Tag: autonomous vehicles

Launchpad: Latest in OEMs, mapping, UAVs and more
Read a roundup of recent products in the GNSS and inertial positioning industry from the April 2025 issue of GPS World magazine.

OEM

INS
With three additional GNSS receiver variants

Photo: Topcon

SBG Systems has upgraded its inertial navigation systems — Ekinox, Apogee and Navsight — with new GNSS receiver options. The latest update introduces three additional GNSS receiver variants.

These include:
- Marinestar, which supports Fugro Marinestar, delivering precise point positioning (PPP) with centimeter-level accuracy via L-band corrections without requiring a base station. It is optimized for marine applications.
- HAS Ready / NavIC, which includes Galileo E6 support for the upcoming Galileo High Accuracy Service (HAS), offering free decimeter-level PPP corrections globally. Additionally, it supports the Indian NavIC system.
- Centimeter-Level Augmentation Service, which is tailored for users in Japan; this variant utilizes QZSS L6 signals to provide free PPP corrections without external services.
All GNSS variants integrate seamlessly with SBG Systems’ antenna portfolio and Qinertia post-processing software. Users select the appropriate GNSS variant at purchase to match their operational requirements. These enhancements aim to provide versatile solutions across diverse industries while ensuring reliable performance.

SBG Systems

Receivers
Can achieve centimeter-level accuracy

Photo: STMicroelectronics

The GNSS receivers in the Teseo VI family use multi-constellation and quad-band signal processing on a single chip, achieving centimeter-level accuracy for various applications. The Teseo VI family includes the STA8600A and STA8610A models. These receivers are designed for automotive applications such as advanced driver assistance systems and autonomous driving, as well as industrial uses, including asset tracking, mobile robots and precision agriculture.

The Teseo VI+ variant can host enhanced positioning engines developed by third-party companies, providing real-time kinematics for centimeter position accuracy.

STMicroelectronics

GNSS Module
Operates in challenging environments

Photo: Quectel

The LG680P is a multi-constellation, quad-band GNSS module designed for high-precision positioning and to enhance signal quality and precision through concurrent reception of L1, L2 and L5 frequency bands. It supports Galileo E6, QZSS L6 and BDS B2b signals for precise point positioning, ensuring horizontal accuracy of up to 0.8 cm + 1 ppm without requiring local or broadband connectivity.

To ensure signal integrity in environments with electromagnetic interference, the module features professional-grade anti-jamming technology, including built-in NIC algorithms that suppress narrow-band interference. It supports external active antennas for enhanced signal reception and positioning accuracy. It is ideal for applications such as autonomous lawnmowers, delivery robots, surveying equipment and precision agriculture. Quectel complements it with two external GNSS antennas: the YEGR001W8AH geodetic antenna and the YEGD006U1A compact patch antenna.

Quectel

Firmware Upgrade
For SBG Systems’ MEMS-based INS

Photo: SBG Systems

The New Ellipse firmware upgrade for the Ellipse product line allows the system to now be used as an attitude and heading reference system or inertial navigation system. It is designed to enhance navigation, attitude and heave performance for stable and accurate positioning, even in challenging conditions.

It introduces advanced GNSS-denied capabilities, featuring newly integrated flags that trigger when GNSS jamming or spoofing threats are detected. This allows users to reject or re-enable external sensors — such as GNSS — without resetting the filter. The user-friendly interface allows for fast and flexible configuration using simple command lines, enabling users to tailor the Ellipse to their specific needs and applications.

SBG Systems

Localization Solution
Operates in GNSS-denied environments

Photo: OxTS

WayFinder is a localization solution designed for GNSS-denied environments. It integrates a GNSS/INS system, onboard processor, lidar scanner and two cameras, enabling precise navigation in areas with limited satellite coverage. The system features Lidar Boost, a software technology that enhances GNSS/INS performance by processing lidar data to compensate for missing or inaccurate GNSS updates in real time. This ensures high-accuracy localization and seamless transitions between GNSS-supported and GNSS-denied environments.

WayFinder enables precise navigation for autonomous vehicles in ports, mining and indoor automotive testing without fixed infrastructure. It also provides reliable positioning for surveyors in areas with limited GNSS coverage.

OxTS

Survey

Smart Surveying
Introduces topographic design tools

Photo: Virtual Surveyor

Virtual Surveyor Version 10 introduces Basic Topographic Design tools, allowing users to document terrain changes such as graded roads, water ponds and building surfaces. The software now features four subscription plans — Valley, Ridge, Mountain and Peak.
- Ridge plan: Focuses on surveying a single moment in time using one drone data set.
- Mountain plan: Adds Timelines to compare surveys across different times, visualizing changes through Time Steps.
- Peak plan: Includes advanced Topographic Design tools for planning future structures by creating new Time Steps. These tools allow users to design features such as roads or ponds directly on UAV-derived models, with automated alignment and volume calculations for cut-and-fill operations.
Version 10 introduces drawing guides, available in the Ridge plan and above, enabling precise drawing of points at specific intervals or angles. Walk Mode, included in all plans, allows users to explore 3D terrain at ground level for better visualization. Timelines, featured in the Mountain and Peak plans, facilitate the comparison of multiple surveys conducted at different times and the integration of future designs. These improvements seek to streamline processes for engineering surveyors, supporting applications in construction, mining and water management.

Virtual Surveyor

Laser RTK
With a laser range of up to 50 m

Photo: ComNav Technology

The Jupiter Laser RTK integrates GNSS, auto-IMU, laser and dual camera systems into a single unit. It incorporates a precise green laser that remains visible even in bright daylight. This feature allows for precise measurements of points in hard-to-reach, signal-blocked or potentially hazardous locations. It also features a night vision camera, allowing users to see feature points even in low-light conditions. The RTK system’s laser range is up to 50 m, making it suitable for challenging surveying environments. It incorporates visual technology to offer surveyors an immersive experience during surveying and stakeout operations, improving working efficiency and productivity.

