Tag: surveyors

Combining the Onboard GPS Capability of Smartphones with KML Files

Following is a submission to our “$100 for 300 Well-Chosen Surveyor Words” contest. To submit your own surveyor’s story, send 300 (or more) words to [email protected].

By Jay Satalich, P.L.S.

At Caltrans District 7 in Los Angeles, we use the onboard GPS capability of smartphones to navigate in real time to the locations of proposed aerial targets and NGS control stations.

KML files are created in the office using desktop GIS, then downloaded to smartphones for use in the field. We create KML files specifically for use by our surveyors during every aerial mapping project within Los Angeles and Ventura Counties.
The aerial target layer also shows the proposed locations of stereo model limits on the smartphone.

Having the stereo model limits as a data layer becomes a handy piece of information in the event an aerial target needs to be relocated due to unfavorable field conditions. The heads-up capabilities of GPS aboard the smartphones and KML files can also show the easiest path to reach either target location or control stations. The NGS control station layer hyperlinks to the NGS website so the field surveyor always has the recovery note available in an electronic format.

The field surveyors are also given hardcopy maps of the target locations and control stations, but those are now only used as a back-up to the KML files loaded onto the smartphones.

We have found that leveraging the onboard GPS capability of smartphones with GIS-based data layers in the field has increased production. Using smartphones provides the surveyors with information more concisely and clearly, so better decisions can be made while in the field. The project surveyor has the ability to tailor datasets specifically to project needed by the field surveyors.

Once the aerial targets have been placed and the NGS control stations recovered, the field surveyors then position the aerial targets and control stations using carrier phase GNSS.

July 15, 2015
Spectra Precision Offers Flexible GNSS Receiver for Surveyors

Spectra Precision SP60.

Spectra Precision has introduced its new SP60 GNSS receiver. Designed to meet the evolving needs of surveyors, the SP60 is a versatile solution combining next generation Spectra Precision GNSS technology, a high level of configuration flexibility and an innovative design, the company said. The SP60 is part of Spectra Precision’s latest portfolio of GNSS receivers specifically designed for the mainstream survey and construction applications such as cadastral, topographic, control, stakeout and network RTK.

Spectra Precision SP60 features exclusive Z-Blade GNSS-centric technology running on a new-generation, 240-channel 6G chipset. The SP60 is capable of fully utilizing all 6 available GNSS systems (GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo, QZSS and SBAS), but can also be configured to use only selected constellations in an RTK solution (GPS-only, GLONASS-only or BeiDou-only). With L-Band capability to enable CenterPoint RTX correction service, the SP60 GNSS receiver can deliver centimeter-level accuracy without terrestrial/cellular network availability. The receiver is optimized to provide high accuracy positioning performance worldwide.

With its configuration flexibility, the SP60 is scalable and can be used in multiple configurations and operating modes from a simple post-processing solution to a network RTK or CenterPoint RTX capable rover. In addition, the optional transmit radio or embedded Long Range Bluetooth enables the SP60 receiver to be used as a base and rover system. This extended scalability allows surveyors to begin with a simple solution, and through hardware and firmware upgrades, adapt the SP60 to more complex survey jobs.

The Spectra Precision SP60 is rugged and waterproof, yet compact, lightweight and ergonomic for ease of use in the field. The received also includes a patented inside-the-rod mounted UHF antenna. When the UHF transmit radio module is used, its UHF antenna remains protected inside the rugged rod, extending the radio range performance.

“The Spectra Precision SP60 introduces a new level of configuration flexibility to the surveying market,” said Olivier Casabianca, business area director of Trimble’s Spectra Precision Division. “The SP60 was designed as an extremely versatile receiver, allowing surveyors to make it suitable for a specific surveying project, and then upgrade it to a more complex solution, when needed.”

June 23, 2015
Surveyors Invited to ‘Survey Earth in a Day’ — in 4D

On the day of the solstice, June 21, geospatial professionals around the world and members of Land Surveyors United (a global support network for land surveyors) will be simultaneously recording survey-grade GPS data from thousands of points around the globe, to gain a more accurate understanding of the earth’s surface.

Measurements made on Survey Earth in a Day 4D (SEIAD) will serve as comparative data from prior events and to expand upon the database of logged points. “This year it will be called 4D, as we will be layering the data from our previous three years into a single map, representing points data gathered from thousands of locations around the planet by professional surveyors,” organizers said. “This day is the largest geospatial event in history as it allows surveyors to participate in their own location. With close to 3,000 more members than we had last year, we are hoping that all of you will participate from your location on June 21.”

