Topcon Positioning Group announces cross-platform support for the MAGNET Construct app. The no-cost app is purpose built to drive the LN-100 Layout Navigator system and was initially released for the Android market. This “out of the box productivity” is now available for Apple devices as well.
“Whether you prefer Android devices or the latest Apple iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch hardware, the free MAGNET Construct app offers intuitive options to wirelessly connect to and drive an LN-100 for fast as-built measurements as well as graphical guidance to your design data,” said David Ahl, director of software product management.
“It’s an example of our focus to provide more options that cater to the preferences of end-users,” said Ahl. “This cross-platform compatibility of the MAGNET Construct app makes entry-level precise measurement solutions for diverse 3D layout applications even more accessible.”
MAGNET Construct also offers secure connectivity to MAGNET Enterprise web services for real-time data exchange from active project sites to and from the office.
MAGNET Construct is currently available on both the Apple App Store as well as Google Play.
Unicore has released the UB380 GPS/GLONASSS/BDS high-precision board at ION GNSS+ 2015, held this week in Tampa, Fla.
UB380 is a multi-GNSS receiver that supports GPS, GLONASS and BDS. It is based on Unicore’s mature multi-GNSS system on chip (SoC). UB380 is designed for high-precision positioning, navigation and GBAS applications.
UB380 can track GPS L1, L2, L5; GLONASS L1, L2; and BDS B1,B2, B3 (support) — the support of GPS L2P, L2C can satisfy the high-precision requirements of GBAS reference station equipment.
With the latest tri-frequency RTK engine, UB380 can process tri-frequency of BDS and GPS, and the dual-frequency of GLONASS observation data, which can significantly reduce initialization time, improve position accuracy, and enhance reliability in difficult environments such as in urban canyons and under tree canopy, as well as make long baseline RTK possible.
The UR380 GNSS receiver with UB380 inside.
UB380 is compatible with industry-standard GNSS boards in size, interfaces and electrical standards.
Features of UB380:
384 channels, support for BDS B1/B2/B3 + GPS L1/L2/L5 + GLONASS L1/L2
Trimble debuted its new R2 GNSS receiver at INTERGEO 2015, held this week in Stuttgart, Germany.
The R2 GNSS receiver is a receiver that works with Trimble handheld devices and iOS, Android or Window mobile handhelds, smartphones and tablets using Bluetooth or USB connectivity. When paired with a mobile device, the receiver adds professional-grade GNSS capabilities for better accuracy. The rugged Trimble R2 provides GIS and survey professionals the flexibility to choose the mobile device, workflows and accuracy they need based on applications.
Trimble R2 GNSS Receiver for Mobile Devices
The Trimble R2 GNSS receiver is compact and portable, weighing 2.4 pounds. With one button operation and field swappable battery, the receiver can be pole or vehicle mounted or carried on a backpack. The R2 is a multi-constellation receiver that supports GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou and QZSS satellite signals as well as SBAS.
With a variety of standard and optional correction capabilities, the Trimble R2 can achieve sub-meter to centimeter positioning for a broad range of accuracy requirements. The receiver is an option for the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) strategy.
“Today’s geospatial professionals require flexible solutions which allow for configuration to meet their specific job requirements,” said Ron Bisio, general manager of Trimble’s Surveying and Geospatial Division. “The Trimble R2’s versatility to support GIS and survey workflows as well as BYOD deployment enables geospatial professionals to collect data using the mobile device, workflow and accuracy they choose.”
Workflows – GIS and Survey Field Software
Designed for both GIS field data collection and survey workflows, the Trimble R2 receiver integrates with Trimble TerraFlex mapping and GIS field software and Trimble Access survey field software.
TerraFlex software is a scalable cloud-based solution for geospatial data collection. By pairing the R2 with a smart device or Trimble handheld running TerraFlex, the solution addresses a wide variety of field requirements, including attribute-rich GIS data collection on consumer and professional devices.
