GPS World

Tag: product showcase

  • Arithmetica to Launch Pointfuse Modeling Engine at Intergeo

    A vector model displayed in orthographic projection.
    A vector model displayed in orthographic projection.

    Arithmetica will be demonstrating Pointfuse at Intergeo, which is being held this week in Essen, Germany.

    Pointfuse is a powerful modeling engine that has been created to give professionals a fast, precise and flexible way of turning vast point cloud data sets (whether derived from LIDAR or photogrammetry) into high-fidelity vector models, the company said.

    Replacing painstaking and costly manual modeling, Pointfuse uses advanced techniques at the interface of mathematical optimization and computational statistics to automatically and rapidly convert point clouds into accurate vector models that can then be manipulated using any industry-standard CAD system.

    Pointfuse is fully mobile compatible, and can process data from mobile scanners as easily and quickly as from terrestrial or airborne systems. Results can be output and used on standard handheld mobile devices, making it  useful for creating and viewing highly detailed models in the field.

    A point cloud image of a motorway with crash barriers extracted and highlighted by Pointfuse. Data courtesy of Blom Aerofilms Ltd.
    A point cloud image of a motorway with crash barriers extracted and highlighted by Pointfuse. Data courtesy of Blom Aerofilms Ltd.

    The software will also fully automate extraction of features from point cloud data, allowing the intelligent recognition, measurement and cataloguing of objects and built environments, and other forms of extracted knowledge.

    George Skrobanski, chief technical officer of Arithmetica, explains the significance of this development. “Achieving the automatic extraction of features from point cloud data has been the Holy Grail for the industry. Pointfuse uses its proprietary technology to provide true automation and we believe this changes the game.”

    At Intergeo, learn more at Arithmetica’s booth (Hall: 3 – Booth: D3.046).

  • Orbit GT Showcases Clearance Checker for Mobile Mapping at Intergeo

    Orbit-GT_Clearance-Checker-for-Mobile-Mapping

    Orbit GeoSpatial Technologies will be presenting the Clearance Checker for Mobile Mapping at this year’s Intergeo, being held this week in Essen, Germany.

    “The Clearance Checker is an automatic detection tool that uses any mobile mapping lidar data to check clearances in height and width over any designated trajectory,” said Peter Bonne, vice president of business development and senior product manager at Orbit GT. “With the Clearance Checker, a vehicle contour of any designed size, is virtually driven through the point cloud over a chosen trajectory. Any collision or near-collision is automatically detected and listed for reporting, interpretation and subsequent actions. This tool is a must have for all rail- or tramway exploitation, oversize transport planning, and indeed every road and railroad maintenance or improvement project. This tool is an add-on to the Mobile Mapping Asset Inventory solution and is the first in a range of automated and semi-automated detection tools to be made available in shortly.”

  • GIS 2go for Offline Maps to Be Demonstrated at Intergeo

    Disy_GIS2go_3_Tablet_Anzeige-Intergeo

    Disy Informationssysteme GmbH will present GIS 2go at Intergeo 2013, being held this week in Essen, Germany. GIS 2go transfers maps from ArcGIS Desktop to an iPad or Android tablet. With the associated app, users can access their own maps without a network connection while they are on the road.

    Intergeo is the world’s largest conference and trade fair for geodesy, geoinformation and land management. From October 8-10, visitors to stand D1.045 in hall 1 can experience GIS 2go live and meet with experts and developers in person.

    GIS 2go allows maps to be taken along with the user, from Esri’s ArcGIS Desktop to a tablet (iPad or Android). With the GIS 2go Add-in, the data selection, the map export and the re-import are controlled via the cloud in ArcGIS Desktop. On the tablet, the “Cadenza Mobile GIS 2go App” allows access to the maps with all feature data — be it with or without a network connection. Even graphic notes and media created on the go are taken over into ArcGIS Desktop.

    On the tablet, users can move interactively on the map; display feature attributes; add points, lines and areas with the graphic notebook; or track via GPS; augment the map with photos and audio/video clips or simply use text to comment on it. The information recorded remotely will be imported later into ArcGIS Desktop and taken over into the data storage.

  • JRC 3D Reconstructor for UAV Integration Displayed at Intergeo

    In step with the path of the latest technologies in three dimensional laser scanning and photogrammetry, Gexcel Srl has released the new version of JRC 3D Reconstructor 2.9.1 with a special focus on UAV and drone platforms.

    Gexcel Srl is attending Intergeo, taking place this week in Essen, Germany. Gexcel is using the event to introduce new 3D software tools and solutions focusing on the most recent release of the JRC 3D Reconstructor software for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) and drone platforms.