In 2012 the first Survey Earth event was held, establishing many new understandings between geospatial and geomatics professionals and the general public on geospatial issues, organizers said. “With a mission not only to learn more about the Earth’s surface but also monitor its changes over time, and the changes in public perspective, as a global community, we may be more capable of assessing our future,” organizers said.

Also, International Surveyors Week 2015 occurs during the week, which ends with SEIAD. Visit the event website to sign up and learn how to participate, or follow SEIAD on Facebook.

June 3, 2015
JAVAD GNSS Remote Assistance and Monitoring Services

Together with free live technical support provided by practicing professional land surveyors via phone, email, message board and text messaging, JAVAD GNSS is pleased to announce the release of another innovative product, RAMS, Remote Assistance and Monitoring Services for J-Field software. J-Field is the field controller software developed for the TRIUMPH-LS GNSS receiver and the VICTOR-LS field controller. RAMS is currently available to all users of J-Field, JAVAD’s powerhouse software for survey data collection, stakeout, and computations.

With the J-Field enabled receiver/controller connected to the Internet (via internal GSM SIM card, Wi-Fi hotspot or Ethernet), users can make their receiver/controller accessible to JAVAD’s customer support team from anywhere in the world with three button presses. “It’s like having the support person looking over the user’s shoulder,” said Shawn Billings, a surveyor from Texas.

While the TRIUMPH-LS is connected to RAMS, the user and support person share control of the receiver, giving the support person the ability to make changes to settings on the receiver or train the user remotely. “It has changed the way support is conducted, making us more efficient at determining issues and more effective in training users,” said Billings. The connection is password-protected to ensure that only those intended have remote access to the receiver.

Beyond technical support, RAMS server access is available to the user community as well. This offers the ability for project managers to remotely supervise crew efforts in the field. Because operational control of the TRIUMPH-LS/VICTOR-LS is shared between the server user and the field user, the server user (project manager) could perform the more complex operations of land surveying, such as COGO calculations and localizations, as necessary, and then allow the field user (crew member) to continue the more routine tasks of data collection.

Should the task be simpler to accomplish with office software, RAMS allows file transfer directly from the LS to the server user’s own computer and vice versa, thus enabling the project manager to easily export points, linework (dwg, dxf, shape), vectors, photos and other project-related data from the LS to his desktop. From there, he can manipulate the data in his desktop application and then copy files, with newly computed coordinates or linework, back to the LS for the crew to work with in the field. In this way, RAMS uniquely supports the obligation surveyors have to exert responsible charge over their field crews.

The full receiver control, the access to receiver files, the robust RTK features of the TRIUMPH-LS and the fully customizable collection settings in J-Field make site monitoring possible as well.

RAMS server can be accessed with almost any device with an Internet browser and Internet access. “I’ve used RAMS server to assist customers from my desktop computer, laptop, android tablet and even my cell phone,” Billings added. “Using JAVAD’s RAMS server requires no installation of software on the remote device, only an Internet connection and web browser.”

For those wanting to operate RAMS on their own server, the RAMS Server application is available from JAVAD GNSS. An Android version of RAMS Server is also available, allowing users to connect an Android device directly to the TRIUMPH-LS without the need for an Internet connection. RAMS for Android creates a local network between the Android device and the LS and allows a field user to see and manipulate J-Field with the Android device should it be necessary to work with the LS beyond the reach or view of the user.

For more information on RAMS, J-Field, TRIUMPH-LS, VICTOR-LS and other JAVAD GNSS solutions, visit www.javad.com, email [email protected] or call 408-770-1770.

June 3, 2015
$100 for 300 Well-Chosen Surveyor Words

If you are a professional land surveyor, we’d like to hear from you! Send us a brief account of how you use GNSS in your surveying work, what tips and tricks you can share with other surveyors, and what other hardware and software you are combining with GNSS to get the job done.

Submit around 300 words, although you can certainly go longer if you wish. Five winners will be chosen from the submissions received at [email protected]; winners will be chosen on the basis of clarity, liveliness, and, in some small measure, the unusual nature of the surveying tasks you perform or the way you go about them. Winners will receive $100 gift cards.

