GPS World

Tag: pole tilt

  • Leica Geosystems launches versatile construction smart antenna

    Leica Geosystems launches versatile construction smart antenna

    Leica Geosystems, part of Hexagon, has launched of Leica iCON gps 160 — a significantly enhanced, next-generation construction smart antenna with features that increase productivity in all stakeout and measurement applications on the jobsite.

    The Leica iCON construction portfolio offers a broad range of smart antennas to fit every construction professional’s needs. From basic level to sophisticated high-end applications, Leica Geosystems’ smart antennas are designed and built to withstand challenging site conditions. All of them seamlessly integrate with all Leica iCON construction instruments and controllers as well as the iCON field software for precise, real-time verification.

    To expand its portfolio of smart antennas, Leica Geosystems has launched the iCON gps 160, a versatile solution for various applications. It can be used as a base station, as a rover or for machine guidance. The Leica iCON gps 160 is a modernization and enhancement of the successful Leica iCON gps 60, which has been well accepted in the market. The result is a smaller, more compact GNSS antenna with additional features and a larger display for ease of use.

    The new Leica iCON gps 160 is particularly suited to complex construction environments with different GNSS requirements — the ability to switch between the different applications is at the users’ fingertips. Besides checking grade, cut and fill, stakeout points and lines, users can also benefit from using this solution for basic-level GNSS machine guidance.

    Construction technology must be easy to adopt. Thus, the iCON gps 160 comes with an integrated color display, a user-friendly interface, smart setup wizards and an intuitive construction-specific workflow to help contractors get the most out of their investment from day one.

    Size and weight reductions make the iCON gps 160 easy to handle, while the latest GNSS and communication technologies improve data reception, resulting in increased productivity and efficiency.

    Photo: Leica Geosystems
    Photo: Leica Geosystems

    The optional tilt feature allows users to measure and stake out points with a tilted pole, which saves time and extends the measurement possibilities on any construction site.

    “At Leica Geosystems, we understand that construction surveyors are under pressure and tight schedules to provide accurate, on-demand data that helps deliver projects on time and on budget,” said Matthias Schmidt, manager, Portfolio Field and GNSS, Leica Geosystems. “The iCON gps 160 Smart Antenna sets new standards in construction GNSS antennas. It solves several challenges simultaneously, enabling precise measurement, avoiding mistakes and extra trips on-site, ultimately helping to work toward a more sustainable future.”

  • Continuous evolution: What is new with GNSS receivers?

    Continuous evolution: What is new with GNSS receivers?

    GNSS receivers face the same old challenges (extremely weak received signal, orbit and satellite clock errors, ionospheric and tropospheric delays, multipath, dilution of precision, urban canyons, etc.) and new ones (increased interference). However, compared with just a few years ago, they benefit from new signals, many more satellites, a panoply of options for corrections, and improved integration with inertial navigation systems (INS).

    For example, pole-tilt compensation is quickly becoming standard. This feature enables users to locate dangerous or hard-to-reach points by measuring them at an angle with just the tip of the pole to which the receiver is attached.

    Pole-tilt compensation also makes surveying and mapping easier by removing, in many situations, the need to use total stations or offsets. Together with improvements in work processes, this makes GNSS receivers more user friendly. This is particularly welcome now that more surveyors are retiring than there are new surveyors entering the profession.

    The greater accuracy of GNSS receivers enabled by the increase in the number and quality of satellites, signals, corrections services and integration of GNSS with other sensors is also increasing the number of use cases, especially at the high end of the accuracy requirements, such as lane-level vehicle navigation. (Next month’s cover story will center on this year’s Google Smartphone Decimeter Challenge contest, in which competing teams aim to bring smartphone location down to the decimeter or even centimeter resolution using raw location measurements from Android smartphones. This could enable services that require lane-level accuracy, such as estimated time of arrival when using a high-occupancy vehicle lane.)

    This month’s cover story highlights what has changed “inside the box” to improve the accuracy and resilience of GNSS receivers for surveying, mapping and a variety of other applications. Read the success stories from five different companies below.

    Swift Navigation: Driving safety for consumers

    CHC Navigation: Making receivers user-friendly

    Trimble: Positioning engine optimized for fusion

    u-blox: Disruption leads to wide adoption

    Septentrio’s Stellar 2022

    Testing positioning algorithms with Kaggle

    Photo: CHC Navigation
    Photo: CHC Navigation
  • Trimble: Positioning engine optimized for fusion

    Trimble: Positioning engine optimized for fusion

    An interview with Chris Trevillian, director of product management, geospatial GNSS at Trimble about recent GNSS receiver innovations.

    Trevillian
    Trevillian

    What was the most significant technical innovation in your GNSS receivers in the past five years?

