Eos Positioning Systems has announced end-of-life planning for four models in its original Arrow Series GNSS receivers, with discontinuation set for March 31, 2026, or when current inventory is depleted.
The company has began to phase out the Arrow Lite, Arrow 100, Arrow 200 and Arrow Gold receivers on Oct. 2, 2025. The models have been used by mapping professionals and organizations conducting field data collection.
Eos will maintain technical support for the discontinued models for at least five years following the end-of-life date, according to company officials. Support will be available through the company’s technical team and global distributor network.
“These products have served our customers well in a variety of field environments that I could not have imagined in the early days of our company,” said Jean-Yves Lauture, chief technology officer at Eos. “While their time in the spotlight is coming to an end, their impact will continue to resonate.”
The company will continue to offer its Arrow Series plus models, which include the Arrow 100+ and Arrow Gold+ receivers currently in distribution. Eos plans to release two additional models — the Arrow 200+ and Arrow 300+ — though specific release dates were not provided.
Eos is also developing the Skadi Series, described as precision GNSS solutions for professional applications. Additional product specifications and availability information will be announced at a later date.
The original Arrow Series receivers have been part of Eos’ product lineup since the company’s early operations. The devices provided GPS and GNSS positioning capabilities for mobile data collection workflows.
Canadian scientists recently led their first Antarctic research expedition, using Montreal-made Arrow Gold+ GNSS technology for precise location data in remote and challenging conditions. The mission, which departed in early March 2025 aboard HMCS Margaret Brooke, included experts from multiple Canadian universities and government agencies. Researchers conducted water, sediment, air, and sea-ice sampling to study climate change, glacial retreat and pollution such as mercury and microplastics.
The month-long journey around the South Shetland Islands and the northern Antarctic Peninsula yielded surveys of coastal and oceanic sites. The crew relied on a small, unmanned surface vessel (USV) carrying various equipment for bathymetric surveys including an onboard computer, IMU and multibeam sonar.
In order to find the USV’s precise position in an environment with no land-based RTK infrastructure, the team relied on the Arrow Gold+ GNSS receiver, designed and manufactured by Canadian-based Eos Positioning Systems. The Arrow Gold+ utilized Galileo High Accuracy Service (GalHAS), a free satellite-based PPP correction available worldwide from the European Union’s Galileo Programme.
“There aren’t any RTK networks in Antarctica,” said Kevin Wilcox, Ocean Mapping Group research scientist, who piloted the USV. “That sent us looking for the Arrow Gold+ and GalHAS corrections. When we found these, we realized we had a possible solution.”
While using GalHAS corrections, the Arrow Gold+ provided estimated accuracies of about 10 cm horizontal and 15 vertical to 20 vertical.
“The vertical accuracy was especially important for our bathymetric work,” Wilcox said. “Any vertical error would directly add error to our depth.”
Sites surveyed include Admiralty Bay, Livingston Island and Deception Island, which includes an active, flooded volcano caldera. The resulting, high-accuracy maps will support further scientific and oceanographic research, environmental monitoring, and improvements to marine charts.
By adding high-accuracy locations with an average accuracy of 10 cm to 20 cm horizontal and vertical, the team was able to accurately georeference and further refine the detail of the bathymetry for their map inside the underwater Deception Island caldera. (Photo: Eos Positioning Systems)
Read a roundup of recent products in the GNSS and inertial positioning industry from the March 2025 issue of GPS World magazine.
Surveying and Mapping
Photo: Eos Positioning Systems
New Eco-Friendly Carrying Case For Eos Positioning Systems’ receivers
The Skadi Gold, Skadi 300 and Skadi 200 GNSS receivers will now be shipped in a field-rugged carrying case made entirely from recycled materials. The case is designed to meet the demands of professionals who utilize GNSS technology in challenging environments. Its construction incorporates durable, eco-friendly materials that can withstand various field conditions, from remote wilderness areas to urban construction sites.
A key feature is its composition of 100% post-consumer recycled resin, which significantly reduces waste and promotes environmental sustainability, according to the company. It is specifically engineered to be shock-resistant and weatherproof.The case is provided as a standard inclusion with every purchase of the Skadi Gold, Skadi 300 or Skadi 200 GNSS receivers at no additional cost.
Multibeam Sonar Designed for bathymetric surveying
The Gemini 1200id is built on the same robust platform as the Gemini 720is multibeam sonar. The device features a 120° horizontal field of view, operating at both 720 kHz and 1,200 kHz acoustic frequencies.
The Gemini 1200id incorporates advanced noise reduction technology to significantly improve the attenuation of waterborne electrical noise to enhance imaging performance. An integrated speed-of-sound sensor ensures high positional accuracy of displayed targets, while CHIRP processing technology enhances target separation over extended ranges.
Compatibility with Tritech’s Genesis software package allows users to control multiple Tritech products from a single interface to streamline operations. The company has also made software development kits available for Windows and Linux operating systems to integrate into various platforms. The sonar’s design includes a custom-developed analog front-end solution with fully differential receiver channels, making it ideal for longer-range applications.
HiPer XRa is a GNSS receiver for surveying, mapping and construction applications. It can benefit a wide variety of users, including construction professionals, surveyors, geographic information systems (GIS) professionals, archeologists, engineering firms and more. The HiPer XR supports GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, IRNSS, QZSS and SBAS.
The new receiver has advanced Topcon Integrated Leveling Technology (TILT) compensation, featuring a calibration-free and magnetic interference-immune integrated IMU that provides up to 60° of tilt for precision measurements in challenging positions. It has signal integrity protection, anti-jamming and anti-spoofing capabilities. Through the myTopcon NOW! website, users can access online training materials, firmware updates and additional software resources.
Airborne Lidar System Ideal for coastline and river surveying
CoastalMapper is an airborne bathymetric lidar system for coastline and river surveying. The CoastalMapper can survey coastlines and rivers 250% faster than previous sensor models, according to Leica Geosystems.
It is suitable for various mapping applications, from assessing infrastructure resilience to monitoring river floods and conducting environmental investigations.
It features a high-performance bathymetric lidar module, a Leica TerrainMapper-3 topographic lidar and an imaging sensor, integrated into a compact and lightweight sensor head. This allows the CoastalMapper to capture up to 1 million bathymetric data points and 2 million topographic data points per second while providing high-resolution imagery with a 5-cm ground sampling distance at typical flying heights.
It integrates with Leica Geosystems’ airborne mapping workflows and offers cluster processing capabilities, allowing users to analyze large datasets and reduce the time from data collection to final deliverables. These outputs can include classified point clouds, digital terrain and surface models, and various imaging products.
Surveying Kit Streamlines base station and checkpoint setup
WingtraGROUND, a comprehensive survey kit, streamlines base station and checkpoint setup for on-site post-processing kinematic surveys with the WingtraONE Gen II, a vertical takeoff and landing UAV. The kit combines receivers, checkpoints and tools into a single, portable workflow.
The system integrates hardware components with a Wingtra tablet interface, which can help surveyors confirm correct receiver placement and avoid common errors associated with improper base station setup and inaccurate coordinates.
