Tag: ComNav Technology

Part 2: Receiver innovator Q&As capture technology trends
In this second installment of our review of innovations in GNSS receivers, we present the responses from ComNav Technology, Raytheon, TeleOrbit and Unicore to the same questions that we posed to CHC Navigation, Eos Positioning Systems, Hemisphere GNSS, Hexagon | Novatel, Javad GNSS, Septentrio and Trimble in the January issue:
- utilizing Galileo and BeiDou
- dealing with jamming and spoofing
- integration with inertial measurement units (IMUs) and other sensors
- positioning using cell phones and other consumer devices
- any other areas or challenges they find particularly significant.
All four respondents in this issue, like to those in the January issue, report that they are making full use of the new GNSS signals available, taking hardware and software measures to counter jamming and spoofing, and integrating IMUs and other sensors with their GNSS receivers to help achieve continuous navigation and positioning in obstructed environments. In addition, they are continuing to develop mass-market applications, because high-precision positioning is becoming increasingly important for cellphones and wearable devices. For a fuller review of these trends, see my introduction to the first installment.

Notably, two of the companies featured in this issue, ComNav Technology and Unicore, are Chinese.

RAYTHEON UNICORE COMMUNICATIONS

TELEORBIT COMNAV TECHNOLOGY

Raytheon

With Chad Pillsbury, Senior Director, Raytheon Intelligence & Space’s Resilient Navigation and Reconnaissance Solutions

Utilizing Galileo and BeiDou
Integration and fusion of multiple space position services is a key element in achieving assured positioning, navigation and timing (PNT). A combination of commercial and military-code navigation signals, when coupled with evolving sensors, provide more resilient methods of navigation and enable new concepts of operations related to PNT. Over the next two years, RI&S will customize these concepts of operation (CONOPS) for our United States and international allies to harness the power of fusion in resilience.

Dealing with jamming and spoofing
As threats to GPS continue to evolve and mature, RI&S continues to develop alternative navigation solutions, as well as GPS-capable receivers and antennas, aimed at defending against a variety of spoofing and jamming technologies. Our latest anti-jam, anti-spoof and high-precision solutions leverage a recent technology breakthrough that lowers size, weight, power and cost while boosting performance in the new M-code and alternative navigation applications.

Integration with IMUs and other sensors
IMUs are the cornerstone of high-performance navigation systems and will continue to be in the future. Recent innovations allow some systems to become more IMU agnostic, or even to consider microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) IMUs depending on performance, which can allow the customer greater flexibility and a more open architecture.

Positioning with consumer devices
RI&S sees 5G as a game-changing technology, with a lot of possibilities in the assured navigation market. We also look to cellphones as a great area of interest — especially for exploring unforeseen signals, considering human international models, and learning how the next generation of GPS users expect to see PNT information displayed.

Other significant challenges and opportunities
The future of GPS lies in a system-of-systems approach. Using time as a backbone, navigation systems can securely share time, data, position and intent across the network. Broadly, this approach can be used in civil, commercial and military environments. RI&S is fully focused on developing capabilities to achieve this ideal state.

Unicore Communications

With Gao Jingbo, Marketing Director

Utilizing Galileo and BeiDou
Most of Unicore’s high-precision products support all constellations and multiple frequencies. The new BeiDou 3 provides precise point positioning (PPP) service from three geostationary satellites via the B2b frequency, while Galileo offers up to five frequencies — E1, E5a, E5b, E5 AltBOC and E6. End users will benefit from improved PNT availability, reliability and continuity as access to those signals greatly reduces multipath effects and allows faster PPP convergence times.

Dealing with jamming and spoofing
To effectively deal with signal jamming and spoofing, it is important to know their sources. GNSS receivers also are susceptible to electronic interference and vulnerable to complex electromagnetic environments. Unicore integrates GNSS RF, baseband and algorithms into a single GNSS system-on-chip (SoC) that mitigates external interference. Joint time-frequency domain interference mitigation technology also is adopted in chip design.

