Prior to using the Nikon Nivo total station, leveling was accomplished with a theodolite and precision leveling rod. The theodolite system was very easy to use, but distances could not be measured, and it required manually calculating the height differences and calculation errors and manually entering the values into a computer.

NavCom Technology, Inc has announced a new feature for its GNSS receivers, StarFire Over IP. It allows users to access StarFire corrections over the Internet, giving them access to the same reliable five centimeter globalpositioning accuracy without the need for a base station.

The new Outback MAX integrated display terminal from Hemisphere GPS offers section and variable rate control, GPS and GLONASS guidance, video support for up to four cameras, plus wireless data transfer capabilities to automatically import and export prescription application maps, as-applied fi les and other critical precision agriculture data.

Javad has improved their GNSS protection filters to not only protect the L1 band against all interferences (including LightSquared 10L, 10H and 10R handset) but to protect against all other interferences which may come in any other GNSS band. This will be known as “J-Shield”.

The X900+ is proposed in various bundled packages to fit end users’ need with a choice of various data collection software (CHC’s Landstar and Carlson’s SurvCE) and handheld controllers (CHC’s LT30 and Getac PS236).

Spirent Communications has launched new simulation software that combines inertial MEMS sensor with multi-GNSS (GPS, GLONASS, etc.) testing. SimSENSOR includes trajectories that embed representative human motion gestures, such as arm movements. In additon MEMS noise models and errors such as bias and drift are also available under user control. The software can test fusion algorithms that take inputs from a large variety of sensors, including accelerometers, gyroscope, magnetometer, digital compass and barometric height sensors.

With Visual Stakeout (VSO) the virtual location of the point to be staked can be seen by a “fl ag” shown on the Triumph- VS camera image. This visual aid helps to navigate quickly to the point and makes stakeout jobs fast and fun. The VSO precision is better when closer to the target point and also better when the point is close to the crosshair.

Spectracom has announced its new L1+L2 dual frequency 32-channel multi-GNSS simulator, the GSG-62. It offers multiple frequency band operation, multiple GNSS constellation simulation, and expansion capability for more frequency bands and channels.

Spectra Precision new ProFlex™ 800 is a powerful GNSS solution with revolutionary Z-Blade™ GNSS-centric technology. It delivers fast and reliable RTK positioning, even in environments where GNSS signals may be difficult to acquire. Rugged and IP67 rated, it is built to withstand harsh operating conditions for a variety of positioning applications.

Lockheed Martin awarded a USD 32 million contract to ITT Exelis to build the navigation payloads for the GPS III space vehicles three and four. Exelis announced in December 2011 that it had successfully integrated and performed the initial power up of the full-size payload prototype known as GPS III Non-Flight Satellite Testbed (GNST) Navigation Payload Element. Scheduled for first launch in 2014, GPS III satellites will deliver significant improvements compared with current GPS space vehicles.