Tag: Topnet Live

Topcon introduces CR-S1 reality capture handheld scanning system

Topcon Positioning Systems has introduced the CR-S1, a handheld scanning system that combines ldar, panoramic cameras, visual SLAM cameras, and a GNSS antenna in a single device.

The CR-S1 expands the company’s Capture Reality portfolio as a higher‑performance option alongside the CR‑S2. It offers increased point‑cloud density, extended scanning range, and upgraded panoramic imaging.

The CR-S1 uses Topcon’s Collage mass-data software ecosystem central to a connected workflow.

For added positioning accuracy, the CR‑S1 can be connected to the Topnet Live RTK GNSS corrections service.

The system is primarily intended for surveying and construction. It is also well-suited for applications such as land surveying, tunnel surveying and modeling, forestry analysis, mining operations, utility mapping, and powerline inspection.

“Customers are looking for flexibility and efficient workflows, and our scanning portfolio and software are designed to support these needs through simplified processes, open integrations and mixed‑fleet compatibility,” said Ron Oberlander, head of the Topcon Geomatics Platform. “With Collage serving as the central data hub supporting inputs from multiple sensors, users can obtain accurate, detailed information for decision‑making.”

Software support includes MAGNET Flow for Android and iOS devices, MAGNET Bridge for SLAM data desktop processing, and Collage Web.

Topcon Collage Web is a cloud‑based platform for fast visualization, exploration, and sharing of 3D point‑cloud data directly in a web browser. It enables users to easily view and inspect datasets while supporting efficient collaboration across projects. Through the Collage Cloud Connector desktop application, projects are seamlessly synchronized with Collage Web, allowing smooth integration with Autodesk and ClearEdge3D software. This workflow supports mixed fleets and diverse industry systems, ensuring efficient data exchange and consistent project access across desktop and cloud environments.

Mounting options include backpack and front‑pack configurations for hands-free, load-bearing scanning while walking, as well as rover–pole operation. An adapter for mounting the CR-S1 on a vehicle for mobile mapping is also available.

The CR‑S1 is being showcased at Geo Week 2026, Feb. 16–18, in Denver, Colorado. It will be available through the Topcon dealer network with training and support.

February 18, 2026
Topcon supplies GNSS boards for Atmos drones

The Marlyn Cobalt drone. (Photo: Atmos)

Topcon Positioning Group is supplying high-end GNSS boards for the Atmos Marlyn Cobalt drone.

Topcon’s ultra-compact B111A GNSS receiver board can provide scalable positioning from sub-meter differential GPS to sub-centimeter real-time kinematic (RTK) positioning. The board’s flexible design — low power consumption, comprehensive communication interfaces and peripheral support — make it easy to integrate the B111A into any precise positioning application, Topcon said.

Topcon’s B111A GNSS receiver board. (Photo: Topcon)

Besides in surveying and mapping, survey drones are now used in a broad spectrum of applications ranging from construction and mining to agriculture and environmental monitoring.

The Atmos Marlyn Cobalt is a vertical-takeoff-and-landing (VTOL) fixed-wing mapping drone developed by Atmos with the goal of allowing users to effortlessly collect accurate geospatial information and turn it into actionable insights. “Our mission is to provide professionals with the tool with which they can plan a better future with precision,” said Ruud Knoops, Atmos CEO.

To provide precise positioning accuracy, a GNSS board needs to compensate for inaccuracies caused by satellite constellations, receiver hardware and atmospheric conditions.

The use of Topnet Live — Topcon’s GNSS real-time correction service — provides high-accuracy positioning and survey-grade results to professionals through a 24/7 cross-border, consistent and reliable access. The combination removes the need for base stations, increasing efficiency leading to higher productivity and decreased costs.

May 25, 2022
Topnet Live GNSS network expands to meet digitalization demands
Topnet Live has increased types of correction services and subscription options. (Image: Topcon)

Topcon Positioning Group has expanded its Topnet Live GNSS network of correction solutions to support today’s work environments. The global network now has more types of correction services and subscription options.

This growth is a result of the increasing demand for digitalization in various industries including construction, surveying, machine control, and agriculture.

