GPS World

Tag: product showcase

  • DirectMail.com to Launch GeoInsight at DMA 2013

    DirectMail.com will launch GeoInsight, the firm’s advanced marketing intelligence and data sourcing tool, at DMA 2013. DirectMail.com will demonstrate GeoInsight’s capabilities at the Direct Marketing Association conference in Chicago on October 13–15.

    According to DirectMail.com, GeoInsight puts powerful, easy-to-use database analytics capabilities into marketers’ hands. Based on a web-based map interface, GeoInsight provides the following functionality:

    • The combined power of enterprise-level, location-based data analytics and real-time, customer-rich profile information,
    • Instant analysis of markets, customers and prospects, yielding visual and quantitative displays of geographic concentrations and lifestyle and purchasing characteristics, and
    • A new level of selectivity and precision in targeting prospects and engaging existing customers by combining a marketer’s existing database with GeoInsight’s location-based, data-mining and modeling information.

    The GeoInsight tool features enhancements such as:

    • A data visualization engine that allows customized reporting based on relevant data points,
    • Thematic map overlays, using either client data or enhanced consumer data,
    • Access to digital behavior insights, enabling better cross-channel marketing and timing,
    • Targeted segmentation and messaging strategy models, and
    • Analysis of client files based on customer transactional or summarized data.

    “DMA 2013, the global event for data-driven marketers, is the ideal venue for launching GeoInsight,” said Joe Leger, vice president of Data and Analytics, DirectMail.com. “Marketers who understand data’s power to transform a brand and a business will be amazed by how this innovative marketing intelligence and data sourcing tool brings a whole new level of selectivity and precision to the task of targeting prospects and engaging current customers. With GeoInsight’s revelations about customer behaviors and lifestyles, their ability to increase market share — and do so with greater return on marketing investment — will be facilitated.”

  • Parsec Combines Telit Technology with Micro-Mini Modules to Deliver Tiny GPS Receivers

    Parsec Technologies, Inc., today announced that the company’s Micro-Mini PTA/PT family of GNSS/GPS receiver modules seamlessly integrates with the Telit Wireless Solutions Jupiter SE880 three-dimensional system-in-a-package (3D-SIP) to enable what it calls the world’s smallest- to-date, commercial-class, low-cost GPS L1 receiver.

    By combining a PTA/PT family module with the Jupiter SE880 3D-SIP, OEMs and integrators are able to deliver a location-based service product with a GPS L1 receiver in a landed form factor of 20 x 20 x 6 millimenters, or 20 x 10 x 6 millimeters, depending upon component orientation. This contrasts with landed GPS receiver sizes integrating a passive ceramic patch antenna that measure 25 x 25 millimeters, and which Parsec says don’t match the GNSS/GPS frequencies in performance despite being four times the surface area.

    With the Parsec/Jupiter combination, integrators can design LBS-critical products with exceptional user experience in applications with severe use, such as obstructed satellite view and high path loss, including indoors, urban canyons, wearables, smart watches, vehicle under-dash on board diagnostics (OBD) devices, metal containers and aircraft fuselage asset tracking, and M.2/next-generation form factor (NGFF) products.

    Receivers combining Parsec PTA/PT Family and Telit Jupiter SE880 modules deliver good user experience in finished LBS critical products without sacrificing design flexibility, ease of implementation, or cost, Parsec said. The combination is fully vetted and “bulletproof” in providing a rewarding design experience making RF work reliably, passing end-product regulatory compliance testing without re-test.

    According to Michael A. Neenan, CEO and founder of Parsec, customers are future-proofing their LBS critical products when they select a Parsec PTA/PT family for integration with the Telit Jupiter SE880 3D-SIP. PTA/PT family modules receive and amplify any GNSS system signal from 1560 to 1610 MHz, including GPS L1/L1C, with high radiated efficiency in any end product orientation.

    Telit Jupiter SE880 reference design kits will soon be equipped with the Parsec PTA/PT family module. OEMs and integrators can order GPS L1 receiver solutions today.

