Tag: data collection

Product review: Rugged tablet tackles survey tasks
Photo: DT Research

Technology continues to develop and put more capability, data storage and ease of use into many professional’s hands, and surveyors are no different in their needs.

Spatial data collection has become an important task in the diverse service world of today’s surveyor with a variety of platforms, sensors and techniques being used to provide this operation.

The movement toward completing a “digital twin” of existing improvements and facilities worldwide has opened the door for new means and methods for data collection. Surveyors are taking a front-line role in producing the spatial data necessary for much of the internal and external infrastructure being used in today’s cutting-edge digital modeling.

Necessary accuracy and precision

However, not all data-collection systems offer the accuracy and precision deemed necessary by today’s surveying profession. These systems also need to be tough enough to handle the environmental conditions surveyors face in their everyday work, yet be user-friendly enough to make the data-collection process efficient.

Surveyors require a system designed for rugged use, yet built with a high-visibility screen, easy-to-use interface and reasonable battery life to allow effective and confident data collection. Many data collectors tout these features, but many of them fail when subjected to the harsh conditions of surveying and construction sites.

Times, however, are a changing and a new tablet is raising eyebrows.

DT Research Inc., a Silicon Valley electronics provider, has provided mobile and medical computing devices to many professions for more than 20 years. They have taken one of their most popular models, the DT301, and added integrated significant upgrades that brings it squarely into the surveying and geospatial world.

This rugged tablet can now include a multi-frequency GNSS module and a second, 3D-capable, stereo-imaging camera for capturing photometric information.

Specifications

Here are the overall specifications for the DT301X-TR Rugged Tablet:
- Intel 8th-generation core i5/i7 processor
- Microsoft Windows 10 IoT Enterprise operating system
- 10.1-inch sunlight readable capacitive touch screen
- High-capacity, hot-swappable battery pack with power-saving modes
- IP65-rated for water and dust resistance
- MIL-STD-810G for shock and vibration protection
- MIL-STD-461F for EMI and EMC tolerance
- Multi-frequency GNSS (including GPS, GLONASS, Galileo and BeiDou)
- External GNSS antenna capable
- Intel RealSense Depth camera, 2D barcode scanner
- Long-range Bluetooth, 4G LTE, digital pen support
- Sturdy external keyboard with various mounts for static installation
- Rugged yet reasonable weight of 3.1 pounds
- Multiple mounting options for precise measurement
Rugged, but not too heavy

The first impression a new user of the DT301X-TR will notice is that while it is heavier than the normal personal tablet, it is very rugged yet not noticeably heavy. The additional weight it does carry, however, gives the user a sense of durability and confidence to take it into fouler environments without fear of infiltration or hazardous climate concerns.

The external bumpers can take significant abuse, and the rubber rear guard is used for gripping the tablet effectively during data collection tasks. Several mounts are available for this unit, including a pole mount in conjunction with the external GNSS antenna for higher accuracy location determination.

This unit runs the Microsoft Windows 10 IoT (internet of things) Enterprise operating system, so most users will already have a general feel for the overall interface. All the normal Windows tools are there (email, browser, etc.), so little training is needed for beginners.

Connectivity is available through dual-band Wi-Fi and/or 4G LTE communications as well as long-range Bluetooth connections where needed. The unit runs on an Intel 8th-generation core processor and SSD storage for fast computing and data access needs.

In addition to computing performance, this model also exceeds expectations with its robust screen. Where most high-def screens on phones and tablets suffer in daylight conditions, the DT301X-TR allows the user to maintain great visibility and keep working with visual confidence.

GNSS module and antenna

The DT301X-TR can be loaded with several data-collection software packages, depending on your application. For traditional surveying, Microsurvey’s Field Genius is used for locating survey points with the GNSS module. Several programs for data collection are available, depending on the accuracy required by the user.

Photo: DT Research

A helical mobile dual-frequency GNSS antenna is mounted directly on the tablet for receiving survey-grade positions with an RTK correction service. The tablet can also be used with an external GNSS antenna mounted on an extendable pole for a more conventional surveyor-style method of data collection while providing stability for the user.

The data-collection process for mapping is intuitive and allows for uploading existing shapefiles for reference to existing conditions. Exporting information after the data-collection task can be completed in two different formats: shapefiles and KML files.