Wingtra receivers, equipped with Emlid Reach RS3 technology, provide accuracy within 2 cm, meeting high standards for aerial data validation. These receivers can also function independently for terrestrial surveys in real-time kinematic mode, including point collection and stakeout for various applications.
Galileo HAS-Enabled Receiver Offers positioning capabilities with 20 cm accuracy
The Geode GNS3H supports Galileo High Accuracy Service (HAS). It offers positioning capabilities with 20 cm accuracy worldwide without requiring additional infrastructure or subscriptions.
It is built to withstand tough conditions, making it ideal for demanding fieldwork. The device offers various accessories, including the Geode Grip, which combines the Geode with a data collection device of choice into a single handheld solution. A backpack strap kit and survey pole are also available to enhance mobility and flexibility in the field. The GNS3H can be used for surveying, agriculture, construction, forestry, mining and archaeology.
Expanded Mapping Portfolio 3D mapping technologies and more
Topcon Positioning Systems has become an authorized distributor of Pix4D’s photogrammetry software portfolio.
The partnership aims to enhance reality capture solutions across various industries, including surveying, mapping, utilities infrastructure, public safety, forensics, and architecture, engineering and construction.
The agreement streamlines the procurement process for end users by allowing them to access Pix4D’s advanced photogrammetry software solutions through Topcon’s global distribution network.
The GNSS real-time kinematic (RTK) 5 Click — a compact add-on board for high-precision positioning and navigation demands — features the UM980, an all-constellation multifrequency RTK positioning module from Unicore, with the advanced NebulasIV SoC for enhanced performance.
It supports Swift Navigation’s Skylark precise positioning service, multiple GNSS constellations and RTK positioning for centimeter-level accuracy. The board also features JamShield technology for robust performance in challenging environments, USB connectivity for easy configuration and visual status indicators for module status and GNSS signal reception.
It can be used for a variety of applications, including surveying and mapping, precision agriculture, UAVs, autonomous robots and autonomous driving.
Multi-Band GNSS Antenna Can operate in urban environments
Levity Series’ AHP24510 (L1/L2/L-Band) and AHP54510 (L1/L5/L-Band) directional patch antennas are designed to receive signals from GPS, Galileo, GLONASS and BeiDou satellite constellations.
These antennas offer faster and more accurate signal acquisition and lock, specifically in urban environments. The L-Band capability allows compatibility with high-precision GNSS correction services. The multi-band antennas offer integral redundancy to minimize satellite security blind spots and reduce energy consumption due to faster acquisition, requiring less system uptime to save power.
The Levity Series active antennas feature a 45 mm x 45 mm x 10 mm wide-band, dual-stacked patch design with a dual-feed, low noise amplifier, providing 28 dB to 29 dB gain and filtering. They operate with a maximum antenna VSWR of 1-to-1 from 1,207 MHz to 1,603 MHz, and the passive antenna efficiency ranges from 39.93% to 68.51% in the L1 band. These antennas use right-hand circular polarization to mitigate multi-path interference.
The Levity Series includes other multi-band products for high-precision applications, such as the HP24510A and HP54510A stacked-patch passive components, and the TFM.120A surface-mount front-end module, which covers the full multi-band GNSS spectrum including L-band. These antennas are suitable for various applications, including wearables, transportation, robotics, precision agriculture and autonomous vehicles.
The M9PLUS-HCT-A-SMA is an active multi-frequency GNSS antenna designed for high-accuracy applications. It supports L1/L2/L5 GPS, Galileo, Beidou and GLONASS bands, as well as L-band correction services. The antenna utilizes Maxtena’s proprietary Helicore technology, which offers advanced pattern control, polarization purity and efficiency in a compact form factor.
It integrates a pre-filter specifically engineered to mitigate LTE interference. This is crucial for maintaining signal integrity in environments with dense mobile communication networks, where LTE signals can overlap with GNSS frequencies. The pre-filter can effectively block out-of-band LTE signals, reducing intermodulation risks and ensuring clear GNSS signal reception.
The M9PLUS-HCT-A-SMA is built with rugged, IP67 automotive-grade components and includes an integrated SMA connector. It also features an O-ring for enhanced environmental sealing. Weighing only 24 grams, the antenna is ground plane-independent, making it versatile for various installations. It is particularly well-suited for GIS and RTK applications where high accuracy and reliability are crucial.
The MostaTech G321M is a three-axis fiber optic gyroscope (FOG) that offers high-precision navigation and orientation measurement capabilities. This advanced sensor features a data rate of 8 kHz.
Key features of the G321M include an input range of 400° per second, a bias RMS of 1° per hour and an angular random walk of 0.025 °/√h. Additionally, it has a power consumption of 2 W and an initialization time of 1 second. The G321M is designed with a compact form factor, making it suitable for various applications where size and weight are critical factors.
It is ideal for UAVs, robotics, borehole surveys, image stabilization, gimbal stabilization and underwater vehicles.
High-Precision Lidar Designed for precision applications
The TV1 Lite and the TV1 UAV systems are designed for various precision applications, such as mapping and data collection.
The TV1 Lite features TrueNav technology, a Hesai 32-channel laser scanner and a FLIR 5MP global shutter camera with a 90° field of view. It also includes one year of TV1 Lite Annual Processing with support and maintenance.
TV1 offers customization options, allowing users to choose from 26 MP, 45 MP or 61 MP cameras and various Trajectory Correction Service options.
Flight Control System With autopilot functionality
The Prism Supervisor software combines UAV autopilot flight control systems with AI-based observations processed in real time, aiming to enhance UAV operations.
The system provides a programming framework and software development kit for users to create custom mission scenarios. During flight, Prism Supervisor can adapt its autopilot functionality in real time, generating mission segments and flight plans as needed.
The software features a user-friendly graphic interface for mission planning, real-time visualization and execution. It supports Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS and Android.
Remote ID Receiver Enhances airspace awareness and UAV safety
RIDER is designed to enhance situational awareness by providing real-time detection of UAV activity in sensitive areas. It also seeks to provide a clear visibility of surrounding UAV operations to help avoid potential collisions and ensure safer flight experiences.
The device features a built-in industrial chip SIM that provides global coverage through LTE-M and NB-IoT, ensuring connectivity in various environments.
It operates effectively within a temperature range of -20 °C to +60 °C and is rated IP54 for dust and water resistance. The device complies with ASTM F3411-22A and ASD-STAN EN 4709-002 standards, making it suitable for regulatory environments.
The RIDER can detect signals from up to 5 km with its default antennas and up to 10 km when using an optional high-performance antenna. It is equipped with an internal cellular and Bluetooth antenna, along with an integrated GNSS antenna that provides precise positioning and timestamping capabilities. It supports multiple GNSS frequencies and utilizes Bluetooth and Wi-Fi technologies for Remote ID communications.
Streamlined BVLOS Operations For a variety of applications
The Sentaero 6 UAV is designed for advanced over-the-horizon operations beyond visual line of sight (OTH-BVLOS). It features built-in AI and machine learning capabilities for real-time data processing. The system can be used for surveying, mapping, inspection, asset monitoring and more.
