Blog

Spirent Launches Multi-Frequency GNSS Record and Playback System
Photo: Spirent Communications

Spirent Communications’ new SS6425 multi-frequency GNSS record and playback (RPS) test system provides RF recordings for more constellations (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS), more frequencies (L1, L2, L5), wider bandwidth (30MHz) and more features than the company’s previous systems, to support a wide range of positioning and timing test applications.

The test system is self-contained and portable, enabling users to record and playback data in the field without the need for an additional PC or external power. With the GSS6425, it is simple to faithfully capture and replay complex signal conditions, such as urban environments, indoor spaces like airport terminals, and dense forests, Spirent said. Multiple environments can be brought into the lab and replayed in a repeatable and controlled manner, helping developers improve receiver and system performance.

“Customers have told us they want to record multi-GNSS signals simultaneously, for example GPS, GLONASS and BeiDou,” said Rahul Gupta, product manager for Spirent’s positioning division. “They have also told us that capture and playback of other data, such as inertial or vehicle CAN bus is needed. The GSS6425 enables all this in a very capable, yet easy-to-use and self-contained unit.”

Users can select and record three GNSS frequency bands at any one time, each with up to 30MHz bandwidth. If more than three concurrent channels are required, two GSS6425 units can be synchronized in a master and slave configuration. For example, survey-grade receiver developers can capture GPS L1, L2 and L5 signals, GLONASS L1 and L2, plus satellite-based augmentation system (SBAS) signals such as StarFire or OmniSTAR.

The GSS6425 is also capable of recording additional sources including inertial and dead reckoning sensor outputs and vehicle CAN bus data. Data can be time-stamped and stored in the GNSS data file, ensuring synchronized playback. The GSS6425 can also record the GPS receiver 1pps (pulse per second) output for synchronization purposes. These features are particularly useful in developing hybrid receivers such as for automotive and indoor positioning applications, Spirent said.

Key features include:
- Multiple constellations and frequencies
  - GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, Beidou, QZSS
  - L1, L2, L5
- Self-contained portable unit
- No PC or external drives required
- Control from front panel, webserver or scripts
- OCXO used on record and playback for frequency stability
- Internal 1TB hard drive with additional removable 1TB hard drive
- Synchronization of two units in master/slave configuration to support total of 6 frequencies
- Store asynchronous or synchronous external data at the same time as GNSS signals
Recorder features:
- Record any three RF grequencies simultaneously
- Internal battery (up to 1.5 hr) and vehicle DC power adapter
- 2-bit quantization
- Single-touch record
- Event markers
Playback features:
- Attenuation control per channel
- Browser control over network
- Multiple file playback
- Start at any point in a file
- Scripts allow inclusion in automatic test routines
June 6, 2013
Leica Infinity Software Released for Nova MS50 Multistation

A new office software program, Leica Infinity, has been launched by Leica Geosystems for easy management, visualization, processing and georeferencing of combined total station, imaging and scanning data from the Leica Nova MS50 MultiStation. Part of an extensive portfolio of software that completes the Leica Nova solution, Leica Infinity provides users with custom deliverables and helps them make informed decisions, Leica said.

With a simple user interface, optimized data organization and dynamic data visualization, Leica Infinity gives a project overview and ensures streamlined workflows, Leica said, Scan data can be inspected, cleaned up automatically to remove outliers and re-calculated together with the total station setups. Multiple scans can be combined for the creation of information-rich surfaces.

The instant access to raw data at all times allows users to combine and cross-check scans against processed or archived data and survey results with only a couple of clicks in order to make the right decisions. Leica Infinity offers all the tools to document and report on individual steps and final results before data can be exported for further processing to a broad choice of CAD software packages.

June 5, 2013
Air Force Video Explains GPS Role in Daily Life

All of us in the GPS industry know someone who only thinks of GPS as a feature of their smartphone. You might direct them to a new YouTube video presented by the U.S. Air Force, which summarizes the worldwide role of GPS. It also touches on the GPS modernization program and new signals.

The seven-minute video explains in simple terms how important GPS has become to everyday life — for aircraft and ship navigation, global financial transactions, precision agriculture, weather forecasting, disaster relief, and, of course, smartphones.

