INDUSTRY

Spectra FOCUS 35 in Night time Topographic Survey

When a topographic survey for the main runway of the East Midlands International Airport was performed during nighttime closure, the Spectra Precision FOCUS 35 robotic total station turned in a stellar performance. Through cold November windy and rainy nights, with no task lighting permitted, the FOCUS 35 total station performed efficiently and flawlessly tracking the prism to 200 meters and beyond to help keep the project on time.

The runway topographic survey of 4,000 points was taken at 7.5m intervals longitudinally and at set locations across the tarmac. The set locations were predefined and uploaded as AutoCAD DXF onto the field controllers prior to commencing the survey. The positions were then located onsite and surveyed in the map screen to ensure the correct location was surveyed. www.spectraprecison.com

Poland Chooses MobileMapper 300

The agency responsible for the supervision and control of European Union agricultural subsidies in Poland, the Agency for Restructuring and Modernization of Agriculture (ARMA), has purchased 118 Spectra Precision MobileMapper 300 smart antennas. GPS/GLONASS/ SBAS L1/L2 receiver specifically is designed to be combined with a variety of mobile devices, including smart phones and tablets, running any thirdparty GIS application. ARMA is charged with verifying, through onthe- spot measurement of planted areas during the growing season, that the size of the declared cultivation and cultivated plant species are in line with the request for EU subsidies. The farms are selected for spot checks either randomly or through risk analysis.

The MobileMapper 300 was selected by ARMA because it enabled the agency to choose their preferred tablet solution, the Getac V110, and interface with their existing QGIS-based GIS application. www.spectraprecision.com

SkyTraq Low-Cost RTK Receiver

S2525F8-RTK by SkyTraq Technology Inc is a low-cost, low-power, single frequency RTK receiver for applications requiring centimeter-level accuracy positioning. It is a multiconstellation GNSS RTK receiver that can use 12 GPS, 8 SBAS, 6 BDS, and 1 QZSS signal. In situations where RTK fix is not possible, a Float RTK mode can be used for decimeter-level accuracy positioning. A moving-base mode is also supported for precise heading GPS compass application. www.skytraq.com.tw

Veripos extends Apex GNSS Positioning Service

Veripos has extended its Apex service with introduction of Apex5 which is capable of securing observations from five available satellite constellations comprising GPS, Glonass, Beidou, Galileo and QZSS.

Using Precise Point Positioning (PPP) methods for correction or modelling of all GNSS error sources, the new multi-constellation service with its access to increased civilian signals via interoperable networks ensures increased levels of observation and redundancy. Other advantages include improved satellite count and position availability, particularly in masked and scintillated environments. Apex5 is broadcast alongside existing Veripos Apex and Apex2 Ultra services via seven geostationary satellites to ensure continuous availability and service redundancy. www.veripos.com

ZEB-REVO Laser Scanner

GeoSLAM has launched of the ZEB-REVO – the next generation in our range of mobile, handheld 3D laser scanners. It builds upon the success of its predecessor, ZEB1, with a faster scanner, even simpler operation and greater versatility. At its core is GeoSLAM’s industry leading Simultaneous Localisation And Mapping (SLAM) algorithm, which facilitates rapid mobile mapping of enclosed environments without the need for GPS. www.geoslam.com

Seafloor announces the launch of their autonomous surface vehicles

Seafloor Systems has announced the launch of their line of Autonomous Surface Vehicles, developed for hydrographic survey applications. The EchoBoat- ASV is a multi-payload, remotely and autonomously controlled survey boat, featuring portability, improved thrust, and large payload capacity. The HyDrone-ASV is a remotely and autonomously controlled singlebeam survey catamaran platform for bathymetric surveying. Seafloor’s range of ASVs combine workhorse utility and capability with modern, advanced microelectronics making owning and operating an ASV affordable to all in the Hydrographic Community.

The survey vehicles can be monitored while under way, in both Auto and Manual modes, while within line-of-sight range. The mission planner application runs on a base station laptop, connected through a radio telemetry link, and displays the vehicle’s graphical positioning and progress against a background map of the survey area. Battery voltage, current, and capacity remaining may be monitored via this link. www.seafloorsystems.com

iXBlue offers new inertial positioning systems

iXBlue is offering its customers the opportunity to upgrade their fourthgeneration Octans positioning reference system to the fifth-generation system. Built on iXBlue’s high-performance fiberoptic gyroscope technology, the Octans is an all-in-one gyro compass and motion sensor (attitude and heading reference system) with features such as IMO/IMOHSC certification. The upgraded system provides extremely accurate real-time output for roll, pitch, heading and heave, as well as acceleration and rate of turns under challenging GNSS-denied environment.

Harxon offers new GNSS helix antenna

Chinese antenna maker Harxon has launched a new GNSS helix antenna for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and geospatial applications.

The HX-CH6601A receives GPS L1/ L2, GLONASS L1/L2 and BeiDou B1/B2 signals. It offers exceptional pattern control, polarization purity and high efficiency in a very compact form factor. The antenna is equipped with a high-quality, durable IP65 sealed radome housing and terminated with a SMA connector, which has high gain and wide beam width to ensure the signal receiving performance of satellites at a low elevation angle.

Hemisphere GNSS debuts smart antenna for survey

Hemisphere GNSS has released the S321, its next-generation multi-frequency, multi-GNSS survey smart antenna. The S321 — designed for land or marine survey — combines Hemisphere’s Athena and Atlas technologies with a new web user interface offering customerfriendly performance. For professional marine applications — such as marine construction, hydrographic surveying or dredging — using the S321 with Athena RTK (real-time kinematic) enables users to achieve impeccable results and maintain peak up-time. www.HGNSS.com.