    UAVs and drones can quickly and cheaply capture georeferenced high-resolution images, Gexcel said. Third-party software typically produces GeoTIFF global images and 3D point clouds of the investigated area. These ingredients can be easily managed in JRC 3D Reconstructor to merge the GeoTIFF global image color over the point cloud and produce a 3D HR texturized point cloud and 3D HR texturized mesh models, Gexcel said.

    Using JRC 3D Reconstructor, all the volume calculations, cross sections, cut and fill, crests and toes, and isolines can be created with a greater accuracy, because of real color state processing. This new feature emphasizes the importance that JRC 3D Reconstructor gives to the color information. It is considered as a most powerful tool for detailed geotechnical and geological investigations.

    For a video, go to https://vimeo.com/75386387.

    Gexcel Srl also announced the launch of its new Point Cloud Streaming Service based on a web application. The service allows to upload point clouds generated using Gexcel R3 or the new Gexcel R3 streaming software to a remote server. Gexcel R3 can import data directly from the most common point cloud data formats, E57 included. Massive point clouds loaded in the service servers can be visualized and navigated in Chrome or Firefox using a standard 64-bit PC.

    The service is designed to improve the ability of users to visualize the results of 3D laser scanning surveys with collaborators, clients and web community. The 3D point clouds can be also customized to include proprietary company logos and project banners.

  • Bluesky Announces International Expansion at Intergeo 2013

    Bluesky_Intergeo_WUsing an airborne mapping system, aerial surveying company Bluesky is expanding its international operations. The integrated system, developed by Optech, includes a LiDAR and fully integrated thermal sensor and high-resolution camera.

    Bluesky is exhibiting at Intergeo 2013, being held this week in Essen, Germany.

    Already proven in the UK the system, thought to be a world first, has already been successfully deployed in Northern Europe with additional projects proposed in Central Europe and the Middle East. The Bluesky system combines the Orion M300 LiDAR, CS-LW640 Long Wave Infrared thermal sensor and a CS-10000 RGB camera.

    “The integrated Optech system has been very successfully used for many projects in the UK and the results have provided our customers with the highest quality data as well as economic advantages due to the simultaneous capture of multiple data types,” commented Rachel Tidmarsh, Managing Director of Bluesky International. “We are now in a position to offer these advantages to potential customers around the world.”

    “Bluesky is the perfect example of an organization with the talent and vision to take full advantage of the unique capabilities of the latest Optech sensors. In addition, we are pleased that the ultra-compact and modular design of the system has made it portable and easy to install for them, further supporting Bluesky in their ambitious plans to expand their operations beyond the UK,” added Bill Sharp, Marketing Manager at Optech, Inc.

    The Optech solution used by Bluesky includes an Orion M300 LiDAR (Light Imaging Detection and Ranging) system; which uses aircraft mounted lasers to accurately determine the distance between the sensor and the ground or other targets such as buildings and vegetation. Specifically designed to offer a cost effective, high performance solution at mid altitudes, the Orion M300 is ideally suited for applications such as infrastructure modelling and environmental monitoring, including flood risk analysis and forestry management.

    The Optech CS-LW640 sensor records thermal infrared measurements and has already generated impressive results for recent projects. In upcoming projects it will be used for identifying heat loss from buildings, pipeline monitoring and forestry analysis. Like the CS-10000, it can be used simultaneously with the LiDAR or independently to fit the end user requirements. In addition to capturing thermal images of the target sites, the CS-LW640 camera can be mounted simultaneously with the other two sensors, providing customers with a wealth of coincident information for their area of interest; a complete solution, including highly efficient automated data processing, resulting in substantial acquisition savings.

  • Hemisphere GNSS Launches GeoMapper Mobile Handhelds and GIS Software

    Hemisphere GNSS Launches GeoMapper Mobile Handhelds and GIS Software

    Photo: Hemisphere GNSS
    Photo: Hemisphere GNSS

    Today, Hemisphere GNSS announced an all-new series of rugged mobile handheld devices with application software options to support survey, GIS, and mapping professionals. GeoMapper handhelds are designed to work in harsh outdoor environments and features an intuitive and scalable software package.

    The GeoMapper family of products (GM100, GM200, GM300, and GM500) offers a variety of features also suitable for forestry, public safety, asset management, utilities, meeting a variety of field data collection requirements. GeoMapper 100, GeoMapper 200, and GeoMapper 300 feature a Windows Mobile operating system. The GeoMapper 500 tablet offers added flexibility and functionality on the Android OS platform. All GeoMapper models provide high-resolution and direct-sunlight-readable display technology for ease of visibility in all situations.

