GPS World

Tag: GNSS receiver

  • GNSS MAX 3 Click designed as a professional-grade receiver

    GNSS MAX 3 Click designed as a professional-grade receiver

    A new GNSS board is available from Mikroe. The GNSS MAX 3 Click is a compact add-on board designed for low-power satellite positioning for embedded applications. It is based on the MAX-M10N-10B, a professional-grade standard-precision GNSS receiver from u-blox, built on the ultra-low-power u-blox M10 platform.

    Key Features

    • Multi-Constellation GNSS. Offers exceptional tracking capability across GPS, Galileo, BeiDou, and QZSS/SBAS systems for reliable global coverage
    • Ultra-low power. Uses the u-blox M10 platform and the LEAP (Low Energy Acquisition and Processing) energy-saving mode for extended battery life
    • Enhanced RF immunity. Features an additional SAW (Surface Acoustic Wave) filter for excellent performance in the presence of strong RF interference
    • Interference detection. Includes integrated jamming and spoofing detection for robust security and reliable operation
    • Fast acquisition. Supports AssistNow Predictive and Live Orbits for faster satellite acquisition (time-to-first-fix)
    • Standard precision. Provides consistent L1 GNSS performance at a standard precision level.

    Applications

    • Asset tracking devices and logistics solutions requiring long battery life and accurate location data
    • Portable devices and wearables where power efficiency is critical
    • Industrial monitoring and sensor applications requiring reliable, interference-resilient positioning
    • Any application demanding interference-resilient GNSS positioning.

    EmbeddedWiki

    Hundreds of ready-to-use embedded projects featuring this Click board are available on EmbeddedWiki.

  • SatLab launches SL8 laser RTK receiver

    SatLab launches SL8 laser RTK receiver

    SatLab Geosolutions has launched a new GNSS receiver, the SL8. The SatLab SL8 Laser RTK combines dual cameras, GNSS, an inertial measurement unit (IMU) and visible laser technology to make surveying faster and easier.

    With non-contact measurement, image-assisted targeting, CAD live-view stakeout, and a built-in LoRa radio. It ensures smooth, reliable work even in complex or GNSS-limited environments, SatLab said.

    Photo: SatLab
    Photo: SatLab

    The SL8 achieves 2 cm accuracy within 10 meters and enables efficient data collection across bridges, tunnels, riverbanks, and other sites where traditional GNSS methods are restricted.

    It features image-assisted targeting through SatSurv software, displaying laser points directly on real-time images for quick and precise aiming. Its automotive-grade IMU requires no manual calibration or initialization and enhances measurement accuracy by up to 40% in GNSS-challenged areas.

    A built-in multi-protocol LoRa transceiver provides stable transmission beyond 15 km and compatibility with multiple RTK brands. The integrated CAD and visual stakeout functions combine live imagery with CAD data, allowing users to visualize target points on site and increase layout efficiency by up to 50%.

    Download a brochure.

  • ProStar, Tersus partner on precision mapping for utilities

    ProStar, Tersus partner on precision mapping for utilities

    ProStar Holdings is partnering with Tersus GNSS, a global manufacturer of patented GNSS technologies. ProStar is the developer of PointMan Precision Mapping Solutions and the LinQD enterprise integration platform.

    The collaboration will deliver a complete precision mapping solution to the utility and critical infrastructure industries worldwide, the companies announced.

    The partnership is designed to integrate Tersus’s survey-grade GNSS receivers with ProStar’s PointMan, providing an affordable, field-ready solution available through Tersus’s international distribution network. Tersus GNSS has operations in China, the United States, and Australia, and is recognized for its innovation in GNSS receiver and base station technology for high-precision positioning applications.

    The collaboration represents the latest step in ProStar’s strategy to expand its partnerships through the LinQD open API integration platform, delivering its technologies in one connected precision mapping solution.

    ProStar’s LinQD platform is designed to enable seamless interoperability between emerging technologies and legacy systems, creating a robust global ecosystem for geospatial intelligence. By uniting equipment manufacturers and service providers under this initiative, ProStar continues to strengthen PointMan’s position as a premier mapping solution for the critical infrastructure industry worldwide.

  • LuGRE mission: NASA and ASI release lunar experiment navigation data

    LuGRE mission: NASA and ASI release lunar experiment navigation data

    During a public workshop at the Italian Space Agency on Oct. 14-15, the Lunar GNSS Receiver Experiment (LuGRE) project team celebrated the closure of the project and released the data collected to the scientific community. 