ComNav Technology

UAV

UAV Software
With new mapping capabilities

Photo: AgEagle Aerial Systems

Version 2.1.0 of AgEagle Aerial Systems’ eBee VISION application software introduces circular and grid mapping features, allowing users to generate 2D or 3D maps using external post-processing software for more comprehensive geospatial data.

The eBee VISION 2.1.0 can continue missions in GNSS-denied environments and allows manual deactivation of GNSS to prevent jamming or spoofing. It implements the STANAG 4609 standard, the official format for motion imagery exchange within the NATO nations. This involves embedding UAV position and camera information into the videos recorded by the UAV and those broadcasted by the Ground Control Station. Its inclusion in the system seeks to enhance interoperability with third-party applications, which is key for military-grade UAVs.

It offers enhanced control over the Silent Tactical Landing feature. Users can now manually adjust the landing position on the map, with the system providing range estimates to inform operators of the UAV’s reach. This functionality offers greater flexibility in mission planning and execution, particularly in tactical scenarios requiring precise landing control. The system is ideal for defense, public safety and utilities applications.

AgEagle Aerial Systems

‘Drone-in-a-Box’ Solution
Designed for vehicle-mounted deployments

Photo: DJI

The DJI Dock 3 “drone-in-a-box” solution is designed for vehicle-mounted deployments and 24/7 remote operations in various environments. This system is compatible with the Matrice 4D and Matrice 4TD UAVs, which feature advanced cameras and IP-rated protection for challenging conditions. The UAVs are ideal for public safety, emergency response and infrastructure inspection.

This system supports flexible deployment options, including vehicle-mounted setups optimized for emergency operations and long-distance inspections. It enables horizontal calibration and cloud-based dock location adjustments. Two docks can be mounted on a single vehicle to facilitate dual-UAV rotations for enhanced efficiency. In fixed deployments, the D-RTK 3 Relay Fixed Deployment Version can be added to improve video transmission and satellite connectivity.

The Matrice 4D and 4TD UAVs have a wide-angle camera, medium tele camera, tele camera and laser range finder. The Matrice 4D features an advanced camera suite designed for high-precision mapping. The Matrice 4TD includes an infrared thermal camera for public safety and emergency response applications. The system includes a Flight Termination System to support regulatory compliance in strictly controlled airspace. This system can manually or automatically stop drone operations if necessary.

DJI

Software Upgrade
Enables 24/7 BVLOS operations

Photo: uAvionix

Casia G Release 4.0 is a software update that enables nighttime detection of aircraft, allowing 24/7 beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) UAS operations. The update supports BVLOS flights up to 400 ft at night without requiring hardware modifications, offering detection of both cooperative and non-cooperative aircraft. The system detects aircraft at distances of up to 16.7 km with 360° coverage, ensuring safe nighttime operations. When multiple units are used, triangulation technology provides accurate range, altitude and satellite data for intruding aircraft. The update leverages existing hardware to detect navigation and anti-collision lights at night.

uAvionix

Marine Radar
With W-band radar technology

Photo: NavTech Radar

The MAS10 is a 77 GHz FMCW marine radar system designed to enhance navigation safety in congested environments under all weather conditions. The ultra-high-definition W-band radar provides centimeter-level resolution, enabling vessels to detect and identify small hazards in heavily trafficked waterways.

Unlike optical and infrared sensors, W-band radar technology penetrates fog, heavy rain and snow, ensuring reliable detection. It operates effectively in low-visibility scenarios, including complete darkness, intense sunlight and shadowed areas where cameras and lidar may struggle.

NavTech Radar

Mapping

New 3D Scanners
Available in two versions

Photo: 3DMakerpro

The Eagle Series line of spatial 3D scanners feature lidar and imaging sensors and are designed for various applications, including reverse engineering, digital twinning, asset management, extended reality, precision mapping and 3D printing.

The series offers scanning capabilities with a range of up to 140 m and precision within 2 cm at 10 m. The lightweight scanner is designed for portability, with a built-in battery providing up to one hour of continuous use.

The scanners are available in Standard and Max versions. The Max model features four 48 MP cameras, enhancing scanning efficiency and producing vivid 8 K panoramic photos. With a point cloud frequency of 200,000 points per second, the Eagle Series is designed for applications requiring highly detailed spatial data.

3DMakerpro

Upgraded Mapping Package
With Google Maps downloads

Photo: Golden Software

Golden Software has upgraded its Surfer mapping and 3D visualization software. Users can now directly download georeferenced aerial and satellite imagery from Google Maps into projects. The latest version also improves 3D visualization tools, focusing on faster and more intuitive creation of visual models. Users can now colorize 3D drill hole intervals based on text keywords, making it easier to interpret subsurface data. Additionally, contour slices can now be added to the 3D view, offering a clearer representation of data layers.

Golden Software has released a beta version (30.0.135) that introduces multiple light sources for improved 3D viewing and customizable legends for better map presentation. These updates are designed to streamline workflows for professionals in industries such as environmental consulting, resource exploration and geospatial analysis, simplifying the creation of professional-grade maps and models efficiently.

Golden Software
April 21, 2025
A look at new FAA-compliant UAV detection software and thrust-vectoring drones

FAA regulations require drone enthusiasts and commercial operators to equip their unmanned aircraft with approved remote identification (RID) capability. Following the FAA’s deadline on March 24, 2024, each registered drone in U.S. airspace is required to transmit its location, operator information, altitude, velocity and registration code. This data can be utilized to identify the drone’s operator. Additionally, most drones will need to include a timestamp for data synchronization and an emergency status indicator if necessary.

As a concession to purely recreational drone flyers, the FAA allows local organizations to designate and register an area as a reserved location for drone flying — an FAA-recognized Identification Area (FRIA) — and drones flown only in such locations are exempt from the RID regulation. As of September 2023, manufacturers are required to only sell drones with RID capability, and owners of older drones can purchase RID devices to add to their equipment. Some come with an internal GPS, but others connect to existing onboard GNSS receivers.