Photo: DT Research

For the higher accuracies typically required for surveyors, the unit utilizes the pole mount to ensure the accuracy level is not compromised by human interaction, and it connects to an external GNSS antenna. The software allows the user to collect more precise locations through several means: static, real-time kinematic from the user’s base station, or through a real-time network solution from an external source.

The data collection process in Field Genius is very user friendly and allows for customized point naming and automatic linework between points. Field Genius also contains standard COGO tools and routines that allow the user to perform field calculations right on the job, saving valuable time and money for the practitioner and the client.

Exporting of field data is robust and allows for creation of DXF/DWG files of linework and LandXML files for surface and point downloads. The user can also export raw data in a GNSS Survey format or the industry standard “field book” format as well. Importing background files is just as simple, so the user can have additional information at their fingertips for reference during their data collection process.

Also, the DT301X-TR can be utilized for construction staking with an extensive array of staking reports available for user verification. Proposed TIN surface models can be imported for site and roadway staking for placing cut/fill points on the fly.

Cameras make it shine

The DT301X-TR, however, is not just a fancy conventional surveying data collector; the Intel RealSense Depth camera and DOT3D Pro software from DOT Product is the latest development to be added to the rugged tablet that makes this platform shine. This latest technology from Intel allows the user to photograph and video spaces that even the newest laser and lidar scanning equipment can’t access.

Stereo depth modeling is enhancing the data-collection process for surveyors as a new tool to collect important information for engineers, architects and contractors. By collecting close quarters information in real time, a more complete BIM and/or “digital twin” data set can be accomplished faster and more cost efficiently than ever.

This version of remote sensing is becoming very popular with other vehicles and platforms (such as UAVs), yet being integrated into a single unit with GNSS capability is key to making the DT301X-TR a game changer.

The divide between the macro (GIS mapping) and micro (traditional surveying) of spatial data collection is closing, but it will take some time before satisfying the surveying community. The DT301X-TR is closing that gap by marrying the accuracy of GNSS measurement with the precision of 3D analyzation technology.

DT Research began by creating a bulletproof tablet made for durability and dependability, but has raised the bar with a state-of-the-art satellite measurement module and remote-sensing capability through the RealSense camera system.

Wrapping all this technology into a rugged unit running on an industry-standard software platform, DT Research has provided an insight to what the future of data collection looks like, no matter what profession one is in.
March 31, 2020
1Spatial announces mobile platform for spatial data collection

New product enables collection, correction and confirmation of spatial data in the field

The new Location Mobile App Platform (LMAP) by 1Spatial enables easy and flexible spatial data collection in the field. Leveraging existing expertise in data management and data quality into a mobile app platform delivers an easy to use user interface, flexibility in integration and in-built validation based upon business rules.

LMAP can be configured to provide a solution to any number of spatial data challenges facing businesses and has been made available to offer complete integration and configuration flexibility to customers. Utilities, for instance, have geographically dispersed assets and the need for quality-driven spatial data editing via a field-based workforce.

LMAP helps guide users to capture the right data at the right time and, crucially, make sure that the data is right first time.

“We have a host of great customers and always strive to create solutions that make all parts of data collection easier,” said Sarah Gadd, product manager at 1Spatial. “We know that our clients love the reliability and power of our patented rules engine and want to bring that to the field. Simple and powerful apps tailored to our customers’ needs is our next big step in delivering spatial data quality to every stage of the data journey.”

For more information and for a demo of LMAP, join 1Spatial for a free webinar on March 10 at 2 p.m. GMT. Register here.

February 27, 2020
Touch GIS app for iPhone and iPad now available
Photo: Touch GIS

Touch GIS has released the Touch GIS app for iPhone and iPad. Users can explore the app’s features with a free 14-day trial.

Touch GIS offers professional-grade field data collection and visualization. It takes advantage of devices already used by many people, making field data collection easy and convenient, the company said.

Features include:
- an intuitive interface
- offline capabilities
- map caching
- robust file support
- customizable attribute forms
- preloaded feature class templates
Users can collect point, line and polygon features, as well as create custom feature classes.

File types supported include Shapefile, KML/KMZ, GeoJSON, GPX and CSV (Export).