    LuGRE, developed in partnership by NASA and the Italian Space Agency (ASI), flew to the Moon a GNSS receiver manufactured by the Italian company Qascom. The receiver was hosted aboard the Firefly BGM1 mission.

    LuGRE demonstrated that signals from GNSS satellite constellations can also be used for positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) on the Moon.

    The Navigation Signal Analysis and Simulation of the Dept. of Electroncis and Telecommunications of Polytechnic University of Turin processed the data received during the mission and contributed to all the science team activities, including the validation of the data and the processing of the initial set of scientific results.

    The full set of data collected during the space mission, which took place between Jan. 16 and March 16, is now available.

    An artist’s concept of the LuGRE payload on Blue Ghost and its three main records in transit to the Moon, in lunar orbit and on the Moon’s surface. (Image: NASA/Dave Ryan)
    An artist’s concept of the LuGRE payload on Blue Ghost and its three main records in transit to the Moon, in lunar orbit and on the Moon’s surface. (Image: NASA/Dave Ryan)

    Launched on Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost lander in January, LuGRE became the first payload to use Earth’s GNSS to calculate a navigation fix on the lunar surface and in lunar orbit. The experiment set a series of distance records on its journey to the Moon, demonstrating that GNSS technology can complement other navigation tools as far as 247,520 miles (398,350 km) from Earth.

    These results point to a future where lunar astronauts, rovers and spacecraft can rely on the same satellite-based navigation systems we use every day to augment their navigation capabilities.

    “It is a very important milestone for the satellite navigation community,” said Fabio Dovis, Politecnico di Torino, Italian Space Agency, of the project. “For the first time we have the recording of signal of the GPS and Galileo constellation collected in space and on the Moon surface. Already during the LuGRE mission we proved the feasibility of using satellite systems originally designed to be used on Earth up to lunar distances. Now the entire scientific community can use them to ‘re-play’ the space environment as well as analyze them in depth, for example, to retrieve information about the Earth atmosphere crossed by the signal themselves.”

    Artistic rendering of LuGRE and the GNSS constellations. In reality, the Earth-based GNSS constellations take up less than 10 degrees in the sky, as seen from the Moon. (Image: NASA/Dave Ryan)
    Artistic rendering of LuGRE and the GNSS constellations. In reality, the Earth-based GNSS constellations take up less than 10 degrees in the sky, as seen from the Moon. (Image: NASA/Dave Ryan)

    The data release includes the actual GPS and Galileo radio signals LuGRE captured during its journey and on the lunar surface. The raw recordings — called in-phase and quadrature (I/Q) samples — allow researchers to analyze GNSS signal strength, noise and interference under lunar conditions for the first time. Engineers and scientists will use these results to model and refine the next generation of GNSS-based signal receivers and improve our understanding of how navigation signals operate at the Moon.

    Graphic representation of the relative geometry of Earth-Moon- acquired GNSS satellites. (Photo: Agenzia Sapaziale Italiana)
    Graphic representation of the relative geometry of Earth-Moon-acquired GNSS satellites. (Image: Agenzia Sapaziale Italiana)
  • Emlid launches GNSS receiver line to simplify precision positioning

    Emlid launches GNSS receiver line to simplify precision positioning

    Emlid has introduced a new generation of all-band RTK receivers including the Reach RX2, Reach RS4 and Reach RS4 Pro. They are built for surveyors, GIS specialists and construction teams seeking reliable, high-accuracy positioning with consumer-level ease of use. This EU-based developer of high-precision GNSS receivers and software is on a mission to make professional-grade precision simple, fast and scalable.

    The Reach RS4 and RS4 Pro mark a significant step forward from previous Emlid models, combining rugged engineering with faster workflows and uncompromised accuracy. The flagship Reach RS4 Pro introduces innovative camera-vision technology that blends traditional RTK with visual positioning to cut survey time and simplify work in complex environments.

    Image: Emlid
    Image: Emlid

    Both receivers support all-band RTK reception (L1/L2/L5/L6) across every major satellite constellation, ensuring consistent performance even under canopy or in urban canyons. An integrated antenna system with diversity LTE, dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth provides a clean GNSS signal and stable fix, while the Emlid multi-band radio system — up to 2W and interoperable with third-party gear — offers flexible correction transmission at 450MHz and 915MHz for both licensed and licence-free use.