Photo: Unicore Communications

Integration with IMUs and other sensors
Demand for seamless, accurate indoor-outdoor location is increasing. The integration of GNSS with IMUs, lidar, cameras and other sensors helps achieve continuous navigation and positioning in obstructed environments such as urban canyons and tunnels. Unicore offers receivers integrated with both high-end IMUs and affordable MEMS-based devices. Dual-frequency GNSS plus MEMS provides an ideal positioning solution for automotive applications.

Positioning with consumer devices
High-precision positioning is becoming increasingly important for cellphones and wearable devices, and multi-scenario adaptation is necessary. Instead of integrating standalone GNSS chips with smartphone processors, cellphone manufacturers prefer to cooperate with GNSS manufacturers through GNSS intellectual property (IP) licensing. To ensure high-precision service, better cellphone antennas are also important.

Other significant challenges and opportunities
We strive to deliver reliable, timely and smart positioning for anything, anywhere, anytime. Next-generation GNSS location products and services should be more end-user-friendly. The hardware interface will be more universal, flexible, configurable and adaptable with different algorithms for a diverse range of applications.

Teleorbit

With Daniel Seybold, CEO

Utilizing Galileo and BeiDou
Our GOOSE receiver has been able to use Galileo since its beginning and BeiDou since the forth quarter of 2020. Signals from both can be used individually or with other signals (GPS, Galileo, GLONASS and BeiDou, plus SBAS).

Dealing with jamming and spoofing
Open Service Navigation Message Authentication (OSNMA) is now implemented on the GOOSE, which helps mitigate spoofing attacks. GOOSE’s recording function enables users to record simulated jamming/spoofing attacks, and then analyze the behavior of the GOOSE and the received signals. We are developing various GNSS antenna arrays for nulling and beamforming, as well as a left- and right-hand circular polarized (LHCP/RHCP) antenna with GOOSE adaption for signal processing.

Signal conditioning on the GOOSE platform is based on a high-rate discrete Fourier transform (DFT)-based data manipulator algorithm, known as an HDDM algorithm, that fulfills multiple roles. The HDDM algorithm removes a wide range of interference signals, equalizes the spectrum, or restructures the spectrum.

Image: Teleorbit

Integration with IMUs and other sensors
We offer a GNSS antenna with an integrated IMU. Thanks to its open software interface, fusing IMU or other sensor data with GNSS data is easily done with GOOSE. Vector tracking, deep coupling and other sensor fusions (for example, 5G) are on the GOOSE roadmap.

Positioning with consumer devices
Our ongoing AMELIE project will study advanced techniques for the miniaturization and radiation enhancement of GNSS mass-market antennas to be applied in the design, manufacturing and testing of a multi-frequency, low-cost, high-gain dual circularly polarized antenna for the next generation of consumer devices. In 2021, we will build the following antenna demonstrators: single-frequency (L1/E1), dual-frequency (L1/G1/E1, L5/E5a/E5b) and multi-frequency (L1/G1/E1, L5/E5a/E5b, L2, E6).

Other significant challenges and opportunities
GOOSE can track the Galileo E5AltBOC (wideband) signal, which provides code-range variances below a few decimeters. This offers a significant increase in the accuracy of code measurements in terms of reduced noise and mitigation of multipath effects, compared to conventional signals. GOOSE will provide two different approaches for robust tracking: vector tracking for dealing with challenging environments where multipath occurs or buildings block signals, and adaptive tracking to allow the receiver to acclimate to its surroundings by adapting the bandwidth in the loop depending on movement, such as high dynamics.

ComNav Technology

With Min Xu, Director of GNSS Technology R&D Department

Utilizing Galileo and BeiDou
We keep up with the development of GNSS. Our new K8 series of high-precision GNSS modules support the recently completed BDS-3 and Galileo constellations concurrently, significantly improving positioning accuracy especially when signals are partially obstructed. Despite their complex design, the size of K8 modules decreased by almost 36% from their precursors and power consumption dropped to 1.0W, making them easier to integrate.

