Tag: product showcase

Trimble Offers Expanded GNSS Portfolio for Surveyors

Trimble has introduced additions to its GNSS portfolio — the Trimble NetR9 Geospatial receiver; the Trimble Geo7X with Trimble Access field software onboard; and enhanced Trimble xFill functionality that provides continuous RTK level accuracy when paired with a Trimble CenterPoint RTX subscription. The new additions offer surveyors more flexibility in the field to meet a variety of work requirements.

The announcement was made today at InterGeo 2014, the world’s largest conference on geodesy, geoinformatics and land management.

The Trimble NetR9 Geospatial GNSS Receiver. Photo: Trimble

Trimble NetR9 Geospatial GNSS Receiver. The Trimble NetR9 Geospatial has been configured as a comprehensive modular GNSS receiver for the professional survey market. The lightweight form factor of the NetR9 comes fully loaded with performance enhancements including: Trimble HD-GNSS technology, Trimble 360 technology, Trimble CenterPoint RTX correction service support and Trimble xFill technology. The combination of these capabilities provide a powerful solution that delivers accurate positioning and support for all existing and currently planned GNSS constellations, and continuous RTK-level precision during interruptions of the primary correction source, Trimble said.

Serving as either a rover or mobile base station, the NetR9 Geospatial offers the flexibility to choose a GNSS antenna and radio solution that matches the surveyor’s specific workflow needs. “Trimble’s GNSS solutions are designed to meet the unique requirements of surveyors,” said Elmar Lenz, business area director of GNSS Solutions for Trimble’s Geospatial GNSS Division. “These solutions provide professionals in the survey and engineering industry with flexible tools to stay productive and competitive, delivering the appropriate solution for any survey project that’s being completed, no matter where our customers work and survey.”

Trimble Geo 7X with Trimble Access. Designed for surveyors facing a variety of workflow requirements to accomplish both high-accuracy surveying and handheld point measurement, the Geo7X is now available with Trimble Access field software onboard. With Trimble Access onboard the Geo7X, surveyors benefit from a familiar, easy-to-use software interface that provides common survey workflows directly on their GNSS handheld, resulting in increased data collection efficiency.

The Geo7X is a dedicated network rover that can be used on a survey rod with an external antenna for survey-grade accuracy. If the surveyor prefers the convenience of a highly mobile handheld solution, they can snap if off the rod and switch to the internal antenna. In this mode, they also have easier access to other features such as the integrated camera for collecting attribute data.

Trimble xFill in use. Photo: Trimble

Expanded Trimble xFill Functionality. Expanded xFill functionality, available in the Trimble R10 GNSS receiver and NetR9 Geospatial receiver, allows surveyors to continue collecting data with centimeter accuracy indefinitely throughout their workday when the connection to the base station or VRS network is lost. The expanded xFill functionality is enabled via a CenterPoint RTX subscription.

Without a Trimble CenterPoint RTX subscription, xFill maintains RTK level accuracy for up to five minutes during interruptions in the primary terrestrial correction stream. This basic xFill functionality is included with the Timble R10 GNSS system and is now included with the NetR9 Geospatial GNSS receiver.

“With expanded accuracy levels and seamless RTK/RTX transition, the Trimble R10 continues to offer unprecedented capability to the survey professional,” said Lenz. “Connectivity problems are traditionally one of the biggest GNSS-related challenges a surveyor will face while in the field and expanded Trimble xFill functionality significantly helps solve that problem, saving time and money.”

October 7, 2014
Carlson Software Introduces Surveyor2 Data Collector at InterGeo

Photo: Carlson Software

The Carlson Surveyor2, the newest model of Carlson Software’s Carlson Surveyor line of data collectors, was launched at the InterGeo Trade Show in Berlin this week.

The handheld surveyor is on display at Carlson’s Stand 1.037, Hall 1.1, at InterGeo.

Fast, durable and more powerful, the Carlson Surveyor2 is ruggedized, with an IP68 water and dust-resistant ingress rating. Still weighing two pounds, the Carlson Surveyor2 offers increased program memory (now 512MB) and increased non-volatile data storage (now 8 gigabytes), and a 1.0-GHz processor to provide the speed surveyors need in the field. It comes equipped with significantly increased Bluetooth range, up to 1500 feet when paired with a class I device.

The Surveyor2’s QWERTY keyboard eases data entry and is designed to be workable even for those with large hands or wearing gloves. The backlit keys and larger, brighter display screen allow users to work effectively in all lighting conditions.

