and reporting system with real-time visibility.
“The new Haul Truck app provides productivity statistics for each haul, including the counts, average distances and the time it takes to complete the process — all within a geofenced pickup site and unloading zone. It is simple to use — drivers come onto the site, quickly enter basic info and get to work,” Lodge said. “With 3D map imagery, operators can view where the load is being picked up and the path it takes to unload and return, and it automatically records for reporting.”
Geneq Inc., a manufacturer and provider of GNSS receivers and positioning solutions to GIS professionals and surveyors, has launched its newly designed website. The website features new functionalities, better product viewing options, and improved product support options.
The completely redesigned website to support the company’s product and service improvement program, the company said. The new website will be regularly updated with news on SXblue products, product support, software updates, events and social media feeds. The company welcomes feedback from clients, distributors and partners.
Geneq Inc. has been developing and manufacturing professional GNSS receivers and software products for 15 years. Its SXblue brand has been sold around the world.
How will wireless technologies most significantly drive change and innovation in the surveying industry?
Miguel Amor
“GNSS by design, by physics, will always be challenged in urban settings. 5G and GNSS will provide a step to ubiquitous positioning in built-up areas — a blend of relative and absolute positioning, terrestrial and satellite-based measurements.” Miguel Amor Hexagon Positioning Intelligence
Greg Turetzky
“The improvements in bandwidth and latency of 5G will create new opportunities for edge and cloud-based computing advances such as AI and machine learning to penetrate surveying, as 5G is doing in other industries, to improve efficiency, accuracy and automation.” Greg Turetzky Consultant
Members of the EAB
Tony Agresta Nearmap
Miguel Amor Hexagon Positioning Intelligence
Thibault Bonnevie SBG Systems
Alison Brown NAVSYS Corporation
Ismael Colomina GeoNumerics
Clem Driscoll C.J. Driscoll & Associates
John Fischer Orolia
Ellen Hall Spirent Federal Systems
Jules McNeff Overlook Systems Technologies, Inc.
Terry Moore University of Nottingham
Bradford W. Parkinson Stanford Center for Position, Navigation and Time
RealSense 3D Camera is Fully Integrated to Capture Detailed Images
DT301X-TR rugged tablet. (Photo: DT Research)
DT Research is offering the new DT301X-TR rugged tablet, a lightweight military-grade tablet. The tablet is purpose-built to enhance the precision for bridge and construction inspections, 3D surveying and mapping of underground utilities.
The DT301X-TR provides multi-frequency GNSS real-time kinematic (RTK) with carrier phase for mapping and positioning, and supports GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo and QZSS.
The optional foldable antenna supports high-accurate measuring field work, which can be measured with RTK GNSS positioning directly, or used to connect to an external antenna for higher precision.
Its 10.1-inch high-brightness capacitive touch screen can be read in a wide range of lighting indoors and outdoors. The tablet comes with a choice of Intel 8th-generation Core i5 or i7 processors. Its MIL spec and IP ratings means it holds up to real-world hazards and performs in many industries and environments.
Integrated 3D camera. The DT301X-TR integrates the optional Intel RealSense Depth camera which provides real-time 3D imaging to quickly and accurately create measurements for CAD, engineering, design, utility and project management, and crime/crash scene forensics. Scientific grade data, which is important for evidence as well as building plans, is now easier to access and use for specialists and non-credentialed workers alike.
With this 3D camera technology, depth perception is integrated to add the most accurate image to make projects stay factual and consistent. The integration of the 3D camera with a rugged handheld tablet improves the mobility and reduces the bulk and limitations of a laser scanner for small, hard-to-reach spaces and brings the measurement, real- time scanning, and positioning together in one device which can also be used to process and transmit the data.
Using rugged tablets with 3D technology allows the as-built status of a project to be tracked and documented in real time, reducing the project cycle time, and also allows data to be shared with the owner, general contractor and subs as it is captured. This boost to efficiency and accuracy validation shortens payment cycles as well as improving the overall BIM (building information modeling), getting infrastructure going quickly and getting payments to contractors faster.
“The combination of the DT Research rugged tablet with the RealSense depth camera and DotProduct’s Dot3D Pro software enables projects to be quickly set up, tracked, and completed for all staff and tasks whether in the office or on the site. The ease of use these tools bring to 3D workflows can benefit a wide range of applications from construction verification to asset management to crime scene mapping.” says Tom Greaves, chief marketing officer at DotProduct.