    The PTA/PT family of GNSS/GPS receiver Micro-Mini modules extends Parsec’s decade-long tradition of stretching the state-of-the-art in small size, ultra-linearity, miniscule energy usage, high gain, low noise, Any Voltage operation, Field-and-Forget reliability, low cost, and ease of integration/use.

  • Spectra Precision Shows off New and Updated Products for Surveying

    Spectra Precision Shows off New and Updated Products for Surveying

    Photo: Spectra Precision
    Photo: Spectra Precision

    Spectra Precision introduced at Intergeo this week new and updated products to expand its portfolio of solutions addressing the needs of the mainstream surveying and construction markets. Intergeo 2013 is a geodesy, geoinformatics and land management trade event being held in Essen, Germany.

    “Earlier this year, we introduced a new reflectorless entry-level total station, the lightweight ProMark 700 RTK Network Rover and the Layout Pro construction layout software suite. With our latest additions, the Spectra Precision portfolio continues to evolve to meet the changing needs of our users,” said François Erceau, general manager of Spectra Precision’s GeoInstruments Business Unit. “Spectra Precision now offers one of the broadest and most complete portfolios of survey and construction products in the industry — from construction lasers and total stations to survey GNSS receivers and GIS handhelds — all from a single supplier that customers can trust.”

    New and updated Spectra Precision products include:

    • Spectra Precision EPOCH 50 firmware 4.81 – now supports RTK positioning using the Chinese BeiDou open service GNSS satellite signals. Adding the BeiDou constellation to the full range of GPS and GLONASS signals already tracked by EPOCH 50 further boosts the capabilities of this GNSS receiver to enable faster initialization and performance, even in conditions where satellite visibility is obstructed due to tree canopy or tall buildings.
    • MobileMapper 120 Decimeter Edition – this new kit, based on the MobileMapper 120 handheld GNSS receiver, includes the Flying RTK, GLONASS tracking and NTRIP correction options. With accuracy of 20cm or better, the Decimeter Edition kit is a competitively priced solution for precise Mobile Mapping applications.
      • ProFlex 800 firmware version 1.9 – now supports GLONASS-only mode and tracking of QZSS signals to meet the needs of specific markets (Russia and Japan, respectively). This updated firmware also improves RTK performance in VRS networks, particularly in challenging GNSS environments, through Z-Blade technology enhancements.
    • Layout Pro Field and Office software – a recent release of the Layout Pro field software added support for the FOCUS 30 Robotic Total Station, offering the highest level of productivity and accuracy in a construction layout solution. The Layout Pro version 2.1.1 update now includes language packs for major markets worldwide, in addition to many other minor enhancements. Customers with a current Layout Pro maintenance agreement are eligible to download this update from www.spectraprecision.com.
    • Survey Basic software for total stations – further enhancements to this entry-level software application make for the simplest starting point, with workflows that mirror the familiar Nikon-style FOCUS 6 user interface in a modern full-color touch-screen instrument (FOCUS 8). Further language packs have been added, including Czech, Traditional Chinese, Korean and Polish.
    • Survey Pro Field software version 5.4 –  the latest release of this award-winning survey field software includes many new features and enhancements such as:
      • Updated Digital Terrain Model (DTM) features and interface
      • Support for new GNSS constellations and an improved GNSS workflow
      • Additional Active Map enhancements that make it easier than ever to work directly from the map screen
      • Updated point staking routines and a new interface for building design point lists
      • A new Plane and Vertical Angle Offset routine
      • A new electronic compass display in various map screens
      • Enhanced total station and GNSS setup routines
      • An improved Code/Description entry and display system

    Customers with a current Survey Pro maintenance agreement are eligible for this update and can download the software from .

    • Spectra Precision Survey Office software v3.10 and v2.95 ­– both versions are companions to Survey Pro 5.4 field software and FAST Survey field software, and offer enhanced baseline processing with more reliable outlier detection and improved accuracy statistics. Additionally, version 3.10 features a new customized ribbon UI and is optimized for 64-bit PCs (with notably faster processing).

