Tag: Topcon

Hexagon Enters into Agreement with Topcon for TerraStar Network

Hexagon AB and Topcon have announced an agreement for Hexagon to purchase Veripos, which operates a network of more than 80 GNSS reference stations through its subsidiary TerraStar.

The regulatory announcement explains that Hexagon, Topcon Europe B.V. and Topcon Corporation have entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) related to Veripos, Inc. Hexagon Acquisition Ltd., an indirectly wholly owned subsidiary of Hexagon, has made an unconditional cash offer for all outstanding shares in Veripos not already owned by Hexagon Acquisition Ltd. Hexagon Acquisition Ltd. owns and has received acceptances and pre-acceptances for a total of 9,980,630 shares, representing 30.1 per cent of the outstanding shares in Veripos.

Under the MoU, Hexagon would establish a customer agreement between Topcon and Veripos, under which Topcon will act as a reseller of the satellite broadcast correction signal offered by Veripos. This “TerraStar Agreement” between Veripos and Topcon is intended to be an agreement with TerraStar GNSS Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Veripos and the contractual partner for all resellers and customers of the on-shore services. Under the TerraStar Agreement, Topcon will be entitled to offer the signal to its customers and to make its products compatible with the signal.

Also under the MoU, Hexagon and Topcon will establish a separate joint venture company on an equal partner basis for the purposes of pursuing joint efforts and cooperation in relation to the future development and direction of the services provided under the TerraStar Agreement.

GNSS receiver manufacturers who are partners with TerraStar include NovAtel, Altus Positioning Systems, and Septentrio Satellite Navigation.

The acceptance period for the unconditional cash offer expires on January 29, subject to further extensions but not beyond February 7.

January 23, 2014
Topcon Unveils 2D, 3D Excavator Control Systems

Topcon Positioning Group announces the addition of two new indicate control systems to its excavator control system lineup — the X-32 and X-33. The systems feature Topcon’s new GX-30 control box and TS-i3 sensors.

The GX-30 features a full-color touchscreen display. The TS-i3 sensors have no moving components, offer single and dual-axis measurement modes, and include convenient LED status indicators.

“The X-32 is a versatile and easy-to-use 2D excavator system that includes technology not available on other, more expensive systems,” said Kris Maas, manager for machine control product marketing.

“The X-32 is an excavator grade indication system to fit any budget. With this new system, you have the flexibility to use a wide array of references from which to work: Existing surface, a hub, previous cut, single slopes and dual slopes with the use of a compass or rotating laser. It’s as easy as choosing your reference and entering a cut and/or slope depth,” Maas said.

“The X-32 allows an operator to work faster, with consistency and greater degree of accuracy, and promotes a safer work site by keeping a grade checker out of the trench.”

Additionally, Maas said, “The X-32 grows as your needs expand because it’s easily upgradeable to a 3D system.”

“The X-33 adds Topcon’s industry-leading GNSS satellite technology to create a highly productive 3D indicate excavator grade control system,” Maas said. The system’s MC-i3 GNSS receiver with Vanguard technology provides “maximum flexibility in satellite signal tracking. Additionally, the MC-i3 is Sitelink3D ‘ready’ for integration into Topcon’s real-time 3D management solution,” he said.

The new 3D system is designed to establish grade faster and ensure the operator stays on grade. “The system eliminates over excavation and controls material usage, allowing the user to ‘see’ the exact position of the machine on site and the bucket position at all times,” Maas said. When detailed information is required, the operator can select to visualize the plan, profile, or sectional view and use the dual grade indicators for elevation control.

January 21, 2014
Topcon Ag Introduces X14 for Entry-Level Guidance

Topcon’s X14 touchscreen display for precision agriculture.

Topcon Precision Agriculture is introducing a new 3D color touchscreen display, the X14. The precision farming in-cab display offers entry-level guidance with the look and feel of TPA’s larger, easy-to-use X30 touchscreen console, the company said.

The 10.9-cm (4.3-inch) full-color 3D touchscreen offers moving map visualization and an on-screen, software-based virtual lightbar. For low-cost guidance, the X14 can be paired with Topcon’s SGR-1 GNSS receiver featuring TruPass technology.

