GPS World

Tag: surface mapping

  • CHC Navigation releases Apache 6 USV for high-resolution marine surveying

    CHC Navigation releases Apache 6 USV for high-resolution marine surveying

    CHC Navigation (CHCNAV) has released the Apache 6–2026 Edition, an integrated unmanned surface vessel (USV) designed for high-resolution bathymetric and 3D mapping applications. Built to accommodate NORBIT multibeam echosounders, the Apache 6 delivers a comprehensive solution for underwater surveying, object positioning, and offshore construction support in varying aquatic conditions.

    The Apache 6 – 2026 Edition is optimized for seamless integration with the NORBIT iWBMS and WINGHEAD series of multibeam echosounders. An optional NORBIT iLiDAR can also be integrated, allowing for the simultaneous collection of marine and terrestrial 3D data in a single pass. This capability is particularly efficient for projects that require mapping both underwater topography and overhead structures, such as bridges and power lines, making it a comprehensive tool for harbor, river and infrastructure surveys.

    Automated Sound Velocity Profiling
    Accurate sound velocity measurement is fundamental to high-quality bathymetric data. The Apache 6 – 2026 Edition addresses this with an optional automated sound velocity profiler (SVP) kit. This system can be controlled directly from the remote controller, allowing the operator to perform SVP casts on-demand without interrupting the survey workflow. The kit is designed for rapid deployment — attachable or detachable in under a minute — ensuring that the multibeam echosounder data is continuously corrected with the most accurate sound speed information, which is critical for meeting stringent survey specifications.

    The USV combines a detachable triple-hull vessel design with smart rotating propeller technology to deliver both stability and agility in varied conditions. The robust hull configuration ensures reliable performance in strong currents, while removable side floats enable safe operations in shallow waters. Intelligent propeller control adjusts water flow direction to achieve a turning radius of approximately two meters, supporting effective navigation in confined or winding channels.

    Android-Based Control
    Survey operations are streamlined through an intelligent Android remote controller, which provides real-time access to vessel status and data without the need for a separate field computer.

    The interface allows for straightforward management of the survey workflow, while a multi-link communication system ensures reliable data transmission over long distances. This setup enables surveyors to maintain seamless control over the Apache 6 and monitor mission progress effectively from the shore.

  • Golden Software enhances surface mapping package

    Golden Software enhances surface mapping package

    Image: Golden Software
    Image: Golden Software

    Golden Software’s Surfer package, designed for 3D surface mapping, now provides robust subsurface visualization and modeling functionality by incorporating many true 3D gridding and visualization tools.

    With the enhanced functionality, users can now model an additional variable, a C variable, such as a contaminant or chemical concentration, along with the traditional X, Y, Z values. Surfer also includes the ability to create a 2D map of a slice-through 3D grid, which users can move up and down through the grid, illustrating how the C value changes with depth.

    Part of Surfer’s enhancements is isosurface creation, enabling visualization of the 3D grid in the 3D view as an isosurface, providing another way to see how C data varies with depth or elevation. The new 3D-rendered volume functionality also allows users to visualize the 3D grid in the 3D view as a solid body by assigning colors to different C values, highlighting variations in the data.

    Golden Software has released a beta version of Surfer simultaneously with the new version to give users a trial of the new features while they are still in development.

    The company states that the software is suitable for geologists, geophysicists, hydrologists and environmental engineers.

  • Golden Software streamlines workflows in Surfer mapping package

    Golden Software's Surfer package now includes a 3D exporting capability. (Photo: Golden Software)
    Golden Software’s Surfer package now includes a 3D exporting capability. (Photo: Golden Software)

    Golden Software has streamlined many workflows in the latest version of its Surfer grinding, contouring and 3D surface mapping product. According to the company, these enhancements will save time for end users in oil and gas exploration, environmental consulting, mining, engineering and geospatial projects.

    “We have simplified workflows by making many of the most popular Surfer mapping processes more intuitive,” said Kari Dickenson, Surfer product manager. “By deleting steps and reducing mouse clicks, we have shaved valuable minutes off the time it takes to complete many functions.”

    The updates include easier base map editing, a convertible scale bar, the ability to make colors transparent, 3D exporting, simple image cropping, adding multiple files, the ability to apply actions on multiple layers and easier cross section profiles.

    Here’s an overview of each update:

    • Easier base map editing. Users will no longer have to click “Start/Stop Editing” to make changes to base maps. Users now can click on an item on the base map, and the program will automatically enter “Edit” mode so changes can be made to the feature.
    • Convertible scale bar. Surfer now has a pulldown menu on the scale bar that allows users to convert the scale bar from one type of linear unit to another.
    • Make colors transparent. Users are able to select any color in an image or air photo and make it transparent.
    • 3D exporting. Users can now export 3D views to a variety of high-resolution image formats including TIF, PNG, JPG and BMP.
    • Simple image cropping. Surfer users can now draw a polygon around their area of interest in an image or photo to crop out unneeded data, resulting in a smaller file size and faster map editing.
    • Add multiple files. Users can select multiple map or layer files at once for importing into a Surfer project or applying certain functions.
    • Apply actions on multiple layers. Users can select multiple map items or layers and then apply functions to all of them.
    • Easer cross section profiles. Users now have the option of generating a cross section profile by drawing a line across their map or simply selecting a polyline in an existing base layer.

    Golden Software also has released a Beta version of Surfer simultaneously with the new version to give customers a chance to try out new features while they are still in development. Users can find the Beta version by clicking “File | Online” from within Surfer.

    The Beta features, which will be released in late summer 2020, include a redesigned “Open File” menu, pie charts, automatic scale change and the ability to create 3D PDFs.

    Founded in 1983, Golden Software develops scientific graphics software. The company offers six producers, Surfer for gridding, contouring and 3D surface mapping; Grapher for 2D and 3D graphing; Voxler for 3D data visualization; Strater for well log, borehole and cross section plotting; MapViewer for thematic mapping and spatial analysis; and Didger for digitizing and coordinate conversion.