    Further enhancements include next-generation IMU tilt compensation that initializes up to five times faster than before, a durable magnesium alloy body with IP68 protection, and Made for iPhone certification enabling smooth integration with iOS applications such as Esri ArcGIS. A new quick-release survey pole mount ensures fast and accurate setups, even when tilted.

    AR-based stakeout and measurement from images. Building on the RS4 platform, the RS4 Pro adds dual factory-calibrated full-HD cameras that enable augmented reality (AR) stakeout and measurement from images. The AR interface projects geometries directly in the Emlid Flow app, guiding users intuitively to stakeout points. The image-based measurement feature allows for accurate coordinate capture from photos, which is ideal for hard-to-reach places such as facades or active roadways. Together, these vision-based tools streamline fieldwork and reduce reliance on total stations in difficult conditions.

    For users prioritizing mobility, the Reach RX2 delivers professional RTK performance in a compact, plug-and-play format. Like its larger counterparts, it supports all-band RTK signals and features a second-generation IMU tilt compensation system for level-free measurements. A new quick-release mount enables rapid setup in the field.

    Designed for GIS, construction and asset management teams managing multiple projects, the Reach RX2 integrates seamlessly with Esri ArcGIS for data collection and Pix4Dcatch for mobile terrestrial scanning.

    Complete field-to-office workflow. Emlid’s product ecosystem — including the Emlid Flow mobile app and Emlid Flow 360 cloud platform — creates a complete field-to-office workflow for professionals who value simplicity without sacrificing precision. The system enables companies to assign surveying tasks to non-surveyor teams, reducing training requirements while maintaining professional accuracy standards.

  • ProStar and Bad Elf team up on global mapping tech

    ProStar and Bad Elf team up on global mapping tech

    ProStar’s PointMan software will now be bundled with Bad Elf’s high-precision GNSS receivers for worldwide sales. PointMan Precision Mapping provides a powerful cloud and mobile precision mapping solution to surveyors and geospatial intelligence systems (GIS) professionals.

    This strategic partnership expands the market reach of both companies and directly addresses the growing demand for a complete mapping solution in the utility and critical infrastructure industries.

    By combining Bad Elf’s advanced GNSS receivers with ProStar’s patented precision mapping solution, utility owners, contractors, municipalities and engineering firms are able to capture, record and visualize the precise location of critical infrastructure at a low cost and with a complete solution.

    Bad Elf delivers accurate, compact, lightweight and cost-effective GNSS solutions compatible with a broad range of third-party vendors. Together with PointMan, the bundled solution provides customers with a comprehensive, ready-to-deploy precision mapping solution designed to reduce costs, improve efficiency and accelerate industry adoption.

  • GEODNET launches survey-grade GNSS rover GEO-MEASURE

    GEODNET launches survey-grade GNSS rover GEO-MEASURE

    GEODNET, provider of a decentralized real-time kinematic (RTK) network, has launched GEO-MEASURE, a survey-grade GNSS rover that delivers centimeter-level accuracy at a consumer-accessible price.

    For decades, survey-grade GNSS rovers have been essential tools for precision applications, but high costs and complex configurations have limited access to survey-grade GNSS rovers to large firms and specialized professionals. GEO-MEASURE is an affordable fully equipped RTK rover integrating robust hardware, a dedicated mobile app, and a preloaded RTK corrections service into a single turnkey package.

    GEO-MEASURE is engineered for professional reliability with quad-frequency support across GPS, GLONASS, Galileo and BeiDou, Its 1,040 tracking channels provide resilience under canopy or in urban environments. Its rugged, waterproof housing is built for daily use, while a 24-hour rechargeable battery and USB-C charging make it as convenient as a consumer device while still delivering survey-grade performance.

    Available for both iOS and Android, a free companion app simplifies setup, the company said. Once paired via Bluetooth, users can:

    • visualize survey points on maps
    • capture field notes
    • manage multiple projects
    • export data in standard formats (CSV, KML, GPX, GeoJSON) for integration with GIS platforms, CAD workflows, or drone mission software.

