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.
BRING YOUR OWN DEVICE (BYOD) is not just an industry buzzword. It can change the way professional surveyors work every day. The idea of using a smartphone or tablet instead of a dedicated device is appealing. But is it good enough?
Surveyors and mappers are challenged with the arduous task of data collection that meets accuracy and precision standards and provides adequate attribute information for the project. Before the invention of the electronic data collector, handwritten notes in field books were the norm. Every note keeper’s style varied in content, neatness and thoroughness. Calculations for determining survey data values were completed longhand on paper and were very time consuming.
Like its personal computer counterpart, the electronic data collector was introduced in the late 1970s with minimal adoption by the average surveyor because of cost and complexity. Storage methods for the era included magnetic modules and tape; both forms of media were expensive and fragile with little storage for the cost.
Data collection was limited to numeric values only, with horizontal and vertical angles, slope distance, point number and point code being the extent of the information. Couple this process with the limited availability of printers and plotters capable of depicting the data for the surveyor’s use, and one can see why few practitioners invested in these systems.
iOS aerial viewer. (Screenshot: Tim Burch)
The 1980s and 1990s brought significant changes to surveying with the advancing technology of electronic computing and measuring. The introduction of robotic total stations, various methods of GNSS, and even leveling took advantage of significant computer power and measuring processes, and the data collector stayed in lockstep with the advancing instrumentation. Almost every equipment manufacturer developed their own proprietary data collector and software system because of the unique design and programming of their systems.
In the 2000s and later, third-party manufacturers began producing data collectors with advanced computing power and the ability to connect to varying brands of equipment. Most of the programming for these collectors are still proprietary in nature to this day.
Also during the 2000s, a new wave in mobile communications was taking place. Cellular phone and data signals were now being used to transmit an abundance of information between users.
The rapid development of handheld communication devices has led to the meteoric rise of two specific mobile operating systems: one by a radical startup that concentrated on dominating the search engine market, and the other by an avant garde computer company looking to expand its unique customer base.
By the end of the decade, the world had been introduced to the Android operating system by Google, and the iOS operating system by Apple. The combined market share for the two operating systems at press time was just under 98 percent of all mobile devices worldwide.
Trending Away from Proprietary Data Collectors
Android Point Info: Confirmation of collected data, including equipment and base station. (Screenshot: Tim Burch)
Because data collection by surveyors and mappers have traditionally been performed on proprietary systems designed and produced by equipment manufacturers for use with only their instruments, these collectors, while very powerful and robust, are costly for the equipment manufacturers to produce because of the limited market of surveyors and mappers.
Many suppliers, before the introduction of the iPhone and Android operating systems, attempted to adapt their data-collection platforms to wider recognized mobile operating systems (for example, Windows CE/Pocket PC/Mobile) on a bevy of mobile devices (HP/iPAQ, Sony Eriksson, HTC) with little success. Various versions of Windows are still being used today by GNSS equipment manufacturers’ proprietary data collectors, including Trimble, Hemisphere GNSS, Topcon and CHC Navigation.
However, the field of operating environments has become more crowded as technology continues to advance. The proliferation of Windows-based data collectors are now on the decline.
Survey Point: Status of survey data collection and GNSS engine signal reception. (Screenshot: Tim Burch)
Enter Android and iOS. Driving the decline of the previously popular Windows mobile platform is the rapid adoption of the iOS and Android operating systems. These two environments have also led to a substantial number of devices and applications for users.
Part of the reason for the speedy acceptance of the devices and operating systems has been the ease of programming. It is estimated that each operating system has more than two million applications in their respective online stores, with more being introduced daily.
Because of the proliferation of smartphones, nearly everyone is familiar with the look, feel and operation of touchscreen devices and their various applications. This familiarity is driving a new trend in data collection: the concept of “bring your own device” (otherwise known in IT security circles as “BYOD”). BYOD is being introduced by several surveying and mapping equipment manufacturers as an alternative to their proprietary data-collection devices.