Engineered to streamline operations, the Sentaero 6 offers more accurate and up-to-date intelligence on assets. Its onboard computer can processes data mid-flight.
Future developments will include swarm operations, enabling one human to control multiple UAVs simultaneously; fully remote operations and higher safety standards, such as a parachute for urban missions, according to Censys Technologies.
SBG Systems has significantly updated its Ellipse series sensors, incorporating the latest World Magnetic Model (WMM) to enhance accuracy and reliability in navigation applications. This upgrade is available for all Ellipse sensors, including first-generation models.
Designed for unmanned systems such as UAVs, UGVs and marine platforms, the Ellipse series comprises compact, high-precision inertial sensors. These devices feature built-in three-axis magnetometers that measure Earth’s magnetic field, crucial for accurate heading and positioning data.
Updated every five years, the WMM is a globally recognized mathematical representation of Earth’s magnetic field. The latest version, released in December 2024, ensures precise heading and positioning corrections to account for ongoing geomagnetic changes.
NDAA-Compliant UAV Now integrated with ArcGIS Flight
Esri now supports the Astro Max UAV in its ArcGIS Flight application. The Astro Max is the first Blue UAS-cleared and NDAA-compliant UAV to integrate with Esri’s platform.
The Astro Max, developed by Esri partner Freefly Systems, adheres to the security and performance standards set by the National Defense Authorization Act and the Defense Innovation Unit’s Blue UAS initiative. This industrial UAV is designed to enhance the capabilities of government and enterprise users utilizing ArcGIS Flight.
Autonomous Swarm Control Controls various autonomous platforms
The Autonomous Multi-Domain Operations Resiliency Platform for Heterogeneous Unmanned Swarms (AMORPHOUS) software features a single-user interface to operate thousands of autonomous assets simultaneously. Designed with an open architecture, this software enables the U.S. and allied militaries to control a mix of uncrewed platforms, payloads and systems.
AMORPHOUS includes an intuitive and distributed command-and-control interface to give operators the flexibility to conduct a wider array of intricate military missions. This collaborative autonomy at scale will provide warfighters with a decisive overmatch capability.
L3Harris is developing prototypes using the AMORPHOUS architecture on contracts for the U.S. Army and the Defense Innovation Unit. AMORPHOUS has demonstrated flexibility and interoperability by controlling multiple, separate assets across multiple vehicle types operating in different domains during government-managed tests.
AMORPHOUS supports decentralized decision-making, which enables individual, uncrewed assets to perform tasks autonomously and make real-time tactical decisions inside the network.
Advanced Counter-UAV Radar Multi-console radar control and display system
Cambridge Pixel has developed a radar control and display system for Weibel Scientific’s XENTA surveillance radar, which is designed for modern air defense and counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS) applications.
The XENTA radar includes 3D target tracking, continuous target illumination and synthetic receiver beamforming. It is available in two configurations: the XENTA-M for short-range air defense and the XENTA-C for C-UAS operations.
The system is designed to work seamlessly with third-party command-and-control systems, enhancing operational efficiency.
Cambridge Pixel’s library of radar processing software allows users to develop a tailored radar controller specific to the XENTA radar’s requirements. Enhancements were made to existing functionalities, such as improved MIL-STD-2525 overlay graphics and support for dual-redundant operator consoles.
The XENTA radar system can detect small UAVs at distances exceeding 7 km and classify them beyond 5 km. This capability makes it suitable for various applications, including airport security, border control, critical infrastructure protection and event security.
The Pelican 2 agricultural spray UAV has an expanded 300-liter payload capacity and can cover up to 5.3 ha/hr.
It incorporates several technological enhancements designed to meet the demands of agriculture applications. The aircraft features an upgraded four-motor electric propulsion system, a wider 18-m spray swath and advanced lidar and radar systems for fully autonomous day-and-night spraying. These improvements aim to increase efficiency and precision in aerial application while reducing operational costs for farmers.
The Pelican 2’s airframe and structural components are constructed from carbon fiber composites, corrosion-resistant metallic components and 3D-printed assemblies.
The Android version of the Eos Tools Pro app by Eos Positioning Systems (Eos) now fully supports the new Skadi Series GNSS receivers. This update introduces advanced features of the Skadi Series, such as Skadi Tilt Compensation and the Skadi Smart Handle, to Android users.
Key features of the update include:
Flexibility across receiver models: Android users can now use Eos Tools Pro with Skadi Series receivers, as well as Arrow Series GNSS receivers, while maintaining a user-friendly design.
Tilt compensation for streamlined workflows: The app processes tilt-compensated GNSS positions provided by Skadi Tilt Compensation, allowing for accurate positional data even when survey poles are tilted. These values can be streamed directly to third-party apps without additional steps.
Enhanced accuracy with Skadi Smart Handle: The Skadi Smart Handle allows users to achieve RTK-level accuracy during GNSS positioning without a physical range pole, making it ideal for handheld setups.
Integration with third-party applications: All GNSS data, including tilt-compensated and Smart Handle-processed values, can be seamlessly transmitted to third-party mobile apps, simplifying workflows.
The updated Eos Tools Pro app is available for download on the Google Play Store.
Eos Positioning Systems has launched a redesigned Eos Tools Pro app on iOS. The updated app features a modern user interface and user experience to enhance usability, functionality and efficiency for professionals using Eos GNSS technology.
The redesigned app includes a reorganized settings menu to improve the organization of all configuration options, offering a centralized space for users to manage their GNSS preferences and optimize workflows. The new interface has been revamped to take advantage of Split View mode on iPadOS to view all pertinent information when using Eos Tools Pro in conjunction with a data-collection app. This is particullarly useful for Skadi Tilt Compensation and Skadi Smart Handle users.
Eos Positioning Systems has introduced a new environmentally conscious initiative for its Skadi Gold, Skadi 300 and Skadi 200 GNSS receivers. These devices will now be shipped in a field-rugged carrying case made entirely from recycled materials.
The case is designed to meet the demands of professionals who utilize GNSS technology in challenging environments. Its construction incorporates durable, eco-friendly materials that can withstand various field conditions, from remote wilderness areas to urban construction sites.
A key feature is its composition of 100% post-consumer recycled resin, which significantly reduces waste and promotes environmental sustainability, according to the company. It is specifically engineered to be shock-resistant and weatherproof, providing comprehensive protection for the enclosed GNSS receivers.
The case is provided as a standard inclusion with every purchase of the Skadi Gold, Skadi 300 or Skadi 200 GNSS receivers at no additional cost.
Eos Positioning Systems (Eos) has become a member of the Municipal Information Systems Association (MISA) Canada’s National Partner Program (NPP). This collaboration aims to enhance the capabilities of Canadian municipalities in utilizing GNSS technology for improved mapping and asset management.
The partnership between Eos and MISA Canada facilitates the digital transformation of Canadian cities and towns by bringing together municipal leaders and technology innovators. Eos specializes in providing high-accuracy GNSS technology to local governments, enabling them to maintain critical infrastructure and public services more effectively.