    By making centimeter-level accuracy affordable, accessible and scalable, GEO-MEASURE opens professional-grade GNSS workflows to new audiences in construction, GIS, drone operations, agriculture and environmental monitoring.

  • Quectel launches LR700A smart connected GNSS receiver

    Quectel launches LR700A smart connected GNSS receiver

    Quectel Wireless Solutions has introduced the Quectel LR700A smart connected GNSS receiver, an all-in-one high performance quad band base station solution, capable of connecting to the cloud to deliver GNSS correction data, usable either standalone or within an RTK station network.

    Available for use globally, the modular design integrates the GNSS receiver with cellular, Wi-Fi and antenna systems, while providing extension slots for Zigbee short-range communication.

    Cellular connectivity makes the system highly versatile, enabling deployment anywhere without requiring existing infrastructure, ideal for establishing RTK correction services in remote locations. The integrated short-range communication capabilities make it ideal for pairing directly with nearby rovers, creating a complete RTK solution for localized high-precision applications.

    The quad-band GNSS receiver enables simultaneous reception of signals from GPS, Galileo, BDS, GLONASS, QZSS and NavIC constellations across the L1, L2, L5 and E6 frequency bands. The Quectel LR700A supports 1040 channels, enabling flexible data transmission and remote management with cellular, ethernet and Wi-Fi networks. Easy monitoring and configuration over local networks are ensured via an intuitive web-based interface.

    “This highly versatile product enables developers to specify an all-in-one, full-constellation receiver that supports multi-frequency tracking while offering ultra-low power consumption and a robust, industrial-grade design,” said Windy Fang, director, GNSS Product Line, Quectel Wireless Solutions. “Its power efficiency and integrated, compact design make it ideal for use cases where space and energy are constrained.”

    Designed to function as a base station, the Quectel LR700A delivers precise GNSS corrections and positioning for high accuracy applications including smart agriculture and precision farming use cases, surveying and mapping, autonomous vehicles and outdoor robotics, such as lawnmowers.

    The LR700A’s ultra-low power consumption makes it ideal for power constrained use cases with typical consumption of up to approximately 2.1W with ultra-wide range voltage support from 9-36V. The LR700A weighs 2.1kg, has a diameter of 220mm and height of 149mm and operates in the -40oC to +85oC temperature range. Support for local Wi-Fi web user interfaces and remote cloud configuration ensure simplified field installation.

    Featuring an IP67 rated, industrial-grade design, the LR700A is resistant to shock, impact, drop, lightning and ultra-violet light damage, ensuring reliable operation and long-term durability in outdoor conditions. Certifications for CE, FCC, RoHS and REACH compliance are in progress.

  • Juniper Systems adds RTK precision to Archer 4 GNSS Expansion Pod

    Juniper Systems adds RTK precision to Archer 4 GNSS Expansion Pod

    The Archer 4 with GNSS Expansion Pod and RTK connection is now an all-in-one centimeter mapping solution.

    Juniper Systems Inc. announces that the GNSS Expansion Pod for the Archer 4 Rugged Handheld is now RTK capable. Juniper Systems is also launching a new application for the Archer 4 called Archer Connect. The Archer 4 with GNSS Expansion Pod and RTK connection is now an all-in-one centimeter mapping solution.

    “We are very excited to bring this update to the Archer 4,” said John Florio, senior product manager at Juniper Systems. “The Archer 4 with a GNSS Expansion Pod and an RTK correction is the optimal all-in-one high-precision mapping solution.”

    Archer Connect is a utility application that allows users to easily manage their GNSS expansion pod that is attached to their Archer 4. In Archer Connect, users can set up and manage their RTK network connection. Archer Connect is available on the Google Play Store.

    The GNSS Expansion Pod attaches and interfaces with the Archer 4 through the Archer’s back contact pads. This allows for a compact one-handed device. The Archer 4 is a rugged handheld device designed to work in extreme environments. Featuring Android 14 and expanded battery options for increased runtimes in the field.

  • Launchpad: Anti-jamming, underwater topographic surveying, Triple-Band RTK receivers and more

    Launchpad: Anti-jamming, underwater topographic surveying, Triple-Band RTK receivers and more

    A roundup of recent products in the GNSS and inertial positioning industry from the November 2024 issue of GPS World magazine.