Sky Plot: Where the ‘birds’ are in the sky. (Screenshot: Tim Burch)
These manufacturers are pairing iOS and Android developers with their hardware and firmware specialists to create a user-friendly interface that will function on most of the most popular handheld devices on the market today. From Apple iPhones and iPads to Samsung Galaxy phones and tablets, these applications give the surveyor the best of two worlds — sophisticated data-collection capability on a well-known and reliable mobile operating system platform.
The Android platform is becoming especially popular in the handheld mapping market segment. Current users of this environment include Hemisphere GNSS, CHC Navigation, Tersus GNSS and Trimble.
The iOS applications, while not quite as prevalent as Android, are being embraced by several significant GNSS manufacturers, including JAVAD GNSS and Eos Positioning Systems.
These companies are creating iOS and Android apps that embrace the BYOD market, providing their users with affordability and creating a comfort level simply because of the familiarity of the device and its environment.
How Good Is It?
iOS Position. Status of survey data collection and GNSS engine signal reception. (Screenshot: Tim Burch)
For the surveyor to be satisfied with the operation, the collection process must be efficient, cost-effective and easy to use. For this explanation of key items within a well-rounded data-collection application, we are using the JAVAD Mobile Tools (now J-Mobile) application built specifically for the Android and iOS operating systems.
The Android system (Version 7.0) was installed on a rugged CAT S41 cellphone made Bullitt Group from the United Kingdom, while the iOS app was used on the author’s iPad Air 2 running Version 12.2. Both apps were utilized in conjunction with the JAVAD Triumph-2 GNSS receiver.
After putting both versions through trial testing and checking against values on known monuments, here is the results of our findings:
Receiver Setup. Visual reference for leveling and direction of GNSS receiver. (Screenshot: Tim Burch)
Data Organization. Easy to comprehend and flexible for most naming conventions.
Corrections and Sources. Easily connects to base receiver and radio or available NTRIP correction service for real-time network (RTN) capability.
Sky Plot. Because the Triumph-2 is equipped to receive most of the available satellites in service, the Sky Plot feature is beneficial to the user for assessing potential interference.
File Management, Import and Export. Covers the typical file management and transfer functions used by the surveyor.
RTK Survey Operations. Robust telemetry keeps the users informed of specific satellite data and correction status.
Point Confirmation. Survey point information with metadata and equipment listing. (Screenshot: Tim Burch)
Coordinate Systems. All standard coordinate systems are included with features to allow the user to customize their own systems.
Localization. Creation of a local coordinate system is a simple routine, providing strong quality checks for data integrity.
Lift and Tilt. This feature provides the user with a useful procedure to end data collection without the need to press a button. This feature significantly increases the user’s productivity.
Compass and Level Calibration. With the Triumph-2 having an internal compass and level system, status of the receiver is graphically displayed to help the user keep a close watch on the accuracy of the survey point.
Survey Points and Linework. Most point naming systems and line-coding procedures are easily adapted. Total Station Point Transfer. The creation of control point files for transfer to total stations is simple and easy to use.
Stakeout. Graphical status screens provide the user with simple plotting capability of the desired stakeout point to increase efficiency and accuracy.
These apps are good at providing the surveyor with a solid tool for data collection and staking capability. They are especially good when paired with a real-time kinematic
(RTK) base station or NTRIP correction service.
But what happens when cell service is not readily available, or there are no published monument coordinates to establish site control? These apps have the surveyor covered for that situation as well.
Post-Processing (OPUS and DPOS)
Today’s surveyor works in an environment where geographic-based data is a key component to the services they render to their clients. While most of the world’s developed nations have access to cellular networks in which most GNSS receivers can communicate with an RTN providing corrective solutions, the places where this is not possible relies on other means of data correction.
In the U.S. we rely on OPUS (Online Post-Processing User System) to provide that service. But, as good as it is, it has limitations. Currently, it only utilizes GPS satellite data from the U.S. Department of Defense and is subject to sporadic government shutdowns.
Other services, from both public and private sources, are in place around the world to provide a service similar to OPUS. These include, but are not limited to:
AUSPOS. Geoscience Australia (free)
APPS. Jet Propulsion Laboratory at California Institute of Technology (free)
CSRS-PPP. Natural Resources Canada (free)
GAPS. University of New Brunswick (free)
magicGNSS. GMV (free)
Centerpoint RTX Post Processing. Trimble (free)
JAVAD Data Processing Service (DPOS). JAVAD (free, processes any JAVAD GNSS jps file)
These correction services utilize other satellite constellations (GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou and QZSS) for their solutions and can provide additional coverage, depending on the location of the user. Because of these services, geographic-based data is at the fingertips of surveyors worldwide.