    These new and updated Spectra Precision products are now available for order through the Spectra Precision global reseller network.

  • u-blox M8 Multi-GNSS Platform Offers Concurrent Tracking

    u-blox M8 Multi-GNSS Platform Offers Concurrent Tracking

    Photo: u-blox M8
    Photo: u-blox M8

    u‑blox has announced the launch of its newest core positioning platform, the u-blox M8. The new chip forms the basis of u-blox’ upcoming line of positioning modules, which are able to acquire and track different satellite systems concurrently to achieve higher accuracy and reliability.

    Supporting all deployed as well as upcoming GNSSs, the platform is based on the UBX-M8030 concurrent multi-GNSS receiver IC which is able to track American GPS, European Galileo, Japanese QZSS, Russian GLONASS, and Chinese BeiDou satellites.

    Concurrent tracking of GPS (QZSS) and GLONASS or BeiDou, or concurrent tracking of GLONASS and BeiDou satellites increases performance for applications requiring maximum availability and accuracy. The chip is prepared for the European Galileo system through a future firmware upgrade once the constellation is fully available.

    The new platform will ultimately support special functions such as Automotive Dead Reckoning and precision timing to support a wide variety of vehicle, industrial and consumer applications.

    To further improve acquisition performance, u-blox’ globally available “AssistNow”assisted-GNSS service for accelerated positioning has been extended for u-blox M8 products; the service supports both GPS and GLONASS, and the validity of downloaded assistance data is now able to support offline operation for up to 35 days.

    “With the proliferation of multiple new GNSS systems beyond GPS, our u-blox M8 platform is designed to take full advantage of the increasing number of visible satellites to further increase accuracy and availability, particularly in urban and vehicle-based applications,” said Daniel Ammann, executive vice president, head of the Positioning Product Centre, and co-founder of u-blox, “At the same time we realize the ongoing requirement for extremely low-power and cost-sensitive portable applications where operation with a single GNSS system is more than sufficient. That is why we will continue to offer both u-blox M8 and u-blox 7 based products to the market.

    The new u-blox M8 chip is at the heart of u-blox’ next generation of positioning modules based on the company’s popular MAX, NEO and LEA module form factors.

    u-blox M8 chips feature low power consumption in concurrent reception mode, thanks to an innovative single-die architecture combined with sophisticated software algorithms. The extended supply voltage supply range and 1.8 V/3.0 V I/O compliance supports a wide variety of system architectures. Sophisticated radio architecture and interference suppression using active jamming detection ensure maximum performance even in GNSS hostile environments. UBX-M8030 chips are available in miniature WL-CSP (2.99 x 3.21 x 0.36 mm) and QFN (5.00 x 5.00 x 0.59 mm) packages. The chip is also available in automotive quality grade according to AEC-Q100.

    The new platform maintains backwards compatibility with u-blox 7 modules and QFP chip products which remain in the company’s portfolio as the industry’s lowest power standalone satellite positioning receivers. u‑blox’ capability of delivering GNSS technology in both integrated circuit and form-factor consistent modules provides maximum design flexibility and protects customers’ development investments over successive product generations.

    First samples of the multi-GNSS receiver chip UBX-M8030 are available for customer evaluation. Soon, module customers can easily migrate to the MAX, NEO, and LEA form factors, u-blox’ popular, industry-standard module form factors.

  • Tuck Mapping Integrates Leica RCD30 Camera with Applanix POSTrack

    Bell-LongRanger-O

    Leica Geosystems Inc. today announced that Tuck Mapping Solutions Inc. has completed the first integration of a Leica RCD30 airborne camera with the Applanix POSTrack system. With technical support from Leica Geosystems and Applanix, Tuck Mapping contracted Lead’Air Inc. of Kissimmee, Florida, to perform most of the software upgrades and new cabling required to integrate the Leica digital camera with the POSTrack all-in-one GNSS-aided inertial direct georeferencing and flight management system.