Data capture options besides the 3D camera are a 2D barcode scanner for equipment/location tags, long-range Bluetooth for 1,000-foot range suitable for connecting to robotic total stations and 4G LTE mobile broadband for the latest in high speed communications.
The flexibility for set up and use is enhanced in the DT301X-TR rugged tablet with Microsoft Windows 10 IoT Enterprise operating systems for convenient integration with existing applications, bringing together the advanced workflow for data capture, accurate positioning and data transmitting.
Another option is a bright LED light that can be attached to the DT301X-TR and stay consistently on for up to two hours, bringing light to underground infrastructure mapping and scanning.
With high capacity 60 or 90 watt hot-swappable batteries, the rugged yet lightweight DT301X-TR keeps working continuously whether in the field, office, or vehicles, complemented with a variety of battery chargers so fully charged batteries are always available.
This rugged tablet gives detailed accuracy combined with the latest 3D camera technology all in one tablet that is rugged and easy to use in the field. Whether at the construction site, mapping underground utilities, or at the freeway crash scene, the cost-effective DT301X-TR is ideal for accurate measurements to enable data-driven decisions, able to travel to wherever the work is.
The DT301X-TR rugged tablet will be available in May 2019 from DT Research’s authorized resellers and partners. DT Research will be at booth 217 at AEC’s BuildTech show.
A roundup of recent products in the GNSS and inertial positioning industry from the April 2019 issue of GPS World magazine.
OEM
GNSS receiver
With embedded 9-DOF IMU
Photo: Rokubun
The Argonaut GNSS receiver is able to provide geo-location with real-time accuracy of 2 meters and off-line accuracy better than 0.4 meters using Argonaut PaaS. This is possible because GNSS raw measurements, together with inertial measurement unit (IMU) nine-degrees-of-freedom (9-DOF) measurements, are stored for offline GNSS processing (PPK, RTK, DGNSS). Argonaut will also register external events such as camera triggers within microsecond resolution and decimetric geo-location accuracy. The embedded IMU allows for an increased rate of navigation fixes as well as robust solutions in scenarios with impaired GNSS availability. Rokubun, rokubun.cat
Galileo AltBOC addition
Plus atmospheric corrections
Photo: Skydel Solutions
SDX GNSS simulator update version 19.1 adds Galileo AltBOC signal generation, new atmospheric errors, SBAS improvements and SV antenna patterns. SDX users licensed with the Galileo E5 signal will be able to generate 8 Phase Shift Keying (8-PSK) constant envelope AltBOC after upgrading to SDX 19.1. Version 19.1 also adds a new error type to all SDX users: atmospheric delays. These errors can be compensated for with the SBAS option installed. Skydel Solutions, skydelsolutions.com
Wavefront simulator
Added to software-defined platform
Photo: Skydel Solutions
The BroadSim Wavefront Simulator is a new addition to Skydel’s software-defined platform. The BroadSim Wavefront further extends the capabilities achieved by BroadSim Anechoic, incorporating support for controlled radiation pattern antenna (CRPA) and multi-element receiver testing. Powered by Skydel SDX, the simulator’s features include phase-coherent simulation, real-time automated phase calibration, scalability from 4 to 16 elements, and advanced jamming and spoofing scenarios. Talen-X, www.talen-x.com
GNSS antenna
For high-precision and autonomous applications
Photo: Maxtena
The M7HCT-A-SMA is a high-accuracy, multi-frequency active quadrifilar helix GNSS antenna designed for high-precision and autonomous multi-frequency applications. The design offers concurrent GNSS reception on L1 (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, Beidou) and L2 (GPS L2C, Galileo E5B and GLONASS L3OC) in a rugged, compact and ultra lightweight form factor. The antenna is designed for GIS, RTK and other high-accuracy GNSS applications such as the drone and automotive markets. Helicore technology provides exceptional pattern control, polarization purity and high efficiency in a 25-gram form factor. The antenna offers up to 30-dB gain for GNSS applications in one radome housing with a single SMA connector. Maxtena, maxtena.com
Portable simulation
Solution for field-test requirements
Photo: CAST Navigation
The CAST-1000 duplicates GPS RF signals and uses dual-frequency signal generation technology. This allows for duplicate testing in the laboratory or the field and real-time or configured control. The CAST-1000 is mobile and portable, which makes it the ideal solution for field test requirements. Producing GPS and GLONASS signals with up to 12 satellites in view, the CAST-1000 simulates signals for satellites of P code on L1 and L2 and C/A code on L1. The GPS RF signal is dual-frequency and has a 12-channel configuration for any combination of visible space vehicles. The system is highly programmable — operators can choose from an array of vehicle types and replicate dynamic motion for all kinds of vehicles, from terrestrial to aquatic, airborne to space-based. By utilizing 6-DOF dynamic profile data collected in the field and through profile configuration, a trajectory can be created. The CAST-1000 also features a performance evaluation module, allowing for comparisons between raw and filtered data. CAST Navigation, www.castnav.com