AirWarden pole-mounted receiver (Photo: AeroDefense)

Given this RID-equipped population of drones, AeroDefense in Oceanport, New Jersey, has come up with an inexpensive way of locating legal drones and providing tracking information by providing an area monitoring system. Drone incursions into controlled airspace are not all malicious in nature— in fact, most have turned out to be accidental. So, a low-cost capability, such as the AirWarden Essential system, can be helpful to many facilities wishing to know what drones are in their airspace.

An AirWarden receiver mounted on a pole with a clear view of the sky above the monitored area can capture broadcast transmissions from drones flying overhead. the information is transmitted to a display system that highlights RID-equipped drones in the monitored area, showing not only the altitude and direction of the drones but also the operator’s identity and the location from which the drone was launched. The data can be downloaded to the internet, so facility personnel can also receive incursion warnings remotely, if they happen to be away from the facility. Otherwise, the system provides real-time alerts to your chosen display, along with a tracking history and the location of the launch point.

AeroDefense identifies several key locations for this system, including correctional facilities, venues such as stadiums and large outdoor gathering spots, airports, military bases, critical infrastructure such as power and water distribution centers, and industrial complexes.

What about non-RID drones, which can spy on technology, gather sensitive information, conduct reconnaissance of military facilities, smuggle contraband into correctional facilities, or even damage infrastructure? These drones can operate outside the law and evade FAA regulations. AirWarden indeed offers extensions that facilitate RF detection of both drone control and data transmissions, along with tracking the direction of drone movement. Combined with radar, the system becomes a robust detection solution for both RID and non-RID drones.

Mayman Aerospace in Long Beach, California, has developed a jet-powered vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) cargo drone. It needs only 10’ x 10’ to take off and land, and in flight, it is claimed to be able to reach 500mph (Mach 0.75) and operate at 20,000 ft.

Razor VTOL drone with vectoring jet-powered thrust. (Photo: Mayman)

The Razor VTOL features gimballed, jet-powered thrust for takeoff and landing and a high-speed sprint speed for fast deliveries on the battlefield. The initial application might be for the Department of Defense, but Mayman anticipates that other commercial applications already exist for rapid 50-lb cargo transit.

And Mayman describes other capabilities as including artificial GPS-denied navigation and autonomous control for reliability and accuracy in areas where signal jamming is present. The aircraft has an automatic abort/land capability in the event of catastrophic failure.

This new intelligent vehicle appears capable of various applications, including fast cargo transit, Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR), disaster recovery, serving as a low-cost maneuverable airborne target for pilot training and even functioning as an attack drone.

While recent sky-filled drone incursions have been highly reported and publicized, another means to help detect and locate their operators cannot come at a better time. The AirWarden system appears to have a lot of promise, notwithstanding that radar, RF and acoustic detection systems may also be required for “illegal” drones. Thrust-vectoring, cargo carrying and autonomy in a drone are not just a novel combination, these capabilities do appear to have a great deal of promise for both military and commercial operations.

April 18, 2025
Swift Navigation expands RTK positioning across Western Europe

Swift Navigation‘s Skylark Precise Positioning Service now offers continuous two-centimeter accuracy across Western Europe, enabling the deployment of reliable consumer robots and digital mapping solutions.

Autonomous robots and field mapping applications require precise positioning to operate efficiently; traditional RTK solutions can often struggle, forcing robotics manufacturers to use local base stations or fragmented networks, which can lead to coverage gaps and inconsistent performance. Field teams in utilities and construction also require survey-grade accuracy without the high costs of professional equipment.

Skylark addresses these issues by delivering accuracy across geographic areas, eliminating the need for base stations or switching between providers. Skylark uses a proprietary atmospheric model that compensates for ionospheric and tropospheric effects in real-time. The carrier-grade network, operated by mobile network providers, ensures reliability across regions.

Skylark is available in three variants — Nx RTK, Cx, and Dx — designed to meet varying requirements for accuracy, power consumption, data transmission and cost. The Skylark Nx RTK delivers one-to-two centimeter accuracy across 28 countries in Western Europe and seven countries in Eastern Europe. Compatible with standard RTK receivers and supported by portals for credential management, licensing and usage analytics, Skylark Nx RTK integrates high-precision positioning into existing devices and workflows.

April 15, 2025
STMicroelectronics, Segway enhance robotic lawnmowers

STMicroelectronics has partnered with Segway to enhance its latest range of robotic lawnmowers. The collaboration integrates precision positioning and extended satellite-signal coverage, designed to improve operational efficiency and safety.

Reliable satellite navigation is essential for robotic lawnmowers that operate without boundary wires. These devices must autonomously navigate safely, even in areas where tall buildings or trees obstruct satellite signals. Uninterrupted satellite signal coverage is critical for functioning at the edge of stairs or steep slopes.

STMicroelectronics’ Teseo satellite navigation chips — with automotive-grade quality and reliability — are well-suited for robotic lawnmowers. These chips enable decimeter-level location accuracy, ensuring the mower remains within its designated field perimeter.

Segway’s recently launched Navimow X3 robotic lawnmowers incorporate ST’s Teseo V single-chip triple-band GNSS receivers. These receivers track multiple satellite constellations simultaneously, delivering superior performance in challenging environments. The real-time kinematic (RTK) technique further corrects satellite signal errors, ensuring stable operation in complex layouts such as properties with narrow passageways or multiple mowing zones. The company said that compared to earlier models, Segway reports a 20 to 30% increase in satellite signal coverage with ST’s technology.

Technical specifications include ST’s STA8135GA GNSS receiver from the Teseo V family. This automotive-qualified chip integrates triple-band positioning measurement and dead-reckoning features within a compact package. On-chip voltage regulators simplify power supply selection, further enhancing design efficiency.

April 10, 2025
Rx Networks launches GNSS correction service with centimeter-level accuracy

Rx Networks has introduced TruePoint | FOCUS, a high-precision, cloud-based GNSS correction service that offers instantaneous centimeter-level accuracy for a variety of applications. This service is designed to address the needs of industries requiring real-time precision, such as micro-mobility, smart agriculture, robotics, UAVs, IoT and machine control.