“Not only did the Surveyor2 retain the durability of its predecessor, but its higher-resolution, easier-to-read display screen also comes with scratch-resistant glass,” said Bruce Carlson, president and founder of Carlson Software. “An added convenience is its enhanced battery life — up to 20 hours.”

The Surveyor2 has kept its easy-to-grip design, being thinner front to back than other data collectors when resting on a table top. The computer runs on Windows Mobile 6.5.3 and Carlson SurvCE 4.0 can be included. SurvCE is the powerful data collection software used around the world.

The Surveyor2 is designed for surveying, stake out, construction layout and GIS mapping. The easy-to-use, tab-based menu and advanced graphics in Carlson SurvCE 4.0 enhance the Carlson Surveyor2’s usability. Options include an integrated GSM cell modem for real-time connectivity, an integrated 5 MP camera with LED illuminator that doubles as flashlight, and a mapping-grade GNSS receiver.

October 7, 2014
Hemisphere GNSS Offers New Survey-Grade GNSS Antennas

The A25 and A45 antennas. Photo: Hemisphere GNSS

Hemisphere GNSS has announced two low profile, multipurpose antennas that it says will exceed expectations in all GNSS applications. With unique filtering patterns and precise attention paid to mitigation of multipath and interference, the A25 and A45 antennas complement all GNSS products, from L1 GPS to multi-frequency, multi-constellation.

Both antennas are being featured at the InterGeo 2014 Conference and Trade Show in Berlin this week, at stand C2.007.

The A25 and A45 have been designed to support millimeter accuracy for land and marine applications. Both antennas support present and future GNSS signals, including GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, QZSS, and Galileo. The A25 supports the previously mentioned signals at a single-frequency level, while the A45 supports these signals at a multi-frequency level.

“We’ve designed these antennas to excel in challenging environments such as near buildings or under foliage,” said Lyle Geck, senior manager of product marketing at Hemisphere GNSS. “They have superior multipath mitigation, stable phase centers and strong SNR’s, even at low elevations.”

The ruggedized housing used by both antennas is made of an aluminum base that has been pretreated for the marine environment and will withstand salt, fog, and spray. The antennas pass the two-meter pole drop test.

The A25 is a multi-GNSS precision antenna, designed for a variety of applications including GIS, single-frequency RTK positioning and navigation, and precision guidance. The A45 is a survey-grade, multi-GNSS precision antenna for a variety of applications including surveying, RTK positioning and navigation, precision guidance, and machine control.

For more information about Hemisphere GNSS’ antennas and other products, please visit www.hgnss.com/Products-Solutions.

October 7, 2014
Applanix Offers Single-Board GNSS-Inertial System for UAV Mapping

Photo: Applanix

Applanix, a mobile mapping and positioning company, has introduced a new product that enables major improvements in unmanned airborne mapping: the Applanix APX-15 UAV GNSS-Inertial System. The announcement was made at InterGeo, being held this week in Berlin.

The APX-15 UAV is designed to maximize the efficiency of mapping from small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) by reducing — or even eliminating — Ground Control Points (GCPs). Sidelap is also significantly reduced, increasing the area flown per mission. The Applanix APX-15 UAV provides performance in a small package and, with the included POSPac UAV post-mission software, produces a highly accurate position and orientation solution for direct georeferencing of cameras, LIDARs and other UAS sensors, the company said.

“Applanix has recognized the need to provide the growing UAS mapping market with the same highly efficient solutions that it pioneered for airborne mapping over 15 years ago,” said Joe Hutton, Director of Inertial Technology and Airborne Products at Applanix Corporation. “We are offering a cost-effective solution that meets the size, weight, power and cost requirements of small UAS, and maintains the Applanix pedigree for quality and performance.”

The APX-15 UAV, measuring just 6 cm x 6.7 cm and weighing only 60 grams, features a high-performance, survey-grade, multi-frequency GNSS receiver and low-noise MEMS inertial sensors all on a single board. The Applanix IN-Fusion GNSS-Inertial integration technology runs directly on the GNSS receiver, resulting in an ultra-compact design, while superior performance is achieved from the inertial sensors using the Applanix SmartCal software compensation technology.

With 220 channels, the APX-15 UAV tracks all available GNSS satellite signals including GPS L1/L2/L2C/L5 and GLONASS L1/L2, QZSS, BeiDou and Galileo, and provides a highly accurate post-mission and real-time RTK GNSS-inertial position and orientation solution to support guidance and control, precision landing and sensor geo-referencing.