But we’re interested in hearing about straight run-of-the-mill jobs, too! Send your entries to [email protected]. Some entries may also be chosen for further development into articles for this newsletter, or GPS World magazine, or other publishing opportunities.

June 2, 2015
Cedar Tree Handhelds Now Under Juniper Systems
The CT4 and other rugged handhelds by Cedar Tree Technologies will now be available through Juniper Systems.

Juniper Systems is merging its subsidiary company, Cedar Tree Technologies, into Juniper Systems. The move will allow customers to purchase Cedar’s Android-operated rugged handhelds directly from Juniper Systems.

Juniper Systems launched Cedar Tree Technologies as a rugged handheld company in August 2014.

“With a reputation for top-of-the-line, ultra-rugged handheld computers, Juniper Systems aimed to expand its products to meet the needs of customers who may not need the outstanding level of ruggedness or support that Juniper handhelds provide. And that’s how Cedar Tree Technologies began. Cedar handhelds lie somewhere between consumer devices and Juniper Systems’ ultra-rugged handhelds, providing a mesh of both ruggedness and affordability,” said a statement from the company.

Cedar handhelds run on the Android operating system, offering access to thousands of business-ready apps and Google services via the Google Play Store. This provides users with an off-the-shelf product, eliminating the need to download third-party data collection software. Juniper Systems has published a blog post that outlines the differences between Cedar and Juniper handhelds.

The Cedar product line that Juniper Systems will now be carrying includes three new handheld devices:
- CT7 Rugged Tablet. Featuring a large, 7-inch display, the CT7 tablet is IP67 waterproof and dustproof, and is priced at $899 USD.
- CT4 Rugged Handheld. The CT4 handheld is a more compact device than the CT7. Featuring a 4.3-inch display and an IP68 waterproof and dustproof rating, it is priced at $489.
- CMP1 Miniphone. The CMP1 Miniphone is rated IP65 (dustproof and resistant to water), and is ideal for swapping out a regular smartphone for outdoor excursions, for kids, or for use as an emergency phone. The CMP1 sells for $124.
To learn more about Juniper Systems’ new Cedar handhelds, visit the company website.
May 20, 2015
Juniper Systems Pulls Cedar Tree Under Its Banner
The CT4 and other rugged handhelds by Cedar Tree Technologies will now be available through Juniper Systems.

Juniper Systems is merging its subsidiary company, Cedar Tree Technologies, into Juniper Systems. The move will allow customers to purchase Cedar’s Android-operated rugged handhelds directly from Juniper Systems.

Juniper Systems launched Cedar Tree Technologies as a rugged handheld company in August 2014.

“With a reputation for top-of-the-line, ultra-rugged handheld computers, Juniper Systems aimed to expand its products to meet the needs of customers who may not need the outstanding level of ruggedness or support that Juniper handhelds provide. And that’s how Cedar Tree Technologies began. Cedar handhelds lie somewhere between consumer devices and Juniper Systems’ ultra-rugged handhelds, providing a mesh of both ruggedness and affordability,” said a statement from the company.

Cedar handhelds run on the Android operating system, offering access to thousands of business-ready apps and Google services via the Google Play Store. This provides users with an off-the-shelf product, eliminating the need to download third-party data collection software. Juniper Systems has published a blog post that outlines the differences between Cedar and Juniper handhelds.

The Cedar product line that Juniper Systems will now be carrying includes three new handheld devices:
- CT7 Rugged Tablet. Featuring a large, 7-inch display, the CT7 tablet is IP67 waterproof and dustproof, and is priced at $899 USD.
- CT4 Rugged Handheld. The CT4 handheld is a more compact device than the CT7. Featuring a 4.3-inch display and an IP68 waterproof and dustproof rating, it is priced at $489.
- CMP1 Miniphone. The CMP1 Miniphone is rated IP65 (dustproof and resistant to water), and is ideal for swapping out a regular smartphone for outdoor excursions, for kids, or for use as an emergency phone. The CMP1 sells for $124.
To learn more about Juniper Systems’ new Cedar handhelds, visit the company website.
May 20, 2015
CHC Introduces LT500 Series GNSS Handheld
CHC has launched the LT500 series of handheld GPS receivers. The LT500 series LT500N /LT500T/LT500H covers three accuracy ranges from sub-meter to centimeter accuracy and is a cost-effective full GNSS positioning solution for survey, construction and GIS professionals.