Survey & Mapping
Graphing software
New plotting features
Photo: Golden Software
Version 14 of the Grapher scientific graphing package offers new plotting and customizing functionality based on user feedback. The Grapher software gives users deeper insights into their data by providing them with 80 flexible and easy-to-use 2D and 3D graphing tools for plotting, analyzing and displaying scientific data sets. The package is used extensively by scientists and engineers in oil & gas operations, hydrologic/geochemical studies, environmental consulting, mineral exploration and academic research. New or upgraded features include Enhanced Plotting (the ability to plot data in rows and columns, perform one-button Durov class plots, and easily generate multi-plot reports); and Improved Bar Charts (bar charts are more versatile, offering variable bar widths and differentiated fill colors for negative and positive). Golden Software, www.goldensoftware.com
GIS software update
New lidar functionality
Photo: Blue Marble Geographics
Global Mapper version 20.1 offers new and updated geospatial tools, as well as performance improvements throughout the application. Enhancements to version 20.1 include a new zooming function in the path profile window, a digitizer tool for automatically closing gaps between features and, for lidar module users, a point proximity query function. Blue Marble Geographics, www.bluemarblegeo.com
Survey application
For the geospatial industry
Photo: Global GNSS
The GNSS Surveyor mobile application provides location information and quality position data in real time with sub-meter to centimeter accuracy. It connects to any external GNSS receiver via Bluetooth. Features include a one-touch configured command to communicate directly with the GNSS Bluetooth device; location information and quality of the position data in real time with centimeter accuracy; GPS data such as position, height, satellites and velocity; and constellation information for GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS and SBAS satellites. It also includes a direct IP feature for real-time kinematic (RTK) corrections data. An internal NTRIP client loads RTCM data from the internet. Location information is collected as latitude and longitude, altitude, speed or pace, bearing and UTC time. GNSS precision includes global coverage, centimeter-level accuracy, fast time to first fix, multi-constellation and multi-band, and highest security. Navigation uses include ground robotics navigation, lane-level navigation, heavy machine navigation, industrial navigation and tracking, and commercial UAV. Global GNSS, globalgnss.com
Indoor mapping
Slam technology removes point cloud artifacts
Photo: NavVis
The SLAM-based NavVis M6 Indoor Mobile Mapping System (IMMS) now automatically detects and removes point cloud artifacts, including moving objects in static scenes. The latest IMMS release removes artifacts from point clouds during the post-processing of scan data (see before and after image above). Fringe points and dynamic objects are two common types of point cloud artifacts that affect all 3D laser scanning devices. The NavVis M6 IMMS uses laser scanners to capture a high volume of measurement points of an environment. With the latest software update, the algorithms applied during the post-processing of scan data uses the multiple observations to detect whether measurement points actually exist in the physical space. If it is determined that the point does not exist and is instead resulting from the laser beam hitting an edge or an object moving through the space, this point is automatically removed. The result is a much cleaner, crisper point cloud that requires less clean-up time in point-cloud editing software and that is easier to use for applications such as BIM modeling. NavVis, www.navvis.com
Mobile & UAV
Adventure handhelds
Larger display, improved access to Satellite imagery
Photo: Garmin
Garmin has updated two premium adventure-oriented handhelds, the GPSMAP 66s and the GPSMAP 66st, with expanded wireless connectivity, direct-to-device access to BirdsEye satellite imagery, weather forecasting and a larger 3-inch sunlight-readable color display. The GPSMAP 66st offers preloaded topographic maps for U.S. and Canada, with detail of coastlines, rivers, summits, terrain contours and geographical points. Connectivity to the new Garmin Explore app and the BirdsEye Satellite Imagery (no annual subscription) bring high-resolution photo-realistic route views. Weather updates come via Bluetooth to a compatible mobile device. The Explore app includes features for outdoor navigation, trip planning, mapping and data sharing. Features include multi-GNSS satellite support and altimeter, barometer and compass sensor capabilities; 16 hours of battery life in full GPS mode; LED flashlight and SOS beacon; built to military standards for thermal, shock and water performance (MIL-STD-810G); RINEX data logging that enables sub-meter accuracy of GPS position after post processing. Garmin, garmin.com