APX-15 UAV is expected to be available worldwide in the first quarter of 2015 through the Applanix sales channel.

October 7, 2014
Oxford Technical Launches Board Set for System Integrators

Photo: Oxford Technical Solutions

Oxford Technical Solutions (OxTS) has announced the latest addition to its OEM line of inertial navigation systems, the xOEM500. The OxTS is a high-performance GNSS/INS system embedded on a single compact board set. It offers dual GNSS receivers and a high-grade MEMS IMU (inertial measurement unit) to system integrators in an easy-to-integrate 120-g package.

With attractive prices for volume sales, the xOEM500 is one of the world’s smallest tactical-grade INSs available.

OxTS is exhibiting at InterGeo. Visit stand B4.002 or visit the company website.

October 3, 2014
Orbit GT Showcases UAS Mapping Pro at InterGeo

Orbit GeoSpatial Technologies will showcase Orbit UAS Mapping Pro, version 11.0, at InterGeo, October 7-9 in Berlin.

“Orbit’s UAS Mapping Pro 11.0 is an impressive product for all professional UAV systems engaged in mapping,” said Peter Bonne, CEO at Orbit GT. “Based on our seven-year experience in high-precision UAS mapping, this software covers the complete UAS workflow for mapping purposes.”

Orbit UAS Mapping Pro includes preflight setup, post-processing, orthocreation, dense DEM creation, creation of contour lines, extraction of profiles, calculation of volumes and stereo-viewing. It also includes digitizing tools to convert raw data to 3D vector data ready for GIS or CAD.

Orbit’s approach to continue support for photogrammetric techniques joins with detailed user control over processing tools. Reports list the results in high detail for professional use.

Orbit GeoSpatial will exhibit in booth E2-038 in Hall 2.1.

October 3, 2014
Telit Introduces Jupiter SL869-V2S GPS Module
The Jupiter SL869-V2S GPS module. Photo: Telit Wireless Solutions

Telit Wireless Solutions, a global provider of high-quality machine-to-machine (M2M) modules and services, today debuted the Jupiter SL869-V2S GPS module, designed for easy migration between a full-GNSS solution for top-ranked applications and a simple GPS-only solution for less demanding applications.

The Jupiter SL869 V2S supports GPS as well as QZSS constellations and is ROM based. Geo-location data is delivered using NMEA protocol through a standard UART port. It supports ephemeris file injection (A-GPS) as well as Satellite Based Augmentation System (SBAS) for increased position accuracy. Its onboard software engine is able to locally predict ephemeris three days in advance starting from ephemeris data broadcast by GNSS satellites, received by the module and stored in the host flash memory.

Key benefits include:
- Pin-to-pin compatibility with JN3/xL869 family
- Same protocol used in SL869 V2
- Straightforward migration between full-GNSS solutions and GPS-only solutions
- SBAS support, for increased position accuracy
- Assisted GPS
The SL869 V2S can replace the JN3, SL869 or SL869 V2 — allowing customers to design once and interchangeably mount the appropriate solution depending on the required features. The xL869 is Telit’s GNSS unified form-factor family, which allows customers to select among different GNSS technologies and feature sets. Modules in this family are offered in a 16 x 12.2 mm, 24-pad, LCC package.

“The new SL869 V2S module is designed to be easily swapped with other xL869 modules for enhanced simplicity and scalability,” said Taneli Tuurnala, CEO of Telit GNSS Solutions. “It is an ideal example of how buying a module from Telit enables our customers to avert the need to keep track of the latest chipset technology on their own. We keep them on top of the best available technology, pre-packaged in a module that is easy to replace as needed, without having to redesign their entire application to stay up to date.”
September 24, 2014
Handheld Group Launches Nautiz X8 Device for GIS

Handheld Group, a manufacturer of rugged mobile computers, has launched the Nautiz X8 rugged PDA. The Nautiz X8 is a handheld computer with superior processing power, screen performance and battery life, the company said. It is built for tough field conditions primarily in GIS, land surveying, public safety, forestry and the military.

The Nautiz X8 is built to enable efficient and reliable data collection in tough environments. It has an IP67 ingress protection rating, which means it offers complete protection against dust and sand and can withstand immersion in water. It also meets stringent MIL-STD-810G military test standards for overall durability and resistance to humidity, shock, vibration, drops, salt and extreme temperatures.