    The Leica RCD30 is a true metric camera built for mapping. Introduced by Leica Geosystems as a digital follow-on to its RC30 film cameras, the RCD30 is a medium-format digital imaging system developed for a variety of photogrammetric and remote sensing applications. The 60 MP single-camera-head design delivers co-registered, multispectral imagery in the Red, Green, Blue and Near IR portions of the spectrum. The sleek modular design allows the camera to fit easily in aircraft previously outfitted with film cameras, and the RCD30 integrates with many LiDAR sensors, including the Leica ALS series.

    For the many current owners of the POSTrack system, the availability of integration by Lead’Air makes the Leica RCD30 a more affordable and attractive choice among medium-format digital cameras. When buying a new Leica RCD30, POSTrack owners do not have to purchase the Leica flight management system, train flight crews in the use of multiple interfaces, and install redundant equipment in their aircraft.

    “The integrated systems enable our flight crews to operate the Leica RCD30 and a third-party LiDAR sensor with a single flight management interface,” said Tuck Mapping President, Bobby Tuck. “In addition, POSTrack collects the GNSS location and Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) attitude data needed to georeference the imagery and LiDAR data sets.”

    Based in Big Stone Gap, Virginia, Tuck Mapping is a photogrammetric services and aerial mapping firm with a reputation for engineering innovative solutions related to geospatial data collection. Tuck was among the first aerial mappers to use a helicopter for LiDAR scanning operations, and more than a decade ago the firm took the lead in successfully integrating an airborne camera and LiDAR sensor for simultaneous collection. Tuck Mapping owns four POSTrack systems, three helicopters, two fixed-wing airplanes, and state-of-the-art airborne cameras and laser scanners.

    “Bobby Tuck deserves credit for driving the integration of the Leica RCD30 with the POSTrack system,” said Jean Gardiner, General Manager of Leica Geospatial Solutions. “From a business perspective, Leica believes that supporting the compatibility of our products with other manufacturers’ products is an integral part of providing solutions to our clients.”

    “This joint integration project exemplifies the maturity of Leica and Applanix,” said Joe Hutton, Applanix Director of Inertial Technology and Airborne Products. “It’s a natural progression of good customer support.”

    Jointly developed by Applanix and Track’Air, the POSTrack product integrates the Applanix POS AV direct georeferencing technology, utilizing GNSS and IMU components, with the XTRACK Flight Management System software from Track’Air into a single, compact package. POSTrack provides direct georeferencing for airborne mapping sensors, mission planning, real-time sensor control and pilot guidance.

    Lead’Air, a subsidiary of Track’Air, specializes in integrating the Track’Air flight management systems with any airborne camera or LiDAR sensor. Now that the first Leica RCD30/POSTrack integration has been completed for Tuck Mapping, Lead’Air offers this integration as a commercially available service.

  • Juniper Systems’ New Rugged Handheld Features 4.3-Inch Touchscreen

    Juniper Systems’ New Rugged Handheld Features 4.3-Inch Touchscreen

    Photo: Juniper Systems
    Photo: Juniper Systems

    Juniper Systems has announced the availability of a new rugged handheld, the Archer 2. With radical improvements over the first generation Archer, the Archer 2 promises better overall performance with an astonishingly bright display, an extra-long battery life, enhanced GPS capabilities, and rugged IP68 construction.

    Juniper Systems will be showcasing the Archer 2 at the Intergeo 2013 conference from October 8-10 in Essen, Germany.

    According to the announcement, the latest generation handheld incorporates several new technological advancements. Sporting a custom 4.3-inch Illumiview high-visibility display, the Archer 2’s screen brightness has been well received by reviewers. Its battery features a unique technology inspired by the technology used in hybrid car batteries to prevent excessive battery drainage in low temperatures. Referred to as Overtime Technology, this Archer 2 super battery will last 20 hours and up on one charge.