June 5, 2013
Ortho Imagery: Pay or Play Free?

By Art Kalinksi

Several weeks ago I attended the ESRI Federal Users conference where Jack Dangermond announced his agreement with Digital Globe to supply the company’s extensive image library to ESRI users. Under the agreement, Digital Globe, which recently merged with GeoEye, is providing its historic imagery library along with very current imagery that is near real-time. The coverage map Jack showed and seen here was quite extensive and covered significant areas around the globe. This prompted a discussion with a long-time GIS colleague, Nancy von Meyer, who suggested that it sure would be nice to have a column that sorts out the current major imagery providers with the pros and cons of the various products and services. So here it is.

In the mid-eighties, when I retired from the Navy and started my second career in GIS, very few users had access to geo-referenced imagery other than intelligence agencies. By the mid-nineties, that changed as digital aerial imagery became cost effective and usable for heads-up digitizing and GIS base map creation. Now there are many imagery collection firms with a lot of content being provided seemingly for free. Too often I’ve heard GISPs fighting budget battles with push-back from non-GIS staffers that goes something like this: “Why do we need to pay for imagery when we can get Google for free?” Some of the following information and samples may be useful if you need to explain why.

The ASPRS (American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing) Ten Year Forecast and Survey is a superb source of imagery statistics and trends. Charles Mondello, the project team chair and ASPRS Fellow, highlighted several key points in the survey. By an overwhelming margin, respondents listed ortho imagery as the single most important layer in their GIS work. They also cited the following factors as most critical in making the imagery useful: resolution, positional accuracy, coverage and currency.

Google and Bing

Most ortho imagery is captured by satellites or aircraft and is the dominant type of imagery in use today, with many free sites such a Google or Microsoft Bing offering this imagery. Both websites understand that the better the users’ experience, the more traffic the sites will generate, so they are motivated to constantly improve and update the information. Among the new features being announced by Google is collation of imagery from Google Earth, Google’s Street View, and special projects including its space and underwater imaging. Instead of having to bounce around between products, you’ll now be able to get all of that in one place. Google provides significant support for non-profits and NGOs to map activities worldwide, which builds use and Google’s reputation.

However, the old adage “You get what you pay for” holds true with imagery. If you just want to look at stuff, both Bing and Google are fine, but we must all understand the limitations. By their own admission and licensing agreements, neither Bing nor Google claim to be authoritative GIS data sources. Both are extremely good, but designed for entertainment and to attract users to their sites to expose them to advertising.

A common complaint from Bing and Google users is that they are composites of many different data sources, and they have neither the time nor the need to organize and publish metadata regarding positional accuracy. Metadata is available but very difficult to access. Users cite positional accuracy estimates of Bing and Google of RMSE of +/- 10 meters. Another issue for federal users is FARS and licensing restrictions. So make sure your legal staff reads the fine print.

Certified ortho rectified aerial imagery

On the other end of the quality and cost spectrum is certified ortho rectified aerial imagery. Well-known companies such as Sanborn, Woolpert, Dewberry, MJ Harden, and a host of smaller aerial imaging firms provide top-notch imagery by contract for specific areas. Ortho rectified aerial imagery is scale-accurate images that have been corrected horizontally and vertically to account for variations in the terrain. Combining digital aerial images with digital terrain models can cause distortions of elevated features such as buildings, bridges and overpasses. These distortions are corrected during the ortho rectification process. Here is an example from MJ Harden Associates, Inc. showing pre- and post-correction imagery. This is a labor intensive process and not cheap when combined with surveyed ground control, but the end result is a very accurate image on which GIS users can do heads-up digitizing to produce accurate base maps.

ESRI and DigitalGlobe

In the middle are imagery vendors that capture imagery for resale and distribution such as DigitalGlobe and others. Some of the imagery is the best currently available, with excellent resolution and positional accuracy and easily accessible and complete metadata. Using the Identify tool in ArcMap or ArcGIS Online, users can see the resolution, collection date, and source of the imagery at the location clicked. Here is a short matrix of imagery sources and characteristics.