Dealing with jamming and spoofing
We have developed algorithms to eliminate specific forms of jamming and spoofing, with a focus on narrowband interference. The newly released Quantum III SoC chip — integrated with wideband signal-receiving technology, wideband and narrowband anti-interference technology, and anti-continuous wave interference technology — can provide high-quality observation information in a complex electromagnetic environment.

Photo: ComNav Technology

Integration with IMUs and other sensors
There is an increasing need to add IMUs to supplement obstructed GNSS signals. Empowered by a high-precision IMU, our N5 receiver supports tilt survey with accuracy of less than 2.5 cm. Users can survey without a centering bubble as its calibration-free tilt compensation protects it from magnetic disturbances. We are also focusing on image sensors, such as cameras and radars, to make data collection more flexible and reliable.

Positioning with consumer devices
Our high-precision products are mainly used in professional fields such as land surveying, deformation monitoring, and UAVs. We are continuing to explore GNSS products for consumer markets, which are sensitive to power consumption and cost. The upcoming M10 GNSS is a compact and portable receiver for mass-market applications, such as person or vehicle tracking and fleet management.

Other significant challenges and opportunities
GNSS technology can be widely applied in agriculture, transportation and infrastructure construction. We developed the AG360/AG360 Pro Agricultural Automatic Driving system, which drives autonomously without damaging crops. We collaborated with China Mobile to build more than 2,000 CORS stations to provide high-precision positioning services in support of smart-city construction, IoT and location-based services.
February 4, 2021
Launchpad: Government drone, data collectors

A roundup of recent products in the GNSS and inertial positioning industry from the November 2020 issue of GPS World magazine.

OEM

GNSS receiver

Sub-decimeter accuracy without additional service subscription

The AsteRs-m2-Sx. (Photo: Septentrio)

The SECORX-S product line, which first offered GNSS OEM boards, now also includes a compact mosaic-Sx module and ruggedized receiver in an IP68 chassis, the AsteRx SB Sx. The multi-constellation multi-frequency SECORX-S receivers deliver sub-decimeter positioning without the need for additional correction service subscription or maintenance. The PPP-RTK correction service is integrated directly into Septentrio’s core GNSS technology. The addition of modules and boxed receivers to the SECORX-S line providesz accurate positioning to applications such as precision agriculture, UAVs, robotics and construction.

Septentrio, septentrio.com

GNSS splitters

Improve service reliability

Photo: Tallysman

Smart Power GNSS signal splitters improve GNSS service reliability and minimize service interruptions. The professional-grade splitters — TW162 (one antenna/two receivers) and TW164 (one antenna/four receivers) — offer system redundancy and fail-over capability. The splitters are designed to improve GNSS service reliability and reduce signal reception failures. Both splitters offer system redundancy and fail-over capability. They support GPS/QZSS-L1/L2/L5, QZSS-L6, GLONASS-G1/G2/G3, Galileo-E1/E5a/E5b/E6, BeiDou-B1/B2/B2a/B3 and L-band correction services.

Tallysman, tallysman.com

5G modules

Ready for 5G platforms

Photo: Sierra Wireless

The EM919x 5G NR Sub-6 GHz and mmWave embedded modules include an integrated GNSS receiver. Based on the industry-standard M.2 form factor, the modules will enable original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to securely deploy 5G connectivity worldwide at the highest possible speeds with ultra-low latency for routers and gateways. The modules support mmWave, sub-6 GHz and LTE, as defined by the 3GPP Release 15 standard. Applications include private networks, enterprise networking, edge processing, live streaming, video security, e-gaming, smart factories, robotics, drones, virtual reality, machine learning, and new Industrial IoT applications.