JAVAD’s DPOS system is has the ability to collect static survey data and send it to the proprietary service for establishing new coordinate values for base-station use. This process is a function of the app and can be completed in a few short steps.
Once the base station values are calculated, the surveyor can make use of this information for establishing a base station for correction broadcasting.
Do You Need a Base Station?
The establishment of RTNs has greatly enhanced surveying capability as cellular service has increased in coverage and speed. However, there are still instances and locales that do not allow for the reliable use of cell signals to provide those corrections accurately.
Various manufacturers’ tests have proven the accuracy of using an RTN subscription versus the traditional GNSS base and rover RTK setup. But cell-signal strength can be an Achilles heel, crippling those who choose not to set up a base station.
The UHF radio, even in its reduced power state from regulatory changes, is still more powerful and reliable than most cell services. 5G technology and coverage is anticipated to revolutionize cellular service, but it has yet to be realized.
Adaptation of the Industry
Other GNSS manufacturers (including NovAtel, Navcom, ComNav, Unicore, Emcore, Suzhou, TeleOrbit and Geneq) are producing receivers that can be adapted to a variety of existing data collectors and connect to iOS/Android mobile devices through various software developers.
The future of communications remains the smartphone or tablet device, with foldable units expected to be the next big thing.
As processors get more powerful, as chip memory becomes more abundant, and as more satellite constellations orbit in our sky, surveyors and their data collectors will continue to evolve. The future remains bright for technology and the surveyor has a front-row seat.
TIM BURCH is GPS World’s contributing editor for Survey. A professional land surveyor with more than 30 years of experience, he is director of surveying at SPACECO Inc. in the Chicago area. For several years he has been secretary and was recently named vice-president of the Board of Directors of the National Society of Professional Surveyors. He writes a bi-monthly column in the Survey Scene e-newsletter. Subscribe free at env-gpsworld-integration.kinsta.cloud/subscribe.
Receiver, Software Ready for Mobile
Photo: ComNav
ComNav receivers offer multiple data-collection device choices via Bluetooth connection, as well as an Android app.
For instance, the G200 provides centimeter-accuracy positioning to any connected mobile devices for RTK field surveying. It is able to delivery robust survey workflows with the SinoGNSS Android-based Survey Master, so that surveyors can collect quality high-accuracy positions no matter what mobile device they are using.
The G200 is a rugged, compact, wearable GNSS receiver. Combined with the high-performance SinoGNSS OEM board tracking GPS L1/L2, BeiDou B1/B2, GLONASS L1/L2, Galileo and QZSS, the G200 enables reliable high-precision GNSS performance for land survey tasks anywhere in the world.
TerraStar Gives Assist to RTK
Photo: Leica Geosystems
NovAtel offers several levels of corrections via its TerraStar service. For surveying applications, the RTK Assist service provides correction data to bridge surveyors through any real-time kinematic (RTK) correction outages. TerraStar services work on NovAtel’s OEM6 and OEM7 receivers..
RTK Assist, available on OEM6/OEM7 receivers, provides 20 minutes of RTK assistance, enabling surveyors to maintain centimeter-level accuracy. A higher service level, RTK Assist Pro, is available on OEM7 receivers. It provides unlimited RTK assistance with stand-alone centimeter-level positioning when RTK is not available.
Trimble Offers Web-Based Post-Processing
Photo: Trimble
Trimble’s CenterPoint RTX Post-Processing Service is a free, web-based solution that provides rigorous processing of GNSS data for users around the globe.
Powered by advanced algorithms for processing static observations, CenterPoint RTX Post-Processing supports data including GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou and QZSS. With the service, users can upload GNSS data using Trimble formats or industry-standard RINEX 2 and RINEX 3. The service supports all dual-frequency GNSS receivers and more than 400 different antennas.