    The new device is the first Juniper Systems handheld to feature a capacitive touchscreen for improved response and ruggedness. The Archer 2 also includes a glove-friendly numeric keypad for rapid data entry, a feature which many Juniper Systems customers highly value. Like other Juniper Systems handhelds, the Archer 2 is built to very strict standards at its ISO 9001:2008-certified facility, having been tested to MIL-STD-810G and given a top IP68 rating for dust and water.

    Photo: Juniper Systems
    Photo: Juniper Systems

    “We have been looking forward to the release of the Archer 2 for some time,” said Rob Campbell, CEO at Juniper Systems. “We have taken special care in addressing the needs of customers in the design of the Archer 2. It is a product of utmost quality, and the excellent reviews we have received on our Archer 2 beta units have made us very optimistic that the Archer 2 is going to meet our customers’ needs exceptionally well.”

  • Trimble Launches New Geospatial Solutions for Aerial Imaging

    Trimble announced today new additions to its aerial imaging portfolio — the Trimble AX60, a new airborne LIDAR system; and an updated version of its Inpho processing software.

    The announcement was made today at Intergeo 2013, being held this week in Essen, Germany.

    The Trimble AX60.
    The Trimble AX60.

    The Trimble AX60 is a versatile system that can be operated at up to 15,500 feet above ground level (AGL), which meets the requirements for aerial survey projects such as wide area mapping, corridor mapping and remote sensing. Together with integrated flight planning and analysis software tools, the platform has been specifically designed as end-to-end solution that provides enhanced mission flexibility, rapid and efficient point cloud capture, excellent resolution, in-service reliability and high-productivity workflows. The Trimble AX60 can be installed on either fixed wing or rotary aircraft.

    The AX60 has a 400-kHz laser pulse repetition rate (PRR) with a single channel downward-looking laser. An optional, fully calibrated 80-megapixel camera with forward motion compensation can be added. The camera is integrated into the sensor head package and harmonized with the laser system so that it does not need re-calibration each time the solution is fitted to an aircraft. Another key feature is Trimble’s rotating polygon mirror technology for beam deflection that can allow survey missions to be completed faster. This technology provides higher accuracy and a uniform distribution of laser points across the entire field-of-view to widen the usable swath width. Operators can reduce track overlap or duplication, or fly at higher altitudes to achieve a given resolution. Together with a high precision positioning system, integral power supplies, and an in-flight monitoring tool, the Trimble AX60 can allow operators to lower the complexity of airborne LIDAR surveys while increasing the quality of the output.

    “The performance, operational flexibility and reliability of the Trimble AX60 make it an ideal solution for aerial survey companies,” said Phil Sawarynski, business area director of Imaging Solutions for Trimble’s Geospatial Division. “In addition, the Trimble AX60 has been designed as a true end-to-end solution, which includes field-proven Trimble flight planning software and Trimble Inpho analysis software. Since the hardware and software are all supplied by Trimble, operators can have confidence that the complete solution works together seamlessly, and that the flight planning and post-mission analysis suites can enable them to provide a high quality service to their customers.”

    In conjunction with the new airborne laser scanner launch, Trimble also announced its Inpho version 5.6 processing software suite. Version 5.6 now includes the UASMaster module, which has been designed for the complete processing of data acquired by remote piloted aircraft systems (RPAS/UAS). The module georeferences RPAS/UAS images and generates point clouds and othophoto mosaics that allow users to create high quality deliverables for CAD and GIS applications. The UASMaster module is fully compatible with Inpho photogrammetric software modules.

    The Trimble AX60 solution is expected to be available in the first quarter of 2014 through Trimble’s Geospatial Division distribution network. The Inpho version 5.6 and UASMaster is expected to be available in the fourth quarter of 2013.

  • Trimble Offers New Version of Deformation Monitoring Software

     

    Trimble introduced today the latest version of its deformation monitoring software, Trimble 4D Control version 4.2. The new version of the monitoring software delivers enhanced communications with the Trimble NetR9 and new NetR9 Ti-M GNSS receiver, REF TEK seismic sensors and the Trimble S8 total station. It also supports geotechnical sensors, weather stations, level data and it provides velocity and trend computations as well as a calculation facility for mathematical operations. The interactive Web interface provides advanced alarms, data visualization and analysis tools. Site access is controlled by user login credentials.