Custom Forms:
– Description
– Date & Time
– Photo
– List Of Values
– Checkbox
– Address
– Number
– Website
– Phone Number

Preloaded Feature Classes:
– Forestry
– Geology
– Real Estate
– Stream Surveys
– Water Infrastructure
– Wetlands
– Create Your Own!

Download the app to start a free trial.
November 12, 2019
Geneq launches SXPad 1500 rugged data collector

The New Handheld Is Designed for Data Collection for Land Surveying and Geospatial Information Systems (GIS)

Photo: Geneq

Geneq Inc. has added a new data collector to its SXPad product line. The rugged SXPad 1500 data collector features a full alphanumeric QWERTY keypad and long-range Bluetooth, and was designed to meet the rigorous IP67 standard to deal with challenging field conditions.

The SXPad 1500 and its 5-inch sunlight-readable touchscreen can be connected to any GNSS receiver or compatible robotic total station to ensure the success of all survey projects.

Driven by a 1-GHz processor and the Windows Mobile 6.5 operating system, the field collector is a high-performance device designed to provide the power needed to work with maps and large data sets in the field, as well as many software solutions.

With its integrated cellular modem and Wi-Fi standard, the SXPad 1500 offers wireless connectivity for internet access and GIS data transfer. This feature will be helpful for setting parameters and configuring the SXblue PREMIER and F90 or any real-time kinematic (RTK)-compatible GNSS receiver.

The SXPad 1500 has a GNSS internal module that delivers adequate performance for certain GIS field data collections.

Equipped with an internal memory of 1 GB (memory can be expanded to 16 GB with an SD card), the SXPad 1500 provides enough storage space for data recording. Users will benefit from its high-performance lithium battery allowing uninterrupted field operation for up to 8 hours.

October 25, 2019
Flowfinity and Leica Geosystems streamline high-precision GNSS data collection workflows

Photo: Leica Geosystems

Flowfinity Wireless Inc. has released new functionality that allows field users to collect highly precise GNSS location data via external Leica Zeno GG04 plus Smart Antennas in Flowfinity applications.

This powerful new capability assists organizations in the engineering, environmental consulting, construction and public utilities sectors that use custom mobile data collection apps built with Flowfinity to survey and inspect work sites.

The Zeno GG04 plus is a rugged, flexible and easy-to-use smart antenna from Leica Geosystems, part of Hexagon. It uses RTK technology and Precise Point Positioning (PPP) to make high-accuracy data collection possible in real-time even in demanding locations without the need for a mobile data connection.

Photo: Flowfinity

The combination of state-of-the-art Zeno GNSS technology with the workflow automation features in Flowfinity Actions is a game-changing update that will save hours in the field while providing location data accurate to five decimal places for analysis in the office.

“This is an exciting update for any organization that needs to record accurate site survey data as part of their digital mobile workflows,” said Larry Wilson, VP Sales & Marketing, Flowfinity. “Field users in engineering and related industries can now collect some of the most precise GNSS readings possible and have that info available in their existing Flowfinity applications. This opens up significant opportunities to become more efficient on-site.”

All Flowfinity applications deployed on Android and iOS devices can now leverage the Leica Geosystems antenna to achieve 5 decimal place accuracy for GNSS location data.

For example, if an environmental consulting firm needs survey quality GNSS data to be collected and submitted during site inspections, they can now deploy field workers with Leica GG04 plus Smart Antennas to record data directly into their Flowfinity mobile applications, rather than performing manual data entry or relying on much less precise data from internal mobile device sensors.

Flowfinity is used across industries including environmental services, engineering, construction, municipal governments and utilities for driving efficiency and streamlining operational workflows.

Go here for complete list of new features.

October 24, 2019
MicroSurvey releases FieldGenius for Android

FieldGenius for Android, v1. (Image: Hexagon)

MicroSurvey Software, part of Hexagon, has released its new field data-collection software platform for Android users.

FieldGenius for Android, version 1.0, is first release of the company’s new multi-platform field software built on the Android platform. It supports most popular GNSS sensors on the market today.

FieldGenius is third-party, brand-neutral data-collection software used by many surveyors. The new release builds on decades of innovation MicroSurvey has invested into the original FieldGenius software, providing users with an easy-to-use and intuitive mobile data-collection software package for the next generation.