RTK Hexacopter
Integrated GNSS improves accuracy
Photo: Yuneec International
The H520 hexacopter is now available with a real-time kinematic (RTK) system. The fully integrated RTK satellite navigation enables extremely accurate recurring images and faster 3D mapping. It also makes automated inspection flights easier and more precise. The H520 RTK is suitable for commercial applications that require maximum precision. By using RTK technology, the H520 can now fly much closer to objects for inspection because the UAV positions itself precisely in the centimeter range (1 cm + ppm horizontal / 1.5 cm + ppm vertical) rather than in the meter range, which is standard for the H520. Yuneec International, us.yuneec.com
Web-based data service
Enables sharing of UAV data sets
MAGNET Collage Web is a web-based service enabling the sharing and collaboration of UAV and scanning data sets. Version 1.3 allows operators to work with more types of data with greater flexibility, including the ability to import BIM models, as well as CAD and GIS data. It can be used to overlay as-built laser scans and design data to visualize proposed changes and detect construction issues. The software supports OBJ, FBX and 3DS formats. The upgrade also includes new direct publishing functionality for CAD and GIS data files through the browser. Topcon, topconpositioning.com
Hemisphere GNSS has launched a single-frequency, multi-GNSS Vector V200 smart antenna with integrated Atlas L-band designed for general marine applications and markets.
The V200 is being featured in the Hemisphere/Saderet stand (K12) at Ocean Business 2019 in Southampton, UK, from April 9 through 11.
Powered by Hemisphere’s Crescent Vector technology, the V200 is a multi-GNSS compass system that utilizes GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo, and QZSS (with future firmware upgrade and activation) for simultaneous satellite tracking to offer heading, position, heave, pitch and roll output.
With support for NMEA 0183 and NMEA 2000, integrating Atlas L-band corrections, and continuing to offer ease of installation, the V200 packages and offers exceptional value and performance. The V200 excels in providing accurate position and heading information to autopilots, chart plotters and other general marine navigation applications.
The all-in-one V200 GNSS compass combines Hemisphere’s Crescent Vector H220 OEM board, two superior multipath and noise-rejecting antennas (spaced 20 cm apart), a multi-axis gyro, and tilt sensors in a single easy-to-install and use enclosure.
The V200 delivers 1.5 degree (or optional 0.75 degree) heading accuracy and Atlas L-band accuracies of 30 cm to 60 cm and offers instantaneous sub-meter accuracy and DGPS-level accuracy.
Measuring only 35 cm in length, the V200 can be either pole or surface mounted and comes in either 5- or 12-pin options that require only a single power/data cable connection for fast and reliable installations, even in the presence of strong radio transmissions.
“The Vector V200 GNSS compass represents significant enhancements to our industry-leading models it replaces, providing even greater performance, improved robustness, and excellent value,” said Miles Ware, director of marketing at Hemisphere. “Users now have an even higher performing all-in-one Vector for their marine applications with the addition of BeiDou, Galileo and QZSS, as well as Atlas L-band corrections.”
Trimble has introduced Siteworks Software version 1.1, featuring full GNSS tilt compensation functionality in standing, walking and vehicle modes, and support for the Android operating system.
Construction surveyors can now capture accurate points without leveling the pole, making surveying in areas such as building corners accurate, fast and easy.
In addition, Siteworks version 1.1 now supports the Android operating system, giving contractors the flexibility to choose the field device that best fits their needs and budget.
The announcement was made at the bauma 2019 trade fair for construction machinery, building material machines, mining machines, construction vehicles and construction equipment. Bauma 2019 takes place this week in Munich.
“GNSS tilt compensation makes site positioning more accessible and easier to learn for beginners, while experienced surveyors can see significant time savings,” said Scott Crozier, general manager for Trimble’s Civil Engineering and Construction Division. “And now Trimble Siteworks gives contractors more choices. They can run Siteworks on either Windows 10 or Android.”
GNSS Tilt Compensation
Using Trimble Siteworks and a Trimble SPS986 GNSS smart antenna, construction surveyors can take measurements faster and perform more efficient stakeouts.