The post-processing service computes single-station static observation sessions ranging in length from 10 minutes up to 24 hours, with longer observation sessions recommended to produce the highest accuracy. Using data from the global RTX tracking network, the CenterPoint RTX Post-Processing service computes the position of the observed point with centimeter accuracy.
Results are delivered via email in ITRF coordinates at the current epoch and can be transformed to a fixed epoch by use of a standard tectonic-plate model.
Atlas Corrections Ready for BYOD
The Atlas GNSS global correction service, offered by Hemisphere GNSS, provides correction data for GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou and Galileo constellations. Its global L-band corrections allow for accuracies ranging from sub-meter to sub-decimeter levels. The network has more than 200 reference stations worldwide and covers virtually the entire globe.
Examples of how the AtlasLink webUI looks on a smartphone. (Image: Hemisphere GNSS)
The Atlas platform was conceived to enable as many people as possible to have access to the correction service technology, either as an end-user or as part of their business. Several features are designed to enable customers who use non-Hemisphere positioning systems to have access to Atlas.
For instance, Hemisphere’s SmartLink technology allows an AtlasLink GNSS smart antenna to be used as an Atlas signal extension for any GNSS system compliant with open communication standards.
Hemisphere’s GNSS smart antennas including AtlasLink, A326, C321+ and S321+ offer a user-friendly web user interface (WebUI) that can be used to configure, monitor and manage the receiver from virtually any modern computing device, including computers, phones and tablets.
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.
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.
ComNav Technologies has released its new generation Quantum algorithm to international market. The Quantum algorithm can be easily achieved through a firmware upgrade (version 2.5.2 and above), and suits all ComNav OEM boards and OEM-based receivers.
An upgrade to ComNav’s Quan algorithm, the Quantum algorithm dramatically improves the stability and reliability of RTK positioning in complex environments, as well as providing a DP-filter enhancement for the ComNav GNSS products.
Single-point positioning: version 2.30 (left) compared to the new version 2.5.2.
Applications such agricultural guidance and fleet management, where pass-to-pass accuracy is important, will benefit from the advanced smoothing filter in standalone mode. The company’s testing shows smoother and consistent performance, reaching 20-cm pass-to-pass accuracy.
Moreover, the Quantum algorithm provides better CORS compatibility, which means that users can acquire and keep high-accurate solutions even if the CORS network exhibits a poor geometry distribution.
ComNav Technology has released its advanced K700 and K708 GNSS OEM boards to the international market.
K700 OEM Board
With the advanced ComNav application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) chip, K7-series OEM boards have higher observation data quality and lower power consumption compared to previous K5-series OEM boards. The data output rate also increases substantially by working with a new Atmel processor.
As a cost-effective GNSS OEM board, K700 is scalable for sub-meter to centimeter-level positioning applications such as geographic information systems (GIS), precision agriculture, marine and automotive systems.
It can track GPS L1, BeiDou B1, GLONASS L1 and SBAS, and also supports PPS, Event Marker and short baseline RTK. The size, weight and power specifications of the K700 make it easy to be customized and integrated, the company said.
K708 OEM Board
For the K708 OEM board, the inside GNSS tracking engine with 388 channels is capable of tracking all current and future constellations. K708 is designed with strong compatibility and built-in functions, including high-accurate PVT output, long baseline RTK and reserved webserver service.
The 8-GB onboard memory provides sufficient storage space to record the raw data without an external memory card. Therefore, K708 OEM board is designed for CORS, deformation monitoring system and related high-accuracy GNSS positioning applications.
CORS station tracks China’s constellation over three frequencies.
Headquarters for the National Bank of Kuwait, a new 300-meter-tall building under construction, combines concrete, steel, glazing and glass-reinforced concrete in a unique shellfish shape. The engineering challenges behind this building led the engineers of Ahmadiah Company, the contractor, to use GNSS technology to install the core wall structure with millimeter accuracy.
They adopted the core wall control survey method developed by Joël van Cranenbroeck during construction projects in Dubai. To guarantee the precise vertical thrust of a tower during construction, complete control must be maintained of the position of each new element erected on top of the existing core walls. Such new elements, and their formwork structures, must be precisely positioned with respect to the main axis of the design reference frame, defined as the vertical positioned in the tower center. This means that the position of the formwork structures at the top of the tower must be continuously measured during erection of the building.