Eos manufactures GNSS receivers in Canada that offer submeter to centimeter-level accuracy for GIS and mapping applications. These tools are particularly useful for utility and infrastructure mapping, public works asset management, environmental monitoring and planning and emergency response coordination.
The GNSS receivers from Eos are designed to integrate with existing GIS software and mobile devices, allowing field teams to efficiently collect, update, and manage spatial data with high precision. As part of MISA’s NPP, Eos will provide members with access to specialized solutions, training resources, and ongoing technical support to maximize the benefits of GNSS technology in municipal operations.
Eos Positioning Systems has released the Skadi Seriesproduct line. The Skadi Series consists of high-accuracy GNSS receivers designed to enhance field crews’ productivity, safety and flexibility.
Skadi Tilt Compensation allows users to capture data without needing to level their survey range pole. When activated on an RTK-enabled Skadi Series receiver, this feature allows users to rely on the receiver to correct errors caused by tilted range pole angles during data collection.
The Skadi Smart Handle introduces two additional features, powered by accurate lidar and MEMS sensor measurements. With the Skadi Smart Handle, users can activate an Invisible Range Pole to provide continuous elevation-to-the-ground measurements below the hand–held Skadi receiver.
The receiver computes accurate elevation to the ground, regardless of its attitude (angle toward the ground). The Invisible Range Pole eliminates the need to carry a physical range pole and the requirement to enter an antenna height in a field data collection app while performing RTK-level accurate fieldwork.
The Skadi Smart Handle also includes an Extensible Virtual Range Pole. This feature extends the reach of the user’s Invisible Range Pole beyond the position they physically occupy. The Extensible Virtual Range Pole allows users to measure the location of assets on the ground or in trenches up to 7m (23 ft) away while retaining high accuracy.
The series adds four new GNSS receivers with integrated antennas to the Eos offerings: the Skadi 100, Skadi 200, Skadi 300 and Skadi Gold with accuracies ranging from submeter to centimeter. The Skadi 200, Skadi 300 and the Skadi Gold are RTK enabled and are available for purchase with Skadi Tilt Compensation and the Skadi Smart Handle.
Surveyors for architecture, engineering, and construction projects require GNSS receivers that have high accuracy and are rugged enough to survive the dust, water, and inevitable drops that they will endure at construction sites. They also need to be able to easily share data with architects, engineers, planners, and tradespeople, both at the sites and at the office.
Photo: Juniper Systems
Juniper Systems, which has more than 30 years of experience in mapping and data collection in a wide variety of applications across industries, recently released a real time-kinematics (RTK) activation for its Geode GNSS receiver that allows mapping accuracy down to a centimeter. Pairing a Geode with the company’s Uinta mapping and data collection software and a Mesa rugged tablet makes it easy for users to share their data — such as the locations of fiberoptic telecommunication lines or of utility manhole covers — with other people working on site or at the office. The Geode and the Mesa meet IP68 protection certification for water and dust ingress; they also have MIL-STD-810G certification against drops, vibration, and extreme temperatures.
In this month’s cover image, the Geode is at the top of the survey pole, the Mesa Rugged Tablet is mounted near the user’s hand, and the screen on the Mesa depicts the Uinta mapping software.
On construction sites, surveying is an ongoing process. Surveyors are the first on the site, before any other work begins, and the last ones there, to map the project “as built.” Total stations with GNSS receivers, as well as tablets and other mobile digital devices are their essential tools, increasingly complemented by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and lidar scanners. Accuracy is their key contribution. In this month’s cover story on GNSS for architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC), we highlight three building projects: a skyscraper in Sweden, a highway in China, and a luxury resort in the Caribbean.
Check out these perspectives on architecture, engineering and construction:
When Chris Kahn arrives by helicopter on the island of Barbuda, in the Caribbean, he sees reef-lined beaches, meadows, marshes, and construction underway on a private club consisting of more than 200 luxury family homes, a world-class golf course, and other amenities. Construction on the project, by Discovery Land Management, will last at least another 10 years, said Kahn, who began working on it in late 2019. The island, which can also be reached by ferry or small plane, is 15 miles long and has a local population of about 1,500 people.
The biggest challenge for the project was the total lack of internet connectivity on the island, except for satellite communication at basecamp. A consultant who designed the golf course irrigation layout had attended many meetings for the project in which the participants discussed in vain how to coordinate their work without an internet connection, a problem that a few engineering firms had also been unable to solve. So, he suggested that they turn to Kahn, with whom he had already worked closely. Discovery Land Management hired Kahn, founder and owner of AlphaRTK, to provide a common operating picture for the teams of surveyors, architects, planners, construction workers and landscapers building the resort and the golf course.
Chris Kahn installing a UHF base station (its antenna is visible in the foreground on a telescopic mast) atop a 50-ft water tower. (Photo: Chris Kahn, AlphaRTK)
RTK UHF Base Station
Kahn proposed they build their own RTK UHF base station. “You can get about a seven-mile line of sight out of UHF and with repeater radios we can extend that, which is what we eventually did,” Kahn explained. So, he put the base station where the project had an internet connection and relayed the UHF signal from there. He gave the teams Eos Arrow Gold GNSS receivers, which have a UHF plug on the side, with Satel UHF radios. “It works like a charm,” he said. He also set up for the project an ESRI ArcGIS Online account, which now hosts all its maps and data.
“They’re doing a lot of earthwork that needs survey-grade accuracy but does not legally require a survey,” Kahn pointed out. Starting in about 2010, he explained, RTK accuracy began to explode for geographic information systems (GIS) and unmanned aerial systems (UAS). “It’s accelerating,” he said. This has greatly increased opportunities for high accuracy data collection beyond traditional surveying tasks such as boundary surveying. “My niche, and one of the places where there’s a lot of pain, is this interoperability between projects that have surveyors and landscape architects and all sorts of folks in subject matter expertise that are trying to come together to build something.”
Like the rovers, the base station contains an Eos Arrow Gold, with a 35-watt Satel UHF output. Project staff and contractors can connect to it with any device that can accept that UHF protocol. Their rovers are set up to work with ESRI ArcGIS Field Maps, so that workflow is very smooth, Kahn said. The project started where they began to build the golf course, at a worksite seven miles away from the base station, across open water. Kahn then installed a UHF repeater antenna there and additional ones as construction moved inland.
The island is relatively flat, but the sand dunes are quite large. Therefore, to enable the line of sight that UHF requires, Kahn had to install the antennas for the repeaters as high as possible. For one, he used a whip antenna on top of a 15-foot telescopic mast on top of a 20-ft high deck. A repeater antenna costs about $2,500 and takes a few hours to install. “It is fairly old technology,” he said. “I tend to look for an easy button and string together inexpensive ways to do things fairly rapidly.”