The solution was designed to shield magnetic interference, and it can be used effectively anywhere on a construction site.
There are three modes available that support tilt compensation, so contractors can record accurate points while standing, walking or driving the site in a vehicle. Tilt compensation in vehicle mode is designed to capture higher accuracy measurements on steeper slopes from a moving vehicle, and more accurate volume measurements to save time and money on material planning.
Easy to use for beginners and users without traditional training, tilt compensation allows points to be recorded more safely, eliminating the need to stand in the road to measure a traffic lane, for example. Surveyors can also measure points that they couldn’t before, such as building corners, edges of trenches and utility flowlines.
Trimble Siteworks for Android
Trimble Siteworks can now support a contractor’s bring-your-own-device (BYOD) strategy with Android compatibility. This is helpful for price-conscious users such as owner operators and utility contractors, or users who need a less rugged solution for lighter use.
The option gives contractors the freedom to choose the device that works best for them, increasing the flexibility and affordability of the Trimble Siteworks Positioning System.
Availability
Trimble Siteworks Software version 1.1 is expected to be available through the worldwide SITECH distribution channel in the second quarter of 2019.
Geneq inc. has released a redesigned, ultra-efficient battery for its SXblue receivers.
The new battery is equipped with 4 Li-ion rechargeable cells that boost its capacity from 3900 mAh to 6000 mAh. The upgrade boosts the receiver’s autonomy by up to 50 percent, greatly increasing its field work efficiency, the company said.
When fully charged, the battery can last up to 16 hours depending on the SXblue model and Bluetooth connectivity.
Photo: Geneq
The colored LEDs for the battery charge indicator have been enhanced for a better contrast even when working under sunny conditions. Like previous versions, the new battery is field replaceable and can be charged separately or while it is connected to the receiver. With only a 6-mm increase in thickness and the same weight as previous models, the user will not notice any change in handiness and ergonomics, Geneq added.
The new battery is compatible with all past SXblue II and III models and current iSXblue II+ GPS, SXblue II+ GPS, iSXblue II+ GNSS, SXblue II+ GNSS and SXblue Platinum. It is also compatible with the new pole clamp accessory for the survey kit.
Trimble has expanded its CenterPoint RTX Fast GNSS correction service coverage area in North America.
Additional states and provinces now covered by Trimble RTX Fast include Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, Mississippi, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina and Washington, and Alberta and Ontario Canada.
Trimble RTX Fast reduces convergence time, allowing customers to achieve horizontal positioning accuracy of better than one inch (2 centimeters), in as fast as one minute.
Now, with CenterPoint RTX more farmers, surveyors, GIS professionals and construction contractors can experience the RTK-level accuracy of traditional cellular-based Virtual Reference Station (VRS) networks, while benefiting from the versatility of a satellite-delivered correction service, Trimble said.
“Trimble RTX technology has continually evolved since its launch in 2011 with improving accuracy and reduced convergence times,” said Patricia Boothe, vice president of Trimble’s Advanced Positioning Division. “This network expansion demonstrates our commitment to bringing the market-leading performance of Trimble RTX Fast to more users, in more geographies around the world.”
Trimble’s RTX network is currently available throughout most of the world, with the RTX-Fast network coverage available in select geographies in the U.S., Canada and throughout most of Europe, when using Trimble RTX compatible GNSS receivers. Subscriptions are available through Trimble’s Authorized Business Partners or Trimble’s online store.
My last column discussed the preliminary results of NGS’ second Multi-Year CORS Beta Solution of the National CORS. Since my last column, NGS announced the release of the beta version of the hybrid geoid model GEOID18 and, on Feb. 15, NGS officially released the Beta CORS ITRF2014 coordinates and velocities.
This column provides the official links to NGS website that provide the beta coordinates and information about the latest multi-year CORS solution. Below is the NGS announcement of the beta release of the updated coordinates.
Excerpt from Feb. 15, 2019, “NOTICE: New BETA Coordinates Available for CORS and OPUS”. (Screenshot: NGS)
NGS also provides a notice of the new beta coordinates on the National Geodetic Survey homepage, with a link to the Beta CORS ITRF14 coordinates (see the highlighted section below).
National Geodetic Survey homepage. (Screenshot: NGS)
Information on Multi-Year CORS Solution 2. (Screenshot: NGS)
By clicking on the CORS Home button, the user is directed to the Beta CORS page.