TruePoint | FOCUS supports both Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) and PPP-RTK modes to offer flexibility and high performance. The RTK mode is hardware-agnostic, ensuring compatibility with any RTK-enabled GNSS receiver. It uses standard correction protocols like RTCM v3 and supports access via NTRIP for seamless integration and rapid deployment. The PPP-RTK mode leverages State Space Representation (SSR) to deliver high-accuracy positioning with optimized bandwidth usage. This mode combines the benefits of global coverage from PPP with the fast convergence times of RTK, making it suitable for applications requiring seamless operation over large areas.

The service is notable for its ability to process more GNSS signals than many competing solutions, enhancing its resilience and performance in challenging environments. It supports signals from GPS, Galileo and BeiDou constellations, offering comprehensive correction capabilities. According to the company, TruePoint | FOCUS guarantees consistent centimeter-level accuracy with a 99.9% service level agreement, ensuring reliability for users operating in regions such as North America, Europe and China.

TruePoint | FOCUS is available for trial in both RTK and PPP-RTK modes across covered regions, with plans to expand its geographic reach. Interested users can request a complimentary 30-day trial license to evaluate the service.

April 9, 2025
SBG Systems launches MEMS-based gyrocompassing IMU

SBG Systems has unveiled its MEMS-based North-seeking inertial measurement unit (IMU) that operates independently of GNSS. According to the company, this launch lays the foundation for future products, such as attitude and heading reference systems (AHRS) and inertial navigation systems (INS), broadening the scope of MEMS-based navigation solutions.

The MEMS-based IMU can achieve a heading accuracy greater than 1° secant latitude without GNSS assistance. When integrated with GNSS and SBG Systems’ navigation algorithms, it can achieve INS heading accuracy greater than 0.01°.

The device features a true MEMS-based design with no moving parts, eliminating the need for carouseling mechanisms. This ensures enhanced durability and reliability across a wide range of operating environments.

Key features of this IMU include its compact size, low weight and minimal power consumption. Measuring 52 x 52 x 36 mm and weighing less than 150 g, it consumes only 2 watts of power. Designed for high-volume production, the device is well-suited for widespread adoption across industries. Additionally, its robust design offers long-term reliability in demanding conditions, and its ITAR-free status allows unrestricted global deployment.

SBG Systems has also developed new algorithms to enhance gyrocompass and INS alignment performance. These include a pure north-finding algorithm capable of rapid initialization in both static and dynamic conditions within one minute, as well as an advanced GNSS/INS fusion algorithm that delivers exceptional single-antenna heading accuracy even in low-dynamic environments.

It can be used for applications such as marine operations, autonomous systems and georeferencing. The IMU is particularly suited for subsea applications including remotely operated vehicles and autonomous underwater vehicles, as well as geospatial and marine surveying tasks requiring precise single-antenna heading accuracy.

The first off-the-shelf solutions are expected to be available by early 2026.

April 3, 2025
Saildrone deploys new technology for GPS-denied environments

Saildrone has equipped its Voyager platform with new hardware and software algorithms, allowing it to operate in areas affected by GPS jamming and spoofing.

The company successfully demonstrated these capabilities in the Middle East, showcasing its ability to function autonomously in GPS-denied environments. According to Saildrone, the tests addressed challenges posed by regional electronic warfare tactics, such as jamming and spoofing, which have disrupted unmanned systems in contested maritime zones.

Task Force 59, established by the U.S. Navy in 2021 under NAVCENT and the Fifth Fleet, has been instrumental in integrating unmanned systems and artificial intelligence into fleet operations. Saildrone engineers developed a localization solution that does not rely solely on satellite navigation, offering seamless operation even in denied environments. This capability was demonstrated during IMX 2025, where Saildrone’s Voyager platform stood out as the sole unmanned vessel capable of persistent surveillance under such conditions.

Saildrone USVs are actively conducting wide-area surveillance across the CENTCOM area of responsibility, enhancing maritime domain awareness and supporting U.S. Navy operations. These efforts align with Operation Prosperity Guardian, which has been safeguarding commercial shipping and countering regional threats since December 2023.

Saildrone is now in its fourth year of collaboration with the U.S. Navy, with its unmanned surface vehicles deployed across various regions, including the Middle East, Atlantic, Caribbean and Pacific Oceans.

March 31, 2025
ComNav unveils USV for hydrographic surveying

ComNav Technology has released the SV600 unmanned surface vessel (USV) for hydrographic surveying. This remote-controlled vessel incorporates adaptive water-flow straight-line and hovering technology, enhancing efficiency and ease of operation.

A key feature of the SV600 is its dual-moon pool design, which allows for simultaneous deployment of various surveying equipment. This includes Acoustic Doppler current profilers, single-beam echo sounders, side-scan sonar, pipeline detectors and miniaturized multi-beam echo sounders.

The vessel’s design prioritizes versatility and quick transitions between tasks. Its rapid installation feature facilitates seamless switching between different measurement modes, streamlining the surveying process, according to ComNav.

March 29, 2025
Inertial Labs launches anti-jamming solution

Inertial Labs, a VIAVI Solutions Inc. Company, has introduced the M-AJ-QUATRO anti-jamming antenna system, designed to ensure assured positioning, navigation and timing (A-PNT) in GNSS-challenged environments. The system incorporates advanced Controlled Reception Pattern Antenna (CRPA) technology and digital processing capabilities, making it suitable for applications ranging from military operations to commercial aviation.

PNT services are increasingly critical for various sectors, including transportation, telecommunications, artificial intelligence, hyperscale data centers, energy, finance and defense. As GNSS jamming and spoofing threats grow, government agencies and industry leaders are working to address these challenges. For instance, the Federal Aviation Administration and Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division are expediting approval processes for CRPA technology to enhance aviation safety and counter GPS interference.

The M-AJ-QUATRO supports the L1, L2, and L5 GNSS bands and offers robust interference suppression capabilities. Its adaptive digital nulling feature automatically mitigates jamming signals with over 34dB+ suppression in the export-free version and over 45dB+ suppression in the export-controlled version. Additionally, the system can identify and locate sources of interference through its jammer direction-finding capability, improving situational awareness.