UAS Photogrammetry
The project covers 2,500 acres at two locations. While traditional surveyors are working on the project for building construction, their speed is too slow for the crews doing earthwork, particularly on the golf course. This involves pushing sand around, dredging lagoons, and building the course, which requires taking many elevations very rapidly. To speed things up, Kahn decided to use UAS to fly frequent photogrammetry collections. He began by installing ground control points, surveyed them, and put them around the construction sites. He then trained the laborers on the project to conduct high-accuracy, survey-grade workflows using UAS the flight paths of which he programmed.
All the laborers need to do is launch the UAS and, after each flight, extract the SD memory card and upload the data to a shared directory. “They don’t even have to put the props on anymore because they just fold out,” Kahn said. He processes the data and publishes the aerial photogrammetry into the project maps. The next day, everyone on the project has access to survey-grade accurate aerial imagery and a map.
“How frequently they fly them depends on how much activity is going on at the various sites,” Kahn said. “That turnaround time can be as short as a few hours if they need it, between them flying it, uploading it for me, and having it back in their maps. Everything has sub-inch positional accuracy. When they zoom into some of the foundation pilings on the homes, they’re aligning perfectly.”
Survey-Accurate GIS
Project managers need GIS to see everything — survey, landscape design, architectural design, engineering design — in a common operational picture, which they were not able to do prior to Kahn joining the project. “I was looking at email threads that were 45 messages long, with two dozen people on three different continents, talking about where something’s located and referencing something else, with many civil drawings attached as PDFs — one from the landscape architect, one from survey, one from a civil engineer. They were saying, ‘Well, this doesn’t look like it matches.’ I was brought in to make it all one pane of glass.” That requires overlaying survey-grade accurate architectural and engineering information on the GIS information.
“That’s where you run into this niche area in which I work that often surveyors don’t fully understand,” said Kahn. “In the United States, there are civil engineering surveyors and design-build shops that include geospatial, though it is not commonplace. Outside of the United States, it is rare.”
The rovers for GIS data collection are sub-centimeter accurate, as are the ground control point targets that Kahn installed for the UAS workflows. Workflows were designed for simplicity, allowing laborers to reliably perform UAS and GNSS data collection.
ESRI ArcGIS Field Maps is well suited for this project because it works offline. As they walk around the site and try to understand what they will build, planners, architects and engineers can see the most current maps on their phones, rather than having to consult PDFs or paper.
“I had to do a lot of work with their engineering firm, though, to get their 3D civil drawings to interact with GIS,” Kahn recalled. “Now, all the line work coming from engineering is perfectly aligned, and all field adjustments made by construction are real-time updated in the design drawings. You can see how accurate this GIS is. Everything is perfectly placed, and these are data coming from four different places: GIS, UAS, engineering design, and survey. Everything is aligned within one to two centimeters.”
iPhone screenshot, showing lots, foundations, finished construction, virgin sand, and utility lines. (Photo: Chris Kahn, AlphaRTK)
With golf course building, “design is a suggestion,” Kahn said, and many changes are made in the field. “In fact, the pace of ‘field adjustments’ was a crucial reason I was brought in. Engineers cannot wait a year for an as-built drawing set to be delivered.”
Cut-and-Fill
This workflow streamlines the many cut-and-fill operations involved in the project. “Coco Point is a good example,” Kahn said, “because some of the lots there are completed.” Zooming into one of the completed lots, he can see the nine-foot grade for which one construction company is responsible and the 11-foot grade for which another construction company is responsible. “It’s important for them to know those two grades because of cost; it’s very expensive to bring fill in here. So, as they’re doing these drone flights, they have dashboards that show them how much fill they need to bring in.”
The common operational picture enables project managers to optimize the cut-and-fill transfers. The golf course was particularly challenging because it is in a very swampy area, making it difficult to move the dredging equipment. So, they asked Kahn to design the path for the trucks and determine how much fill they would extract out of these lagoons. “I knew they needed this much to meet design on the green and could get this much out of the lagoon,” he said. “It was very helpful for them procedurally with the planning.”
Challenging Environment
The environment on the island is challenging. “It was wild,” Kahn recalled. “Nothing but wild donkeys and enormous boars, which I really learned to avoid after a while. It is mostly wetlands, so it is hard to get around.” A construction manager told him: “Chris, I’ve led projects on every continent, but this place is the [expletive] moon.”
The challenging environment and the lack of internet connectivity make the system that Kahn set up particularly helpful, because it provides accurate data quickly and with a streamlined workflow. “The big story here is that common operational picture,” Kahn said. “It’s taking the best tools of the GIS/geospatial world — such as RTK and UAS. They must be accurate, work offline, and be very easy and fast. You must maintain that accuracy so that the surveyors who work on this project aren’t going to yell and scream.”
The project also requires building and maintaining utilities — water, gas, sewer, stormwater, electric, and telecom — which are all in underground plastic pipes and are often not placed as designed. “Doing the digital ‘as building’ up front, as it goes in the ground,” Kahn said, “saves time and money down the road.” Additionally, the turnover of people who work on these projects, including managers, is high, so institutional knowledge is constantly lost. “Utilities in the United States have a fairly stable workforce, but in the resort world, everything’s plastic and sand,” said Kahn. “The high turnover and the low institutional knowledge make it even more important to have a true digital twin.”
Septentrio has been working on port automation projects with Kalmar, a Finnish company that offers a wide range of cargo handling solutions and services to ports, terminals, distribution centers and heavy industry. I discussed this collaboration with Stef van der Loo, market access manager at Septentrio. Following are excerpts of our conversation. For a much longer version, click here.
What are the challenges operating in a port?
In a container terminal or port, everything is interconnected and, therefore, complex. Lately, GNSS has become more popular, especially when coupled with inertial navigation, because the technology has become more capable of delivering centimeter-level accuracy even in challenging environments where the line-of-sight to GNSS satellites may be partially blocked by containers or structures.
What drives higher accuracy?
this Kalmar container handler has a Septentrio high-accuracy GNSS/INS receiver and an inertial system, which operate in challenging environments of low satellite visibility. (Image: Kalmar)
Every year, every terminal stacks a certain number of containers, but not all the information about them is given to the terminal operating system (TOS) automatically. Sometimes, operators must search for misplaced containers, which may require stopping operations and deploying additional personnel. Additionally, it is not very safe to go into these yards. This is one reason why ports began to deploy positioning systems. However, ten years ago, with meter accuracy, they were failing all the time. Now, improvements in the technology have enabled GNSS to become fit for the challenge. In terminals, you can use GNSS or INS systems for vehicle traffic management, autonomous vehicles and tasks, or to get the position of a container.
For example, when a reach stacker reaches into a stack and locks a container in place, it’s crucial to have a very reliable centimeter-level position. Errors grow as the data is processed from the control systems to the TOS. To know for certain the position of a container when it was placed in a stack errors must not exceed half a meter. Therefore, the reliability and accuracy of the GNSS/INS is crucial for container positioning.
Do you buy the IMUs and do all the integration?
We buy the IMUs mostly from Analog Devices. The integrated inertial navigation solution is our own. We focus on inertial navigation in several markets — including logistics, autonomous mining, and agricultural robotics.