    The announcement was made today at Intergeo 2013, being held in Essen, Germany, October 8-10.

    Trimble NetR9 Ti-M. Trimble also introduced a dedicated GNSS monitoring receiver, the Trimble NetR9 Ti-M, designed for real-time monitoring applications. This instrument is the fourth-generation of the proven Trimble NetR9 series of GNSS reference receivers, and is specifically designed for the monitoring market and supported by Trimble 4D Control software.

    Trimble REF TEK Sensors. Following the acquisition of REF TEK, now a division of Trimble and a provider of seismic sensors and data recording instruments, support for REF TEK accelerometers has been included in Trimble 4D Control version 4.2. Different variants of peak acceleration that are used in monitoring the effects of vibration on structures such as micro-seismic activity, proximity blasting or impact piling can be visualized and alarmed in Trimble 4D Control.

    Trimble 4D Control is a fully scalable and comprehensive software solution for both real-time and post-processed monitoring projects. The software solution is ideal for the long-term, automated monitoring of dams, bridges, buildings, support piers, large-scale construction and excavation sites, open pit mines, landslides, tunnels and other structures. Real-time management and control of the monitoring system is available via the Trimble 4D Control Web Interface on-site, online and around the clock from any location with Internet or Intranet connectivity.

    “To date, this advanced technology has only been available to end users of an automated monitoring system.  We recognized the need to provide this functionality across the full spectrum of monitoring applications,” said Ulrich Vollath, general manager of Trimble’s Infrastructure Division. “We are pleased to announce the launch of Trimble 4D Lite, a cloud-based subscription service which will make this solution available to small- and medium-sized monitoring projects. With the introduction of 4D Lite, Trimble’s monitoring solutions are now available for the full spectrum of monitoring projects, from small, non-permanent, campaign monitoring projects through to permanent, fully automated monitoring systems.”

    Trimble 4D Lite – Advanced Cloud Monitoring Service. 4D Lite is a cloud-based application that is designed with an interface familiar to existing Trimble monitoring technology users. 4D Lite is designed for surveyors, engineers and scientists to perform campaign monitoring of data/time series without the need to integrate directly with onsite hardware and sensors. Trimble 4D Lite can be used to meet campaign monitoring needs of installations on dams, bridges, mines, landslides, buildings and other natural and man-made hazards or structures using sensors to monitor health. Data can be integrated from a wide range of sensors. The data can be visualized and analyzed on a variety of interactive charts and scatter plots and the sensors can be viewed in context with the structure using a variety of backdrops including maps, plans or photographs.

    Trimble 4D Control version 4.2, the NetR9 Ti-M GNSS receiver and the 4D Lite monitoring service are available now from Trimble’s worldwide Infrastructure distribution network.

  • Infineon Launches GNSS Module for Mobile Phones

    Today, at the European Microwave Week tradeshow in Nuremberg, Germany, Infineon Technologies introduced the latest generation of its pico GNSS modules for smartphones. BGM1143N9 is a combination of a low-insertion-loss pre-filter and Infineon’s high performance low noise amplifier (LNA) in a TSNP-9 package. The tiny module features very high linearity, a low noise figure, and supports all navigation standards including GPS, GLONASS and BeiDou.

    With a footprint of 1.5 x 1.1 millimeters, BGM1143N9 is one of the smallest GNSS modules available in the market today. It requires 60 percent less board space compared to the previous generation. Size is particularly important for smartphones, since PCB space is a premium.

    Today’s mobile phones offer a wide range of features. Therefore, transmitter and receiver have to work together simultaneously without degrading each other’s performance. A GNSS receiver co-exists with transceivers in the GSM/ EDGE/ UMTS/ LTE bands that transmit high power in the range of +24 dBm. Due to its very high linearity the LNA integrated in BGM1143N9 effectively prevents interference from higher order harmonics and intermodulation products of the strong signal present in smartphones, thus ensuring reliable navigation.