It is compatible with multiple GNSS constellations to provide comprehensive global coverage. It employs dual FPGA-based encryption and anti-spoofing technologies for secure signal processing and data integrity. Built to meet stringent military standards like MIL-STD-810G and MIL-STD-461F, the M-AJ-QUATRO is engineered to withstand extreme conditions, making it an ideal solution for defense and aerospace applications.

March 27, 2025
SPH Engineering unveils UAV flight-planning software

SPH Engineering has introduced UgCS Open, a free version of its widely used UAV flight-planning software. This new offering retains the core features of the paid UgCS Expert version, including 3D flight planning, terrain-aware automation and mission control.

The launch of UgCS Open is aimed at making advanced UAV flight planning more accessible while maintaining SPH Engineering’s focus on professional applications. This version is particularly beneficial for those starting with tasks such as lidar flights, UAV photogrammetry, automated inspections and terrain-aware mission planning.

UgCS supports a wide range of popular UAV platforms, including DJI models such as the M350, M300, Mavic 3 Enterprise and Matrice 4 Series. Unlike cloud-based solutions, UgCS operates locally on PC or Mac systems, offering full offline capabilities and a fast, 3D flight-planning environment. This makes it suitable for complex missions such as lidar surveys, photogrammetry and corridor mapping.

By introducing UgCS Open, SPH Engineering aims to lower the entry barrier for UAV operators while continuing to cater to the needs of experienced professionals requiring advanced mission planning tools.

March 25, 2025
Precise positioning for autonomous vehicles

GNSS researchers presented hundreds of papers at the 2024 Institute of Navigation (ION) GNSS+ conference, which took place Sept. 16-20 in Baltimore. The following papers focus on high-accuracy positioning for autonomous vehicles in various environments. The papers are available here.

High-accuracy and resilient GNSS receiver for autonomous vehicles

The G3STAR GNSS receiver, a key component of the GAMMS Horizon 2020 project, is designed to improve high-definition navigation map production for autonomous vehicles. This Galileo-based receiver leverages the constellation’s Open Service features, including the High Accuracy Service (HAS) and Navigation Message Authentication (OSNMA). The research team shared that G3STAR’s ability to obtain and decode HAS messages from Galileo E6-B signals, as well as to process OSNMA bits from live Galileo E1-B I/NAV messages, demonstrates its advanced capabilities in providing secure and precise navigation data.

Preliminary tests highlight G3STAR’s proficiency in utilizing Galileo’s new services. However, the research team shared that further evaluation is necessary to fully assess its impact within the GAMMS project. Plans include validating the HAS data’s effect on navigation accuracy, conducting field tests to evaluate OSNMA availability in various environments and assessing the influence of the Chip Scale Atomic Clock on receiver performance. Additionally, comparing the G3STAR’s performance to commercial off-the-shelf receivers will be crucial in determining its overall contribution to the GAMMS navigation system and HD map generation. These evaluations will be carried out during upcoming test campaigns, providing valuable insights into G3STAR’s potential to advance autonomous vehicle navigation.

Filipe Carvalho, Ricardo Prata, Bruno Cardeira, Carlota Cardoso, Rui Nunes and António Fernández; “High-Accuracy and Resilient GNSS Receiver for an Autonomous Vehicle.”

GNSS/INS positioning software library

The autonomous vehicle industry has seen significant interest and investment throughout the past 15 years, with numerous practical applications emerging in the market. However, the technology for functionally safe GNSS/INS localization in autonomous vehicles is still not fully established. This gap is particularly crucial in safety-critical applications, where positioning algorithms must be robust against potential faults, especially in challenging environments. This paper highlights Hexagon’s Safety-Critical Positioning Solution, which addresses this need by providing both precision and safety for autonomous land vehicles.

The Positioning System is a safety-first software library that integrates GNSS signals, state space corrections from the TerraStar-X Enterprise service, inertial measurement units (IMUs) and additional vehicle sensors. This system employs an extension of Receiver Autonomous Integrity Monitoring techniques, originally developed for the aviation industry. It computes multiple navigation solutions using a solution separation technique, including an “all-in-view” solution and several subset solutions that exclude various fault hypotheses. These solutions are used to calculate Protection Levels (PLs), which provide an estimated upper bound on positioning errors, accounting for systematic biases and measurement faults. The PLs can be compared against alert limits to determine whether the navigation solution is sufficiently accurate for autonomous decision-making.

Eduardo Infante, Rudi Gaum and Laura Norman; “Demonstration of a Functionally Safe GNSS/INS Positioning Software Library for Autonomous Land Vehicles.”

Unmanned ground vehicles in off-road environments

This paper explores the emerging potential of radar for localization in GNSS-denied scenarios, particularly in challenging off-road environments where lidar-based systems struggle. The research focuses on two distinct settings: a dense forest and an underground mine. To address the localization challenges in these environments, the team developed a pipeline that combines an adaptive extended Kalman filter (EKF) for unstructured forested regions with a factor graph approach that fuses EKF estimates and point-to-plane radar iterative closest point (ICP) measurements for structured underground environments. The results demonstrate significant improvements in localization accuracy compared to existing methods, with the adaptive EKF proving particularly effective in forested areas.

The study provides valuable insights into the integration of radar and IMU data for vehicle localization in GPS-denied scenarios. While the adaptive EKF outperformed conventional EKF in structured outdoor settings, the standard EKF showed better performance in the highly dynamic conditions of the underground mine. The factor graph approach exhibited improved tracking performance, especially in reducing lateral drift along straight trajectory segments. The research also highlights the importance of selecting high-quality ICP registrations for radar-based SLAM. These findings pave the way for future research directions, including refining adaptive EKF for varied environments, exploring radar-based navigation on feature-sparse roads and enhancing the factor graph framework to incorporate additional sensor modalities.