What is the division of labor between you and Kalmar?
Kalmar is both an OEM and an integrator. They are a guru for the automation of logistics terminals. We work with them mainly as an integrator. They will go to a terminal, like other integrators, and install the systems and other equipment. Kalmar built a whole sensor stack with all types of sensors and integrated this in their packages, such as SmartPort. With a train-the-trainer principle, our engineers trained Kalmar employees, so they have first line control of the installations and troubleshooting. Then we are ready to support them where we can. We have a continuous feedback loop with several logistics customers for suggestions and product recommendations for the evolution of our products and services for this segment.
Straddling containers
JAVAD GNSS
Straddle carrier in operation equipped with DELTA-3S. (Image: Canva)
One of the largest container companies in the world needed a solution to manage its straddle carriers, which are specialized container handling vehicles at ports that can pick up large containers and move them to trucks, trains, or other container stacks. This is very challenging for container terminal operators because ports are highly complex operating environments that also provide other maritime services, such as storing and managing cargo, forwarding freight, and clearing customs. To handle containers safely and efficiently, modern terminals have buildings, equipment, and cranes in addition to straddle carriers. All this infrastructure creates a lot of multipath that stresses the capabilities of GNSS receivers.
To develop and install this new system for straddle carrier vehicles, the container company turned to JAVAD GNSS and to ALLSAT GmbH, a German engineering, geodetic and electronic company founded in 1991 that has been JAVAD’s German distribution partner since 1995. To address the challenge, in 2022, ALLSAT GmbH applied a new digital twin concept to supply and support the commissioning of several hundred JAVAD GNSS rover solutions at three international seaports. This required obtaining real-time and highly accurate positional data for moving straddle carriers and uploading it to a terminal information system for control and documentation.
ALLSAT deployed a geodetic conceptual design that integrates JAVAD GNSS Delta-3S receivers and RingAnt G5T and GrAnt-G5T antennas to deliver precise surveying of two GNSS reference stations per port, then commissioned the system on all the straddle carrier vehicles from a single source. It also developed a solution employing two redundantly operating reference stations that broadcast RTK correction data for all GNSS (GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, and BeiDou) on different IP addresses/radio frequencies. All the JAVAD RTK rovers can receive and process data from both correction sources in parallel thanks to their 874 channels and parallel processors. This offers two advantages. First, it provides a comprehensive fallback in the unlikely event that one reference station fails. Second, it greatly improves the reliability, speed and accuracy of the rovers, which operate in an environment rife with signal shadowing and multipath influences.
Working closely with its client and JAVAD GNSS, ALLSAT was able to implement this project, from initial idea to verification and commissioning, in only a few weeks. The combination of redundant, multi-constellation reference stations and JAVAD GNSS multi-base RTK yielded a solution that is highly reliable and available, providing for continuous operation despite the challenging environmental conditions. Additionally, JAVAD GNSS provides firmware updates for the life of the devices, which will enable the customer to rely on this base rover solution for the next 10 years.
Tracking trains
M3 Systems
(Image: Logiplus)
M3 Systems, a French-Belgian geolocation company founded in 1999, has long supported the R&D activities of European space and civil aviation agencies. It also markets products that it developed through its R&D activities. In recent years, M3 Systems expanded its activities into the automotive and rail sectors. To develop a new device for trains, it partnered with two Belgian companies: Logiplus, which makes onboard electronic systems for trains, and ALSTOM Belgium, a division of ALSTOM group, which builds trains and equipment for train tracks. “The objective during the product design was the development of a hybrid sensor that uses both a GNSS sensor to provide absolute positioning, and an inertial measurement unit (IMU) to compensate for environmental obstructions such as trees and urban canyons by calculating the train’s position based on its last GNSS-based absolute position,” explained Jérémy Skelton, project lead at M3 Systems.
IMUs have long been coupled with GNSS because each technology compensates for the other one’s limitations: IMUs suffer from drift and GNSS receivers from signal loss in certain environments. In theory, surveying the tracks and using odometry to monitor a train’s linear position on them would suffice to locate it. In practice, however, wheel encoders “are prone to errors because the wheels are subjected to a lot of sliding and skidding,” Skelton said.“So, we need completely independent sensors.”
This requirement led ALSTOM to propose the development of the IGLOO (an acronym for IMU & GNSS vehicle odometry) input device, which integrates all the different sensors. Logiplus designed and manufactured the hardware, while M3 Systems wrote the algorithm.
The project, which was partially funded thanks to a grant from the European Regional Development Fund and supported by the Région Wallonne of Belgium, was divided into three components:
The software to couple the IMU and the GNSS to compute the train’s velocity.
The auto-calibration solution, which eliminates the need for automatic calibration when starting the sensor.
A hardware platform that incorporates a low cost IMU.
The consortium defines three kinds of zones in which a train will operate, depending on the trustworthiness in each zone of the GNSS signals. “For example, an environment with a clear view of the sky and no nearby obstacles is trustworthy,” Skelton said, “while a forest, an urban canyon, or the entry into a tunnel are not. Without GNSS support, eventually the IMU will also become unreliable.”
At very low speeds, errors must be very low, but at higher speeds a greater speed error is allowed. Operators can extract different levels of data from a GNSS receiver. To achieve a tight GNSS-INS coupling, they can use the Doppler delays and hybridize them with the IMU or use the tracking loop and set the range and Doppler. For a loose coupling, they can directly use the GNSS receiver’s positioning, velocity, and timing data. All couplings are performed by using Bayesian filters, for example the Kalman filter. “Loose coupling will give you less accuracy, reliability, and integrity, but it will also be less CPU-intensive,” Skelton said.
For data acquisition on a train, M3 Systems generated a printed circuit board (PCB) with a u-blox GNSS receiver, a Septentrio Asterix GNSS receiver, nine IMUs (which enables them to choose the best one for the use case), a reference trajectory unit that provides ground truth, and a computer that takes the data from the GNSS receivers and the IMUs. “Everything was integrated for measurement purposes on a rack on a train that runs here in Belgium,” Skelton said, “and all the data was retrieved automatically via a 4G internet connection. We have collected a few thousand kilometers traveled, a few hours of tunnels, and both trustworthy and untrustworthy GNSS signals.”
M3 Systems’ partner Logiplus designed the product to support the hybridization software and interface with the European vital computer (EVC), which monitors and continuously calculates the train’s maximum speed and braking curve. “It is critical for the EVC to have perfect knowledge of the train’s speed, which is the main reason we designed this new device,” Skelton said. “What is specific in that hardware is the computing power, the two systems (GNSS and inertial), and the data fusion algorithm, which allows the hardware to evolve. For example, we can switch to a different IMU.”
The IGLOO system complies with the specified safety requirements, contributing to a more reliable knowledge of the train speed, which reduces the risk of accidents and fatalities, improves traffic flow, and improves the efficiency and safety of the train operations, Skelton pointed out.
