Industry

INDUSTRY | LBS | GNSS | GIS | IMAGING | GALILEO UPDATE

New System test algorithms combining GNSS and inertial MEMS

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.

Ultimate construction data preparation software by Leica

Leica Geosystems has added the latest offi ce software to its recently launched new Leica iCON portfolio. It is a complete data preparation, editing and reporting software package is the link between the offi ce and the Leica iCON hardware and software solutions for many construction applications. http://www.leica-geosystems.com/icon

Trimble to supply GNSS receivers to Japan

Trimble has announced that it will supply more than 500 Trimble NetR9 GNSS reference station receivers to the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan (GSI), part of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT), to modernise its nationwide GeoNet GNSSbased network. www.trimble.com

Leica GeoMoS 5.3 integrated as a secure windows service

Leica GeoMoS has been updated to version 5.3. In order to enable a permanent monitoring process, the latest version provides the best possible integration into a modern and high secure IT infrastructure as a windows service. For large monitoring installations using GNSS sensors and multiple total stations with hundreds of prisms, new functionalities have been introduced that make the confi guration easier and the monitoring process faster. www.leica-geosystems.com

NVS Technologies AG Selected by Panasonic

Panasonic has announced the launch of a Toughbook® CF-31 model with a built-in GPS/ GLONASS NV08C-CSM receiver by NVS Technologies AG, the fi rst rugged notebook on the Russian and CIS market. “The Built-in GPS/ GLONASS navigation receiver does not increase the weight and dimensions of the laptop. The model CF-31 with the GLONASS navigation system is primarily intended for government agencies, law enforcement and military services, which carry their operations in the harsh weather conditions, as well as for industries where the use of the protected equipment is essential – oil and gas, energy, transportation, exploration, forestry and fi sheries sectors.”, as quoted by Panasonic. www.nvs-gnss.com

Stamp-sized GPS-INS unit to debut

The world’s fi rst GPS-aided inertial navigation system on a surface-mount chip the size of a postage stamp is being unveiled by a U.S. company. VectorNav Technologies said its VN-200 combines an advanced GPS module with the latest in MEMS inertial and pressure sensor technology. Its onboard microprocessor runs an aerospace-grade Kalman fi lter algorithm at a rate of as much as 200 Hz and provides accuracies better than 0.25 degrees in pitch and roll and 0.75 degrees in heading, the company said. http://www.upi.com

GMV collaboration with South African national space agency

GMV is leading a major satellite navigation project in collaboration with the South African National Space Agency (SANSA). The project, SBAS Awareness and Training for South Africa (SATSA), will increase the technological navigation capacity in the South African region ultimately improving location identifi cation and tracking capabilities for Safety-of-Life Services especially during emergency or disaster situations. SATSA is set to run for 18 months during which GMV will install testing platforms in South Africa for conducting practical tests. www.usa.gmv.com

Carlson Survey 2013 Just Released

Carlson Survey 2013 provides upgrades to core features like the coordinate database, Field-to-Finish coding and As Built Reports as well as new commands, including one to twist points to a 3D view. Its 2013 version provides support for AutoCAD® 2013 and also works on AutoCAD versions 2004 and newer. All Carlson 2013 office software comes with IntelliCAD® 7.2 built-in, which offers greater performance and stability, plus support for MrSid and JPG 2000 images.

New GNSS receiver by Altus Positioning Systems

Altus Positioning Systems has launched its new APS-U GNSS receiver. It is scalable from a single stand-alone GNSS receiver to full options with heading, wireless links, precise point positioning and RTK capability. The unit has an additional processor for on-board confi guration and custom applications separate from the GNSS engine. It has an extensive suite of interfaces for data output, timing, event marks and a second antenna port for GNSS heading. www.altus-ps.com

Hemisphere GPS awarded new patents

Hemisphere GPS continues to expand its intellectual property portfolio with newly awarded patents. These patents represent the latest advancements in adaptive machine control and GNSS solutions. The Adaptive Machine Control System and Method patent describes the sophisticated adaptive control methods used to guide vehicles and provide accurate and effi cient coverage. The system is comprised of a machine controller, GNSS guidance system, and software and is most commonly used in precision farming. The patent supports current products and new developments within Hemisphere GPS’ precision farming product line including Outback Guidance® branded products. www.HemisphereGPS.com/Patents