    OEM

    High-Dynamics MEMS Gyro
    Designed for precision navigation applications

    The GYPRO4300 is a high-dynamics MEMS gyro designed for precision navigation applications. It features a ±300 °/s input range, 200 Hz bandwidth and 1 ms latency, making it ideal for dynamic environments. With a bias instability of 0.4 °/h and an angular random walk of 0.07 °/√h, the GYPRO4300 offers high-performance sensing in a compact, digital and low size, weight and power (SWaP) package.

    Building on the GYPRO4300, the GYPRO4050 is a specialized north-seeking gyro for low-dynamics applications. This derivative offers 2° azimuth accuracy and is currently in the customer sampling stage. The GYPRO4050 maintains the same miniature package design as its predecessor, ensuring consistency across the product line.

    At INTERGEO 2024, TDK showcased a prototype based on an ongoing research and development project. This new development utilizes the same miniature package as the GYPRO4300 and GYPRO4050 but demonstrates ultra-low noise capabilities, achieving an azimuth accuracy of less than 1°. This product is slated for launch in 2025.

    Tronics Microsystems, tronics.tdk.com

    Anti-Jamming
    For challenging GNSS environments

    This series of anti-jamming antennas comes in two models, PT023 and PT024. The antennas are specifically engineered to operate in challenging environments characterized by complex electromagnetic interference, high-power signals and strong multipath effects.

    They are well-suited for scenarios involving low-elevation angle interference, high-power interference sources and radio communication system noise. The PT023 model utilizes multiple array elements combined with amplitude and phase manipulation to achieve spatial radiation shaping. This antenna also incorporates advanced multi-level filtering technology, effectively suppressing out-of-band noise power.

    The PT024 model features vertical and horizontal two-dimensional polarization suppressors. This design effectively mitigates the reception of both odd and even LHCP and RHCP signals originating from the rear of the antenna, according to the company. It can also suppress low-elevation multipath signals at the same frequency and out-of-band noise signals. These features seek to enhance the antenna’s performance in complex electromagnetic environments.

    Harxon Corporation, harxon.com

    Triple-Band RTK Receivers
    Integrated into ArduSimple’s evaluation boards

    The UM980, UM981 and UM982 RTK modules are integrated into the ArduSimple simpleRTK3B series to accelerate high-precision GNSS integration. Supporting Galileo High Accuracy Service (HAS) and fast update rate (50Hz), these devices are suitable for applications that require reliable and precise navigation.

    • SimpleRTK3B Budget (UM980): The most affordable step into triple-band precision.
    • SimpleRTK3B Fusion (UM981): Ideal for projects that need GNSS and inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensor fusion or tilt compensation.
    • SimpleRTK3B Compass (UM982): Designed for setups requiring dual antennas to determine the heading on moving platforms.

    ArduSimple has also integrated Unicore UM980, UM981 or UM982 modules into the simpleRTK3B Micro Unicore, part of its compact Micro-format lineup. It is designed for simple PCB integration, which can significantly speed up the development process and the time to market for new products.

    Unicore, en.unicore.com

    OEM GNSS Antenna
    Full-band, full-frequency antennas

    The HX-SE402A and HX-SE403A are full-band, full-frequency antennas that integrate GNSS capabilities with a low-profile radio antenna to support 858-878MHz and 902-928MHz frequency bands. This addresses the growing need for devices requiring both navigation and communication functionalities. Harxon’s new low-profile technology achieves the same functionality at 10 mm height, allowing greater versatility in applications that demand precise positioning alongside wireless communication. Additionally, Harxon offers custom tuning services to optimize integration into OEM end-user modules for specific applications.

    Harxon Corporation, harxon.com

    UAV

    OEMs
    Engineered for autonomous applications

    Advanced Navigation has expanded its Certus product line by introducing the Certus Mini series. This development marks a significant advancement in compact and high-performance navigation technology for field robots, autonomous vehicles and UAVs.

    The Certus Mini series comes in three variants:

    • Certus Mini D: A dual-antenna inertial navigation system (INS).
    • Certus Mini N: A GNSS-aided INS.
    • Certus Mini A: An attitude and heading reference system (AHRS).

    These lightweight systems, weighing no more than 55 grams (1.9 oz), offer impressive performance and cost-efficiency for their size. The Certus Mini D utilizes dual-antenna GNSS for accurate heading, position and velocity measurements. It operates on L1/L5 multi-constellation GNSS and offers enhanced interference immunity and position accuracy, particularly in challenging urban environments. The Certus Mini series suits various applications, including surveying, agricultural robotics, open-pit mining and asset tracking.