For high-accuracy autosteering, the X14 can be paired with Topcon’s new AGI-4 GNSS receiver/steering controller, which provides autosteering performance and modular upgradeability to add high-accuracy inertial sensors or RTK correction communication.

“The X14 offers a simple, icon-based, user-definable interface with a full range of guidance patterns including boundary and U-turn recognition,” said Kevin Cobb, TPA director of product management. “The bright, sunlight readable display offers easy setup on leading market vehicles, and is an outstanding addition to our growing line of innovative, easy-to-use, full-featured color touchscreen consoles.”

December 16, 2013
Topcon Acquires DynaRoad, Opens Technology Center

Topcon Positioning Group has acquired DynaRoad Oy, a construction software company in Helsinki, Finland. In conjunction with the acquisition, Topcon also announced the establishment of the Topcon Helsinki Technology Center.

In 2011, Topcon acquired a significant share of DynaRoad, a company that develops project management software specifically designed for large-scale construction projects — highway, tunnel, railway, area development and harbor.

Ray O’Connor, Topcon president and CEO, said by acquiring 100 percent of DynaRoad, “Contractors and designers who are looking to cut construction costs through design optimization and better task management now have a strong central source for production management with DynaRoad being integrated to other Topcon systems. The new technology center in Helsinki has a strong foundation as the team has already worked with Topcon for approximately four years. We look forward to releasing new world-class products with them.”

The DynaRoad software combined with Topcon’s Sitelink3D Enterprise, a real-time task management tool, creates “an integrated machine control solution for all phases of earthworks projects, from pre-planning to construction,” O’Connor said.

Juuso Makinen, CEO of DynaRoad, said the acquisition “finalizes the close working relationship the two companies have had for years. This is a natural step to take as the integration of machine control and planning software enables us to automate many aspects of production management. Automating manual repetitive tasks such as task progress monitoring means our customers will have a better understanding of their site’s status and more time to spend on optimizing production.”

“DynaRoad is a perfect fit to the Topcon organization,” said Ivan Di Federico, Topcon chief strategy officer. “The focus of their software and services is on construction economics — namely time and cost optimization. These products and experiences, together with Topcon’s machine automation and real-time communication, will bring our customers to the next level of productivity.”

As a result of the acquisition, the DynaRoad products will be available through Topcon dealers worldwide.

With the new Helsinki Technology Center, Topcon now has seven technology centers around the globe, including in Japan, Australia, Italy and Russia, plus two in the United States (Ohio and California).

November 12, 2013
Topcon Adds Vanguard Technology to GRS-1 Receiver

Photo: Topcon

Topcon Positioning Group has added Vanguard technology to the GRS-1 handheld GNSS receiver and field controller.

“With the addition of Vanguard technology, the GRS-1 fully integrated, dual-constellation, network-enabled receiver and controller optimizes tracking and performance regardless of job site conditions or location,” Scott Langbein, director of product marketing, said.

Topcon’s 226-channel Vanguard technology with Universal Tracking allows each individual GNSS channel to be fully optimized to track any of the available satellite signals that are supported in today’s GNSS receivers.

The GRS-1 can be used in various configurations from handheld to network enabled RTK measurement, and grade management. “The system can be configured to perform at various levels of accuracy that fit any budget and application,” Langbein said. Choices include centimeter level, sub-decimeter and sub-meter, with accuracy upgradeability options available.

Working with Topcon’s Magnet suite of software products, “the GRS-1 streamlines the workflow for surveyors, contractors, engineers and mapping professionals,” Langbein said.

The GRS-1 with Vanguard has DGPS capability with the internal single frequency antenna for use in GIS and navigation applications. Add the external antenna and connect a GRS-1 rover to a local GNSS network, or Topcon Magnet Relay, for centimeter accuracy RTK performance. Magnet Relay allows a mobile base receiver to host up to 10 rovers through the Magnet Enterprise “cloud.”

The GRS-1 has an optional 2MP built-in camera, integrated SD memory card slot, and includes an optional internal GSM or CDMA cellular modem and internal GNSS antenna, plus wireless connectivity via wireless LAN or Bluetooth technology.

October 17, 2013
Topcon Announces GR-5 with Vanguard Technology
Topcon GR-5 with Vanguard technology.

Topcon Positioning Group has released the GR-5 receiver with Vanguard technology, designed to optimize tracking and performance.