Beta CORS release page. (Screenshot: NGS)
This page clearly states that the ITRF2014 reference frame for CORS is available as a beta product. It also implies that these coordinates are being used in other beta products such as OPUS. I’ll address this later in this column.
Users can obtain information about the MYCS and other related products and services such as Beta OPUS by clicking on links provided on the Beta CORS homepage.
Accessing information about ITRF2014 frame in NGS beta products. (Screenshot: NGA)
It should be noted that these values are considered “beta” and are available to users for testing and feedback. NGS provides a statement about its beta release products. Basically, it states that users should only use beta products to test their workflows and never for official or production work.
The NGS beta release statement. (Screenshot: NGS)
To facilitate testing of the beta CORS coordinates and velocities, NGS provides links to other beta products that will use the MYCS 2 coordinates and velocities.
By clicking on the link labeled BETA OPUS on the beta CORS homepage, the user is directed to the BETA OPUS webpage. This page clearly states that the beta OPUS routine uses the new ITRF2014 reference frame for CORS.
Once again, the Beta OPUS Projects website clearly states that the beta version is using the CORS coordinates and velocities from the MYCS2. It also states that, at this time, NGS will not accept ITRF2014 submissions for publication. As previously stated, NGS’ beta products are for users to test their workflows and should never be used for official or production work.
The Beta CORS webpage provides a lot of valuable information on the processing and establishment of the multi-years CORS solution. I’ve highlighted several of the sections below.
First, by clicking on the link MYCS2 Processing, the user is directed to the section that describes the data used and the processing strategy.
Excerpt from Beta CORS Webpage – MYCS2 Processing. (Screenshot: NGS)
The following are highlights from the section:
The processing included data spanning 1996 to 2016 and involved around 3050 CORS, IGS and other (e.g., NGA) stations.
The corresponding input and output data occupied about 25 TB on the NGS computers.
The residual time series in the early 1990s showed exceptionally noisy behavior at times, which were deleted in the alignment/velocity computation stage.
The processing was performed in 3 steps:
1. The global processing step solves for orbits, Earth Orientation Parameters (EOPs), hourly tropospheric delay parameters and weekly global (IGS) station positions in an IGS-NNR frame.
2. The CORS processing step ties the remaining CORS to global, backbone, sites holding fixed estimated orbits, troposphere, EOPs and IGS station coordinates. This leads to estimated CORS coordinates in a no net rotation (NNR) frame.
3. The last step is the alignment of the estimated coordinates with ITRF2014 and velocity estimation. This process was done in 15 iterations to achieve rigorous quality control and discontinuity detection.
Linear velocities for all stations are estimated in the NGS realization of ITRF2014. NGS explains how this was implemented in the section titled “The velocity field relative to ITRF2014” (see box titled “Section Describing the Velocity Field Relative to ITRF2014”). The website provides figures that depict the horizontal and vertical velocities used in the processing.
The following are a few highlights from the section:
Unless an earthquake or a post seismic adjustment occurred, the velocities of a station in between discontinuities are constrained to have the same value.
Stations that experience earthquakes, post seismic adjustment and in a few cases, non-uniform vertical motion, are allowed to have different velocities in between events as dictated by the data.
The webpage provides figures that depict the estimated horizontal and vertical CORS velocities.
Section describing the velocity field relative to ITRF2014. (Screenshot: NGS)
What users usually want to know is how much the coordinates have changed and what it means to their surveying activities. The section titled “Main Changes Compared to Previous Reference Frames” provides information and plots that depict the changes of coordinates.
Section on changes in coordinates. (Screenshot: NGS)
This section provides NAD83 (MYCS2) coordinate values minus NAD83 (MYCS1) coordinate values.
The following are a few highlights from the section:
The ITRF2014 coordinates of all computed CORS coordinates from MYCS2 processing are converted to NAD83 (2011) using HTDP.
The resulting NAD83 (2011) coordinates are then compared to those obtained from MYCS1 at all common sites.
The coordinate differences are compared at epoch 2010.0 (MYCS2 – MYCS1).
The differences are less than 5 mm in most areas with some exceptions.
The largest differences are seen in southern Alaska.
Other visible changes are seen in areas of significant and real subsidence and in places where the time series are too short, such as in Iowa where almost all time series are three years long.
Vertical coordinates (ellipsoidal heights) are compared using the same criteria.