New Version of NMEA 0183 Released

The National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA) has released a signifi cantly updated version of NMEA 0183, its well-known standard that enables the interfacing of marine electronics. Version 4.10 will improve boating safety and navigation through updates and expansions of various electronic communications “sentences” pertaining to a number of navigation and communications devices, including Galileo satellite receivers and Automatic Identifi cation Systems (AIS). http://www.maritime-executive.com

New GNSS SBAS receiver by Geneq

Geneq Inc. has announced the SXBlue II GNSS, a GNSS receiver that uses both GPS and GLONASS with SBAS (WAAS/ EGNOS/MSAS/GAGAN) to attain 30cm/1 ft (RMS) accuracy in real-time using free SBAS corrections. In addition to the built-in long-range Bluetooth transceiver, the SXBlue II GNSS also has a standard DE-9 RS-232 port and a USB Type B port whose outputs are fully programmable up to 10Hz standard, and a 20Hz option. Other optional features are L1 RTK for <2cm real-time accuracy and base station RTCM output. There is no need for postprocessing or other sources of differential corrections as the SXBlue II GNSS uses WAAS (North America), EGNOS (Europe), MSAS (Japan) and GAGAN (India) satellite corrections. Users receive real-time, 30cm/1 foot positioning all day long. http://www.sxbluegps.com

CHC introduces the X900+ Advanced GNSS Receiver

CHC has launched X900+ GNSS receiver bringing the future proof GNSS tracking technology to surveyors without the conventional cost associated with GNSS solutions. It combines advanced 120-channel GNSS technology (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo and Compass) and state-of-the-art RTK reliability and accuracy for either traditional base + rover confi guration and RTK networks thanks to its fl exible GPRS and UHF communication systems. www.chcnav.com

Mali Hydro Agriculture Mapping Project Relies on ProMark GNSS Technology

CIRA, a major West African consulting engineering fi rm, working on behalf of the Offi ce du Niger, a quasi governmental Mali company charged with managing more than 100,000 hectares of irrigated delta land, has completed surveying an additional 25,000 hectares for hydro agriculture development. In the course of two months during the dry season, two CIRA survey teams, each equipped with three Ashtech ProMark 500s, a base station and two rovers connected via UHF, completed the entire survey collecting four points in x,y and z per hectare to produce the digital model. www.trimble.com

Trimble positions software for Mapping and GIS Applications

Trimble® Positions™ Mobile extension is a new streamlined choice for integrating Trimble’s GNSS professional fi eld solutions and data verifi cation into the Esri ArcGIS for Windows Mobile environment. It was fi rst introduced as a development kit to Trimble’s GIS developer community in late 2011. Today, the software suite has expanded to provide a streamlined option for users who wish to work directly with Esri’s ArcGIS for Windows Mobile technology. www.trimble.com/positions

First open source initiative for CARIS

CARIS has released its fi rst open source API – CARIS OSCAR-js, a JavaScript Map API, allows you to create and embed custom web maps on your website. The API was created to help shape CARIS Spatial Fusion Enterprise and includes tools for navigation, measurement, and download, as well as providing a means for developers to create their own custom tools and extensions. It extends the very popular OpenLayers library and utilizes jQueryUI and YUI to help create a feature rich mapping experience. The API is designed around the creation of map themes. www.caris.com

Location-based services gaining traction in South Africa

Recent TNS research found that there is a growing appetite for LBS among mobile subscribers worldwide, including South Africa. Jacques Swanepoel, MD of Cellfi nd, says that the technology is gaining traction for navigation, personal safety and entertainment applications. LBS are set to break into the mainstream of South Africa’s mobile market, with more than half of consumers expressing interest in using these services in the near future. This refl ects a growing understanding of the benefi ts of LBS in South Africa. www.cellfi nd.co.za.