The Nautiz X8 features a high-performance Texas Instruments 4470 dual-core 1.5 GHz processor. It has 1 GB of RAM, 4 GB of iNAND Flash and a 5200 mAh Li-ion battery that lasts up to 12 hours on a single charge. It comes with a choice of operating systems — Android 4.2.2 or Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5.3.

The device has a large 4.7-inch ultra-bright capacitive multi-touch screen with chemically strengthened Asahi Dragontrail glass, offering users brightness and protection in any field condition. The unit has an ergonomic design and weighs 490 grams (17.3 ounces).

The Nautiz X8 has a dedicated u-blox GPS receiver, Bluetooth 2.0 and 802.11b/g/n WLAN functionality, as well as connectivity through GSM/UMTS or CDMA phone data transmission. A built-in 8-megapixel camera with autofocus and an LED flash lets users capture visual data quickly and easily. This handheld also features an open architecture and an extension cap system that allows for additional hardware connections such as sensors, radios and other add-ons.

Orders for the new Nautiz X8 can be placed immediately. First deliveries will begin in November.

The Nautiz X8 rugged handheld will be shown first at WEFTEC in New Orleans, followed by InterGeo in Berlin.

September 23, 2014
Handheld Group Launches Nautiz X8 Rugged Device

Photo: Handheld Group

Handheld Group, a manufacturer of rugged mobile computers, has launched the Nautiz X8 rugged PDA. The Nautiz X8 is a handheld computer with superior processing power, screen performance and battery life, the company said. It is built for tough field conditions primarily in GIS, land surveying, public safety, forestry and the military.

Photo: Handheld Group

The Nautiz X8 is built to enable efficient and reliable data collection in tough environments. It has an IP67 ingress protection rating, which means it offers complete protection against dust and sand and can withstand immersion in water. It also meets stringent MIL-STD-810G military test standards for overall durability and resistance to humidity, shock, vibration, drops, salt and extreme temperatures.

The Nautiz X8 features a high-performance Texas Instruments 4470 dual-core 1.5 GHz processor. It has 1 GB of RAM, 4 GB of iNAND Flash and a 5200 mAh Li-ion battery that lasts up to 12 hours on a single charge. It comes with a choice of operating systems — Android 4.2.2 or Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5.3.

The device has a large 4.7-inch ultra-bright capacitive multi-touch screen with chemically strengthened Asahi Dragontrail glass, offering users brightness and protection in any field condition. The unit has an ergonomic design and weighs 490 grams (17.3 ounces).

The Nautiz X8 has a dedicated u-blox GPS receiver, Bluetooth 2.0 and 802.11b/g/n WLAN functionality, as well as connectivity through GSM/UMTS or CDMA phone data transmission. A built-in 8-megapixel camera with autofocus and an LED flash lets users capture visual data quickly and easily. This handheld also features an open architecture and an extension cap system that allows for additional hardware connections such as sensors, radios and other add-ons.

Orders for the new Nautiz X8 can be placed immediately. First deliveries will begin in November.

The Nautiz X8 rugged handheld will be shown first at WEFTEC in New Orleans, followed by InterGeo in Berlin.

September 23, 2014
Janam Introduces Powerful Rugged Tablet

Photo: Janam Technologies LLC

Janam Technologies LLC, a provider of rugged mobile computers that scan barcodes and communicate wirelessly, has launched XT1, a powerful rugged tablet for the mobile workforce. The XT1 rugged mini-tablet is Janam’s first device to support the Android operating system, and is built to meet the diverse needs and demanding requirements of enterprise and government customers.

The XT1 combines best-in-class technologies with a sleek and rugged form factor, providing mobile workers with the information they need to make better informed decisions, increase customer satisfaction, and improve operational efficiencies, the company said. Equipped with integrated 2D barcode scanning technology to eliminate the challenges often associated with camera scanners or bulky sled attachments, the XT1 is designed to improve worker productivity in field sales, field service, healthcare, hospitality and retail markets.

“Many enterprise customers require more screen viewability than traditional PDAs or handheld computers offer, yet full-display rugged tablets are large, thick, heavy and unwieldy,” said Harry B. Lerner, CEO of Janam. “Janam resolves this dilemma. The XT1 blends cutting-edge technologies most often found in consumer phones with mission-critical key features that enterprises need such as ruggedness, sealing, barcode scanning and rapid battery recharging, among others. The result is a sleek, lightweight, rugged mini-tablet that delivers superior performance without sacrificing usability.”