    Furthermore, BGM1143N9 dramatically improves sensitivity compared to other solutions available in the market today. It features the lowest noise figure available in the market (1.45 dB) which increases the GNSS system’s sensitivity and improves time-to-first-fix (TTFF) and time-to-subsequent-fix (TTSF). This feature results in a much faster and continuous navigation and consequently much higher end user satisfaction.

    The new BGM1143N9 supports all navigation standards: GPS, GLONASS, Galileo as well as China’s BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS).

  • Trimble Adds Tilt Compensation to R10 GNSS Surveying System

    The Trimble R10 Surveying System.
    The Trimble R10 Surveying System.

    Trimble announced today several enhancements to the Trimble R10 GNSS Surveying System designed to drive field productivity to a new high. With sophisticated tilt-compensation technology, CenterPoint RTX correction service support, and updated field and office software, the R10 platform demonstrates Trimble’s commitment to driving improved surveying productivity.

    The announcement was made at Intergeo 2013, being held October 8-10 in Essen, Germany.

    “Innovations in techniques such as our tilt compensation technology can have a pervasive impact on the everyday surveying experience,” said Elmar Lenz, business area director of GNSS Solutions for Trimble’s Geospatial Division. “With our innovative approach to total surveying workflow, Trimble is redefining the way surveying work is done.”

    The Trimble R10 is now augmented to further speed GNSS field work. With its new internal tilt-compensation, Trimble SurePoint technology takes field efficiency to the next level. The system will automatically adjust for pole-tilt up to 15 degrees from plumb, saving time and reducing fatigue. With tilt compensation, surveyors can now utilize GNSS in more situations and with 100 percent measurement traceability.

    In addition, Trimble introduced its high-accuracy correction service, CenterPoint RTX, into the geospatial market with support in the Trimble R10. Powered by Trimble RTX technology, CenterPoint RTX is a subscription service that delivers real-time 4 centimeter (1.5 inch) or better corrections via satellite directly to the receiver without requiring the use of a base station, VRS network, or investment in additional hardware.

    Both Trimble Access field software and Trimble Business Center office software have been updated to streamline data flow and automate data processing. Faster in the field and more flexible in the office, Trimble’s premium GNSS surveying system enhances the entire surveying workflow.

    The updates to Trimble R10 GNSS System, CenterPoint RTX service support, Trimble Access version 2013.40 and Trimble Business Center version 3.10 are expected to be available in the fourth quarter of 2013 through Trimble’s Geospatial Division distribution network. For current R10 users, the tilt-compensation feature and CenterPoint RTX support will be available through a free firmware update.

  • Carlson SurveyGNSS for Post Processing Launched at Intergeo

    Carlson SurveyGNSS for Post Processing Launched at Intergeo

    SurveyGNSS-screen-shot
    Carlson SurveyGNSS post-processing program

    Carlson Software Inc. has developed the new Carlson SurveyGNSS post-processing program, which it introduced today at Intergeo 2013, being held in Essen, Germany. The program is designed for surveyors and positioning professionals looking to achieve centimeter accuracy when working on the edge of their RTK infrastructure, perform sub-centimeter positioning, or provide the highest quality assurance to their customers.

    The data post-processing solution is tightly integrated into the Carlson field and office workflow. SurveyGNSS is designed to accept GNSS data from any receiver in RINEX format. Furthermore, it will also accept proprietary GNSS data in an increasing number of manufacturer formats including NovAtel, Hemisphere GNSS, Altus/Septentrio, and Javad. Additional manufacturer formats will be added in concert with manufacturer cooperation and customer demand.

    “The software has been tested extensively on data sets from around the world with very good results and feedback,” says Bruce Carlson, president of Carlson Software. “Many of our business partners are planning to carry SurveyGNSS and have participated in our pre-release testing.”

    Carlson SurveyGNSS will process GNSS observations in traditional static, “stop and go” (static-kinematic), and kinematic (moving) antenna positioning modes. The software provides a straightforward, workflow-oriented user interface, which includes an overview map and the observation files, computed vectors, and positions presented in fully functional spreadsheet-like grids.