Core walls are constructed bit by bit, one on top of the other. Each core wall element consists of several concrete pours. The placement of the formwork structure on top of existing core walls must be done precisely, determined from the position of previously placed elements. For this purpose, control points (nails in this instance) are set in the top of the concrete. The basic task of the surveyor is to determine the coordinates of these control points and to compute and stake out the position of the formwork structure in a design reference system based on the main axis of the tower. Dual-axis inclinometers, precise leveling observations and vertical laser plummets complete the method, which is based on a sensor fusion approach.
Active Control Points
A small network of three to four GNSS receivers and antennas are installed on top of the formwork to provide control points to total station operators. As the construction stages rise, surveyor sightings of ground-based control points decrease.
An active GNSS control point consists of a 360° reflector with a GNSS antenna screwed on its top. The coordinates obtained by post-processing the GNSS observations are transformed in the local datum and are available for any total-station “free station” calculation operating on the building top.
The technique has proven to be successful in several other projects worldwide. Comparisons with resection on ground control points, when made possible by tower height, indicated differences of less than a few millimeters.
GNSS CORS Station
As GNSS can only deliver such performances in differential mode, this requires setup of a local GNSS base station.
The local GNSS CORS station receiver and a geodetic-grade GNSS antenna were placed near the construction site and connected to an Internet router to provide easy access whenever the data had to be downloaded for post-processing the GNSS receivers placed on top of the building.
To confirm that the GNSS observations by the selected reference receiver match with those of GNSS receivers used in previous similar projects, a zero baseline test was performed by connecting both sets of equipment to the same GNSS antenna. Simultaneously, a temporary GNSS base station was set up using another geodetic receiver.
All the RINEX data collected over an hour was processed using open-source RTK-LIB software. The results showed less than a millimeter variation between the receiver selected for the project and those used on previous projects.
The baseline components between the temporary base station and both receivers showed respectively 1 millimeter in X and Y (WGS-84) and 2 millimeters in Z difference.
BeiDou Role
Up to 11 BeiDou satellites are now visible in the sky over Kuwait. By setting up the selected BeiDou-capable receiver as a local CORS station — processing signals over the three constellation frequencies (B1, B2 and B3) — project operators benefit from additional GNSS signals that aid positioning where obstructions make GNSS use challenging.
The National Bank of Kuwait construction is the first GNSS CORS station tracking Beidou satellite signals deployed in the Middle East area. Surveyors on this job can access remotely via the on-board web server all the information (satellites in view, quality indicators, memory, RINEX files and so on), and can evaluate the impact of new signals and new frequencies within the context of an exceptional architectural project.
Manufacturers
The GNSS M300 Pro from ComNav Technology (Shanghai, China), a multi-purpose GNSS receiver for a range of applications, has 256 channels tracking GPS, GLONASS and BeiDou, with Galileo capability.
Joël Van Cranenbroeck established Creative Geosensing Belgium as an engineering geodesy consultancy company specialized in high-definition positioning, positioning infrastructures (CORS network) and monitoring.
Positioning and heading for mission-critical applications
The K528G dual-frequency, multi-constellation GNSS board provides the highest accuracy in differential positioning. It benefits from numerous constellation signals because of its advanced tracking performance of both GPS and GLONASS. The K528G can provide positioning and heading information generated by two antennas. It is designed for guiding and positioning construction engines, dredges, barges, shipping container cranes, mining equipment and intelligent transportation systems.
Designed for small-cell and distributed antenna systems
GPS Source has released of a line of GPS/GNSS splitters created for the small-cell wireless and distributed antenna system markets. Specifically designed for the L-band frequency, they can eliminate the cost of multiple antennas and long cable runs in wireless installations. With four or eight outputs, the new line of splitters make it possible to use a single GPS referencing antenna and cable arrangement for multiple synchronized systems. The splitters include features such as DC bias select and amplification. GPS Source RF signal splitters typically operate in conjunction with an active GPS antenna; consequently, a GPS RF signal splitter must have provisions for managing the DC voltage to the active GPS antenna. The S14GT and S18GT splitters will power an external GPS antenna from any of the RF outputs. A “hunt-and-pick” circuit is used to select only one DC input for power should more than one source be connected. Designed for redundancy, if the selected DC bias input should fail, the DC bias will automatically switch to another DC input to ensure an uninterrupted power supply to the active antenna.