    The GeoMapper 300 has dual cameras and a unique built-in laser range capability for acquiring instant geo-referenced images and target location data. Both GeoMapper 300 and GeoMapper 500 feature Hemisphere’s high-accuracy, multi-GNSS, multi-frequency Eclipse RTK technology as standard. All GeoMapper handhelds are IP65 rating or higher for their enclosures to ensure durability in most outdoor environments.

    All GeoMapper handhelds feature a newly developed, user-friendly, and scalable GeoMapper Mobile software package designed for professional Field Mapping and GIS applications. GeoMapper Mobile and GeoMapper Office products feature optional post-processing and RTK positioning capabilities to meet the needs of the most demanding professionals.

    “Hemisphere has made substantial investments in expanding our Survey and GIS product portfolio, leveraging our unique capabilities of designing GNSS receivers, antennas, and handheld computing technology from our parent company, providing our customers with exceptional value,” said Phil Gabriel, president of Hemisphere GNSS. “Leveraging our 23 years of GNSS development experience with the latest in handheld technology is a natural and exciting next step for us.”

    In February 2013, Hemisphere GPS changed its name to Hemisphere GNSS Inc. after parting ways with the Agriculture business unit (Now AgJunction Inc.). While both Hemisphere names are owned by the company, in order to reflect the company’s support of all Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) and update the company’s image, Hemisphere GNSS Inc. has adopted the use of a new logo and launched a new website.

    Hemisphere GNSS will be introducing the new GeoMapper series at the annual Intergeo conference in Essen, Germany, October 8-10, 2013 at booth #A3.070.

  • The Business & Product Showcase — October 2013

    The Business section and the Product Showcase from the October 2013 issue (Download the PDF).

    Includes: Spirent, Qascom Improve Spoofing Resilience; Loctronix Offers Software-Defined Radio Module; Dedicated GPS Devices to Reach $7B in 2018; AFIT, Locata Partner on GPS Tech; UNB Tech Heads to Space; TRIUMPH-LS Receiver Features 864 Channels; Racelogic Launches LabSat3; Rockwell Awarded SDR Contract; Raytheon UK Receives Anti-Jam Order; Trimble Module Has Triple Frequency GNSS Support; Exelis Signal Sentry Test Locates Jamming Threats; Events.

  • Avenza’s PDF Maps App Launches on Google Play Store

    Avenza' PDF Maps app is now available at the Google Play Store.
    Avenza’ PDF Maps app is now available at the Google Play Store.

    Avenza Systems Inc., producers of MAPublisher cartographic software for Adobe Illustrator and Geographic Imager geospatial tools for Adobe Photoshop, announce that PDF Maps app is now available on the Google Play Store.  The first and only geospatial PDF and GeoTIFF reader for Android devices, Avenza said, the PDF Maps app is unique to the space due to its extensive collection of more than 100,000 detailed maps sourced from well-established publishers, cartographers, government agencies and aficionados of outdoor recreational activities, all of which are downloadable directly from within the app.

    PDF Maps take advantage of geospatial technology that allows consumers to view maps and measure real world distances and areas. Paired together with mobile devices that use GPS such as Androids, the PDF Maps app provides constant access to geographic locations and even points of interest without the risk of losing reception due to cell tower proximity.

    Designed with its audience of travelers and outdoor enthusiasts in mind, Avenza’s PDF Maps app has already garnered accolades from the International Map Industry Association (IMIA) and Geospatial World for its innovative use of technology on the iOS platform in 2011 and 2012.  Since then, its versatility for recreational or business purposes out in the field has been recognized across several industries and it’s gaining momentum.

    “The market is currently saturated with map apps that are limited in map data, or too simplified to be functional for offline navigating.  We wanted to address those issues by providing a free navigational app that catered to a segment of users who needed something more substantial than the average turn-by-turn digital maps offered today, while providing map-publishers with an iTunes-like environment for distributing their maps direct to devices” said Ted Florence, President of Avenza Systems Inc.

    “With Avenza’s PDF Maps app Android users can do more than just view their location.  PDF Maps provides a meaningful interface to measure distances, drop placemarks and share personal recorded data in various formats.  It’s more than just a viewing tool, but will provide the Android market the best of both worlds — access to maps from well-known paper map publishers that work in tandem with the functionality of GPS devices.  We’re thrilled to finally make it available to a new market.”