Authoritative data vs. Visualization products

It’s very important that we GISPs are mindful of the critical differences between “products” such as DigitalGlobe imagery purchased or delivered via ArcGIS, Bing and Google, and “services” of licensed engineers and photogrammetrists. Many imagery products are superb visualization tools, but should not be confused with authoritative datasets delivered through a licensed and certified process. There is an excellent comparison chart published by the ASPRS that compares the difference between products, professional services and technical services. If your application is critical and has the potential of legal liability, you may want to have your legal department review and understand the differences. It could save you from the false economy of getting cheap or free imagery.

Some examples

The following are some examples of old and new imagery since 1999. This is a non-scientific sample using a piece of property that I bought years ago near Lake Guntersville, Alabama. I’m using it because I know exactly when improvements were made so I can judge the accuracy of the date stamps shown with the images.

Here is the property shown on county-purchased 1996 panchromatic one-meter imagery.

Here is the same property with county purchased 2001 color 2’ imagery.

This Microsoft Bing Image was taken in early 2011 after a cabin was built but before a garden shed and driveway ramp were added. Looks like 1’ imagery supplied by DigitalGlobe but tagged in Bing as 2013.

Google has the most recent imagery, tagged as 2013 but most likely taken in early 2012. This DigitalGlobe imagery looks the best. I’m guessing 6” imagery, but the address marker is off by about 300’. Not terrible in this area, but could be a real problem with a row of houses.

So which imagery is best?

That depends on how you plan on using it. Bing and Google have become so good and ubiquitous that it’s easy to forget that they make no warranties regarding the data quality or suitability for your use. If you are showing friends the location of your favorite fishing spot or displaying a route to a restaurant, Google or Bing will be just fine and most likely better than a boring certified ortho-rectified image. But if the application is critical and puts your organization in legal crosshairs, you may want to use authoritative data produced through a licensed and certified process that has documented metadata.

A good real-world example that I observed several years ago was a failed drug raid in a county near Atlanta. The drug dealers got wind of a potential raid and cleverly switched numbers on their mailbox with a neighbor. The SWAT team did their initial planning on Google and raided the wrong house based only on the mailbox number. Although no one was hurt or killed, the resultant judgment cost the county more than $1 million. That police department no longer relies on free online maps and house numbers. They verify the information using authoritative county 911 data, parcel maps and imagery along with street-level surveillance photos. This was a very costly mistake that might have been prevented. Hopefully your county or agency has heard about this raid and has learned from that mistake.

With the significant expansion of oblique and 3D players, next month I’ll review this growing visualization technology.

UPCOMING GIS WEBINAR

GPS World’s next webinar, “Nightmare on GIS Street: GNSS Accuracy, Datums and Geospatial Data,” is accepting registrations. The webinar will be held Thursday, June 20, 10 a.m. PDT / 1 p.m. EDT / 6 p.m. GMT. Registration is free.

“‘Nightmare on GIS Street: GNSS Accuracy, Datums and Geospatial Data’” is a look at the challenge of dealing with horizontal datums in your GIS,” explained moderator Eric Gakstatter, survey editor and editor of Geospatial Solutions. “We are moving into a new era in dealing with datum transformations. Geodata 2.0 is coming, and it can create big headaches when attempting to combine disparate geospatial databases. Sensors such as GPS receivers, remote sensing imagery, and 3D scanning provide much more accurate data, setting up a collision with outdated and mismatched legacy horizontal datums.”

To learn more about our webinars, visit our webinar page.

June 5, 2013
Sign up Now to Experience ‘Nightmare on GIS Street’

GPS World’s next webinar, “Nightmare on GIS Street: GNSS Accuracy, Datums and Geospatial Data,” is accepting registrations. The webinar will be held Thursday, June 20, 10 a.m. PDT / 1 p.m. EDT / 6 p.m. GMT. Registration is free.