Trimble Access software supports the workflows of everyday surveying tasks such as topographic and control surveys and specialized surveying tasks such as roads, monitoring, tunnels and mines. By pairing the receiver with a Trimble handheld running Trimble Access or TerraFlex field software, the Trimble R2 is a versatile solution that supports the full range of geospatial data collection workflows for both GIS and survey applications.
Flexible Accuracy
It us capable of receiving a broad range of corrections from traditional RTK, VRS networks and SBAS to Trimble RTX correction services via cellular/IP connections or satellite (L-band), the Trimble R2 provides high-accuracy data worldwide.
The R2 GNSS receiver can leverage the entire portfolio of subscription-based Trimble RTX correction services to accommodate a wide range of applications and accuracy requirements. This includes CenterPoint RTX (less than 4 centimeters), RangePoint RTX (less than 50 centimeters), and ViewPoint RTX (less than 1 meter) correction services.
Applanix Corporation has announced the POS AVX 210, the latest addition to its airborne position and orientation portfolio for direct georeferencing of airborne mapping sensors. Using Applanix’ GNSS and inertial technology, the POS AVX 210 enables airborne surveyors to achieve gains in accuracy, efficiency and productivity for low-altitude or small form factor sensors, when compared to GNSS-only point-matching or aerial triangulation techniques.
The announcement was made at the INTERGEO 2015 conference and exhibition in Stuttgart, where Applanix is exhibiting in Hall 8, Booth C8.047.
For photogrammetric applications, the POS AVX 210 delivers highly accurate exterior orientation solutions — reducing the requirement for ground control in assisted aerial triangulation of digital single lens reflex (DSLR) or medium-format photogrammetric imagery. For low-altitude lidar applications, the POS AVX 210 provides the required precision and accuracy of direct georeferencing to enable users to generate point clouds for further refinement in adjustment software.
The POS AVX 210 is fully compatible with, and supported by, POSPac MMS, Applanix’ post-mission software for direct georeferencing of airborne mapping sensors. It is also features a seamless integration with the NanoTrack system from Track’Air, a leading commercial flight management system designed for highly efficient survey flight operations. Aircraft equipped with the POS AVX 210 and NanoTrack will be able to fly missions with reduced sidelap between flightlines, and a greatly reduced requirement for ground control points. These benefits can reduce costs and improve the efficiency of both data collection and the production of finished data sets for end users.
“With POS AVX 210, Applanix has answered a need in the marketplace for a small, compact system that enables efficient data gathering from low-cost yet highly effective sensors. These include DSLR and Medium format cameras, low-altitude lidar systems, and other systems,” said Joe Hutton, director of Inertial Technology and Airborne Products at Applanix.
POS AVX 210 consists of a single rugged enclosure containing a precision GNSS receiver and micro-electro-mechanical-system (MEMS) inertial sensors calibrated with the Applanix SmartCal technology, coupled with on-board data logging capability and interfaces for mapping sensors and flight management systems. POSPac MMS, available as an option with POS AVX 210, is a powerful GNSS-inertial processing software package that includes proprietary advanced capabilities such as the Applanix SmartBase virtual reference station, Applanix InFusion algorithms for increased productivity, and CalQC, a suite of data optimization and quality management tools.
“POS AVX 210 builds on the technological foundation of our established POS AV portfolio for large format sensors, and brings into play the innovations developed for our unmanned solutions. This combination of experience and innovation enables us to deliver a package that strikes the optimal balance between price and performance for this segment,” Hutton said.
POS AVX 210 is expected to be available in the first quarter of 2016 through Applanix’ airborne sales channels.
The iMS 3D indoor mapping system by Viametris uses an Ellipse-A by SBG for roll and pitch data.
SBG Systems will join Viametris in presenting a new 3D indoor scanning system at the INTERGEO trade show, which will be held Sept. 15-17 in Stuttgart, Germany.
The iMS 3D is a mobile 3D indoor scanner generating continuous point clouds. For this brand-new model of indoor mobile mapping system, or iMMS, Viametris chose SBG Systems’ miniature Attitude and Heading Reference Sensor (AHRS), the Ellipse-A. The iMS 3D is easier to transport, install and set up than previous iMMS. The iMS 3D also integrates new sensors, including the Ellipse-A from SBG Systems.