    Advanced Navigation, advancednavigation.com

    Direct Georeferencing Solution
    Designed for UAV mapping

    The APX RTX portfolio is a new line of direct georeferencing solutions designed for UAV mapping sensors. This system enables high-accuracy mapping across diverse environments, ideal for OEMs and UAV payload integrators. At the core of the APX RTX portfolio is the Trimble CenterPoint RTX technology, which offers both real-time and post-mission direct georeferencing. This capability allows for centimeter-level accuracy without the need for base stations, making it compatible with various sensors, including cameras, lidar and hyperspectral mapping devices.

    Trimble, trimble.com

    Fixed-Wing UAV
    Integrates YellowScan Voyager lidar

    The DT46 lidar UAV is a fixed-wing system designed for long-distance inspections and the creation of precise digital twins. The DT46 model integrates the YellowScan Voyager lidar with a high-resolution RGB camera. Equipped with a laser scanner with a 100° field of view and an acquisition rate of up to 2400 kHz, the YellowScan Voyager offers optimal point density for demanding projects.

    With a flight range of up to 300 km, depending on whether vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) or catapult take-off is employed, the UAV is designed for long-distance operations and can be deployed in under 15 minutes without requiring specialized tools. This autonomous solution offers a seamless end-to-end solution for various industries requiring aerial surveying and inspection capabilities.

    DELAIR, delair.aero

    Surveying

    GNSS Receiver
    Featuring a multi-constellation antenna

    The Stonex S900 GNSS receiver features a high-accuracy, multi-constellation antenna, a powerful UHF transmitter and the GSM 4G modem for a fully integrated communications choice, combined with a light and modern design. It tracks signals from GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo and QZSS satellites. On the S900, two smart hot-swappable batteries can be inserted simultaneously, ensuring a maximum of 12 hours of operation. The power level can be checked and seen on the controller or directly on an LED bar on the battery.

    Stonex, stonex.it

    USV
    For underwater topographic surveying

    The HydroBoat 1500 is a versatile unmanned surface vessel (USV) driven by four powerful thrusters and designed to carry out underwater topographic surveys of lakes, rivers, reservoirs and other bodies of water. With a payload capacity of 60 kg, it can be integrated with the SatLab HydroBeam M4 portable multibeam echosounder, as well as a variety of other payloads such as side scan sonars and ADCPs. The vessel is IP67-rated and includes a millimeter-wave radar and 360° omnidirectional camera for accurate obstacle detection and safe navigation. It is also equipped with a dual RF and 4G cellular communications system.

    SatLab, satlab.com

    Laser RTK
    With a laser range of up to 50 m

    The Jupiter Laser RTK integrates GNSS, auto-IMU (inertial measurement unit), laser and dual-camera systems into a single unit. It incorporates a precise green laser that remains visible even in bright daylight. This feature allows for precise measurements of points in hard-to-reach, signal-blocked or potentially hazardous locations. It also features a night vision camera, allowing users to see feature points even in low-light conditions.

    The RTK system’s laser range is up to 50 m, making it suitable for challenging surveying environments. It incorporates visual technology to offer surveyors an immersive experience during surveying and stakeout operations, improving working efficiency and productivity.

    Comnav Technology, comnavtech.com

    UAV Lidar Scanner
    Designed for aerial surveying

    EchoONE combines Teledyne’s lidar and camera technology with Inertial Labs’ remote sensing payload instrument (RESEPI). EchoONE is designed for industries requiring precise aerial surveying and mapping solutions, such as land surveying, electric utility vegetation management, asset modeling, as well as transportation and infrastructure projects. Users can create detailed 3D models for infrastructure and asset management, offering valuable insights for maintenance and planning. EchoONE also generates fully undecimated georeferenced point clouds in real time, which allows for in-field verification. This capability is complemented by rapid post-processing through RESEPI’s “one-click” PC-Master Pro solution.