Surveying a railroad
Eos Positioning Systems
A rail tunnel at Leigh-on-Sea in East of England. Arcadis used Eos Arrow 100 GNSS receivers alongside Esri’s ArcGIS Survey123 to collect rail assets with submeter accuracy in real time. (Image: Amaro)
Network Rail, which owns and manages the railway infrastructure in England, Scotland and Wales, needed an as-is survey of up to 50,000 electrical assets along 400 miles of rails in the eastern region of the country. It turned to Arcadis, a design and consultancy firm that specializes in sustainable design and engineering services. The project required delivering accurate building information modeling (BIM) plans of the rail line to support operations and maintenance of the electrified infrastructure, while ensuring a safe working environment for the surveying teams. Using Arrow 100 GNSS receivers from Canadian manufacturer Eos Positioning Systems and Esri’s ArcGIS Survey123 and ArcGIS Hub software, Arcadis was able to efficiently capture the data with sub-meter accuracy and share it with Network Rail in real-time.
Arcadis decided to conduct a digital field survey to collect the data and to use GIS to manage it, said Gideon Simons, Associate Director of GIS and Geospatial Consultant at Arcadis. “We provided the survey teams iPads, the Esri application, and the GNSS receivers.” For corrections, it used the Ordnance Survey’s OS Net. “We found through a few assessments and testing that the Eos Arrow’s precision was good enough to meet the project’s requirements.”
The region surveyed is mostly rural but the rail line traverses some very urbanized areas. “One of the first challenges was surveying under cover in stations and in quite a few tunnels. So, we developed methodologies using georeferenced plans and imagery and taking temporary datums using GNSS outside the tunnels, to measure distance and offsets to the assets in the tunnels with measuring wheels that allowed for post-survey processing and the location accuracy required,” said Simons.
Photography was also a key to the success of the project. “In just one depot, we surveyed thousands of assets with many inside train sheds,” said Simons. “We use 360-degree cameras and train view cameras, so that we really understand where assets should be placed.”
The next stage for Network Rail is to maintain that equipment — whether it’s replacing it, bringing it up to code, or potentially installing new assets, Simons pointed out. “In the UK, we use a variety of measurements — imperial and metric. So, it’s been very helpful for the client to have just one source of truth reference that supports their work yet that can still link with other systems and ease communication with wider teams.”
JAVAD GNSS’ Triump-1M Plus receiver has 874 channels for acquiring all available GNSS satellites and patented mobile antenna technology for robust UHF and cellular communications. (Image: JAVAD)
As most readers of this magazine know, GPS, like the other three GNSS, consists of three segments: the space segment — i.e., the satellites; the control segment — i.e., the monitoring and control stations on the ground around the world; and the user segment — i.e., the receivers. The first two are developed, operated and maintained by the U.S. Space Force, while the third one, for civilians, is totally in the hands of the private sector.
Most of the progress in receivers is evolutionary, with rare dramatic changes. To provide a snapshot of the current state of GNSS receivers, I asked several manufacturers three questions. What follows are short, etre dited excerpts of their answers that showcase the applications of GNSS receivers in a wide range of industries.
What is one of the most recent end-user applications for your receivers? What challenges does it pose and how do your receivers address them?
Sarah Alban (SA): Eos Positioning Systems is lucky to have innovative customers who span a variety of industries. In just these past few weeks, we’ve connected to customers who are using Arrow Series GNSS receivers to meet myriad business needs. Here are just a few examples: On the Caribbean island of Martinique, Odyssi uses an Arrow 100+ with RTK to get accurate water utility locations in a challenging environment. In Texas, midstream pipeline operator Kinetik and its GIS Manager Papillon Romero equip their field workers with an Arrow Gold to update the locations of previously unreliable legacy as-builts. In the Galápagos Islands, a researcher has been using the Arrow Gold+ and Galileo High Accuracy Service (HAS) to georeference drone imagery. In Colorado, GIS specialist Jim Casey uses an Arrow Gold to bring to life a Japanese internment camp in augmented reality.
Simon Baksh (SB): One of our customers is a leading construction contractor who uses our DELTA GNSS receiver for monitoring during deep crack grouting deformation to ensure that the natural state of the ground remains undisturbed during remedial work.
Stephen Ching (SC): One of the most exciting projects happening within Hexagon’s Autonomy & Positioning division is the automated road train platooning application within the mining industry. Transporting raw materials, iron ore in this case, has posed a huge challenge in terms of drivers’ safety, labor shortages and rising fuel costs. Our division is currently developing an autonomous hauling system that solves this challenge by integrating drive-by-wire, perception, positioning and path planning technologies. Our positioning system utilizes a PwrPak7D-E2 plus TerraStar-C PRO solution from Hexagon | NovAtel, which incorporates GNSS+INS technology and real-time kinematic (RTK) From the Sky technology.
Mobile mapping systems such as the Trimble MX50 allow survey companies to safely and accurately gather point cloud and immersive imagery of roads without the need to put a surveyor in the field. (Image: Trimble)
Karl Bradshaw (KB): Traditional survey methods or tripod-based scanning on highways can be time-consuming and dangerous. Survey companies do not want to put surveyors in danger of traffic while traversing along a road. Mobile mapping allows them to safely, accurately and productively gather detailed point cloud and immersive imagery of highways without needing to put a surveyor in the field.
Oreste Concepito (OC): At u-blox, we have seen an increasing demand for GNSS receivers to be used for advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) applications and for mobile robotics (such as robotic lawnmowers). GNSS technology is adopted when an accurate, trustworthy position with high availability is required. In the autonomous operations domain, customers are constantly pushing u-blox to improve dependability while maintaining or ideally improving position accuracy, even in challenging environments.
François Freulon (FF): One of our most recent end-user applications is related to resilient timing for mission-critical infrastructure, including finance, data centers, energy and telecommunications. The relevant Septentrio product is the mosaic-T. The recent addition of the AtomiChron timing service further enhances its timing precision, GNSS resilience and anti-spoofing by offering navigation message authentication (NMA) on all for GNSS constellations. The first customer integrating this technology is Meinberg.
Miles Ware (MW): The Galileo High Accuracy Service (HAS) has created new interest in a traditional GNSS market, GIS and mapping, in which the availability of global 20 cm accuracy is turning many heads. While there are many technologies to improve accuracy for this market, few are appropriate. Often the work takes place in remote areas where cellular connectivity is not available for delivering corrections. They may also be in regions of the world where satellite-based augmentation systems (SBAS) are not available or able to meet performance expectations. Galileo HAS resolves both of these concerns. We now support it in our Phantom and Vega receivers.
In the past few years, we have seen the completion of two new GNSS constellations and a large increase in the options for corrections services. How has this impacted the design and/or features of your receivers?
SB: Our 874 channel TRIUMPH ASIC design has capacity for all constellations and signals to utilize current and future GNSS technologies. Additionally, our J-Star PPP Service using geostationary satellite broadcast for global delivery and cm level positioning extends operations to remote areas where networks are absent or where a base station setup and operation is not feasible.