Petar Mitrev and Mohamed Atia, “Radar-Inertial Localization for Unmanned Ground Vehicles in GNSS-Denied Off-Road Environments.”

Clock drift monitoring-based GNSS spoofing detection

GNSS plays a vital role in autonomous systems, providing essential positioning, velocity and timing (PVT) information for platforms such as autonomous vehicles, UAVs and ships. However, GNSS vulnerability to spoofing attacks poses significant security risks, potentially disrupting decision-making processes in these systems. To address this issue, researchers have developed a novel approach called Clock Drift Monitoring (CDM) for detecting GNSS spoofing in autonomous vehicles. Unlike previous methods that focused on directly detecting Doppler bias from measurements, CDM indirectly monitors the adverse impact of Doppler bias on the PVT solution, overcoming challenges associated with bias extraction from raw measurements.

The CDM technique exploits user clock drift derived from Doppler positioning as a detection metric. Under normal conditions with authentic GNSS signals, the clock drift remains stable, reflecting the user’s frequency source stability. However, spoofing conditions introduce counterfeit signals with consistent Doppler bias across all measurements, resulting in abnormal clock drift variations. A Generalized Likelihood Ratio Test-based detector identifies these variations, offering a practical and flexible method for GNSS spoofing detection. Field tests have validated the CDM technique’s effectiveness in real-world scenarios, demonstrating its robustness as a solution for autonomous vehicles to counter emerging cyber threats. This method’s ease of implementation, broader applicability and inherent robustness make it a promising approach for safeguarding autonomous systems against counterfeit GNSS signals.

Ziheng Zhou, Hong Li, Yimin Deng and Mingquan Lu Tsinghua; “Clock Drift Monitoring Based GNSS Spoofing Detection Method for Autonomous Vehicles.”

March 24, 2025
Launchpad: Surveying and mapping solutions, latest OEM innovations and more

Read a roundup of recent products in the GNSS and inertial positioning industry from the March 2025 issue of GPS World magazine.

Surveying and Mapping

Photo: Eos Positioning Systems

New Eco-Friendly Carrying Case
For Eos Positioning Systems’ receivers

The Skadi Gold, Skadi 300 and Skadi 200 GNSS receivers will now be shipped in a field-rugged carrying case made entirely from recycled materials. The case is designed to meet the demands of professionals who utilize GNSS technology in challenging environments. Its construction incorporates durable, eco-friendly materials that can withstand various field conditions, from remote wilderness areas to urban construction sites.

A key feature is its composition of 100% post-consumer recycled resin, which significantly reduces waste and promotes environmental sustainability, according to the company. It is specifically engineered to be shock-resistant and weatherproof.The case is provided as a standard inclusion with every purchase of the Skadi Gold, Skadi 300 or Skadi 200 GNSS receivers at no additional cost.

Eos Positioning Systems

Photo: Tritech

Multibeam Sonar
Designed for bathymetric surveying

The Gemini 1200id is built on the same robust platform as the Gemini 720is multibeam sonar. The device features a 120° horizontal field of view, operating at both 720 kHz and 1,200 kHz acoustic frequencies.

The Gemini 1200id incorporates advanced noise reduction technology to significantly improve the attenuation of waterborne electrical noise to enhance imaging performance. An integrated speed-of-sound sensor ensures high positional accuracy of displayed targets, while CHIRP processing technology enhances target separation over extended ranges.

Compatibility with Tritech’s Genesis software package allows users to control multiple Tritech products from a single interface to streamline operations. The company has also made software development kits available for Windows and Linux operating systems to integrate into various platforms. The sonar’s design includes a custom-developed analog front-end solution with fully differential receiver channels, making it ideal for longer-range applications.

Tritech

Photo: Topcon

GNSS Receiver
With advanced TILT compensation

HiPer XRa is a GNSS receiver for surveying, mapping and construction applications. It can benefit a wide variety of users, including construction professionals, surveyors, geographic information systems (GIS) professionals, archeologists, engineering firms and more. The HiPer XR supports GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, IRNSS, QZSS and SBAS.

The new receiver has advanced Topcon Integrated Leveling Technology (TILT) compensation, featuring a calibration-free and magnetic interference-immune integrated IMU that provides up to 60° of tilt for precision measurements in challenging positions. It has signal integrity protection, anti-jamming and anti-spoofing capabilities. Through the myTopcon NOW! website, users can access online training materials, firmware updates and additional software resources.

Topcon Positioning Systems

Photo: Leica Geosystems

Airborne Lidar System
Ideal for coastline and river surveying

CoastalMapper is an airborne bathymetric lidar system for coastline and river surveying. The CoastalMapper can survey coastlines and rivers 250% faster than previous sensor models, according to Leica Geosystems.

It is suitable for various mapping applications, from assessing infrastructure resilience to monitoring river floods and conducting environmental investigations.

It features a high-performance bathymetric lidar module, a Leica TerrainMapper-3 topographic lidar and an imaging sensor, integrated into a compact and lightweight sensor head. This allows the CoastalMapper to capture up to 1 million bathymetric data points and 2 million topographic data points per second while providing high-resolution imagery with a 5-cm ground sampling distance at typical flying heights.

It integrates with Leica Geosystems’ airborne mapping workflows and offers cluster processing capabilities, allowing users to analyze large datasets and reduce the time from data collection to final deliverables. These outputs can include classified point clouds, digital terrain and surface models, and various imaging products.

Leica Geosystems

Photo: Wingtra

Surveying Kit
Streamlines base station and checkpoint setup

WingtraGROUND, a comprehensive survey kit, streamlines base station and checkpoint setup for on-site post-processing kinematic surveys with the WingtraONE Gen II, a vertical takeoff and landing UAV. The kit combines receivers, checkpoints and tools into a single, portable workflow.

The system integrates hardware components with a Wingtra tablet interface, which can help surveyors confirm correct receiver placement and avoid common errors associated with improper base station setup and inaccurate coordinates.

Wingtra receivers, equipped with Emlid Reach RS3 technology, provide accuracy within 2 cm, meeting high standards for aerial data validation. These receivers can also function independently for terrestrial surveys in real-time kinematic mode, including point collection and stakeout for various applications.