Based on the SLAM technology, the iMS 3D is equipped with three lidar profilers, each taking 40,000 points per second. The main lidar provides the horizontal profile, which also contributes to the continuous calculation of the iMS 3D position in the building. Two lateral lidars give vertical profiles, including the ceiling. While the user walks, pushing the iMS 3D at normal speed, the 3D profile of the room appears on the screen, since the system records 3D measurements of the same room. Easy to manipulate, one person is enough to survey every corner of the building with the iMS 3D.
During the survey, the 360-degree camera takes a spherical picture every two meters for a full documentation of the building. This solution makes indoor survey 10 times quicker than traditional methods usually using distance meters, Viametris said, adding that the iMS 3D delivers a combination of point density, acquisition speed and accuracy suitable for the building trade industry.
At the office, the user accesses a centimeter-level accuracy 3D survey as a point cloud and pictures by using the Viametris processing and browsing software. The user can import the point cloud in CAD software (Autodesk Revit, AutoCAD, MicroStation, Rhino, etc.) to easily produce 2D maps or 3D models. The point cloud can be colorized with the colors of the pictures taken during the survey, which greatly improves the environment understanding. Additionally, the user has access to contextual 360-degree pictures, making objects such as radiators, extinguishers or lights simple to distinguish and locate.
Ellipse-A.
Already integrated in other Viametris ultraportable technologies, the Ellipse-A has been chosen for this new generation of indoor mobile mapping system, or iMMS. “We integrated an Ellipse-A in our 2D system and were very happy with the results. It was obvious to us that the Ellipse-A will be part of our new iMMS,” said Jérôme Ninot, president of Viametris. The Ellipse-A is used to correct the horizontal profile. While the user is pushing the iMS 3D through the rooms, unevenness, slopes and ramps, cables or door thresholds can cause noise in the point cloud. The Ellipse-A keeps the point cloud clean by correcting the horizontal lidar data frames used to build the trajectory.
The Ellipse-A AHRS provides roll and pitch data accurate to 0.2° at 200 Hz. “The Ellipse sensors are much more efficient than the previous IG-500 product line,” said Mr. Ninot.
Keeping lidar and camera data precisely synchronized can be difficult because the camera focal time is susceptible to vary. In mobile scanning, even a slight latency might cause an offset. For example, the picture will not be located on the right place inside the point cloud. Viametris decided to connect the camera and the three lidars to the Ellipse-A to ensure a highly accurate and repeatable synchronization.
At INTERGEO 2015, the iMS 3D will be presented at stand # B4.049 and the ELLIPSE-A will be presented at stand # G4.079.
Leica Geosystems, manufacturer of the Leica Viva GNSS Unlimited series and GS14 GNSS receiver, has added a new hybrid communication technology to its compact and powerful GNSS smart antenna. The latest generation Leica Viva GS14 GNSS now supports Verizon CDMA solutions along with all standard 2G/3G networks and UHF TX/RX radio in a single device, making it a professional GNSS receiver with all three communication systems built in. Users simply slide in their SIM card to experience instant connectivity for faster and easier field communications and SmartNet RTK corrections, the company said.
The Leica Viva GS14 3.75G&UHF supports 2G GPRS, 3G HSPa+, CDMA (EV DO) and UHF TX/RX radio between 450 and 470 MHz in one compact housing. Professionals can choose whether they want to use the UHF radio to transmit or receive work, a 2G/3G cellular network, or Verizon CDMA. No external equipment is required.
“The Leica Viva GS14 with its hybrid communication technology is the most advanced compact GNSS receiver in the market,” said Bernhard Richter, Leica Geosystems GNSS business director. “The addition of CDMA modem capability in a unique all-in-one design offers unmatched flexibility in communication choices.”
The Leica Viva GS14 3.75G&UHF is available today throughout the United States. Ordering information and details are available from all authorized U.S. Leica Geosystems representatives and dealers.