    In 2019, Trimble broke ground with Trimble ProPoint, the fifth generation high-precision positioning engine, engineered to provide position and orientation data from the fusion of GNSS signals, globally accessible high-accuracy correction services, and measurement data from a variety of sensors.

    When Trimble launched ProPoint signal processing with the Trimble R12 GNSS receiver, head-to-head testing with the Trimble R10-2 in challenging GNSS environments (near canopy and built environment) showed the R12 performed 30% better across a variety of factors, including time to achieve survey precision levels, position accuracy and measurement reliability.

    In September 2020, Trimble announced the Trimble R12i GNSS receiver. It incorporates tilt compensation based on an IMU using Trimble TIP technology, which enables points to be measured or staked out while the survey rod is tilted. This empowers land surveyors to focus on the job at hand and complete work faster and more accurately.

    What has it enabled users to do that they could not do before?

    Tilt-pole compensation enables measurements otherwise dangerous, difficult or impossible. Photo: Trimble
    Tilt-pole compensation enables measurements otherwise dangerous, difficult or impossible. Photo: Trimble

    ProPoint provides new levels of reliability and productivity. In addition, the ProPoint engine is a key enabler of the new TIP technology.

    The combination of ProPoint and TIP in the Trimble R12i allows users to accurately mark and measure points in areas previously inaccessible for GNSS rovers, such as building corners, or hazardous situations, such as the edge of an open excavation. The R12i also features real-time automatic inertial navigation system (INS) integrity monitoring. This system allows users to detect and correct for IMU biases introduced by use over time, temperature or physical shocks, helping ensure measurement quality and integrity for the life of the receiver. The combination of ProPoint and TIP technology improves accuracy, increases availability, provides better integrity and enhances constellation support.

    Available on Trimble products utilizing Maxwell 7 technology, ProPoint leverages the latest developments in GNSS signal infrastructure and Trimble’s high-precision receiver hardware to deliver improved positioning performance in challenging environments. It also contains dynamic models of specific application movements, allowing it to filter out unexpected dynamic movements for improved accuracy.

    What is a good example of this?

    Benchmark Surveys, a small firm in Southwest England, wanted to test the R12i’s capabilities on a narrow road between an industrial park and Exeter Airport lined with high hedges, thick tangled foliage and large trees. The road-widening project, which required surveying 10 meters on either side of the road, would have been a challenge for any combination of surveying equipment. James Richards, Land, Utility and Measured Building Surveyor with Benchmark Surveys, told us the R12i was able to fix and gather points “in places not accessible by other GNSS kits we’ve used.” He said, “With the tilt compensation, we could reach under the edge of hedges and shrubs, up against buildings and walls, and safely out into the road.”

  • CHC Navigation: Making receivers user-friendly

    CHC Navigation: Making receivers user-friendly

    An interview with Rachel Wong, product manager, surveying and engineering division at CHC Navigation about recent GNSS receiver innovations.

    Rachel Wong
    Wong

    What was the most significant technical innovation in your GNSS receivers in the past five years?

    CHC Navigation is a technology enabler for geospatial professionals in more than 120 countries. End users of geospatial data increasingly come from diverse backgrounds. This forces us to invest heavily in simplifying data-acquisition processes by focusing on the user friendliness and positioning reliability of our GNSS receivers.

    The latest technological developments in GNSS real-time kinematic (RTK) rovers are based on the maturity and improvement of satellite navigation systems, as well as on the integration of IMU sensors in the receivers — the latter being certainly the most important innovation.

    In addition, the latest generation of our GNSS rovers, such as the CHCNAV i83, is based on the sophisticated iStar algorithm, which significantly improves the efficiency of tracking GNSS satellite signals for unmatched performance in GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo and QZSS constellations, using all available frequencies including BeiDou 3. This goes hand-in-hand with the integration of the IMU as it helps to ensure increased GNSS positioning accuracy through optimized satellite geometry.

    What has it enabled users to do that they could not do before?

    A utility worker uses the tilt-pole-compensation feature to measure a manhole. (Photo: CHC Navigation)
    A utility worker uses the tilt-pole-compensation feature to measure a manhole. (Photo: CHC Navigation)

    The integration of GNSS+IMU modules allows surveyors to survey points without the need to level the range pole, accelerating the adoption of GNSS technologies for early adopters by simplifying work processes. For example, our i83 GNSS is powered by a 1,408-channel multiband GNSS receiver, the latest iStar technology and a high-end, calibration-free IMU sensor for faster, more reliable GNSS field surveys.

    The i83 GNSS’ integrated IMU automatically compensates for pole tilt, increasing surveying, engineering and mapping efficiency by 30% over conventional RTK GNSS surveying methods. In less than 5 seconds, the 200-Hz inertial module is initialized to ensure survey-grade accuracy over a pole-tilt range of up to 30 degrees that meets the real-world operational needs of our users.