Sierra Wireless, sierrawireless.com

GNSS/IMU series

Tactical-Grade Inertial Positioning

Tactical Embedded series of GNSS/IMUs. (Photo: VectorNav)

The Tactical Embedded series of GNSS/IMUs feature a tactical-grade inertial measurement unit (IMU) and a multi-band GNSS receiver. The line delivers milliradian attitude accuracy and centimeter-level positioning capability in a miniature 15-gram package. The small size enables cost reductions for a range of autonomous pointing and geo-referencing applications such as gimballed intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR); satellite communication systems; lidar mapping; and photogrammetry. The line supports external SAASM GPS for defense applications in ISR, electronic warfare, munitions and UAV navigation. The line includes the VN-110E IMU/AHRS, the VN-210E GNSS-aided inertial navigation system (INS), and the VN-310E dual-antenna GNSS/INS.

VectorNav Technologies, vectornav.com

GNSS/INS Sensor

Designed for dynamic environments

Photo: CHCNAV

The CGI-610 GNSS/INS high-precision dual-antenna receiver offers reliable and accurate navigation and positioning for demanding land, marine and aerial applications. The tight fusion of the latest GNSS technology with an industrial-grade MEMS IMU is powered by CHCNAV’s algorithms to deliver accurate hybrid position, attitude and velocity data, even in complex and obstructed environments where GNSS outages can occur. The CGI-610 supports data output up to 100 Hz to meet the requirements of highly dynamic applications such as airplane, train and automobile. An optional external odometer sensor for ground vehicles can provide an additional measurement of displacement and speed, which is fused with the GNSS/INS navigation solution.

CHC Navigation, chcnav.com

SURVEYING & MAPPING

GNSS receiver

Scalable-accuracy, survey-grade receiver

Photo: Bad Elf

Bad Elf Flex is a scalable-accuracy GNSS receiver with a daily option to choose between L-band and real-time kinematic (RTK). In standard configuration, it achieves 30-60 cm accuracy in real time for GIS use. Consuming a Bad Elf Flex Token unlocks a full RTK workflow for a 24-hour period to deliver 1-cm horizontal accuracy. Bad Elf Flex stores the tokens directly on the receiver, making them available for use anytime. Customers requiring high accuracy at all times can purchase the Bad Elf Flex Extreme bundle, with RTK capabilities permanently unlocked, for a one-time upgrade fee.

Bad Elf LLC, bad-elf.com

Data Collector

With integrated autofocusing camera

Photo: ComNav

The R550 data collector features an industrial-level design and new hardware platform to ensure efficiency and productivity in the field. The IP67 dust-and-waterproof rating protects the R550 from most harsh environments. Equipping it with a 7,000 mA Li-ion battery allows more than 14 hours of continuous operation, while fast-charging technology means four hours for a full charge. The 5-inch-wide sunlight-readable, high-resolution screen provides a smooth experience for any operation. The integrated autofocusing camera helps enhance job documentation by taking photos on site and sharing job information with colleagues. Survey Master field software available on the R550 controller ensures efficient surveys in the field, including topographic surveys, stakeouts, coordinate geometry (COGO) and more. Powered by the Android 8.1 operating system and designed with 4G RAM, 64GB ROM and 4G/BT/Wi-Fi on board, users can run other third-party apps based on their specific requirements.

ComNav Technology, www.comnavtech.com

UAV

OEM board

Provides georeferencing of airborne data

Photo: Applanix

The Trimble AP+ Air OEM solution provides direct georeferencing of airborne sensor data and enables users to accurately and efficiently produce maps and 3D models without the use of ground control points. It is designed for manned platforms, yet small enough for use on UAVs. It is also compatible with airborne remote sensors, including photogrammetric cameras, lidar, hyper- and multi-spectral cameras, and synthetic aperture radar. The Trimble AP+ Air features dual embedded survey-grade GNSS chipsets, an onboard inertial measurement unit (IMU), an external IMU, and the new Applanix IN-Fusion+ GNSS-aided inertial firmware. It is configurable to support the direct georeferencing accuracy demands of low-flying UAVs and high-altitude manned platforms. Trimble AP+ Air is supported by Applanix POSPac MMS post-processing software with CenterPoint RTX post-processing for centimeter-level positioning anywhere in the world without the need for base stations.