    Unlike other map apps that provide one view of a location using GPS coordinates as most maps do, Avenza’s PDF Maps app expands a traveler’s choices, allowing them to access detailed geography or points of interest created by specific map publishers for use on land, sea or air.  PDF Maps app for Android allows consumers to access information while at a destination, providing users an opportunity to make the most of their time experiencing their environment rather than searching for cell reception to access directions.

    Currently, Avenza’s vast PDF Maps app library covers maps for domestic and international travel organized by state and area.  Android users will appreciate the breadth of tool management features available.  All maps — free and purchased — are accessible through the in-app map store and offer the following capabilities:

    • Add maps from the file system, Dropbox, a URL, email, or Map Store
    • Browse, purchase, and download maps from the Avenza Map Store (existing iOS PDF Maps accounts are compatible)”
    • Show GPS position on maps
    • Add Placemarks
    • Import and export KML
    • Find Coordinates
    • Measure Distance or Area
    • Open current view in Google Maps

    Avenza’s PDF Maps in-app Map Store features a variety of publishers that focus on recreational activities as well as all segments of the map-use market.  Below is a small sampling of maps available:

    • Camping and hiking including National Park Service maps and other regions of the world
    • Nautical and marine navigation including NOAA and FAA charts for North America and other regions of the world
    • Topographic use including USGS and Canadian Topographic maps and other regions of the world
    • Maps for tourists, transit, travel, special events, historic and much more

    PDF Maps is available now in the Google Play Store free of charge. For more information about PDF Maps, visit the Avenza website at www.avenza.com/pdf-maps. Pricing of each map is set by the publisher and free maps remain free to users through the PDF Maps app in-app store.

  • StarChase Uses GPS for Safer Police Pursuits

    StarChase Uses GPS for Safer Police Pursuits

    Thousands of high-speed pursuits by law enforcement take place in the U.S. every year, which can endanger other vehicles and property. A new product aimed at law enforcement is designed to help police track cars during these high-speed chases.

    The StarChase system pursuit reduction technology contains a miniature GPS module encased in a tracking projectile/tag and a launcher mounted on a police vehicle. During a pursuit, a GPS tracker tag is shot with compressed air out of a patrol car’s hood onto the car being pursued, to identify the vehicle.

    The compressed-air launcher, mounted behind the grille of a police cruiser, uses a laser to target the fleeing vehicle. It discharges a projectile/tag containing the GPS module. The projectile adheres to the suspect vehicle and transmits coordinates back to dispatch. The dispatcher then views the location and movements of the tagged vehicle in near real-time on a digital road map via a secure Internet connection.

    Through the efficient use of technology, a high-speed chase has been replaced with a safer interdiction strategy, according to the company.

    The StarChase mapping platform is a secure, scalable Web-based solution that does not require special hardware to operate. It is compatible with existing CAD and AVL systems.

    The StarChase compressed air launcher under the hood.
    The StarChase compressed air launcher under the hood.
    The StarChase projectile.
    The StarChase projectile.
    Tagged vehicles are tracked by dispatch.
    Tagged vehicles are tracked by dispatch.

     

  • Linx Releases New Multi-Constellation Receiver

    Linx Releases New Multi-Constellation Receiver

    Photo: Linx TechnologiesLinx Technologies has launched its GM Series GNSS receiver module. The module is an autonomous, high-performance GNSS receiver designed for navigation, asset tracking and positioning applications of all kinds. Based on the MediaTek chipset, it can simultaneously acquire and track several satellite constellations. These include GPS, Europe’s Galileo, Russia’s GLONASS, and Japan’s QZSS.

    The GNSS receiver module provides exceptional sensitivity, even in dense foliage or urban canyons, Linx Technologies said. Hybrid ephemeris prediction can be used to achieve cold start times of less than 15 seconds. By combining this feature with the module’s very low power consumption, battery life is maximized in battery-powered systems.

    With an output of standard NMEA data, the GM Series GNSS receiver is self-contained and only requires an antenna. It powers up and outputs position data without any software set-up or configuration, making the GM Series easy to integrate, even by engineers without previous RF or GNSS experience. However, if technical support is needed, our knowledgeable team of engineers can provide guidance.

    The GM Series module operates at a low 16mA tracking supply current. This is less than half the supply current of competitive modules.

    In addition, the available GPS Master Development System connects a GM Series Evaluation Module to a prototyping board with a color display that shows coordinates, speedometer and compass for mobile evaluation. A USB interface allows simple viewing of satellite data and Internet mapping, as well as custom software application development.