    What is a good example of this?

    Surveyors can extend their working boundaries near trees, walls and buildings without the need for a total station or offset measuring tools. This can be illustrated in sewer and drainage applications, such as measuring the bottom of manholes for water, utilities or sewers, which was barely feasible in terms of GNSS measurement before the advent of hybrid GNSS + IMU positioning.

    Operators only need to concentrate on their tasks and no longer need to level their pole vertically. They are now able to perform many measurements without compromising accuracy and reliability. Productivity is greatly increased, RTK usability is greatly improved, and potential human error is reduced, whether you are an engineer, foreman or surveyor, and whether you are an experienced or new user.

  • CHC Navigation introduces i83 IMU-RTK GNSS receiver

    CHC Navigation introduces i83 IMU-RTK GNSS receiver

    Photo: CHCNAV
    Photo: CHCNAV

    CHC Navigation (CHCNAV) has announced the availability of the i83 GNSS receiver, an addition to its premium GNSS receiver series for surveying, mapping and construction professionals. The i83 GNSS is powered by a 1408-channel multi-band GNSS receiver, the latest iStar technology, and a calibration-free, high-end inertial measurement unit (IMU) for faster and reliable field GNSS surveying.

    “The i83 receiver combines GNSS and IMU into one single receiver to provide optimal automatic pole-tilt compensation that requires no calibration and is fully immune to magnetic interference. Operators just need to focus on their tasks and no longer need to level their pole vertically,” said Rachel Wang, product manager of CHC Navigation’s Surveying and Engineering Division. “In addition, we designed a high-resolution color display where users can clearly and intuitively get the GNSS receiver status to take full control of their survey operation.”

    The third-generation high-gain antenna with the latest advanced CHCNAV iStar algorithm improves GNSS satellite signal tracking efficiency by more than 30%. The i83 GNSS receiver features 1,408 GNSS channels for high performance across GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo and QZSS constellations. Its onboard GNSS technology delivers centimeter-level positioning, maintains reliable fixed real-time kinematic (RTK) accuracy, and collects points faster than previous models, even in demanding conditions.

    Automatic compensation for pole tilt

    The i83 receiver’s built-in IMU automatically compensates for pole tilt, increasing surveying, engineering and mapping efficiency by 30% over conventional GNSS RTK surveying methods. In less than 5 seconds, the 200-Hz inertial module is initialized to ensure survey-grade accuracy over a pole tilt range of up to 30 degrees. Productivity is dramatically increased, RTK usability greatly improved, and potential human error reduced, whether you are an engineer, site foreman or surveyor.

    Integrated Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and near-field communication (NFC) modules provide seamless connection to field data controllers or tablets. Integrated 4G and UHF modems enable any GNSS survey mode, from RTK network NTRIP connections to UHF base-rover configurations. GNSS RTK corrections can be accessed or broadcast continuously for accurate positioning in all circumstances.

    Users do not need to carry backup or external batteries in the field because of the i83 GNSS’ ultra-low-power system-on-chip (SoC) electronic design and smart power management. The i83 GNSS can operate for up to 18 hours as a GNSS RTK network rover or more than 8 hours as an RTK base station.

    The i83 GNSS receiver is available worldwide through the CHCNAV distribution network.

  • Carlson introduces BRx7 redesigned GNSS receiver

    Carlson introduces BRx7 redesigned GNSS receiver

    Photo: Carlson Software
    Photo: Carlson Software

    Carlson Software is now offering its next-generation multi-frequency, multi-GNSS BRx7 smart antenna.

    The BRx7 is a full redesign of Carlson’s flagship GNSS receiver, delivering high-level specifications, performance and value for surveyors, contractors, engineers and GIS professionals.

    Weighing 2.8 pounds with batteries, the BRx7 saves time and increases productivity by accurately compensating for tilt. It comes standard with dual, hot-swappable batteries for 11+ hours of uninterrupted efficiency. The BRx7 provides 800+ channels, 8gb of memory, and is designed with a rugged, compact IP67-rated housing.

    Best-in-class RTK performance is provided by the Athena GNSS engine, supporting multi-frequency GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo, QZSS, IRNSS and Atlas L-band capability. In addition, the BRx7 uses proprietary SureFix technology to provide a high-fidelity quality indicator of the RTK solution, allowing users an extremely high confidence in their current accuracy.

    The BRx7 provides RTK baselines up to 50 km with fast acquisition times when used with Carlson Listen-Listen, as well as UHF, spread spectrum, cellular, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi wireless communication.

    Well-suited to a variety of operating modes, the BRx7 can be deployed as a powerful base with additional access to BeiDou phase 3 satellites in a base-rover setup, or as a lightweight, powerful network rover.