Applanix, applanix.com

Drone for Government

American-made drone aimed at government agencies and military

Photo: Teal

The Teal Golden Eagle drone is designed for short-range surveillance and reconnaissance missions. It features a FLIR Handron dual-camera sensor on a two-axis stabilizer, giving it color vision at 4K 60 fps and thermal vision for extended operations. The payload is hot-swappable. It has a flight time of up to 50 minutes and can fly at speeds of 50 mph with a range of 2 miles. It is able to fly in wind speeds of up to 30 mph and can operate between –32° and 110° Fahrenheit. Forward-facing obstacle avoidance and rear-facing visual-inertial odometry estimates location without the need for GPS. The platform has received approval from the Department of Defense.

Teal, tealdrones.com

TRANSPORTATION

Antennas

Aimed at autonomous vehicle market

Photo: Tallysman

A new line of AccuAuto triple-band antennas are designed to provide strong clean code and phase signals to enable high-precision real-time kinematic (RTK) and precise point positioning (PPP) navigation. Model TWA928 supports GPS/QZSS-L1/L2/L5, GLONASS-G1/G2/G3, Galileo-E1/E5a/E5b, BeiDou-B1/B2/B2a and NavIC-L5 signals and frequency bands (the TWA928L includes support for L-band correction services). The AccuAuto line features patented Accutenna technology multi-constellation and multi-frequency antenna elements as well as an integrated ground plane, a radome and an underside cover that provides mist and condensation protection. A deep pre-filter minimizes out-of-band noise and maximizes in-band reception. All AccuAuto components are certified and designed to perform under challenging environmental conditions, such as extreme temperatures (–40° C to +125° C), shock and vibration.

Tallysman Wireless, tallysman.com

Navigation system

Defense small-vehicle system designed for export

Photo: Etion Create

The CheetahNAV provides situational awareness for harsh environments and battlefield conditions, providing the crew of a light military vehicle with highly accurate position information through an advanced inertial measurement system (IMS) comprising several aids, including a gyro-compensated compass and an advanced Kalman-filter-based algorithm. The system provides dead-reckoning horizontal position accuracy of 0.2% of distance traveled in a GNSS-denied situation — accuracy of 200 meters over 100 kilometers. It can integrate with inertial navigation systems (INS). Combined with GNSS and compass information, the system enables dead-reckoning and accurate positioning of the vehicle in tactical situations. The tactical-grade integral inertial measurement unit (IMU) ensures jam-free operation.

Etion Create, etion.co.za/create/

November 1, 2020
ComNav releases cost-effective M300 Plus GNSS CORS receiver

ComNav Technology has released the M300 Plus GNSS receiver to the international market.

The M300 Plus is designed to supplement the company’s M300 Pro, which is aimed at clients who need a more economical version for their CORS networks. The M300 Plus not only can be used as a CORS receiver, but is a good choice for monitoring projects and other applications.

With ComNav Technology’s new-generation GNSS engine, the M300 Plus can track all current and future constellations. By using a powerful, adaptive detecting and canceling technology, the M300Plus provides enhanced anti-jamming capability, which is critical for a reference station providing reliable GNSS data.

Photo: ComNav

The M300 Plus’ powerful built-in web server provides full remote control of the receiver configuration, status checking, firmware update and data download. It supports multiple independent data transfer through TCP/UDP/Ntrip protocol in RTCM, ComNav binary, NMEA and BINEX data formats, combined with Email Alert and FTP push, which improves the efficiency and profitability of businesses.

In addition to its standard Ethernet port for data transmitting, the M300 Plus GNSS receiver also fully implements a 4G module as an internet backup, which enhances the stability of data connections.

M300 Plus is now available through ComNav Technology authorized local distributors or ComNav Technology directly.

June 23, 2020
ComNav Technology introduces T3 GNSS receiver at Intergeo 2019

ComNav Technology’s Roy Luo discusses the features of the company’s T3 GNSS receiver, which was launched at Intergeo 2019.