Kongsberg unveils new DP reference solution

Kongsberg Maritime has introduced a new system that integrates all available GNSS and all correction services. The DPS 432 combines full decimetre accuracy with high integrity and availability of GNSS data, supporting the safety and efficiency of offshore operations that rely on advanced dynamic positioning (DP) systems. DPS 432 integrates signals from GPS, Glonass, BeiDou and Galileo GNSS services, and regional correction signals including SBAS and the new G4 services from Fugro. Because of these combinations, DPS 432 would be ideally suited to complex operations in challenging environments.

Topcon Launches New Local Positioning System

Topcon Positioning Group is launching a new local positioning system (LPS) for concrete paving. The LPS Paving System is designed to provide a stringless paving solution in conditions when GNSS signals are blocked or unavailable. It uses multiple Topcon PS series robotic total stations — tracking two prisms mounted to the concrete paver — for steering and elevation control.

The LPS system uses the new MCi4 receiver with LongLink for local communications between the robots. Multiple robots can be set up ahead of time for seamless transitions and without the need to stop to switch total stations.

Honeywell receives certification for navigation technology

Honeywell has secured a Technical Standard Order from the Federal Aviation Administration for its newest navigation product.

Called the LASEREF VI inertial reference system for helicopters, the product leverages Honeywell’s existing inertial navigation products and technology from the civil fixed wing markets and applies them to the commercial helicopter market. LASEREF VI gives helicopter pilots more accurate navigation information such as heading, speed and position, keeping flights safe and efficient, especially when the GNSS is unavailable. www.verticalmag.com

VN-360 GPS-Compass by VectorNav

VectorNav Technologies has introduced the VN-360 GPS-Compass heading and position sensor. It is an OEM GPSCompass module that provides an accurate, True North heading solution for systems integrators seeking a reliable alternative to magnetic-based sensors.

Many systems currently available on the market depend on digital magnetometers for providing heading measurements of a manned or unmanned platform. However, the majority of these platforms (e.g. multirotor UAVs, ground robots or satellite antennas) also include ferrous materials, motors, batteries or electrical components that drastically limit the ability of a magnetometer to provide an accurate or reliable heading solution. VectorNav’s VN-360 provides a miniature, cost-effective GPS-based alternative that is unaffected by these magnetic disturbances and changes to the magnetic environment. Incorporating two onboard GNSS receivers, the VN- 360 calculates the relative position between its two GNSS antennas to derive a heading solution that is an order of magnitude more accurate than a magnetic compass. www.vectornav.com

SBG Systems offers inertial sensors in subsea enclosures

SBG Systems has released the Apogee-M and the Apogee-U, two inertial sensors, to complete the Apogee product line.

The Apogee-M is a motion reference unit (MRU), and the Apogee-U is an inertial navigation system (INS). Both are made of titanium with a depth rating of 200 meters. Apogee Series is an accurate INS based on robust micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) technology.

Review of Raytheon’s GPS control system in 3 months time

The U.S. Defence Department will conduct a widespread review of Raytheon Co’s long-delayed ground control system for next generation GPS satellites in about three months. Pentagon chief arms buyer Frank Kendall, Air Force Secretary Deborah James and other officials met with Raytheon Chief Executive Tom Kennedy in Colorado to review progress on the $3.6 billion program after years of schedule delays and technical challenges.

New Leica Geosystems reference servers, monitoring receiver

The new Leica GR30 and GR50 reference servers and GM30 monitoring receiver are primed for the constantly changing requirements of GNSS technology. Now equipped with 555 channels, the new reference stations and monitoring receivers support all global GNSS constellations, such as GPS, GLONASS, Galileo and BeiDou, as well as regional systems such as QZSS and SBAS. Seamlessly working with a multitude of signals, monitoring professionals as well as geodetic research and engineering specialists can be confident they will obtain the highest quality data and continuous, uninterrupted accuracy for outstanding processing performance.

ISS Reshetnev to build 11 new GLONASS-K satellites

ISS Reshetnev has signed a contract with Russian space agency Roscosmos to build 11 new GLONASS satellites, according to the Roscosmos website. ISS Reshetnev is Russia’s leading spacecraft developer and manufacturer.

ISS Reshetnev will build nine GLONASS-K1 satellites and two GLONASS-K2 satellites.

Trimble News

FieldPoint RTX Correction Service

Multi-constellation Trimble FieldPoint RTX™ correction service offers horizontal accuracy up to 10 centimeters (4 inches) at 1-sigma standard deviation or 20 centimeters (8 inches) at 2-sigma, without requiring the use of a base station or local VRS network. It is now available with the Trimble R2 GNSS receiver and the GIS version of the Trimble Geo 7X handheld for a broad range of applications requiring decimeter accuracy.

Seismic Navigation Systems for Geophysical Exploration

The Trimble Seismic Navigation Systems (SNS) portfolio of advanced hardware and software solutions include two vehicle guidance applications for geophysical exploration contractors to streamline the operation of line clearing equipment as well as provide guidance and precise positioning of drilling and vibroseis vehicles used in land seismic operations.

4D Control Software Supports IBIS-FM Radar Device

Trimble® 4D Control™ monitoring software supports the IBIS-FM radar device, which is manufactured by the GeoRadar Division of Ingegneria Dei Sistemi (IDS). IDS pioneered radar technologies for a variety of applications such as slope stability and structural monitoring in open pit mining. The IBISFM radar device continuously scans in allweather conditions and detects movements with sub-millimeter accuracy for distances up to 4 kilometers. www.trimble.com/