For precision industrial, agricultural and military OEM applications
A new series of L1 band wideband antennas for OEM applications is offered in three formats:
▪ TW2106/TW2108 — GPS L1
▪ TW2406/TW2408 — GPS + GLONASS
▪ TW2706/TW2708 — Galileo, BeiDou, GPS + GLONASS
Each antenna type features Tallysman’s Accutenna technology, which provides high rejection of multipath signals, with low axial ratios and tight phase center variations (PCV). Each is available with a brickwall pre-filter option to protect against saturation by high level subharmonic and L-band signals. The antenna printed circuit boards (PCBs) are 56 millimeters in diameter with four plated holes for secure mounting. They are available with a variety of connectors and custom cable lengths, and can be custom-tuned. All of them are REACH and ROHS compliant.
The NV08C-RTK-A is fully integrated multi-constellation L1 heading receiver with embedded real-tiime kinematic (RTK) functionality and compatibility with GPS, GLONASS, Galileo and BeiDou. The NV08C-RTK-A is designed for use in high-accuracy applications that demand low-cost, low-power consumption, a small form factor and high performance, such as construction, mining and industrial; environmental and structural monitoring; machine control; parallel driving systems; precision agriculture; UAVs; and robotics and intelligent machines.
The SLD-100 GNSS Rover accessory facilitates hydrographic measurement in bodies of water up to 100 meters in depth. it is designed for anyone who finds themselves needing to survey into bodies of water, streams and rivers. With survey-grade accuracy, the SLD-100 can be added to any brand GNSS RTK rover to allow for position and depth measurements to be made simultaneously. With a built-in 10-hour lithium battery and transmitter unit with Bluetooth connectivity, the SLD-100 provides standard-depth data streams in several industry-standard NMEA formats at 1 Hz, 4800 bps, providing compatibility with any hydrographic surveying software package. Position and depth information is externally logged on a computer or controller. Included transom mounting hardware enables easy installation.
TriAnt is small, thin and rugged high-performance GNSS antenna. It measures 128 x 128 millimeters (mm) square and 39 mm thick. It can be mounted with three screws to flat surfaces. It is designed for applications such as machine control and surround anennas of the TRIUMPH-4X. The antenna cable is routed through the center of the antenna (TNC connector) for protection in harsh environments. The TriAnt can also be mounted on poles (1–14 inches thread) using its mount-pole attachment, which increases the thickness to 54.5 mm.
The X20i L1 GPS receiver by CHC Navigation is powered by a high-precision L1 GPS engine. Its integrated Bluetooth chip enables it to wirelessly collect submeter positions in real- time or centimeter post-processed on an iPhone or iPad. All location-aware apps on the iPhone and iPad are compatible with the X20i. Immediately after pairing and answering the security question allowing the X20i to take control of location services on the iOS device, 1 million iOS applications are capable of utilizing the high-accuracy data of the X20i, and become accurate to either 1 foot or 1 centimeter. Apps that can make use of the high accuracy include TerraGo Edge, ESRI’s ArcView Connector and those by CarteGraph Systems.
BlueStarGPS offers both GPS and GNSS options in a rugged, lightweight package. The BlueStarGPS device was designed to meet sub-meter mapping and data-collection needs in the pipeline and utility industries. It provides sub-meter precision without post-processing, and maintains accurate positioning when the SBAS signal is obstructed. This means it can function under trees, around buildings and in rugged terrain where other receivers can fail. The BlueStarGPS is designed specifically for use with Android mobile devices, such as smartphones, tablets or notebook computers, as well as cable and pipe “locating” tools with a connectivity range of up to 1 kilometer.
UAV measures through water surfaces of rivers, lakes
The RIEGL BathyCopter is a small-UAV-based surveying system capable of measuring through the water surface. It’s suitable for generating profiles of rivers or water reservoirs. The platform design integrates a topo-bathymetric green laser depth meter, an APX 15 inertial measurement unit (IMU)/GNSS with antenna, a control unit and a digital camera. Applications include generation of river profiles, survey of reservoirs and canals, landscaping, support of construction projects, and surveys for planning and carrying out hydraulic engineering work.