New features include dynamic data panels synchronized with the map views. A fresh user interface provides familiarity for existing FieldGenius users while offering new tools, simplified workflows and readily available data that surveyors require at the point of work to make informed decisions in the field.

“Surveyors, dealers, and distributors from every corner of the world have been demanding an Android based version of MicroSurvey FieldGenius for years,” said Marc Veinotte, global sales and OEM manager at MicroSurvey. “This is the first release of our new multi-platform field data collection software that will provide a consistent user experience across a wide cross section of data collection devices. MicroSurvey continues its hardware neutrality strategy offering support for almost every brand of popular and upcoming GNSS receiver on the market today.”

Early adopters of FieldGenius for Android will receive additional benefits and participate in the newly created MicroSurvey Technology Innovation Group (MTIG).

August 9, 2019
Carlson offers NR3 compact, lightweight GNSS receiver

Photo: Carlson Software

Carlson Software has introduced a new four-constellation, three-frequency surveying receiver. The Carlson NR3 network rover weighs just under two pounds, but delivers highly reliable GNSS real-time kinematic (RTK) for land surveying, geospatial information systems (GIS) and other data-collection uses.

Carlson Software President and Founder Bruce Carlson introduced the Carlson NR3 network rover at the company’s Grow With Us User Conference 2019.

Able to be used as a base or rover, the NR3 uses all four constellations — GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou and Galileo — and provides triple-frequency tracking on GPS, GlONASS and Galileo, the company said.

Incorporating multipath and ionospheric detection, the NR3 maintains accuracy and continued operation despite shocks, vibration or other interference.

According to the company, the NR3 is easy to mount and balance as it utilizes the optional Hybrid+ in Carlson SurvCE/PC that enables simultaneous interaction with GNSS and a robotic total station, the company said.

”The NR3 is Carlson’s answer for a lightweight – just 1.8 lbs. – network rover that can also be used in a base rover setup with Carlson’s Listen-Listen service,” said Butch Herter, Carlson’s director of Hardware Development. The Listen-Listen service allows base/rover operations via cellular modem for better correction transmission ranges compared to traditional terrestrial UHF radios.

“It has hot swappable batteries and four come with the system that give it over a 20-hour runtime,” Herter added. “With the dual internal cell modem antennas, it maintains cell signal where others may not. When paired up with the Carlson CR2+ robot, it is the ideal companion receiver to use with the new SurvCE hybrid surveying system.”

Produced by Septentrio with Carlson specifications, the Carlson NR3 has an integrated 4G LTE cellular modem, plus Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for modern wireless capabilities and is made to perform exceptionally in locations with bad visibility or interference.

May 20, 2019
J-Mate combines GNSS/terrestrial for accuracy
Javad GNSS has taken the power of its Triumph system and expanded to ground-based measurement technologies (versus satellite-based positioning) with the J-Mate.

The J-Mate is a new measurement module that combines conventional measurement via laser scanning and photographic imagery with the multi-constellation location accuracy of the Triumph-LS receiver.

Unlike most conventional total stations, J-Mate does not contain optics for manual use. It does, however, utilize precision horizontal and vertical encoders for angular measurement while the high-definition camera and laser module combine to locate the USB-powered target for accurate measurements, the company said.

The target rest on top of the receiver and lights up for better visibility to the camera and sensor. The lighting power comes through the USB cord connected to the receiver.

Coupled with the onboard data collector screen of the Triumph-LS, operation of the module is done visually with the LS mounted on top of the module or remotely on the J-Pod pole used for GNSS data collection.

Setup of the module for survey data collection can be accomplished by several different methods: Backsight, Resect or Astro-Seek.

The Backsight method of station establishment, while following in the manner of traditional total stations, can be accomplished by several different methods utilizing the J-Mate and Triumph-LS.
- The first option is to occupy a known station with pre-established horizontal and vertical values, and then proceed to orient the instrument to another known station.
- The second option is using the Triumph-LS GNSS engines to establish a station coordinate value, perform the same procedure on the reference station, and use the J-Mate software to calculate backsight azimuth for orientation.
- The last option is to use a combination of the known coordinates or collect GNSS-derived values for either station or backsight point and complete the station setup.
The Resect method is utilized when occupied station cannot use GNSS-observed coordinate values but can view two or more stations with known values. Once the user has measured all the visible know stations, the data-collection software provides geometric precision analysis and a coordinate solution if tolerances are acceptable.