Routescene aims to alter the surveying world, allowing surveys to take place that previously would have been cost or time prohibitive. The Routescene LidarPod, introduced at INTERGEO 2014, was developed to save time, improve efficiencies and productivity.
The LidarPod — 3D mapping technology designed specifically for use on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) — enables faster surveys, decreasing time in the field and reducing data download time, ensuring users are working with resulting datasets within hours, Routescene said. The business benefits mean surveying is more accessible, can be applied to more scenarios, and enables customers to allocate budget more effectively, the company said.
The LidarPod has many applications, such as powerline inspection for utilities, in forestry to determine biomass volumes, cut and fill analysis in mining, and highway mapping and surveys. The LidarPod is a turnkey system that is lightweight, compact and quick to deploy in the field, the company said. It can be used on vehicles as well as UAVs, making it flexible in many different environments.
Tony Murfin, GPS World’s contributing editor for professional OEM editor, discussed the Routescene LidarPod in his column.
GlobalTop Technology has launched FireFly X1, a tiny Mediatek-based multi-GNSS module. With a compact size of 9.0 x 9.5 x 2.1 millimeters, it’s one of the smallest multi-GNSS modules in the industry, the company said.
“Compact size and low-power consumption will be the key [unique selling points] for the next generation of M2M Devices,” said Sam Khan, vice CEO of GlobalTop Technology. “After a comprehensive market study, we found that small size was one of the most important factors for companies when it came to GNSS module selection; other key factors included power consumption, TTFF, positioning accuracy, additional interfaces as well as quality and longevity of the module. I am proud to say that FireFly X1 delivers perfectly on all these criteria.”
According to Khan, the FireFly X1 was designed with “sophisticated engineering and an entirely new set of ultra-compact quality components to reach this miniature size, while adding more features and interfaces at the same time.” It uses the latest MT3333 engine with full support for GPS, QZSS, GLONASS and BeiDou, and is Galileo ready.
Tracking of up to two constellations simultaneously, and relying on the latest Mediatek firmware, it can provide positioning accuracy of up to 1.8 m CEP. Enabling EASY (self-generated orbit prediction), AGPS (ephermis file injection) and SBAS further enhances position accuracy.
Despite a smaller size, FireFly X1 incorporates a complete set of high-quality components, including TCXO, RTC Crystal, SMPS, SAW Filter and an additional LNA to provide reliable performance.
FireFly X1 combines miniature size with flexible multi-interface connectivity options such as SPI and I²C that can simplify a user’s design, and is designed for M2M devices relying on low-cost MCUs that offer limited serial interfaces.
GlobalTop’s free customization service further expands the capability of FireFly X1 with features such as custom NMEA output sentence, distance calculation, geofencing, magnetic variation and last- position-retention. Advanced users can also customize the basic parameters of the module, including baud rate, update rate, internal logger settings, DGPS mode, 3D Fix, 1 PPS timing, and more.
All modules are produced at GlobalTop’s in-house ISO 9001:2008 certified manufacturing facility, with 100 percent unit testing and complete quality control, allowing for a consistent annual yield rate of 99.98 percent.
Samples and Evaluation Kits for FireFly X1 are now available. Please contact us or your local distributor for more information.
Sony is developing an unmanned aerial vehicle that lifts off and lands vertically like a helicopter (also known as a VTOL craft for vertical take-off and landing.) The VTOL drone is being developed with a Tokyo robotics firm under a collaborative company called Aerosense.
The drone can carry up to 22 pounds, fly continuously for two hours, and reach a speed of 106 miles per hour. Sony is developing it for business customers, who would use it for “measuring, surveying, observing and inspecting” as soon as next year, so it will likely carry different types of instruments, depending on the task a customer requires.
The video below shows a prototype flight on Monday.
Aerosense, created this month, is a joint venture between Sony and Tokyo-based startup ZMP Inc., which specializes in autopilot technology. The venture is part of Sony’s efforts to move beyond its core consumer products into enterprise markets. Aerosense will offer services such as inspecting aging infrastructure and surveying land that is difficult to access. The drones would be piloted automatically based on input from users about which areas they want surveyed.