    “The BRx7 represents the next generation of GNSS technology,” said Butch Herter, Carlson’s director of hardware development. “Through this total redesign in partnership with our manufacturer, Hemisphere GNSS, we’ve brought the technology and functionality above the competition while retaining the ease-of-use, durability, and superior support that Carlson is known for.”

    The smart antenna comes with a dual-band radio module that is capable of both 400 MHz and 900 MHz operation. This allows for the long range capability of the UHF 400 MHz signal plus the ability to switch to the 900 MHz frequency-hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) signal for better performance in noisy radio environments.

    The BRx7 introduces a new INS-based sensor-fusion platform to support enhanced tilted pole measurements for land survey applications. This new design allows for easy calibration, is immune to magnetic interference, and is extremely reliable in virtually any environment.

    “The BRx7 represents the advanced technology, durability, and ease-of-use that our customers have come to expect,” said Bruce Carlson, founder and president of Carlson Software. “By redesigning this system from the ground up, we are offering our customers both unparalleled performance and versatility, but also a value that’s unbeatable in the market today.”

    For more information about the Carlson BRx7, download the BRx7 brochure or contact your local Carlson representative or Carlson dealer at www.carlsonsw.com/where-to-purchase or call Carlson at 606-564-5028.

  • CHC Navigation’s new i90 GNSS receiver improves RTK

    CHC Navigation’s new i90 GNSS receiver improves RTK

    Photo: CHC Navigation
    Photo: CHC Navigation

    CHC Navigation has released and is immediately shipping its new i90 IMU-RTK GNSS Series receiver. The i90 IMU-RTK GNSS Series is designed to dramatically increase GNSS real-time kinematic (RTK) availability and reliability.

    The i90 is powered by the company’s latest inertial measurement unit (IMU) and RTK technology to provide robust and accurate GNSS positioning in any circumstances.

    Unlike standard micro-electro-mechanical (MEMS)-based GNSS receivers, the i90 GNSS IMU-RTK combines a high-end calibration and interference-free IMU sensor with a state-of-the-art GNSS RTK engine and advanced GNSS tracking capabilities.

    The i90 is designed to increase productivity and reliability of survey projects. No complicated calibration process, rotation, leveling or accessories are necessary with the i90 GNSS Series. Just a few meters’ walk will initialize the i90 internal IMU sensor and enable RTK survey in difficult field environments. The i90 GNSS automatic pole-tilt compensation boosts survey and stakeout speed by up to 20%.

    “Our new i90 IMU-RTK GNSS Series is pushing the boundaries of conventional GNSS survey by extending RTK positioning availability and reliability,” said George Zhao, CEO of CHC Navigation. “CHCNAV is the GNSS technology enabler, making high-end GNSS solutions available for every surveyor.”

  • True tilt compensation GNSS presented by Leica

    Leica Geosystems has released the Leica GS18 T, a fast GNSS RTK rover, as well as the latest versions of Leica Captivate field software and Leica Infinity office software.

    Leica made the announcement at Intergeo 2017, held Sept. 26-28 in Berlin, Germany.

    The announcement expands the Leica Captivate Experience. With the addition of calibration-free GNSS and various upgrades to the Captivate field software and Infinity office software, users continue the immersive experience with self-learning GNSS and engaging, intuitive software interfaces.

    “In my business, speed is the name of the game,” said Manny Sangha, owner of Sangha Geomatics & Land Survey Inc. in Vanderhoof, Canada. ” With my GS16, I’ve been able to reduce time spent on every project. I can only see this getting faster and improving efficiency with the GS18. No longer having to level the pole nor calibrate the system, this is a real value for me and a game-changer in the industry.”

    Calibration-free tilt compensating GNSS

    According to Leica Geosystems, the GS18 T is the a calibration-free tilt compensating GNSS solution immune to magnetic disturbances.

    GNSS measurements can be taken from any position on site, saving users up to 20 percent of time in the field over conventional surveying practices, because they no longer need to hold the pole vertical to level the bubble.

    The GS18 T uses precise inertial measuring units (IMUs) and not a compass, so that users can measure with a tilted pole close to buildings, underneath cars and close to metallic objects.

    With integrated quality assurance, the GS18 T records exactly how the pole was leveled during the measurement. The GS18 T then stores the values, ensuring measurement traceability and complete quality reporting.

    Software updates

    Fully supporting the GS18 T, Leica Captivate v3.0 field software and Leica Infinity v2.4 office software now offer users a more immersive means of control on site and at the desk.

    Captivate now allows configuration of the GS18 T for all measuring and staking applications and the visualization of tilt compensated measurements. Measured data can be directly imported into Infinity or exported into a variety of formats suitable for CAD packages.

    Within Infinity, users can visualise the measured data, including the creation of reports providing full traceability and quality assurance for themselves and their clients.