The last method of orientation, Astro-Seek, can observe solar or lunar positions to accurately determine the location and orientation of the station. The user installs a darkening filter for solar observations and starts the Astro-Seek process; the module automatically makes necessary remaining measurements and calculations.

J-Mate screen (Image: Javad GNSS)

The J-Mate system is equipped with system parameters that allows the user to customize a variety of settings, including minimum and maximum collection distance, windowing of project area, and edge definition tolerance to fine tune scanning small objects. Also definable within the window area is the scan spacing variable, used to minimize the number of data points where needed.

According to Javad GNSS, the range of the J-Mate is rated at 100 meters (328 U.S. survey feet) using the Javad target and to most white surfaces, while the rating for darker surfaces is 50 meters (164 U.S. survey feet). Three precision vials are placed around the top for visual verification of levelness in addition to the electronic leveling mechanism, giving the user on-the-fly notification of any unstableness of the instrument.

The J-Mate isn’t exclusively a data collection system, though; this module and software is also designed to be an efficient staking application. Taking advantage of robust servos and effective targeting system, this system performs dutifully for staking applications where accuracy and precision are required.
September 5, 2018
TerraGo launches reconnaissance app in NGA GEOINT store

Image: TerraGo

TerraGo, a provider of dissemination and collaboration software for defense and intelligence agencies, has announced the availability of R3 for immediate download in the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency’s (NGA) GEOINT App Store.

R3 is a mobile data collection and collaboration app customized for the missions of reconnaissance, response and recovery. Designed for the most challenging missions and environments, R3 lets users keep working offline and off the grid with customizable workflows for security, humanitarian and disaster relief programs, the company said.

“R3 enhances situational awareness, search and rescue, damage assessments and recovery efforts,” said Scott Lee, director of federal programs at TerraGo. “It really gives users the best of both worlds with mobile technology that can go anywhere, and will also work even when the network doesn’t.”

Image: TerraGo

Designed with a simplified user interface, R3 provides a robust standalone capability for a variety of field-based collection activities. Users can access custom basemaps from numerous GIS, map and imagery sources including GeoPDF, ArcGIS, USGS and GXP, while collecting and exchanging location-tagged notes using smart forms, photos, videos and audio files.

Pre-loaded forms are available for structured assessments, and users can connect to a secure server to create unique mission packages and enable synchronous collaboration. R3 supports important standards like OGC GeoPackage interoperability and sharing geospatial assets among mission partners.

Registered GEOINT App Store users can download TerraGo R3 for iOS here. The Android version is complete and coming soon, the company added.

May 24, 2018
Handheld launches Nautiz X9 rugged Android PDA
Image: Handheld

Handheld Group has launched the Nautiz X9, an ultra-rugged enterprise handheld built for fieldwork in challenging outdoor or industrial environments. It can be used as a mobile computer, data collector or field controller, the company said.

The Nautiz X9 offers:
- A quad-core processor and easy-to-use Android 7 (Nougat) OS.
- GPS/GLONASS capabilities standard.
- Optional high-quality, high-speed 2D imager.
- Dual cameras including 13-megapixel rear-facing with autofocus and flash, and 2-megapixel front-facing.
- 4G/LTE Android phone functionality.
- Google GMS for Google Maps navigation and Play Store app access.
- A sunlight-readable 5-inch capacitive display with multi-touch sensitivity.
- IP67 ruggedness rating for waterproof, dust-tight performance.
The Nautiz 9 is MIL-STD 810G tested for drops, vibrations, humidity, extreme temperatures and varying altitudes.It has a fast 1.3-GHz processor with 2-GB RAM and 16-GB Flash. The 4800-mAh battery will run for a full shift, even with heavy use.