TerraGo Edge version 3.7, now available, includes new intelligent, responsive forms, as well as GPS and GIS enhancements designed to dramatically improve the speed, quality and efficiency of asset inspections, land surveys and any location-based data-collection project.
TerraGo Edge smart forms can accelerate the data-collection process by automating and accelerating user entries while eliminating unnecessary or redundant steps. Smart forms can be customized to meet the workflow requirements of customers in any industry.
New features in version 3.7 include:
Advanced Form Creation with New Smart Forms
Form groups – new form element to organize multiple related fields
Conditional fields – additional fields appear based on user entry of other fields
Barcode and QR code support – instantly scans codes to eliminate manual entry
Calculated fields – calculated result field based on other form field values
Multiple form attachments – ability to attach two or more forms to a single Note
Handheld Group is offering expansion pack features for its Nautiz X8 rugged field computer. The new functionalities will make the Nautiz X8 more versatile for field workers in a number of market segments, including forestry, surveying, construction, field services, warehouse projects and logistics.
The Nautiz X8 was built to enable efficient and reliable data collection in the toughest of environments. Ultra-rugged with superior processing power, screen size and sunlight visibility, the X8 is used in the GIS, land surveying, public safety, forestry and military sectors.
Handheld now offers three expansion packs for the Nautiz X8:
Nautiz X8 Long Range Bluetooth (LRBT) Expansion Pack features a LRBT u-blox module, which allows long-range communication up to 300 meters. This option is especially well-suited for advanced forestry solutions, surveying and construction work.
Nautiz X8 Barcode Expansion Pack features an imager module (Zebra SE4750SR) with an LED aimer, which allows for competitive scanning performance without sacrificing design, ruggedness or user experience. This option is ideal for workers in field service, warehouse projects and logistics.
Nautiz X8 Basic Expansion Pack is an empty add-on cap for an extension of your choice. It increases the Nautiz X8’s customizability and flexibility for specific customer requirements. It also allows users to install custom accessories under the cap using the proprietary interface.
The new Nautiz X8 expansion packs will be available in September. All cap versions are designed to retain the Nautiz X8 IP67 classification.
“The Nautiz X8 is the world’s best rugged handheld computer, with an outstanding screen and exceptional durability, connectivity, processing power and battery life — without compromising ergonomics or design,” said Jerker Hellström, CEO of Handheld Group. “These new expansions will make it even more versatile, customizable and attractive for field users in a number of industry segments. We take pride in always working with our partners and customers to understand their specific needs and create solutions they actually want and will benefit from.”
The Nautiz X8 has an IP67 ingress protection rating and is protected against dust, sand and water immersion. It also meets MIL-STD-810G military test standards for overall durability and resistance to humidity, shock, vibrations, drops, salt and extreme temperatures.
Tallysman, a manufacturer of high-performance GNSS antennas, has launched a higher gain dual-frequency embedded antenna: the TW3870E. The TW3870E antenna has a typical gain of 35 dB which is required by some GNSS receivers, such as Trimble’s BD9xx family of receivers.
The antenna is capable of receiving GPS L1/L2 and GLONASS G1/G2 signals. It employs Tallysman’s Accutenna technology, which can provide low axial ratios, high multi-path signal rejection, low noise, tight PCV and a phase linear response.
The TW3870E is 60 mm in diameter and has four drilled plated holes for secure mounting within customers’ products. The antenna can be custom tuned to ensure optimal performance. Custom cable lengths and connectors are also available.
The antenna is REACH and ROHS compliant.
Visit Tallysman’s booth at INTERGEO 2015, Hall E8, Booth 038 to learn more about the TW3870E and other Tallysman antennas.
Topcon Positioning Group announces cross-platform support for the MAGNET Construct app. The no-cost app is purpose built to drive the LN-100 Layout Navigator system and was initially released for the Android market. This “out of the box productivity” is now available for Apple devices as well.