“‘Nightmare on GIS Street: GNSS Accuracy, Datums and Geospatial Data’” is a look at the challenge of dealing with horizontal datums in your GIS,” explained moderator Eric Gakstatter, survey editor and editor of Geospatial Solutions. “We are moving into a new era in dealing with datum transformations. Geodata 2.0 is coming, and it can create big headaches when attempting to combine disparate geospatial databases. Sensors such as GPS receivers, remote sensing imagery, and 3D scanning provide much more accurate data, setting up a collision with outdated and mismatched legacy horizontal datums.”

Scheduled speakers include:

Kevin Kelly,Geodesist, ESRI, Inc.
Kevin Kelly is a Geodesist with ESRI in Redlands, California where he researches and implements geodetic algorithms and applications for the ArcGIS software. His experience spans over 35 years in hydrography, geodesy, surveying and most recently, geographic information systems. He has held the posts of Manager of Geodetic Services for the Province of Ontario, Chief Geodesist for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Military Survey Department and Senior Project Surveyor for The Keith Companies (now Stantec, Inc.). Mr. Kelly received a Master of Applied Science in Geodesy at the University of Toronto, Canada and holds an Honors Diploma in Hydrographic Surveying Technology from Humber College in Toronto. He is also a licensed Geodetic Surveyor in the Province of Ontario, Canada.

Craig Greenwald, Technical Director, GeoMobile Innovations
Craig Greenwald is the Technical Director and a principal at GeoMobile Innovations Inc. He has worked in the GPS and Mobile GIS industry for over 13 years, including seven years for GIS software leader, ESRI and is well known for his work on the ESRI ArcPad team. Craig leads the GeoMobile software development and consulting team specializing in Mobile GIS and field data collection applications and technology providing Mobile GIS software, consulting, and training services to GeoMobile Innovations? clients. Craig has real world experience designing, implementing, and consulting on all sizes of projects, ranging from local campground trash mapping to the U.S. national census, and has been a key developer in GeoMobile?s commercial applications such as LaserGIS for ArcPad and Geo-Photo Inventory Tool for Garmin GPS solutions.

Michael L. Dennis, RLS, PE, Geodesist, NOAA
Michael L. Dennis, RLS, PE, is a geodesist at NOAA’s National Geodetic Survey (NGS) where his duties include analysis of geometric (“horizontal”) and vertical datums; evaluation of data processing and survey network adjustment procedures; development and promotion of standards and guidelines; integration of NGS products and services with GIS; and public outreach. Mr. Dennis is also a registered professional engineer and surveyor with private sector experience, including ownership of a consulting and surveying firm. Mr. Dennis is an officer of the American Association for Geodetic Surveying (AAGS), an American Congress on Surveying and Mapping (ACSM) Fellow, and a member of the Arizona Professional Land Surveyors Association and the Geomatics Division of the American Society of Civil Engineers.

Moderator:

Eric Gakstatter, Editor of Geospatial Solutions Monthly and Survey Scene
Eric Gakstatter has been involved in the GPS/GNSS industry for more than 20 years. For 10 years, he held several product management positions in the GPS/GNSS industry, managing the development of several medium- and high-precision GNSS products along with associated data-collection and post-processing software.

To learn more about our webinars, visit our webinar page.

June 5, 2013
Lockheed Martin Completes Functional Testing of GPS III Electronic Systems

A Lockheed Martin-led industry team has completed successful functional integration tests of the spacecraft bus and network communications equipment on the first satellite of the next generation Global Positioning System, known as GPS III.

The recent testing of GPS III space vehicle 1 (SV 1) bus — the portion of the space vehicle that carries mission payloads and hosts them in orbit — assured that all bus subsystems are functioning normally and ready for final integration with the satellite’s navigation payload. Systems tested included: guidance, navigation and control; command and data handling; on-board computer and flight software; environmental controls; and electrical power regulation. The SV 1 satellite’s network communication equipment subsystem that interfaces with the ground control segment and distributes data throughout the space vehicle also passed all tests as expected.

This milestone follows February’s successful initial power-on of SV 1, which demonstrated the electrical-mechanical integration, validated the satellite’s interfaces, and led the way for functional and hardware-software integration testing.