August 31, 2019
ComNav showcases K705 OEM board at ION GNSS+ 2018

ComNav Technology’s Wade Zhang discusses the company’s K705 OEM board at ION GNSS+ 2018, which took place in Miami. According to the company, the K705 is a full constellation, multi-frequency board that supports precise point positioning.

(Background image: iStock.com/imaginima)

September 29, 2018
ComNav’s new T300 Plus GNSS receiver provides tilt compensation

ComNav Technology has introduced the T300 Plus GNSS receiver, an upgrade to its T300 receiver.

Designed for demanding surveying tasks, the rugged T300 Plus GNSS features full-constellation tracking capability, tilt compensation, 4G/Wi-Fi connection, 8-GB internal memory and an easy survey workflow with Android-based Survey Master Software. It is designed to make collecting accurate data easy and fast, whether done by a beginner or experienced professional surveyor.

As an upgrade of the T300, SinoGNSS T300 Plus combines a GNSS board, Bluetooth and adjustable TX/RX UHF, Wi-Fi and 4G modem into one rugged device. Its built-in 4G modem ensures the T300 Plus works with all kinds of CORS worldwide. Moreover, T300 Plus built-in tilt sensor supports maximum 30-degree pole tilt and keeps the compensation accuracy within 3 centimeters, and the user can check the electronic bubble on the controller for fast surveys in the field.

With two hot-swappable batteries, the T300 Plus helps to extend working hours, the company said. The battery LEDs flash when the battery runs low; they can be replaced or charged directly while in the T300 Plus through an external power connection. Its consumer-grade battery design is compatible with the Canon LP-E6, which can be purchased in retail stores.

https://youtu.be/HddhJXF8D3Y

ComNav Technology also provides the T300 Plus GNSS surveying system with the Android-based R500 data collector and Survey Master software, providing for powerful and straightforward survey workflow in the field.

The T300 Plus is now available through ComNav Technology authorized local distributors or directly through ComNav Technology.

January 30, 2018
ComNav Technology tracks third-generation Beidou signals

Following the successful launch of the third-generation BeiDou satellites, ComNav Technology has been tracking and decoding the BD-3 satellite signals to provide better high-precision positioning services in the near future.

As the world’s fourth navigation satellite system, the construction of BeiDou satellite navigation network consists of three steps: experimental period from 2000 to 2003, regional coverage by 2012, and global reach by 2020.

On Nov. 5, 2017, the launch of two third-generation BeiDou satellites indicates that China has begun to upgrade its BeiDou Navigation Satellite System with global-coverage capabilities, according to the China Satellite Navigation Office.

The new-generation BeiDou satellites feature better accuracy, stability and signal clarity, thanks to improvements in laser communication devices, intersatellite links and atomic clocks.

Moreover, 18 third-generation BeiDou satellites will be launched by the end of 2018 to cover all nations involved in the Belt and Road Initiative. By the end of 2020, worldwide high-precision GNSS users are able to benefit from global reach of the third-generation Beidou system.

ComNav Technology has tracked and decoded the latest format BD-3 satellite signals: B1C and B2a from satellites Beidou-19 and Beidou-20.

The following figure shows the BD-3 No. 20 signal tracked with the SinoGNSS K708 GNSS OEM board.

Chart: ComNav

According to ComNav, with its strong R&D capability in high-precision GNSS, ComNav Technology plans to grow with the third-generation BeiDou navigation system to bring better positioning services all the time.

January 10, 2018
ComNav debuts OEM boards, GNSS receiver, GPS solutions at Intergeo 2017

ComNav Technology’s Andy Yin gives GPS World a rundown on the company’s latest products, including its K7-series OEM boards, T30 GNSS receiver, and GPS solutions for the agriculture and construction industries, at Intergeo 2017.

October 12, 2017
Sensor integration key at InterGeo

Last year at InterGeo 2015, UAVs ruled, for at least the second year in a row, although some of its newest-thing gloss seemed to be wearing off. This year, sensor integration in both hardware and software is a dominant theme — and one with broader implications and applications.