The stations with the HTDP estimated velocities from MYCS1 (no vertical velocities) show the largest differences. In addition, non-secular subsidence areas also show larger differences.
By clicking on the plots, the user is directed to a larger figure that is easier to interpret. (See boxes titled “NAD83 (MYCS2) – NAD83 (MYCS1) Horizontal Position Differences” and “NAD83 (MYCS2) – NAD83 (MYCS1) Vertical Position Differences.”)
NAD83 (MYCS2) – NAD83 (MYCS1) Horizontal Position Differences. (Screenshot: NGS)NAD83 (MYCS2) – NAD83 (MYCS1) Vertical Position Differences. (Screenshot: NGS)
NGS has done a tremendous job of explaining the MYCS2 process and results. As the results indicate, most differences between the MYCS1 and MYCS2 are small. Saying that, I would encourage all users to look at the NGS Beta webpages and obtain an understanding of the MYCS2 process and results. Users should also use the beta products and compare their results to the current production products to evaluate the CORS beta coordinates and velocities in their region of interest.
Notice announcing beta version of Geoid18 on NGS homepage. (Screenshot: NGS)
It should also be noted that in late February, NGS released a beta version of the latest hybrid geoid model, Geoid18. This model can be accessed here; the site provides an opportunity for users to compute a beta Geoid18 value for a particular station.
Excerpt from beta Geoid18 website. (Screenshot: NGS)
I would encourage all users to obtain an understanding of the new hybrid model. Once again, it should be noted that this model is a beta model for users to test their workflows and should never be used for official or production work.
My next column will discuss the beta hybrid Geoid18 model, and the differences between the beta model and the official hybrid geoid model, Geoid12B.
Komatsu Australia and Skycatch Inc. are partnering to boost the efficiency of construction, mining and quarry sites across Oceana with the High Precision Package.
The High Precision Package is also known as Komatsu’s Everyday Drone Solution, a key component to the Smart Construction workflow.
The Everyday Drone contains the Explore1 high-precision UAV, the Edge1 integrated GNSS base station and edge compute module, and the Viewer, an online data visualization and analysis tool, packaged into a commercial-grade kit.
High-precision package. (Photo: Skycatch)
The Everyday Drone allows a user to experience time to data without needing ground control points (GCP), and the ability to seamlessly integrate precision aerial data into their Smart Construction Workflow.
In common construction workflows, the time to data using traditional surveying methods could take weeks until project stakeholders can view or analyze their job site data. With the Edge1, customers are able to leverage a seamless GCP free workflow that consistently delivers sub 50-mm accurate data, in arbitrary or local coordinate systems within 30 minutes, saving countless hours and labor costs.
“We are now using the Everyday Drone at the start of projects to collect whole site information for pre-tender and bidding capability, comparing against 3D design surface to provide fleet and project managers real, accurate information viewed in the Smart Construction Application,” said Aaron Marsh, national technology solution expert manager, Smart Centre, Komatsu Australia. “This allows them to work out their cut and fill volumes with accuracy from the beginning, and enables the project tender team to select the right machines for the project optimising fleet recommendation and empowering the team to make the right, data-based decisions from the start.”
“Skycatch is proud to offer a better way of accessing precision data on-site. With traditional methods, the solutions are piecemeal, cumbersome, and time-consuming,” said Christian Sanz, Skycatch founder and CEO. “Now, customers are able to make informed decisions about changes to what was planned and what is actually happening on site in near real-time, ultimately providing greater productivity, increased profit and reducing project risk from beginning to end,”
Customers tested the receptiveness of the Everyday Drone Solution, said James Mackenzie, national remote support manager at Komatsu Australia. They first tested in civil construction, and then quickly expanded into quarry sites. Mackenzie was able to survey six quarries in five days for different customers, post-processed in the cloud, receiving the data back the next day.
“Compared to a traditional survey, this is 100% more productive and efficient,” Mackenzie said. “By using the Everyday Drone, customers are no longer putting themselves in harm’s way, surveying around heavy machinery or climbing up unstable stockpiles at risk of twisting an ankle.”
He also noted that customers appreciated the fast turn-around time, the ease of use, and the ruggedness of the products.
“Skycatch’s ability to provide near real-time data throughout the entire project is vital, and being able to deliver that to the customer, supervisor and give project teams the ability to make decisions throughout the project easily with usable, accurate data is key to the success of the project as a whole, not just in siloed environments is priceless,” Marsh said.