Powered by the Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5 operating system, the LT500 is accurate, rugged and versatile, CHC said. User productivity is enhanced with the built-in gyroscope, an innovative laser plummet for positioning the accurate handheld receiver over a point, an E-compass for showing the direction and G-sensors for leveling.

The LT500 series is competitively priced and comes with several bundled software programs, including SurvCE, DigiTerra, MapCloud and other third-party software.

“CHC’s LT500 series is our brand-new GNSS handheld, which has amazing features and specifications. It meets more customers’ needs with more options and affordable prices,” said George Zhao, CEO of CHC. “The introduction of the LT500 demonstrates CHC’s commitment to provide the GIS community with a full spectrum of rugged, cost-effective professional GPS handhelds.”

The CHC LT500.

The LT500 series features these specifications:
- 1-GHz high-speed CPU with 512-MB RAM and 16-GB flash memory built-in
- Three tracking options:
  - LT500H 120 channel GPS L1/L2/L2C,GLONASS G1,G2,BeiDou B1, Galileo E1 Tracking
  - LT500T 220 channel L1,G1,B1
  - LT500N 12 channel L1
- 13-hour battery: 11.1V, 2600mAh
- Gyro, laser-plummet, E-compass, G-sensor
The LT500 series is available immediately through CHC’s worldwide distribution channel.
April 29, 2015
Trimble Expands Product Line for Surveyors

Trimble has expanded its portfolio of geospatial solutions for surveyors, engineers and mapping professionals. Highlights include new total stations, a new GNSS receiver and new field and office software features. The solutions save time, reduce costs, streamline workflows and produce high-quality geospatial deliverables across a wide range of industries, Trimble said.

“Trimble’s portfolio expansion will enable our customers to work in a more efficient, seamless and collaborative manner,” said Chris Gibson, vice president of Trimble. “Trimble’s solutions are best known for quality, dependability and performance. Our vision is to equip customers with the most innovative tools, which includes a focus on offering new software applications that streamline and elevate the value of geospatial data to guide smart decision-making and transform the way organizations work.”

The expanded portfolio of productivity solutions include:

GNSS Solutions

The new Trimble R8s Integrated GNSS receiver and updated version of Trimble Access field software combine to offer configurable and scalable settings. Surveyors have the flexibility across their workflows by being able to tailor the Trimble R8s receiver with the updated field software for their specific application. The ability to customize provides flexibility for future business requirements and allows customers to maximize efficiencies across their workflows.

Total Station Solutions

A range of new and enhanced robotic total stations — the Trimble S5, S7 and S9 — improve project efficiencies, productivity and deliverables. Times saving enhancements include improved Trimble VISION technology, SureScan technology included in the S7 and optional in the S9 total station, and the DR Plus electronic distance measurement technology as a standard feature.

Theft and loss risks are also minimized now with Locate2Protect technology embedded in each instrument, allowing users to remotely track the location of their equipment in real-time using Trimble InSphere Equipment Manager.

In the office, Trimble Business Center software can be used to create high-dynamic-range (HDR) images using data captured with total stations. A new total station data editor enables fieldwork to be rapidly reviewed and allows surveyors to create deliverables with confidence, Trimble said.

Scanning Solutions

Trimble continues to blend powerful 3D laser scanning and imaging hardware with workflow-based software to drive new efficiencies for survey applications and construction planning and design.

The Trimble TX8 3D laser scanner now offers greater accuracy (down to 1 mm) and streamlined onboard operation when measuring to longer ranges, decreasing the field time required for capturing reliable high-accuracy data.

Enhanced tools in Trimble RealWorks software version 9.1 further reduce the time to produce high-quality deliverables from Trimble TX8 data. The new version of Trimble RealWorks software includes improved workflows for creating floor settlement plans and 3D pipeline models as well as complete storage tank inspection and reporting capabilities.

Imaging Solutions

Trimble enhancements to Trimble VISION workflows increase the value of highly accurate image data. Survey, engineering and civil infrastructure professionals can now generate dense point cloud deliverables in Trimble Business Center from images captured using the Trimble V10 Imaging Rover. Users can also quickly generate 2D CAD and 3D real-world models from images captured with Trimble total stations using the streamlined workflows created within Trimble Business Center and SketchUp software.

Availability

Trimble Access field software, Trimble Business Center version 3.50 office software, the Trimble R8s GNSS receiver, Trimble S5, S7 and S9 Total Stations and TX8 3D Scanner are available now through Trimble’s Geospatial Distribution Channel.