“Adding the Nautiz X9 to our family of products reflects our commitment to bringing truly rugged field devices to market,” said Johan Hed, Handheld Group director of product management. “The Nautiz X9 also extends our wide Android offerings, which have been in increasingly high demand. GMS certification is an extra feature not always included in enterprise devices, but it has proved to be invaluable for our customers, giving them access to the full suite of Google applications. The reliability and toughness of the Nautiz X9 will bring great value to field users worldwide.”
January 23, 2018
VTOL drone company Wingtra partners with Pix4D

Wingtra One in the air. (Photo: Wingtra)

Professional drone company Wingtra is partnering with photogrammetry company Pix4D. Pix4D’s software suite is now available to WingtraOne users, both directly and via Wingtra’s distributors.

WingtraOne, Wingtra’s main product, is a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) UAV that enables data collection for a variety of industries. The partnership with Pix4D aims to augment its status with an end-to-end solution including 2D map and 3D model construction from aerial data.

The WingtraOne drone bridges the gap between traditional multi-rotors and fixed-wing drones, the company said. It takes off and lands vertically like conventional multirotors, but once in flight, the drone tilts forward to fly like a fixed-wing aircraft.

Being able to carry heavy payload such as the Sony RX1RII, the drone offers high mapping accuracy, while covering an area of 980 acres (400 Ha) at 3 cm/px (1.2 in/px) GSD or the equivalent of 570 football fields.

The WingtraOne is available in use in Europe, China, the United States and Australia for applications ranging from surveying and precision agriculture to glacier monitoring.

Wingtra (booth 109) and Pix4D (booth 415) are exhibiting at Commercial UAV Expo Americas, which takes place Oct. 24-26 in Las Vegas.

Map made by Pix4D pictures taken by WingtraOne with RX1RII camera. (image: Wingtra)

Turning Information into Insight. Wingtra’s diverse user base is complemented by Pix4D, whose product range is aimed at the surveying and agriculture industry, among others.

Pix4D has allows professionals to generate high-quality point clouds, orthomosaics, surface and terrain models from aerial imagery. Some of its popular offerings include Pix4Dmapper for precisely georeferenced 2D maps and 3D models, and Pix4Dag for accurate reflectance and index maps (NDVI, NDRE).

With WingtraOne’s autonomous aerial data collection and Pix4D’s advanced data-analysis capabilities offered as a single bundle, professional users can now expect a plug-and-play solution. “We are keen on collaborating strongly in our upcoming events. Actually we are meeting very soon at UAV Expo in Las Vegas,” Bailey said.

“The bond between the companies was established some time ago, since realizing the potential of pairing high-resolution aerial images with cutting-edge photogrammetry modeling software,” said Caroline Bailey, Pix4D regional sales manager for Europe. “We are very happy to announce the decision to become official partners.”

Leopold Flechsenberger, sales manager at Wingtra, added, “We have always aimed at providing the best survey-grade aerial imagery to our users, so Pix4D was an obvious choice from the start. From now on, Wingtra is offering a reduced price on WingtraOne drones, when bundled with Pix4Dmapper.”

October 14, 2017
Topcon upgrades SmoothRide road data-collection software

Topcon Positioning Group is updating its data-collection software for the SmoothRide resurfacing workflow solution. RD-M1 Collect 2.0 includes updates designed to facilitate and optimize mapping of road conditions.

Topcon is exhibiting at Intergeo 2017 in Hall 2.1, Booth A2.008, and in Hall FG, Booth 005. Intergeo takes place Sept. 26-28 in Berlin, Germany.

The improvements feature an improved interface that is designed to simplify setup and automatically detect the position of the wheel sensor during data collection, the company said.

An RD-M1 Collect 2.0 graphical interface status bar indicates the optimum speed for collecting road information based on project requirements, helping the software deliver the best results for the project.

Memos is a new feature designed to allow operators to create balloons with messages on the map while collecting data that also can be made visible in the processing software, enabling specific site conditions to be noted for future reference.

The new Manage Runs feature is designed to enable operation without necessitating Windows explorer to be open.

Large buttons make using a tablet or laptop with touchscreen easy. Operators can copy data collections to a USB drive, delete them from the hard drive, and add or remove them from the manager.

The RD-M1 Collect 2.0 new Plan Route feature allows for the import of kml files of predetermined routes, designed to ensure nothing is missed on the drive.

Using the new map downloader, operators can have all map details visible while collecting data, without an internet connection. Overlapping locations can be managed by creating areas where predefined overlaps are required for the project.

September 27, 2017