    For more information about the GM Series GNSS receiver module, call Linx at +1 800 736 6677 (+1 541 471 6256 outside the United States) or visit www.linxtechnologies.com.

  • Compass4Colorado Offers GIS Info to Aid Colorado Flood Recovery

    Compass4ColoradoLogoThe Compass family of geospatial companies has established Compass4Colorado, a collaborative effort to make high-tech GIS and mapping capabilities available at no or low cost to organizations involved in the recovery activities related to the devastating Colorado floods. Free flood-mapping webinars and workshops will be offered starting in October.

    Compass4Colorado offers mapping software, integration services, training and expertise at no charge and equipment rentals at significantly reduced rates to public- and private-sector organizations engaged in flood assessment and recovery. The Compass4Colorado campaign will remain active through March 31, 2014, with support from four additional Colorado companies – Trimble Navigation of Westminster, Laser Technology of Centennial, DigitalGlobe of Longmont, GeoSpatial Experts of Thornton – and Esri of Redlands, California.

    “Companies, utilities, and government agencies across Colorado and Nebraska are faced with assessing the full extent of flood damage as recovery begins,” said W. Brant Howard, Founder and Chairman of CompassTools. “We believe that geospatial technologies, especially mobile field data collection, can help this assessment phase proceed more quickly and accurately so the impacted communities can rebuild sooner.”

    Before the flood waters had begun to recede, the Compass companies were taking urgent calls from local municipalities and utilities that needed to survey high-water lines, delineate inundation zones, and photo-map damaged assets. CompassTools found that many organizations requesting assistance with assessment activities had some in-house GPS or GIS capabilities, but they required software upgrades, equipment integration or personnel training to deploy them effectively.

    “If a Colorado or Nebraska organization in the flood-affected areas doesn’t have GPS or GIS mapping capability, we will make sure they get it,” said Howard. “If they already have the technology, we’re going to make sure they can use it.”

    The Compass family of companies, CompassTools, CompassCom and CompassData, are authorized distributors of products and services for Trimble, Laser Technology, DigitalGlobe, GeoSpatial Experts, and Silver Business Partners of Esri.

    With support from these organizations, Compass4Colorado includes, but is not limited to, the following offerings at no charge:

    • Webinar (Oct. 7) and workshops (Oct. 17/Nov. 12) dedicated to field data collection techniques to support assessment and recovery efforts
    • One-year subscription with configuration service for Trimble Terraflex mobile data collection software
    • Configuration of TrimbleConnect for water/waste water inspection leveraging Esri ArcGIS Server
    • Integration of Laser Technology laser rangefinders into GPS data collection workflow
    • Integration of FEMA inspection workflow on mobile devices
    • Esri ArcPad and ArcMobile configuration and support
    • Three-month subscription to GeoSpatial Experts GeoJot+ photo-mapping application
    • Ground control points to support CompassData processing of DigitalGlobe flood imagery

    In addition, Compass4Colorado will offer reduced rates on the following:

    • Trimble GPS and Laser Technology laser range finder equipment
    • Field inspection and assessment services
    • Precision orthorectified DigitalGlobe imagery

    For a complete listing of all Compass4Colorado offerings and terms, visit www.Compass4Colorado.com.

  • SkyTraq Introduces Venus816, Dual-Antenna Supporting GPS Receiver

    The Venus816 on a penny.
    The Venus816 on a penny.

    SkyTraq Technology Inc., a fabless GNSS positioning technology company, today introduced highly integrated Venus816 single-chip GPS receiver capable of supporting dual passive antenna and active antenna inputs, automatic switching from passive antenna to active antenna, and active antenna short circuit protection without needing extra external components. It offers low BOM cost for antenna-embedded GPS products needing external active antenna option.

    The Venus816 includes two RF inputs with integrated antenna switching and external active-antenna current detection. A high-linearity on-chip 20dB gain 0.9dB noise figure LNA is used with one of the inputs, offering cascaded system noise figure of 1.2dB, allowing Venus816 to be used with passive antenna without the need for additional external LNA device.

    The Venus816 works with GPS, QZSS, and SBAS signals, features industry leading 40Hz update rate, 29sec cold start TTFF, -148dBm cold start sensitivity, -165dBm tracking sensitivity, multipath suppression, jamming mitigation and reporting.

    It is comes in 5mm x 5mm QFN40 package. A minimum of 6 external components is needed to form a working GPS receiver.

    Venus816 engineering sample, evaluation kit, datasheet and reference design are available in late of October; mass production begins in November.