Wingtra

Photo: Juniper Systems

Galileo HAS-Enabled Receiver
Offers positioning capabilities with 20 cm accuracy

The Geode GNS3H supports Galileo High Accuracy Service (HAS). It offers positioning capabilities with 20 cm accuracy worldwide without requiring additional infrastructure or subscriptions.

It is built to withstand tough conditions, making it ideal for demanding fieldwork. The device offers various accessories, including the Geode Grip, which combines the Geode with a data collection device of choice into a single handheld solution. A backpack strap kit and survey pole are also available to enhance mobility and flexibility in the field. The GNS3H can be used for surveying, agriculture, construction, forestry, mining and archaeology.

Juniper Systems

Photo: Topcon

Expanded Mapping Portfolio
3D mapping technologies and more

Topcon Positioning Systems has become an authorized distributor of Pix4D’s photogrammetry software portfolio.

The partnership aims to enhance reality capture solutions across various industries, including surveying, mapping, utilities infrastructure, public safety, forensics, and architecture, engineering and construction.
The agreement streamlines the procurement process for end users by allowing them to access Pix4D’s advanced photogrammetry software solutions through Topcon’s global distribution network.

Topcon Positioning Systems

OEM

Photo: MIKROE

Click Board
With a Unicore RTK positioning module

The GNSS real-time kinematic (RTK) 5 Click — a compact add-on board for high-precision positioning and navigation demands — features the UM980, an all-constellation multifrequency RTK positioning module from Unicore, with the advanced NebulasIV SoC for enhanced performance.

It supports Swift Navigation’s Skylark precise positioning service, multiple GNSS constellations and RTK positioning for centimeter-level accuracy. The board also features JamShield technology for robust performance in challenging environments, USB connectivity for easy configuration and visual status indicators for module status and GNSS signal reception.

It can be used for a variety of applications, including surveying and mapping, precision agriculture, UAVs, autonomous robots and autonomous driving.

MIKROE / Unicore

Photo: Taoglas

Multi-Band GNSS Antenna
Can operate in urban environments

Levity Series’ AHP24510 (L1/L2/L-Band) and AHP54510 (L1/L5/L-Band) directional patch antennas are designed to receive signals from GPS, Galileo, GLONASS and BeiDou satellite constellations.

These antennas offer faster and more accurate signal acquisition and lock, specifically in urban environments. The L-Band capability allows compatibility with high-precision GNSS correction services. The multi-band antennas offer integral redundancy to minimize satellite security blind spots and reduce energy consumption due to faster acquisition, requiring less system uptime to save power.

The Levity Series active antennas feature a 45 mm x 45 mm x 10 mm wide-band, dual-stacked patch design with a dual-feed, low noise amplifier, providing 28 dB to 29 dB gain and filtering. They operate with a maximum antenna VSWR of 1-to-1 from 1,207 MHz to 1,603 MHz, and the passive antenna efficiency ranges from 39.93% to 68.51% in the L1 band. These antennas use right-hand circular polarization to mitigate multi-path interference.

The Levity Series includes other multi-band products for high-precision applications, such as the HP24510A and HP54510A stacked-patch passive components, and the TFM.120A surface-mount front-end module, which covers the full multi-band GNSS spectrum including L-band. These antennas are suitable for various applications, including wearables, transportation, robotics, precision agriculture and autonomous vehicles.

Taoglas

Photo: Maxtena

Helical Antenna
Mitigates LTE interference

The M9PLUS-HCT-A-SMA is an active multi-frequency GNSS antenna designed for high-accuracy applications. It supports L1/L2/L5 GPS, Galileo, Beidou and GLONASS bands, as well as L-band correction services. The antenna utilizes Maxtena’s proprietary Helicore technology, which offers advanced pattern control, polarization purity and efficiency in a compact form factor.

It integrates a pre-filter specifically engineered to mitigate LTE interference. This is crucial for maintaining signal integrity in environments with dense mobile communication networks, where LTE signals can overlap with GNSS frequencies. The pre-filter can effectively block out-of-band LTE signals, reducing intermodulation risks and ensuring clear GNSS signal reception.

The M9PLUS-HCT-A-SMA is built with rugged, IP67 automotive-grade components and includes an integrated SMA connector. It also features an O-ring for enhanced environmental sealing. Weighing only 24 grams, the antenna is ground plane-independent, making it versatile for various installations. It is particularly well-suited for GIS and RTK applications where high accuracy and reliability are crucial.

Maxtena

Photo: MostaTech

Three-Axis FOG
With an 8 kHz output

The MostaTech G321M is a three-axis fiber optic gyroscope (FOG) that offers high-precision navigation and orientation measurement capabilities. This advanced sensor features a data rate of 8 kHz.

Key features of the G321M include an input range of 400° per second, a bias RMS of 1° per hour and an angular random walk of 0.025 °/√h. Additionally, it has a power consumption of 2 W and an initialization time of 1 second. The G321M is designed with a compact form factor, making it suitable for various applications where size and weight are critical factors.

It is ideal for UAVs, robotics, borehole surveys, image stabilization, gimbal stabilization and underwater vehicles.

MostaTech

UAV

Photo: GeoCue

High-Precision Lidar
Designed for precision applications

The TV1 Lite and the TV1 UAV systems are designed for various precision applications, such as mapping and data collection.

The TV1 Lite features TrueNav technology, a Hesai 32-channel laser scanner and a FLIR 5MP global shutter camera with a 90° field of view. It also includes one year of TV1 Lite Annual Processing with support and maintenance.

TV1 offers customization options, allowing users to choose from 26 MP, 45 MP or 61 MP cameras and various Trajectory Correction Service options.

GeoCue

Photo: Teledyne FLIR

Flight Control System
With autopilot functionality

The Prism Supervisor software combines UAV autopilot flight control systems with AI-based observations processed in real time, aiming to enhance UAV operations.