“The successful completion of the SV 1 bus functional check out validates that the spacecraft is now ready to begin the next sequence of payload integration and environmental testing, prior to delivery,” explained Keoki Jackson, vice president of Lockheed Martin’s Navigation Systems mission area.

GPS III SV 1’s navigation payload, which is being produced by ITT Exelis, will be delivered to Lockheed Martin’s GPS Processing Facility (GPF) near Denver later in 2013. The hosted nuclear detection system payload has already been delivered and mechanically integrated. The satellite remains on schedule for flight-ready delivery to the U.S. Air Force in 2014.

GPS III is a critically important program for the Air Force, affordably replacing aging GPS satellites in orbit, while improving capability to meet the evolving demands of military, commercial and civilian users. GPS III satellites will deliver three times better accuracy and — to outpace growing global threats that could disrupt GPS service — up to eight times improved anti-jamming signal power for additional resiliency. The GPS III will also include enhancements adding to the spacecraft’s design life and a new civil signal designed to be interoperable with international global navigation satellite systems.

The U.S. Air Force has produced a video about the GPS satellite modernization program:

Lockheed Martin is under contract for production of the first four GPS III satellites (SV 1-4), and has received advanced procurement funding for long-lead components for the fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth satellites (SV 5-8).

The GPS III team is led by the Global Positioning Systems Directorate at the U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center. Lockheed Martin is the GPS III prime contractor with teammates ITT Exelis, General Dynamics, Infinity Systems Engineering, Honeywell, ATK and other subcontractors. Air Force Space Command’s 2nd Space Operations Squadron (2SOPS), based at Schriever Air Force Base, Colo., manages and operates the GPS constellation for both civil and military users.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs about 118,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration, and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products, and services. The corporation’s net sales for 2012 were $47.2 billion.

June 5, 2013
Hemisphere GNSS Announces New Crescent Vector GNSS Compass Module

Photo: Hemisphere GNSS

Hemisphere GNSS has launched its new Crescent Vector H200 GNSS compass module, a high-performance receiver for heading, positioning, heave, and attitude. Vector H200 is designed for professional marine, navigation, and land applications in challenging and dynamic environments.

Vector H200 processes L1 GPS and GLONASS signals to deliver precise heading, greater positioning reliability, and better performance in challenging environments, Hemisphere GNSS said. Through using two separate antennas, Hemisphere GNSS’ patented Vector technology computes the heading and pitch or roll angle while stationary or in motion. Vector H200 can compute heading accuracy to 0.02 degrees using a 5-meter antenna separation. A variety of differential correction methods also make it possible for Vector H200 to provide sub-meter to centimeter position accuracy.

Marine industry developers can maximize performance by integrating Vector H200 into their systems for hydrographic and bathymetric surveys, auto-pilots, dredging, and buoys. For land applications, Vector H200 is ideal for aligning cameras, antennas and projectiles, and for machine control applications in agriculture, construction, and mining.

“System integrators have a lot to gain from Vector H200’s powerful combination of navigation and machine control orientation capabilities,” said Ron Ramsaran, Sr. Product Marketing Manager at Hemisphere GNSS. “They will appreciate the performance and value from such a small board package.”

Vector H200 supports SBAS, L-Band and RTK differential positioning solutions and features our exclusive SureTrack technology optimizing the use of GPS and GLONASS signals. Hemisphere GNSS offers precise GNSS antennas to fit a variety of Vector H200 applications.

June 5, 2013
Leica GeoMos Scanning Works with MS50 for Deformation Monitoring

Newly released Leica GeoMoS 6.0 software includes automatic scanning and deformation analysis integrating the new Leica Nova MS50 MultiStation to scan areas of inaccessible manmade and natural structures. The monitoring data is also processed automatically with the new n.Vec technology implemented by Leica Geosystems. Color-coded, visualized 3D deformation clouds enable easy analysis and interpretation of movements so users can make the right decisions to rectify static problems or protect peoples’ lives.

Leica Geosystems announced version 6.0 at a media event held during the HXGN Live conference in Las Vegas today.