In addition to 4G-ready UMTS/HSDPA/HSUPA/GSM wireless wide-area network communication, the XT1 is equipped with 802.11a/b/g/n dual-band WLAN for access to the information mobile workers need to get the job done, inside and outside the four walls. With IP54 sealing and the ability to withstand repeated three-foot drops to concrete, the XT1 delivers the reliability needed to excel in the most demanding environments, Janam said.

XT1 features include:
Android 4.2 operating system
TI OMAP4470 @ 1.5GHz
5.9-inch WVGA TFT capacitive touchscreen
High-performance 2D data capture
Multiple 3-foot/1-meter drops to concrete
IP54 sealing against environmental elements
Embedded RFID and NFC capabilities
Optional 3G/4G WWAN technology (UMTS/HSDPA/HSUPA/GSM)
1GB RAM, 16GB ROM
Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n
Bluetooth 4.0 (BLE)
High-sensitivity GPS and Assisted GPS
Motion sensing accelerometer
Front/rear cameras
User-accessible microSD card slot
3.5mm headset jack
MicroUSB connector
3000mAh rechargeable LiIon battery

September 22, 2014
Satellite-Synchronized Network Clock Released by SEL

The SEL-2488 satellite-synchronized network clock. Photo: SEL

SEL has released a new network clock designed for critical infrastructure and harsh environments. Model SEL-2488 receives GNSS time signals and distributes precise time via multiple output protocols, including IRIG-B and NTP.

The SEL-2488 provides time-delay compensation for antenna cables and output cables on per-port basis to further optimize time distribution accuracy. For security, the clock features the Syslog Ethernet standard for event messaging, role-based accounts and LDAP for user authentication, and secure HTTPS web interface.

The clock synchronizes with precise time accuracy to within ±40 nanoseconds to UTC for power protection applications. The standard TCXO holdover accuracy is 36 µs/day and the optional OCXO holdover accuracy is5 μs/day.

Time can be distributed from eight time outputs configurable for IRIG-B or time pulse outputs. The SEL-2488 also includes four standard Ethernet ports, which provide NTPv4 and are available in copper as well as single- or multimode fiber.

With Satellite Signal Verification, the SEL-2488 uses signals from a second satellite constellation to validate the GPS time signals, providing a layer of protection from GPS spoofing attacks. The SEL-2488 also provides an option for a second, redundant power supply and operates in a temperature range of –40° to +85°C (–40° to +185°F).

The SEL-2488 supports DHCP with a captive portal, LDAP, an HTTPS device webpage, and acSELerator QuickSet SEL-5030 software for easy and secure configuration.

September 16, 2014
Holux Launches Touchscreen Bike Computer with u-blox GPS

The Holux SporTrek 1305 for avid cyclists features a u-blox positioning module. Photo: Holux

Holux Technology, a maker of professional and consumer GPS products, has launched its next-generation bike computer, the SporTrek 1305, which integrates a u-blox MAX GPS/GNSS module. The new device delivers GPS and wireless health-monitoring features on a compact, three-inch color touchscreen display.

The device delivers a variety of useful information such as speed, heart rate, distance, altitude, map, and route, and comes with a calendar and stopwatch. SporTrek 1305 is the designed for touring, competitive cycling and mountain biking.

The device integrates a compact u-blox MAX GPS/GNSS module that supports GPS as well as GLONASS, QZSS and all SBAS. The module is targeted at applications requiring small size, low power, fast acquisition, and reliable operation in GPS hostile environments.

“Since 1994, Holux has been manufacturing a wide range of battery-operated GPS products for sports, automotive and safety devices. We count on extremely fast, low-power and accurate global positioning technology to deliver the features our customers demand,” said Eddy Huang, director, Marketing & Sales at Holux. “u-blox’ advanced satellite positioning module provides us with the performance, small size, and low power consumption that we need in a consistent, future-proofed form factor.”

u-blox MAX GPS/GNSS module. Photo: Holux

The SportTrek 1305 is shock and water resistant able to operate in all weather conditions. Equipped with Bluetooth Smart for accessories (such as heart-rate straps), it can also connect to heart-rate monitor / combo (speed and cadence) sensors and smartphone connection and notification, providing navigation and performance training data.

It also integrates a patented “carbon reduction” feature that informs the user about the amount of equivalent carbon emissions saved compared to driving, and converts the data into the corresponding number of trees planted to achieve the same effect.

SporTrek 1305 can be integrated with ezTour Plus software to share track route and analysis of physical states, and it can also be used to plan routes using the ezTour Planner feature. Users can integrate their own paper maps and third-party application as well.

September 8, 2014