GNSS positioning technology, aided in many cases by laser scanning, other imaging sensors, total stations, Lidar and camera systems, all collaborating as inputs to mobile mapping systems or machine-control systems, together form a durable platform for many present and future applications.

NavCom booth at InterGeo.

Among the GPS/GNSS companies exhibiting here: CHC Navigation, ComNav Technology, Eos Positioning Systems, Hemisphere GNSS, Navcom Technology, NovAtel, Septentrio, and Tallysman.

“I think it’s a must for every surveyor to participate and get updated with all the developments,” said Chryssy Potsiou, president of the International Federation of Surveyors (FIG), “to try to make the best combination of tools and software so that we can have the best output, in order to provide reliable services at affordable prices, in short time. The world needs solutions, cheap and fast.”

Smart Cities. Along with the roar of the four connected exhibition halls where many new products are being rolled out on this premier world stage, there is a lot of talk — a lot of talk — in the presentation auditoriums about vision, and smart cities, and connectedness in it many forms, electronic and otherwise.

The international trade fair for geodesy, geoinformation and land management, InterGeo can be overwhelming, with roughly 550 exhibits from 33 countries, and 16,000 visitors from 92 countries. It spans everything from surveying, geoinformation, remote sensing and photogrammetry to complementary solutions and technologies, processing, using and analyzing geodata over the Internet and exploring new applications and solutions — it’s all here. Themes include mobility, energy supply, climate protection, and liveable cities and rural areas. Citizen involvement, data protection, data security and e-government all play a key role in future developments. This year, the conference published a pre-show report on geodata and what it calls Business World 4.0.

Host city Hamburg, an economically strong, vibrant city and one of the top three shipping ports in Europe, embraced digital strategy at an early stage. Sustainable city planning, climate protection, an intelligent mobility concept and IT-controlled port management are all aspects of the city that could not work without geodata.

Making Connections. “Our [geospatial] industry is now more and more related, more and more embedded with many other disciplines,” said Nigel Clifford, CEO of Ordnance Survey UK, who gave one of the conference keynotes. “One of the key questions we are facing is: What skills will the workforce of the future need to have, in order to flourish in this interconnected world?

“Some of the more obvious ones are digital capability, looking at data sciences. Also we spoke about some of the softer skills: the ability to look across disciplines, the ability to work with different functions, and really importantly, the ability for our industry to explain its value and be part of the decision-making which is going on around us all the time.

“We’re beginning to see the first fruits of the Internet of Things. There may be some inflated expectations at this point. It’s our job to test that. I’m confident there are some brilliant use cases developing over the next five years in the fields of health, transport, and community engagement. Making a city more efficient, more livable, more secure, and more business-friendly, to draw tax dollars into the equation. What we’re able to do today is so much more data-rich, so much more connected, than we’ve ever been able to do before. ”

He cited pilot public-private partnership projects in Manchester and another unnamed UK city going forward in this regard, with involvement from Cisco, Siemens, and British Telecomm along with Ordnance Survey. “It’s a mixed economy coming together, because there isn’t one answer.”

Looking into the future, he said “Developing nations in particular require a fundamental geospatial fabric in order to boost themselves. I hope there will be a broadening of the focus from what we can do absolutely at the cutting edge of technology with reasonably affluent societies, to thinking about how we can take that into the less affluent societies, and raise all boats through the efforts of this great industry.”

Gorillas Enter Room. Intel has taken a stake in the commercial drone space with its new Falcon UAV. “Predominantly, we are looking at inspections, construction, agriculture, as well as 3D modeling.” The company was joined by Oracle and Autodesk as first-time exhibitors at the show, and they did not enter timidly; big stands.

UAV über Deutschland. In moves shadowing those in the United States, the German Minister for Transport spoke about introducing regulations to govern civil and commercial use of UAVs. The newly published draft foresees the introduction of mandatory registration for unmanned aerial systems. Pilots will need a valid license to fly drones above 100 meters.

October 12, 2016