SC: With BeiDou and Galileo in addition to GPS and GLONASS, there can be upward of 40 satellites in view — compared to 20 years ago when having 10 or 12 satellites in view was considered good availability. This gives much more choice as to which measurements contribute to a position solution, provided that the receiver can make measurements to all the satellites in view. Hexagon | NovAtel’s OEM7 was designed to support all GNSS constellations and frequencies, which required supporting many channels as well. The benefits of more satellites in the sky come under challenging conditions with many obstructions and strengthened positioning geometry in unobstructed conditions. In addition to more satellites, BeiDou and Galileo also introduced a new frequency at E6/B3, in addition to L1/L2/L5, which is particularly useful in global PPP solutions, such as RTK From the Sky and TerraStar C-PRO Correction Services.
KB: We have onboarded these constellations into our mobile mapping portfolio in the same way as all other Trimble GNSS portfolios, through rigorous, tried and tested methodologies.
FF: Septentrio receivers already support all GNSS constellations for high precision and resilient positioning. We have added Galileo E6 support and OSNMA, BeiDou phase III satellites (PRN>37) and other new signals (B3I, B2b) to our products through our latest firmware releases. We are also contributing to the large increase of corrections services by providing the backend core technology through our base station receivers or reference receivers. For example, the PolaRx5 reference receivers are used worldwide in many correction network infrastructures. With the support of all in view constellations and signals, Septentrio products are becoming part of critical infrastructure. Therefore, it is essential they have reliable continuous operation as well as security to protect them from potential jamming or spoofing attacks. Additionally, Septentrio has recently launched the Agnostic Corrections Partner Program to help customers find their way in the growing maze of correction offerings and to facilitate the integration of the right service into their system.
Geneq Inc. employee Alex Arsenault operating an SXblue Platinum receiver in Anjou, Montreal. (Image: Nikita Sapeguine / Geneq)
OC: Our customers are increasingly operating in a global market. To respond to that need, u-blox receivers support both the global and the regional constellations, such as Japan’s Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS) and India’s Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS, aka NavIC). The offer for correction services has also evolved to be able to serve the global market, moving toward uni-directional streams, possibly distributed via L-band. We support a complete portfolio of correction services, responding to all commercial and performance requirements, from the soon available, free-of-charge, lower accuracy correction services, up to the dm-level functional safety-certified correction services for autonomous driving.
MW: Since 2019, our core receiver technology has been intrinsically both multi-GNSS and multi-frequency by design. This allows our engineering team members to rapidly adapt to new and emerging solutions, and for Hemisphere to meet user and market demands. Hemisphere has also worked with our integrators to recognize the need to simplify the decision process around selecting receivers. While it is possible to configure our receivers to track specific constellations only, Phantom and Vega are being offered with multi-GNSS as standard. Similarly, clients can choose L1-only, or all-frequencies. This is why many integrators will quickly be able to take advantage of Galileo HAS.
RP: We have upgraded our SXblueGPS receivers with new GPS chips and with firmware updates to keep up with the new constellations available. Regarding the new correction services, the SXblueGPS have used and use by default the SBAS correction service and its associated networks throughout the planet to improve their precision. Where correction services via internet or SBAS do not exist, they use L-band correction services to have global coverage. In some cases, for topography base and mobile solutions, UHF links provide a customized correction service.
Are jamming and spoofing significant challenges in your key markets? If so, how do you address them?
SB: Yes, and AJ/AS expands on existing RAIM for assured position quality. Patented anti-jamming and anti-spoofing techniques identify and suppress GNSS interference, while maintaining navigation from good signals. Updated firmware for Navigation Message Authentication extends AJ/AS protection further.
SC: GNSS interference such as jamming and spoofing do present significant positioning challenges in many of our markets, especially defense, marine and autonomy applications in which safety and 24-7 operation are paramount. How often GNSS interference happens (and is detected) and how seriously it affects the application depends on the market. It is a threat that can be mitigated by well-designed user equipment. Hexagon | NovAtel has developed a comprehensive GNSS resiliency portfolio to assure that our users’ position is protected with our interference mitigation technology, starting from the GAJT antennas all the way down to the receiver level. NovAtel’s OEM7 receivers include our GNSS Resilience and Integrity Technology (GRIT) firmware options, which provides spoofing detection, interference detection, and mitigation with digital filters, as well as time-tagged digitized samples for advanced situational awareness.
KB: As it applies to mobile mapping with the Trimble MX50, jamming and spoofing are not significant challenges.
OC: A team of engineers is constantly improving our anti-jamming and anti-spoofing technology. U-blox customers are today more mindful of the risks associated with GNSS interference, both intentional and unintentional. GNSS is adopted in critical infrastructures and autonomous vehicles, where jamming and spoofing could lead to severe consequences. While no system can be safe in absolute terms, increasing the sources of information can greatly improve the resilience against jamming and spoofing attacks. Multi-constellation GNSS receivers, multi-band constellations, inertial sensors and accelerometers, can all be individually used as additional safety layers contributing to a more robust solution. Additional measurements are implemented at the positioning engine level, as part of our functional safety program. The availability of authenticated signals, being introduced by Galileo’s Open Service – Navigation Message Authentication (OS-NMA), will also contribute to increasing the GNSS robustness against interference.
Hemisphere GNSS’ GradeMetrix is a machine guidance solution for GNSS-based machine control and guidance applications. (Image: Hemisphere)
FF: Definitely, and we are seeing a large increase in demand for resilience in many applications and for assured positioning, navigation and timing (PNT). Providing trustworthy information is critical now for many markets, such as machine control, robotics, timing, infrastructure and assured PNT. Our multi-frequency multi-constellation GNSS technology not only maximizes accuracy and availability in areas where the sky is partially obstructed, but also provides extra resilience against jamming and spoofing. All our GNSS receivers are resilient to jamming and spoofing thanks to the built-in Advanced Interference Mitigation (AIM+) technology, which suppresses the widest variety of interferers, from simple continuous narrow-band signals to the most complex wideband and pulsed transmissions.
MW: Fortunately, jamming and spoofing are not common occurrences in most of our markets. However, their nature is such that they can appear at any time, in any place, without warning. This can cause otherwise routine plans for users to suddenly grind to a halt. Hemisphere’s Cygnus interference solution provides protection against up to 60 dB of jamming and is built into our current generation products by default. Having Cygnus available can make the difference between working normally and searching for alternate solutions. A welcome tool offered through Galileo satellites is OS-NMA signal verification, which provides excellent protection against spoofing attacks. Firmware updates provide our current product platforms access to OS-NMA spoofing protection. As our standard products are already activated for multi-constellation operation, it simplifies integration for our users.
RP: Interference is inevitable given the enormous number of signals from telephone and electrical networks, among others, as well as buildings, trees and, of course, the weather. To mitigate this, we use multi-frequency and multi-GNSS antennas that allow us to obtain the best reception in areas of interference. Additionally, we have state-of-the-art GPS chips that block and purify signals that generate distortion. On the other hand, there is interference by intentional GNSS falsifications or by radio amateurs who transmit radio signals for drones and other devices that cause GPS signal loss, which are mitigated by the latest technology algorithms of our SXblueGPS.