“The GR-5 is a next-generation GNSS receiver, built on multi-constellation integrated technology pioneered by Topcon,” said Scott Langbein, director of product marketing.

“Now with the inclusion of Topcon’s exclusive 226-channel Vanguard technology with Universal Tracking, and the power of full-wave Fence Antenna technology that provides multipath rejection in difficult environment, the GR-5 operates with unsurpassed sensitivity, tracking accuracy and performance.”

In addition to Universal Tracking, Vanguard technology includes Quartz Lock Loop for signal processing in heavy vibration applications and Intelligent Tracking Optimization to select the best combination of available satellite signals.

“At any time, end-users can track all available satellite signals and be assured of getting accurate measurements regardless of environmental conditions,” Langbein said.

Additional features of the GR-5 include:
- Cellular and radio: The GR-5 has both cellular and radio communications, which allows it to be used in radio-based RTK and network RTK systems;
- Long-range UHF radio: The top-mounted radio antenna extends the range of RTK radio performance;
- Operating time: GR-5 hot-swappable batteries are designed for full-day operation;
- MAGNET Field: MAGNET Field software can be used with the GR-5 RTK system, providing the ability to share data to cloud storage and connect field crews to each other and the office.
October 10, 2013
Topcon’s Hybrid Positioning Combines GNSS, Optical Measurement

Photo: Topcon Positioning Group

Topcon Positioning Group announces a new technology — Hybrid Positioning — that increases efficiencies and improves productivity on job sites, regardless of conditions, terrain or location. Hybrid Positioning is enabled through the Topcon Magnet software suite, a Topcon enterprise solution for the geomatics industry.

The new Topcon technology allows precise positioning professionals in the survey, construction, civil engineering and GIS industries to simultaneously connect to GNSS signals and standard robotic measurements on a single rover pole.

“This extremely clever and unique combination of GNSS and optical measurement is aimed squarely at improving a company’s profitability by allowing the use of GNSS positioning and optical positioning data at the same time,” said Ewout Korpershoek, chief marketing officer of Topcon Positioning Group. “When used with Topcon Magnet software, Hybrid Positioning improves field measurement efficiency at every phase of a project. With Hybrid Positioning technology, the key is versatility. For example, when line-of-sight is blocked, shots can be easily and quickly measured with the GNSS receiver. Now it is so easy to combine a standard Topcon robot and GNSS receiver to guarantee an integrated solution for the highest performance and productivity.

Photo: Topcon Positioning Group

“Combine these two proven solutions, plus advanced Magnet Field software, and you have Hybrid Positioning technology,” Korpershoek said. “By utilizing both GNSS and optical measurement, any project can be completed faster and with unsurpassed accuracy. By adding Magnet cloud-connected data workflow, truly outstanding increases in productivity and cost savings are assured.”

The new technological breakthrough has four key components: Hybrid Lock, Hybrid Resection, Hybrid Switch and Auto-localization.

Hybrid Lock allows accurate prism tracking by simply turning the instrument toward the prism location. Hybrid Resection ensures quick job site setup, as well as establishing RTK and geodetic coordinates. Hybrid Switch ensures a quick changeover from GNSS to optical measurement with a single touch. Auto-localization utilizes Bing Maps background, multi-point localization and works with RTK and NMEA positioning.

“Regardless of job site location or adverse conditions or terrain, Hybrid Positioning systems will perform faster in the field than other instruments and with more versatility than an RTK-only system,” Korpershoek said.

October 7, 2013
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 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.
October 7, 2013
Topcon Announces Upgrade to Reference Station Network Software
Topcon Positioning Group announces new reference station network software — TopNET+ v10 — bringing new features and functionality to the TopNET+ reference station software suite.

Topcon’s TopNET+ software is a scalable solution supporting everything from a single CORS station to multiple CORS sites covering a large geographical area. Users of a TopNET+ reference network get GNSS RTK correction data generated using information from all reference stations in a network. This feature allows regional use of RTK while providing data that is specific for each local rover, Topcon said.