Leica GeoMoS Scanning is an automatic scanning solution fully integrated into Leica GeoMoS Monitoring Solution. This ensures fast integration with existing Leica GeoMoS projects and an easy start for new users, Leica said. In addition to total stations, GNSS, tilt and geotechnical sensors, highly detailed scanning can now be added to the automated measurement cycle. The new scanning module is easy to configure and provides the complete workflow for automatic acquisition and processing of the data to visualize deformations and to notify key personnel in the case of an event. With Leica GeoMoS Web, the data can be accessed anywhere at any time.

Leica GeoMoS 6.0 enhances conventional monitoring methods with automatic scanning of surfaces with the Leica Nova MS50 MultiStation. Used for inaccessible places or locations where prisms cannot be installed, e.g. a road cover, a roof, a pipeline or a natural structure, Leica GeoMoS real-time scanning solution monitors any deformation and makes sure that no movement is undetected. The big advantage of using the Leica Nova MS50 MultiStation is that it combines laser scanning and prism monitoring, and therefore the measurements to stable control points guarantee highly accurate setup corrections, including orientation and translations. Additional imaging functionality complements the set by providing yet another information source for better deformation analysis. The implemented scan wizard allows the image-assisted definition of scan areas using different parameter settings and different scan result types. Once defined, the scan area can be scanned manually and via the automatic measurement cycle.

Leica GeoMoS 6.0 enhances conventional monitoring methods with automatic scanning of surfaces with the Leica Nova MS50 MultiStation.

The new scanning feature uses all current automatic functionalities such as automatic measurement cycle scheduling, real-time notification via e.g. SMS/email, automatic limit level check, etc. In addition, the embedded point cloud and image viewer assures powerful 3D visualization of all results using color-coded deformation clouds with a fully traceable history of deformations of the scanned area.

The new n.Vec technology in Leica GeoMoS 6.0 provides automatic scan cloud processing to deliver the real-time information about deformations. The data can quickly and easily be interpreted for informed decisions. Leica Geosystems’ unique n.Vec processing technology uses normal vectors to determine movements in man-made and natural structures through color-coded deformation maps. The deformation maps are created by comparing normal vectors from a reference epoch and the current epoch. To ensure maximum deformation interpretation quality, in an iterative and fully automatic procedure, n.Vec removes non-surface related scan artifacts to ensure uncontaminated surfaces and hence correct normal vectors.

June 4, 2013
Leica Announces Nova Measurement System at HXGN Live
Photo : Leica Nova

The Leica media event at HXGN Live Conference in Las Vegas. Photo : Leica Nova

At a media event held during the HXGN Live Conference in Las Vegas today, Leica Geosystems introduced several new products. The highlight of the event was presentation of Leica Nova and the Leica Nova MS50 MultiStation.

The Leica Nova measurement solution is designed to provide users with a complete and seamless workflow, Leica Geosystems said. It integrates advanced measurement technology, modern and intuitive field software, intelligent office software, and Leica’s services to give users the ability to make faster, smarter decisions, across a range of applications. The flagship of the new solution is the Leica Nova MS50 MultiStation, which combines scanning, total station, imaging and GNSS positioning in one instrument to deliver fast and reliable results.

Leica Nova uses advanced measuring technology that provides accuracy and quality, yet is easy to use for an unprecedented range of applications, Leica said. The Leica Nova solution covers the complete process from capturing and visualizing data, to creating intelligent deliverables that shape the world. Whether users measure objects on a construction site, quickly calculate volumes, monitor a dam or a bridge, capture an accident scene with digital imaging or scan a façade, Leica Nova integrates all these capabilities in one compact, flexible solution.

The Leica Nova MS50 MultiStation. Photo : Leica Nova

The Leica Nova MS50 MultiStation combines every signiﬁcant measuring technology in one device for the first time, Leica said. Precision 3D scanning, extensive and precise total station capabilities, digital imagery and GNSS connectivity are brought together in the multistation. The new mergeTEC technology fuses hardware capabilities with comprehensive data-management solutions. Images are synchronized with scans, and scans are tied into total station measurements, making it easy to manage complex 3D data, Leica said.