The flexible service options include Realpoint, the real-time kinematic (RTK) service, and Starpoint, a precise point positioning (PPP) service. The different services have varying delivery methods, coverage and reliable centimeter-level accuracy. Under a flexible subscription model, customers can purchase to suit their needs.

Additionally, Skybridge — an RTK service supported by PPP — is available to maintain connectivity and productivity if the customer temporarily leaves RTK coverage.

“The Topnet Live RTK network, first established over a decade ago, continues to grow with 5,100 reference stations globally, a 14% increase in the last year,” said Ian Stilgoe, Topcon vice president. “We are growing throughout the world in areas where there is an increasing demand for productivity and accuracy through digitalization, with strong growth particularly in North America and Europe. We are focused on continued expansion to maximize support for our customers, so they always have the best options globally.”

Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) supplying automotive, industrial Internet of Things (IoT), autonomous robotics and all sectors that require positioning, navigation and guidance also benefit from the enhanced robustness of the network. OEMs can sell their hardware with correction services onboard and preconfigured for immediate use by customers, regardless of geographic location, with flexible subscription and licensing options to suit the exact need.

Topnet Live uses all four GNSS constellations: GPS, GLONASS, Galileo and BeiDou. The customer benefits from continuous accuracy and always-on service coverage. This service provides these distinct advantages in the industries it supports:
- Survey, construction and machine control. Topnet Live removes the need for individual base stations, dramatically increasing flexibility, productivity and safety and can drive large-scale projects with constant, reliable accuracy.
- Precision agriculture. The solution delivers fast, consistent, accurate positioning at any time day or night for soil preparation, seeding, spreading, spraying and harvesting.
- OEMs, system integrators, product designers. The solution provides scalable precise positioning and supports the implementation of flexible business models tailored to fit both OEMs’ and their customers’ needs.
September 22, 2021
Topcon partnership with CyArk bolsters cultural site archiving efforts

Screenshot: CyArk

Topcon Positioning Group is partnering with CyArk, a non-profit organization committed to the conservation of cultural heritage sites around the globe.

Using 3D digital documentation technology, CyArk works to ensure that culturally significant sites can be thoroughly and accurately documented for the benefit of current and future generations. Many of the technologies needed for doing so come from the geospatial world, making the Topcon partnership a welcome one, according to John Ristevski, CEO of CyArk.

“We have supported the documentation of over 200 sites around the world from the Mosque City of Bagerhat in Bangladesh to the iconic statues on Easter Island, but the need for high precision documentation continues to grow and there are many exciting projects yet to come,” he said. “High-precision measurement and documentation of these culturally significant sites is critical for decision making, so we are thrilled to be partnering with Topcon, an industry leader in that area and more.”

The commitment from Topcon includes GNSS receivers, robotic total stations, field controllers, MAGNET software and a subscription to Topnet Live, the company’s real-time GNSS reference network. According to Ulrich Hermanski, executive vice president of Geopositioning for Topcon Positioning Group, having worked alongside CyArk in the past, it was a pleasure to continue to support the organization in this way.

”Our relationship with CyArk dates back to 2015 when we helped them digitally document the Sogi Power Plant, one of Japan’s national industrial historic sites,” Hermanski said. “We quickly recognized and admired the crucial role they are playing in ensuring cultural landmarks of all types are preserved in a digital format. Our expertise — providing precision measurement solutions — blends perfectly with their needs, now and as they move forward.

“One of the first projects on which they plan to use the new solutions is mapping the redwood grove in Big Basin Redwood State Park, in California, an area that suffered severe damage in the recent wildfires,” Hermanski said. “We are pleased to help with this important effort.”

CyArk’s mission, to record, archive and share the world’s most significant cultural heritage sites, stems from a desire to not only save these places digitally but provide critical information to aid in the physical conservation and restoration of the sites today.

“In recent years alone, we’ve seen instances in which culturally-invaluable sites were damaged or lost to arson, terrorism or the effects of climate change,” said Ristevski. “To know that the accurate digital documentation efforts can play a role in rebuilding or reconstruction is a humbling opportunity. We are grateful to have Topcon partnering with us in our efforts.”

March 2, 2021