    Teledyne Geospatial, teledyneimaging.com

    Receiver
    With IMU tilt compensation

    The i83 Pro is an inertial measurement unit (IMU) real-time kinematic (RTK) GNSS receiver. This receiver combines GNSS capabilities with extensive compatibility options to address the diverse needs of surveying, construction, and mapping professionals. It incorporates CHCNAV’s third-generation GNSS antenna and the latest iStar algorithm, designed to boost GNSS signal tracking efficiency by 30%, according to the company. With 336 channels supporting GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo and QZSS constellations, it can achieve centimeter-level precision rapidly, even in challenging environments.

    The i83 Pro supports various GNSS surveying modes, such as RTK Networks NTRIP and UHF base-rover configurations. It features an IP68-rated enclosure for dust and water protection, a compact and lightweight design for enhanced portability, a high-resolution color display for clear status information and a 20-hour battery life for continuous operation in rover mode.

    CHC Navigation, chcnav.com

    Mapping

    Software Solution
    Featuring a GIS interface

    LP360 Land is designed to process lidar, GNSS and SLAM data from handheld sensors, particularly the TrueView GO handheld scanner. It features a GIS interface that allows users to combine various geospatial datasets and offers SLAM point cloud processing capabilities. Additionally, LP360 Land includes advanced visualization tools that support multiple synchronized windows for 2D, 3D, profile and immersive views.

    Its coordinate system management includes datum and projection transformations. The software also offers quality assurance and control (QA/QC) tools, along with data editing and cleaning functionalities. Users can perform manual and automatic registration of point clouds and utilize an image explorer for contextual analysis by linking point clouds to photos, which allows for the generation of accurate and colorized point clouds even in GPS-denied environments.

    GeoCue, geocue.com

  • L5-first for improved resilience in mass market GNSS

    L5-first for improved resilience in mass market GNSS

    Current state of the art multi-frequency GNSS receivers operate by receiving L1 first and then L5. L5-first is a viable answer to the call for more resilience in GNSS as is being discussed in government and technical circles to protect vital national infrastructure. It is suggested as part of “Toughening Category 4: Signal Alternatives” to protect, toughen and augment (PTA) the current GNSS systems described by Brad Parkinson’s article in the March 2022 issue of GPS World.

    Paul McBurney
    Paul McBurney

    The need arises from attacks directed by bad actors on a large scale, such as electronic warfare, and on a more humane scale, by bad actors such as self-jammers and spoofers. On top of that, normal interference can cause desensitization and denial of service on GNSS receivers from myriad terrestrial and satellite communications.

    The PTA plan presents the Denial Radius Reduction Ratio (DRRR) figure of merit and shows that a J/S increase of 15 dB produces a DRRR of 0.18. Whereas a receiver without this additional 15 dB of J/S could be denied fixing out to 1 km from a given transmitter, a receiver with an additional 15 dB J/S would be denied out to only 180 m from the same transmitter.

    The improvement in terms of area is proportional to radius squared. The article identifies that the J/S capability is different among GNSS signals and the best performance is obtained with L5, mainly because it has the highest chipping rate. L1C has a code length of 10,230 chips, the same as L5, but it is spread over 10 msec and has the same chipping rate as L1 C/A.

    There are currently 72 L5 signals between GPS, Galileo, BeiDou and QZSS transmitting the same physical layer features of 10.23 MHz chipping rate, 1 kHz overlay codes and higher transmit power compared to nearly all L1 signals with a 1.023 MHz chipping rate and lower transmit power. The combination of these features at L5 is close to achieving this 15 dB performance level over L1.

    Unlike current hybrid receivers, L5-first survives L1 jamming. (Photo: Carkhe / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images)
    Unlike current hybrid receivers, L5-first survives L1 jamming. (Photo: Carkhe / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images)

    One might conclude that the current start of the art of a receiver with both frequencies (aka, a hybrid L1+L5) has this resilience. However, the market does not currently offer the ability to directly acquire L5 signals overall use cases of GNSS assistance without first acquiring signals at L1. This means they can only achieve this resilience when the interference is encountered after acquiring and fixing at L1. As soon as the L1 is lost and the position and time uncertainty grow beyond the receiver’s capacity to autonomously search for L5 signals, the receiver is denied service at the interference level tolerable at L1. If you cut the receiver into L1 and L5 pieces, only the L1 side is capable of fixing autonomously. As noted by Dennis Akos et al. (“Testing COTS GNSS Receivers Using Only a Subset of Supported Signals,” ION JNC 2023), “support for several signals/frequencies provides integrity and robustness.” Specifically, “under jamming scenarios, signal diversity can allow a receiver to still generate an accurate position solution.”