    In addition, Carlson SurveyGNSS provides:

    • A highly autonomous “hands-free” baseline processor offering on-the-fly ambiguity resolution, automated cycle slip detection/removal, and more for baselines up to 200km (125 mi).
    • Automated search and retrieval of reference geodetic control and GNSS observations from public data sources such as the National Geodetic Survey and Continuously Operating Reference Station (CORS) networks in the United States.
    • Rigorous least squares adjustment and analysis of all computed vectors.
    • Seamless integration with downstream applications from Carlson Software and other vendors.

    Carlson SurveyGNSS is being developed in partnership with WaSoft of Dresden, Germany, and its line of GNSS software technologies.

    “SurveyGNSS helps make our survey product line the most extensive in the industry, from field data collection through all forms of processing to as-built mapping and plat drafting,” Carlson adds. “Our flexible licensing arrangements allow single users to process the field data of any number of crews using a wide range of GNSS equipment.”

    Announced at Intergeo in Essen, Germany, Carlson SurveyGNSS is slated to be available from your local Carlson representative or dealer by December 1.

  • Topcon Announces Expanded Features, Connectivity Options with Magnet v2.0

    Topcon Positioning Group announces a multitude of new features and enhanced functionality to the entire Magnet suite of connected workflow software. The Magnet suite includes solutions for the field personnel, the office designers and managing supervisors.

    The release of Magnet v2.0, a Topcon enterprise solution for the geomatics industry, provides more than 30 substantial additions or upgrades to the Enterprise, Field and Office packages. Enterprise is a cloud service designed for the supervising manager that connects the Field and Office products and provides a collaborative web-based interface to company data. Cloud-based collaboration and real-time data exchange makes Magnet a productivity enhancing solution for virtually any operation.

    Magnet v2.0 is now available.
    Magnet v2.0 is now available.

    “Magnet is the industry leader in cloud computing and real-time data exchange,” said Jason Hallett, Topcon vice president for software product management. “Now with v2.0, the total product suite has been elevated to a new level. Not only does Magnet allow for real-time collaboration between the project manager, job foreman, job site crews, office personnel, engineers and consultants, it also introduces myriad new features that will increase productivity in every aspect of every job.”

    Key new developments are expanded functionality for BIM and GIS applications.  Magnet v2.0 now has customized packages designed for building layout and high accuracy GIS application.

    A unique new feature is Hybrid Positioning technology, available in the Magnet Field solution package. It provides the option to simultaneously connect to GNSS signals and robotic measurements on a single rover pole. “This is a powerful feature that is easily managed in Magnet,” Hallett said.

    “Topcon continues to bring efficiencies in productivity by providing the ability to maintain simultaneous connections to a robot and a GPS rover when using the Hybrid Positioning module.”

    Other key features available to enhance data workflow and automation include:

    • AutoCAD 360 cloud surfing: Allows user to visualize, edit and share field projects with non-Magnet users.
    • AutoCAD Civil 3D support: Single-click ability to convert 3D line work generated in Magnet to DWG and launch seamlessly in AutoCAD Civil 3D for review or continued design, and vice versa.
    • Real-time sessions: An office user can log in and connect to any active project, select a field crew and view the field activity and data in real timeMagnet Field-enabled rovers to work from a single cellular-enabled RTK base.
    • Asset manager: Ability to show all active field assets (crews and equipment) in Map View with satellite image background.
    • Third-party file format support: Enlarged library of supported file formats of all major positioning equipment providers, and third-party vendors to Magnet.

    “With Magnet a company can manage its positioning data and field information to ensure maximum efficiency in all facets of each project. The exciting new BIM and GIS features makes it the most productive workflow solution for almost every precise positioning and mapping professional,” Hallett said.

    Magnet v2.0 is available for use with Topcon and Sokkia instruments and is available through subscription service so the user has continuous access to the latest features. Magnet Field and Office products can also be purchased for stand-alone use.