The Zenmuse X5 is a micro four-thirds (M4/3) camera designed specifically for aerial use. With a large sensor, aerial image makers will be able to capture up to 13 stops of dynamic range, enabling capture of high-resolution 16-megapixel photos or 4 k, 24 fps and 30 fps videos in complex lighting environments. It supports four interchangeable lenses. The Zenmuse X5 is designed for creation of high-quality aerial maps and 3D models, industrial and utility inspection, and professional video capture.
The NVIDIA Jetson TX1 module is designed to power smart devices — including drones that don’t just fly by remote control, but navigate their way through a forest for search and rescue. It is an embedded computer designed to learn to recognize objects or interpret information, incorporating capabilities such as machine learning, computer vision and navigation into a single system. This technology expands the ability of machines to operate on their own and adapt to their surroundings by recognizing images, processing conversational speech, or analyzing a room full of furniture and finding a path to navigate across it.
LiDuan Wang, Ph.D., marketing director for ComNav, reviews ComNav’s newest receiver technology, as well as the company’s new trademark, Sino GNSS, at the 2015 ION GNSS+ show in Tampa, Fla.
ComNav has released the M300 Pro, a CORS GNSS receiver, and the K528G, a new GNSS OEM board for heading.
Designed for reference stations, the M300 Pro tracks GPS, GLONASS and Beidou (B1, B2, B3), and will track Galileo, QZSS and other coming constellations. Its web server function enables easy and convenient remote control. The M300 Pro is compatible with many kinds of CORS software, using the standard data format RTCM and the various data transfer protocols such as UDP, TCP and Ntrip.
Raw GNSS observation data can be saved in Rinex format and remotely downloaded. The M300 Pro contains multiple ports, which can configure and connect with external sensors, including but not limited to meteorological sensors, barographs and inclinometers. The PPS output function provides a guarantee for precision timing. The M300 Pro also has the functionality of event mark and external memory.
The K528G GNSS board.
The K528G is a dual-frequency and multiple constellations GNSS board that provides the highest accuracy in differential positioning. K528G benefits from plenty of constellations signals, due to its advanced tracking performance of both GPS and GLONASS. The K528G can provide positioning and heading information generated by two antennas.
The K528G is designed for guiding and positioning construction engines, dredges, barges, shipping container cranes, mining equipment and intelligent transportation systems.
Andy Yin, international sales director at ComNav Technology Ltd., talks about the company’s M300 Pro and new OEM boards at INTERGEO 2015, which was held Sept. 15-17 in Stuttgart, Germany.
The M300 Pro GNSS reference station receiver integrates ComNav’s new-generation OEM board and includes web service and remote control features.
The first OEM board, which can support all GNSS constellations (GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou and Galileo), will be released at the end of September, according to ComNav.
Experiencing the Qiao Station with ComNav T300 for surveying.
Europe’s first commercial BeiDou CORS station — Qiao CORS Station — has been built in Wallonia, Belgium. ComNav partnered with local company CGEOS – Creative Geosensing on the project. ComNav develops and manufactures GNSS OEM boards and receivers for demanding high-precision positioning applications.
Qiao means bridge in Chinese, and Joël van Cranenbroeck, managing director of CGEOS, is working to build the bridge between the Chinese and European GNSS industries by introducing the Chinese high-precision GNSS technologies of ComNav Technology to European users, ComNav said in a statement.
The Qiao Station can track BeiDou Navigation Satellite System on the three frequencies and transmit observation data in RTCM format in real time through NTRIP and observation data in RINEX format. It enhances the positioning performance and result by combining BeiDou with GPS and GLONASS.
Currently, the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System mainly covers the Asia Pacific region. Though China is still in the process of building it into a global network, up to six BeiDou satellites can now be tracked in Europe during certain periods of the day. With the new Qiao Station, European users can now try the BeiDou system.
Setting up Qiao Station.
European’s first BeiDou CORS station has been built in Belgium.