    Current receivers are not able to acquire L5 for reasons related to history, cost and power consumption. Historically, the promise of L5 accuracy was so attractive that it was added to legacy chipsets based on L1 even when it was only partially deployed. It was impractical at that time to require L5 acquisition when there were fewer L5 satellites than at L1. Cost and power are related to the fact that L1 receivers’ acquisition methods are sized to acquire the L1, E1, B1 and G1 signals. Memory and compute capacities, including the digital clock speed, are sized for slower chipping rates and hence shorter code lengths. At this performance level, conventional time domain correlation is adequate. Some receivers deploy frequency domain methods at L1 and achieve a lower cost and power than time domain methods with similar capacity. However, the L5 acquisition complexity with time domain correlation is 100 times more than L1 as its complexity increases with N2, meaning the cost and power to acquire L5 is out of reach. While using a time domain acquisition engine to acquire L5 may be possible for strong signals when the code and frequency search space is constrained for those signals, directly acquiring L5 with conventional methods would have serious shortcomings in many use cases.

    Interestingly, the signal designers across all GNSS systems have cleverly designed the L5 signals so they can be easily acquired after acquiring their counterparts on L1. The L5 primary and secondary code is predictable based on learning the L1 primary code and navigation data bit phase. E5a and B2a primary and secondary codes can be predicted by learning the well-designed E1/B1 primary and secondary code phases that have the same total period: the combination of the 4 msec code lengths synchronous with 25 bits of secondary code are in phase with the E5a 100 msec overlay code. After an L1 fix with fine time, L5 can similarly be directly acquired easily with limited searching.

  • CHCNAV: Expanding a Highway in China

    CHCNAV: Expanding a Highway in China

    Due to China’s rapid growth, the G85 highway, which opened in 1995 and connects Chongqing to neighboring provinces, in 2023 required expansion to four lanes. Like with any construction project, the first step was a survey. When the highway was built, surveyors had to rely on total stations and other optical instruments. Today, despite the availability of GNSS receivers, surveying over long distances in rugged terrain is still challenging.

    Orthophoto of the service area in the section of the G85 highway that is being enlarged. (Photo: CHCNAV)
    Orthophoto of the service area in the section of the G85 highway that is being enlarged. (Photo: CHCNAV)

    Li, a surveyor responsible for surveying a 5 km section that included a service area, bridges, culverts, and embankments, wanted to avoid closing lanes, which would have been expensive and dangerous due to heavy traffic. Additionally, using only GNSS receivers and total stations to complete the project would take a long time and potentially require multiple surveys. Instead, he opted to conduct a lidar survey.

    To meet the project’s 2 cm root mean squared error (RMSE) accuracy requirement, Li established ground control points (GCPs) before scanning. To avoid disturbing the traffic and ensure safety, he placed the GCP targets within 50 m of the roadside. Then, a 50-minute flight was enough to scan the 5 km section.

    The data was then imported into CHCNAV’s CoPre lidar processing software, which performed point cloud correction and bundle adjustment, increasing the absolute accuracy of the road surface point cloud to the required 2 cm. Next, the software performed point cloud classification, modeling, point cloud coloring, and image georeferencing and generated depth maps.

    The resulting color point cloud clearly shows road markings and other features, and makes it possible to accurately measure the locations of drainage ditches, slopes, and culverts. For power lines crossing the highway, the point cloud provides accurate measurements of the minimum distance between the lines and the road for safe equipment operation.

    Lidar scanning captures detailed ground surfaces, but road design relies on actual terrain conditions. Using CHCNAV’s CoProcess post-processing software — which has built-in adaptive ground point filtering algorithms — the team removed vegetation, guardrails, and vehicle returns, revealing the bare ground for design. They also accurately extracted road features, including dashed and solid lane lines with width and line type parameters, to enhance the efficiency of subsequent design efforts.

    Lidar point clouds provide much richer ground detail than traditional surveys. This allows CoProcess software to automatically generate cross-sections from processed point clouds, while manual editing options are available for special terrain, such as roadside ditches. Sections can be exported to design formats or CAD drawings for immediate use.

    For this project, two engineers performed the field scanning, and one engineer handled the point cloud processing, classification, and modeling to provide multi-dimensional data that met the 2 cm accuracy criteria.