April 27, 2015
GEO Business 2015 Returns for Second Year

Following its debut in 2014, GEO Business returns to The Business Design Centre in London on May 27-28.

GEO Business 2015 combines a central trade exhibition with a conference program with 50 presentations and 140 live commercial workshops.

The presentations and workshops, which provide first-hand demonstrations, have grown in number by 34 percent over the first year. Also larger this year is the exhibit space, by 64 percent, organizers said. The exhibit features more than 200 exhibitors showcasing the latest geospatial technology and services.

The show’s unifying vision is to promote closer collaboration across the geospatial community and to provide a platform that effectively showcases both the professionalism of this industry and the role that it will play in future economic growth. It was born out of consultation with industry and as a result is organized in collaboration with the Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (ICES), the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), The Survey Association (TSA), the Association for Geographic Information (AGI) and more recently the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE).

In 2014, more than 1,600 attendees from 39 countries took part. Learn more at the conference website.

March 20, 2015
Geomatics Offers Portable Surveying and Mapping System

Editor’s note: GPS World explored use of the new system from Geomatics in the March 2015 issue.

Geomatics USA from Gainesville, Fla., has designed a precision surveying and mapping system that can be easily stowed in an overhead compartment for airline travel. Surveyors can fit everything needed for important mapping and surveying jobs into a baseball-style bag, including tripods. The compact, light-weight system offers differential sub-foot accuracy.

Components easily pack into a baseball-style case.

The G1-m1 receiver system has many advantages over conventional GNSS receivers, Geomatics said. The system is designed for precision surveying jobs that require travel to remote areas of the world, and for traveling to job sites by commercial airline. The complete base and rover kit, including the tripods, rods, and batteries, fits into a single baseball style bag and weigh less than 10 kg, making it easy to stow as carry-on luggage.

The Geomatics USA G1 system is scalable from a simple single-frequency semi-mobile receiver — ideal for control networks and some semi-kinematic mapping applications — to a dual-frequency network RTK solution. All of the Geomatics USA G1 solutions perform precision-quality tasks at a fraction of the cost of major-brand equipment.

The G1-m1 system comes with a free processing software license for the first 50 systems that supports carrier-phase relative positioning and CA-code differential correction. The software is designed with a simple user interface for easy selection of base and rover data or automatic data download of the closest Continuously Operating Reference Station (CORS) from the U.S. National Geodetic Survey database. It is compatible with other RINEX based post-process systems around the world.

Complete survey set including GNSS receiver, antenna, battery and cables, fits in a small handheld plastic case.

According to Geomatics USA Chief Technology Officer Ahmed Mohamed, “The G1 product line fills the gap between survey applications, where cm-level precision is an absolute necessity, and mapping applications, where meter-level precision is acceptable. In fact, the G1-m1 product offers sub-foot precision in most cases and cm-level precision in ideal situations. Geomatics USA uses readily available components and open-source code to develop its end user product solutions. The objective is to make sure the software performs correctly with a very short learning curve for the user.”

For a limited time, Geomatics is offering a specially priced configuration for the first 50 systems through NavtechGPS, its worldwide distributor.

March 3, 2015
GeoLearn Adds 7 GNSS Courses for Surveyors

GeoLearn is offering seven new GNSS courses taught by Bill Henning, a professional land surveyor who was instrumental in developing RTK guidelines for surveyors at the National Geodetic Survey (NGS). With GeoLearn, he expands on the basics of positioning with RTK and adds a special three-course series on heighting with GNSS.

Henning’s four courses on RTK dissect how GNSS works, covering the physics and surveying implications of what affects the signals from space, benefits and costs of single base versus real-time networks, and best field methods to maximize a surveyor’s effectiveness with RTK. His heighting series (three courses) covers the interrelationships between gravity and heights, use of the NGS hybrid geoid model and height modernization procedures, and use of the NGS 58 and 59 guidelines and real-time precision.

Instructor Bill Henning

“I’ve tried to incorporate the very latest in the science and practical knowledge that many have developed at NGS in collaboration with public and private partners on the subject of effective RTK use and heighting with GNSS,” Henning said.

“We were so pleased when Bill agreed to teach this series of courses,” said Joe Paiva, CEO of GeoLearn. “Bill is a national treasure to surveyors and we are pleased to be able to extend his legacy to the public beyond his tenure with NGS.”

December 15, 2014