The system provides a programming framework and software development kit for users to create custom mission scenarios. During flight, Prism Supervisor can adapt its autopilot functionality in real time, generating mission segments and flight plans as needed.

The software features a user-friendly graphic interface for mission planning, real-time visualization and execution. It supports Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS and Android.

Teledyne FLIR

Photo: Dronetag

Remote ID Receiver
Enhances airspace awareness and UAV safety

RIDER is designed to enhance situational awareness by providing real-time detection of UAV activity in sensitive areas. It also seeks to provide a clear visibility of surrounding UAV operations to help avoid potential collisions and ensure safer flight experiences.

The device features a built-in industrial chip SIM that provides global coverage through LTE-M and NB-IoT, ensuring connectivity in various environments.

It operates effectively within a temperature range of -20 °C to +60 °C and is rated IP54 for dust and water resistance. The device complies with ASTM F3411-22A and ASD-STAN EN 4709-002 standards, making it suitable for regulatory environments.

The RIDER can detect signals from up to 5 km with its default antennas and up to 10 km when using an optional high-performance antenna. It is equipped with an internal cellular and Bluetooth antenna, along with an integrated GNSS antenna that provides precise positioning and timestamping capabilities. It supports multiple GNSS frequencies and utilizes Bluetooth and Wi-Fi technologies for Remote ID communications.

Dronetag

Photo: Censys Technologies

Streamlined BVLOS Operations
For a variety of applications

The Sentaero 6 UAV is designed for advanced over-the-horizon operations beyond visual line of sight (OTH-BVLOS). It features built-in AI and machine learning capabilities for real-time data processing. The system can be used for surveying, mapping, inspection, asset monitoring and more.

Engineered to streamline operations, the Sentaero 6 offers more accurate and up-to-date intelligence on assets. Its onboard computer can processes data mid-flight.

Future developments will include swarm operations, enabling one human to control multiple UAVs simultaneously; fully remote operations and higher safety standards, such as a parachute for urban missions, according to Censys Technologies.

Censys Technologies

Photo: SBG Systems

Sensor Update
Now incorporates the latest WMM

SBG Systems has significantly updated its Ellipse series sensors, incorporating the latest World Magnetic Model (WMM) to enhance accuracy and reliability in navigation applications. This upgrade is available for all Ellipse sensors, including first-generation models.

Designed for unmanned systems such as UAVs, UGVs and marine platforms, the Ellipse series comprises compact, high-precision inertial sensors. These devices feature built-in three-axis magnetometers that measure Earth’s magnetic field, crucial for accurate heading and positioning data.

Updated every five years, the WMM is a globally recognized mathematical representation of Earth’s magnetic field. The latest version, released in December 2024, ensures precise heading and positioning corrections to account for ongoing geomagnetic changes.

SBG Systems

Defense

Photo: Freefly Systems

NDAA-Compliant UAV
Now integrated with ArcGIS Flight

Esri now supports the Astro Max UAV in its ArcGIS Flight application. The Astro Max is the first Blue UAS-cleared and NDAA-compliant UAV to integrate with Esri’s platform.

The Astro Max, developed by Esri partner Freefly Systems, adheres to the security and performance standards set by the National Defense Authorization Act and the Defense Innovation Unit’s Blue UAS initiative. This industrial UAV is designed to enhance the capabilities of government and enterprise users utilizing ArcGIS Flight.

Freefly Systems

Photo: L3Harris

Autonomous Swarm Control
Controls various autonomous platforms

The Autonomous Multi-Domain Operations Resiliency Platform for Heterogeneous Unmanned Swarms (AMORPHOUS) software features a single-user interface to operate thousands of autonomous assets simultaneously. Designed with an open architecture, this software enables the U.S. and allied militaries to control a mix of uncrewed platforms, payloads and systems.

AMORPHOUS includes an intuitive and distributed command-and-control interface to give operators the flexibility to conduct a wider array of intricate military missions. This collaborative autonomy at scale will provide warfighters with a decisive overmatch capability.

L3Harris is developing prototypes using the AMORPHOUS architecture on contracts for the U.S. Army and the Defense Innovation Unit. AMORPHOUS has demonstrated flexibility and interoperability by controlling multiple, separate assets across multiple vehicle types operating in different domains during government-managed tests.

AMORPHOUS supports decentralized decision-making, which enables individual, uncrewed assets to perform tasks autonomously and make real-time tactical decisions inside the network.

L3Harris

Photo: Cambridge Pixel

Advanced Counter-UAV Radar
Multi-console radar control and display system

Cambridge Pixel has developed a radar control and display system for Weibel Scientific’s XENTA surveillance radar, which is designed for modern air defense and counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS) applications.

The XENTA radar includes 3D target tracking, continuous target illumination and synthetic receiver beamforming. It is available in two configurations: the XENTA-M for short-range air defense and the XENTA-C for C-UAS operations.

The system is designed to work seamlessly with third-party command-and-control systems, enhancing operational efficiency.

Cambridge Pixel’s library of radar processing software allows users to develop a tailored radar controller specific to the XENTA radar’s requirements. Enhancements were made to existing functionalities, such as improved MIL-STD-2525 overlay graphics and support for dual-redundant operator consoles.

The XENTA radar system can detect small UAVs at distances exceeding 7 km and classify them beyond 5 km. This capability makes it suitable for various applications, including airport security, border control, critical infrastructure protection and event security.

Cambridge Pixel

Machine Control/AG

Photo: Pyka

UAV
For autonomous spraying

The Pelican 2 agricultural spray UAV has an expanded 300-liter payload capacity and can cover up to 5.3 ha/hr.

It incorporates several technological enhancements designed to meet the demands of agriculture applications. The aircraft features an upgraded four-motor electric propulsion system, a wider 18-m spray swath and advanced lidar and radar systems for fully autonomous day-and-night spraying. These improvements aim to increase efficiency and precision in aerial application while reducing operational costs for farmers.

The Pelican 2’s airframe and structural components are constructed from carbon fiber composites, corrosion-resistant metallic components and 3D-printed assemblies.

Pyka

March 20, 2025