The Leica Nova MS50 integrates 3D point cloud measurements into regular survey workﬂows. Users can collect and visualize their topographic survey data with detailed high-precision scans. They save time by computing results and verifying the integrity and completeness of data immediately in the field, avoiding costly reworking or returns. Ultimately, users beneﬁt from better decisions with richer and more detailed data.

Also part of the innovative new Leica Nova solution are the Leica Nova TS50 high-precision total station and Nova TM50 monitoring station.

The Leica Nova TS50 high-precision total station has 0.5-inch angular accuracy and an optimum combination of angle and distance measuring. Integrated overview and telescope cameras with fatigue-reducing autofocus document the scene with high-quality photogrammetric images using the latest SmartWorx on-board software.

The Leica Nova MS50. Photo : Leica Nova

The user sees on the remote control display exactly what the Leica Nova TS50 sees, allowing for easy one-person data capture. The Leica Nova TS50 allows full control through “tap and turn” without the need to go to the instrument and back again. The 20-Hz live video stream can be combined with a graphical overlay for cost-effective recording with immediate clarification of ambiguous situations. Together with the beneﬁts of GNSS connectivity, the Leica Nova TS50 offers complete versatility by delivering reliable results, Leica said.

For critical monitoring tasks, the new Leica Nova TM50 monitoring station provides the highest angle accuracy and offers short measurement cycles through high speed Piezo drives and a fast, highly accurate EDM. The Leica Nova TM50 includes 0.5″ angular accuracy and can measure up to 3’000 meters, which makes it the ideal sensor for monitoring tasks in mines, landslides, etc. For additional documentation, the monitoring sensor includes an overview camera and a telescope camera with 30x magniﬁcation and autofocus. The Leica Nova TM50 meets the challenge of 24-hour-a-day, 7-days-a-week monitoring applications. The Leica Nova TS50/TM50 instruments are IP65 rated and designed to withstand the roughest use in the most severe environments.

Leica GeoMoS 6.0 enhances conventional monitoring methods with automatic scanning of surfaces with the Leica Nova MS50 MultiStation. Photo : Leica Nova

The Leica software portfolio includes the following:
- With the new Leica Infinity software, users can seamlessly manage, visualize, process and georeference combined total station, imaging and scanning data from the Leica Nova MS50 MultiStation and other Leica Geosystems sensors.
- For AutoCAD users who have never before worked with rich point clouds or 3D datasets, the new Leica MultiWorx for AutoCAD plug-in software offers a simple way to integrate point cloud processing into existing workflows.
- Leica Cyclone and Leica GeoMoS as well as numerous other software packages from partners such as MicroSurvey and Listech can also be integrated into the workﬂow to meet specific needs.
Here is a video of the Leica Nova MS50.
June 4, 2013
MicroSurvey Releases Software for Leica Nova MS50

MicroSurvey, the maker of MicroSurvey CAD and the MapScenes System, announces the release of three new software versions optimized to make full use of datasets from the new Leica Nova MS50 MultiStation. MicroSurvey CAD Ultimate 2013, MicroSurvey CAD Studio 2013 and MapScenes PointCloud 2013 provide complete point cloud and Leica Nova MS 50 support in an intuitive interface that allows users to quickly and easily integrate 3D point cloud data into their workflows, the company said.

MicroSurvey CAD Ultimate 2013, a complete desktop survey and design software solution for surveyors, contractors and engineers, provides a field-to-finish CAD survey solution with the Leica Nova MS50 MultiStation. Users can import datasets from the Leica Nova MS50 complete with all TPS measurements, pictures, points and scan data. For users who need to enhance their data visualizations with fly-through movies and animations, MicroSurvey CAD Studio 2103 includes all the functionality of MicroSurvey CAD Ultimate plus a powerful animation module capable of creating movies.

MapScenes 2013, a powerful drafting, point cloud data visualization and animation tool for forensic investigators, accident scene reconstructionists and other public safety professionals, now includes the ability to take advantage of the rich 3D datasets captured by the Leica Nova MS50 MultiStation, MicroSurvey said. MapScenes 2013 lets the user quickly and easily draw in the point cloud view for extremely fast, accurate linework as well as use the scan data from the Leica Nova MS50 in animations for accurate and compelling reconstructions.