New features available in the latest TopNET+ v10 include:
- Custom sub-networks based on a rover’s position within a larger regional network, which better supports the network RTK rover to local field conditions;
- RINEX (Receiver Independent Exchange Format) shop with expanded data management functionality for conversion of data from Topcon and third party reference stations connected to the network;
- Background maps and BING Maps allow multiple perspectives of the network orientation and regional surroundings;
- Expanded network RTK engine logging providing detailed metrics of TopNET+ results.
“This upgrade of TopNET+ software provides increased capabilities and a more visual and detailed presentation of network status to the users of Topcon networks,” said Tom Morris, TPS senior product development manager. “Users will have a customized solution better adapted to local conditions and a better view into the hard processing and statistics being generated in TopNET+.”
August 9, 2013
Topcon Offers HiPer SR Integrated Receiver for GIS, Mapping

Photo: Topcon Positioning Systems

Topcon Positioning Systems has announced the HiPer SR integrated receiver for GIS and mapping applications.

The HiPer SR for GIS is a compact, integrated GNSS receiver with sub-meter accuracy. Additional, scalable options are available via OAF (Options Authorization File) upgrades, delivering accuracy levels of sub-decimeter and centimeter without the need for additional hardware, Topcon said.

The HiPer SR for GIS can be paired with a Topcon controller and eGIS software, or used with Topcon’s eGPS utility software to use with a third-party device and application such as ArcPad or ArcGIS mobile running on a Windows tablet or mobile device.

“The HiPer SR for GIS brings the very finest in Topcon GNSS technology into a compact and rugged housing,” Jason Hooten, TPS sales manager for GIS, said. “Superior tracking and positioning is provided by the HiPer SR’s Vanguard receiver technology with advanced Fence Antenna.”

“GIS field work is changing as more field workers are using various types of collection devices like smartphones, tablets, and laptops in addition to the traditional data collectors. Unfortunately, the GPS in these devices are not accurate enough for locating buried assets or doing initial inventory collection. The HiPer SR provides this accuracy regardless of job site demands,” Hooten said.

Photo: Topcon Positioning Systems

“The new HiPer SR is an adaptable device that can be used to locate utilities within an inch one day and the next provide sub-meter accuracy for an environmental study. This device provides accurate positioning to different applications as needed. The HiPer SR is small in size, but giant in performance and flexibility.”

July 8, 2013
Network RTK Rover

The Topcon Tesla RTK handheld controller can serve as a network RTK rover. It is designed to maximize 3D measurement tasks and use of Magnet Enterprise. Magnet is a browser-based solution to manage field and office data in the cloud, as well as track assets and communicate on projects.

The Tesla RTK features an integrated RTK GNSS receiver, 5.7-inch touchscreen, Windows 6.5.3 OS, 806-MHz processor, built-in 3.2MP camera, 3.5G cellular modem, and Bluetooth/Wi-Fi ability.

July 1, 2013
Topcon Web Portal Provides Real-Time Job Site Management Tool

Topcon Positioning Group has launched a new web portal—Sitelink3D.net—designed specifically for general construction and engineering companies.

In its announcement at the Munich construction trade show Bauma 2013, Topcon focused on the website’s features, which include giving end-users an intuitive way to manage and control every aspect of Topcon 3D machine control systems anywhere in the world.

The subscription web-based service—accessed via computer, tablet or smartphone—is a user-friendly, real-time visualization and communications tool that allows users to access job site status and create new or update job site parameters, and view movement of machines on the job, Topcon said.

Features of Sitelink3D include file transfers, messaging, machine tracking, remote support and training, real-time cut/fill mapping, and acquiring and storing real-time survey data.

“While Sitelink3D is a complete site communications systems providing data control, machine tracking and a reporting system in one solution, Sitelink3D.net gives complete site management power in real time and provides remote information access to and from any piece of enabled equipment regardless of location,” said Richard Jackson, vice president of machine control applications.

“The web portal provides simple, effective tools for monitoring machine efficiencies and site progress,” Jackson said. Through Sitelink3D.net, “companies can now better manage onsite progress, maintain data integrity, optimize production and minimize downtime. The ability to be able to send and receive job data and make instantaneous decisions or corrections saves time, fuel and money.”

Most machines currently equipped with a Topcon 3D-MC system can be included in the Sitelink3D network by adding the SL-100 radio modem. New Topcon 3D-MC systems can be ordered with the modem pre-installed. Users of Topcon Pocket3D and 3D Office software can also be included in the Sitelink3D network.

April 15, 2013