MicroSurvey CAD Ultimate 2013, MicroSurvey CAD Studio 2103 and MapScenes 2013 are available as optional software packages with the Leica Nova MS50 MultiStation. For more information, visit www.microsurvey.com or www.mapscenes.com.

June 4, 2013
Leica GeoMos Scanning Works with MS50 for Deformation Monitoring

Newly released Leica GeoMoS 6.0 software includes automatic scanning and deformation analysis integrating the new Leica Nova MS50 MultiStation to scan areas of inaccessible manmade and natural structures. The monitoring data is also processed automatically with the new n.Vec technology implemented by Leica Geosystems. Color-coded, visualized 3D deformation clouds enable easy analysis and interpretation of movements so users can make the right decisions to rectify static problems or protect peoples’ lives.

Leica Geosystems announced version 6.0 at a media event held during the HXGN Live conference in Las Vegas today.

Leica GeoMoS Scanning is an automatic scanning solution fully integrated into Leica GeoMoS Monitoring Solution. This ensures fast integration with existing Leica GeoMoS projects and an easy start for new users, Leica said. In addition to total stations, GNSS, tilt and geotechnical sensors, highly detailed scanning can now be added to the automated measurement cycle. The new scanning module is easy to configure and provides the complete workflow for automatic acquisition and processing of the data to visualize deformations and to notify key personnel in the case of an event. With Leica GeoMoS Web, the data can be accessed anywhere at any time.

Leica GeoMoS 6.0 enhances conventional monitoring methods with automatic scanning of surfaces with the Leica Nova MS50 MultiStation. Used for inaccessible places or locations where prisms cannot be installed, e.g. a road cover, a roof, a pipeline or a natural structure, Leica GeoMoS real-time scanning solution monitors any deformation and makes sure that no movement is undetected. The big advantage of using the Leica Nova MS50 MultiStation is that it combines laser scanning and prism monitoring, and therefore the measurements to stable control points guarantee highly accurate setup corrections, including orientation and translations. Additional imaging functionality complements the set by providing yet another information source for better deformation analysis. The implemented scan wizard allows the image-assisted definition of scan areas using different parameter settings and different scan result types. Once defined, the scan area can be scanned manually and via the automatic measurement cycle.

Leica GeoMoS 6.0 enhances conventional monitoring methods with automatic scanning of surfaces with the Leica Nova MS50 MultiStation.

The new scanning feature uses all current automatic functionalities such as automatic measurement cycle scheduling, real-time notification via e.g. SMS/email, automatic limit level check, etc. In addition, the embedded point cloud and image viewer assures powerful 3D visualization of all results using color-coded deformation clouds with a fully traceable history of deformations of the scanned area.

The new n.Vec technology in Leica GeoMoS 6.0 provides automatic scan cloud processing to deliver the real-time information about deformations. The data can quickly and easily be interpreted for informed decisions. Leica Geosystems’ unique n.Vec processing technology uses normal vectors to determine movements in man-made and natural structures through color-coded deformation maps. The deformation maps are created by comparing normal vectors from a reference epoch and the current epoch. To ensure maximum deformation interpretation quality, in an iterative and fully automatic procedure, n.Vec removes non-surface related scan artifacts to ensure uncontaminated surfaces and hence correct normal vectors.

June 4, 2013
Navtech Offers Condensed GNSS Signals and Systems Course

Navtech is offering a four-day version of Course 551, “Using Advanced GPS/GNSS Signals and Systems,” customized for those attending the ION GNSS+ 2013 conference.

This course will help attendees develop proficiency with advanced receiver processing of current, modernized, and new signals from GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, and QZSS. It teaches systems engineering skills, along with techniques for receiver processing and for assessing processing performance. Review problems, worked in class, help students understand and apply the key concepts.

Those who attend will become proficient with the essential aspects of using GPS and GNSS signals.

Course days:
Friday, Saturday, September 13-14
Monday, Tuesday, September 16-17

Instructor: Dr. John Betz, MITRE

For more information, visit the Navtech website.

June 4, 2013