GPS Survey and Construction

Trimble Introduces Indoor Mobile Mapping Solution

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:25:19 -0600

Trimble introduced an indoor mobile mapping solution for facilities management at the SPAR 2010 Conference on 3D Imaging and Positioning.

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GPS 24+3 Configuration: A Closer Look

Eric Gakstatter — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 00:42:54 -0600

In the few years I’ve been writing this column, very few subjects have warranted back-to-back newsletter coverage. The new GPS 24+3 configuration is one of them. The reason I’ve continued with this discussion is because it will significantly affect your GPS operations, especially if you’re using RTK or DGPS.

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Topcon Offers Field Controller FC-250 for One-Person Surveying

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 15:53:45 -0600

Topcon Positioning Systems has introduced‘ the FC-250 field controller. The FC-250 is designed to give users increased power and performance in a rugged and compact unit.

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Trimble's New 4D Control Software Aimed at Deformation Monitoring

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 12:32:36 -0600

Trimble has introduced today a new version of its Trimble 4D Control software, the core of Trimble monitoring solutions, that combines GNSS and optical technologies for real-time deformation monitoring applications. The software is designed for monitoring dams, bridges, buildings, pipeline support piers, large-scale construction and excavation sites, underground and open pit mines, landslides,...

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Ashtech Introduces ProMark 500 V4.0 GNSS Receiver

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 15:53:23 -0600

Ashtech (formerly Magellan Professional) has released the ProMark 500 V4.0 GNSS receiver for high-performance real-time kinematic (RTK) surveying.

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Leica Builder Series Designed for Varying Jobsite Needs

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 11:48:45 -0600

The Leica Builder Series Total Stations, just introduced by Leica Geosystems, is designed for construction contractors or anyone on a construction site requiring an easy-to-operate, full-feature measuring tool. From simple tasks to professional all-day use, the Leica Builder offers a scaled product family of five different models to meet the varying needs of most construction jobs, Leica said....

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The New GPS 24+3 Constellation: What Does it Mean to the Surveying and GIS User?

Eric Gakstatter — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 16:09:50 -0600

Last week, the U.S. Air Force announced it is reconfiguring the GPS constellation. The Air Force is changing the constellation from a 21+3 configuration to a 24+3 configuration. The result will be more satellites in view, on average. This is great news for the GPS surveying and GIS mapping user. In my opinion, it was the only achievable short/medium-term solution to the GPS "brownout" problem...

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China Launches Third Beidou Navigation Satellite

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 11:43:34 -0600

The Chinese government announced a third Beidou navigation satellite was launched into orbit on January 17, an important step in the construction of the Compass Navigation Satellite System.

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Sokkia Introduces GRX1 GNSS System with Scalable Receiver

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 12:15:23 -0600

Sokkia Corporation (Olathe, Kansas) announces the new GRX1 GNSS system that includes the new SHC250 data collector, as well as a new controller and post-processing software.

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The Federal Radionavigation Plan

Eric Gakstatter — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 16:54:26 -0600

I’ve intended to write about the 2008 Federal Radionavigation Plan (FRP) for quite some time. It is an important document because it is the official policy document that drives the United States’ radio navigation (including GPS) program planning. According to the FRP, it includes the introductions, policies, radionavigation system user requirements, system descriptions, and operating plans of...

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Leica GPS Solution Selected by Codelco for Open Pit Mine Application

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 02:07:04 -0600

Leica announced that their Jigsaw360 Mine Management Solution was chosen by Codelco to increase site productivity and machine uptime, while lowering operational costs. The installations are set to begin in 2010 and added to Codelco’s operations as they continue to grow.

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GPS Satellite PRN25 Decommissioned

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 19:22:41 -0600

GPS SATELLITE SVN25 (PRN25) WILL BE UNUSABLE ON JDAY 352 (18 DEC 2009) BEGINNING 1522 ZULU UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

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Minnesota Signs Comprehensive Enterprise Software Agreement with ESRI

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 13:20:04 -0600

Under a new enterprise software licensing agreement that was signed by the State of Minnesota, GIS software – already in use by larger state agencies – will now be available to all agencies and at significantly reduced costs.

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Topcon Introduces New CAD Software for Surveying

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 10:43:32 -0600

Topcon Positioning Systems (TPS) has released a new CAD-based desktop application for surveying and job site information editing and plotting – SurveyMaster Lite.

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Directions 2010: It's the Economy, Stupid

Eric Gakstatter — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:33:26 -0600

At the end of every year, I devote this column to Directions 2010 in which I discuss significant developments, trends, technologies, and companies in the GNSS industry. Two years ago, I wrote about the Year of the Who. Not GNSS technology; rather, the people and companies they run. Last year, I highlighted 2009 as being the Year of the Other GNSS. The little brother of GPS…GLONASS.

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Yes, Virginia, There Is No Back-up

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 13:05:59 -0600

Many people around the world do not recognize the difference between a position, navigation, and time (PNT) system and an augmentation of a PNT system.

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Hemisphere GPS Forms Alliance with Third Eye Maps for Aerial Imagery Services

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 12:10:03 -0600

Hemisphere GPS has formed a strategic business alliance with Third Eye Maps company. The alliance recognizes Third Eye Maps as Hemisphere GPS’ authorized representative for aerial imagery capture and processing.

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Trimble Updates Mapping and GIS Software Postprocessing Engine

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 13:52:46 -0600

Trimble (Sunnyvale, California) announced today what it calls significant updates to its portfolio of Mapping & GIS field and office software products. These enhancements focus on improved GNSS accuracy for data collection for users of Trimble Mapping & GIS software. With the introduction of a new postprocessing engine, Trimble says it has further enhanced its powerful set of GNSS postprocessing...

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Web-Based GIS for Enterprise

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 18:36:28 -0600

Network Express is a web-based GIS solution that allows the desktop user to seamlessly edit, query, plot and report data in an easy-to-use interface. In conjunction with the 3-GIS field tool and server component, Network Express allows for the collection, management, and dissemination of geospatial data across the enterprise. Built upon the ESRI ArcGIS Server Advanced Enterprise, Network Express...

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In-Field Controller

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 18:21:58 -0600

Designed for extreme environments in the field, the Leica Viva Controllers CS10 and CS15 are comfortable in the hand and easy to use. Features include IP67 and operating temperature 130 to 60° C; tactile, fully illuminated rubber keypad (numeric on CS10; alphanumeric QWERTY on CS15); 2 megapixel camera (placed for taking pictures when in hand or mounted on pole); and color illuminated VGA...

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Handheld for Accurate Mapping

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 18:15:57 -0600

The XF102 DGPS receiver for professional GIS applications and surveying is specifically designed to work with the TDS Nomad handheld GIS data-collection device. The XF102 has a rugged and maintenance-free smart antenna and Compact Flash adapter that stands up to demanding environments. Powered by Crescent receiver technology, it offers superior positioning accuracy required for precise...

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Mobile Lidar Scanning System

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 18:12:22 -0600

The VMX-250 mobile scanning system can collect accurate and precise data at highway speeds and provides unparalleled safety and significantly reduced project times. It consists of two VQ-250 scanners on a mounted platform accompanied by a GPS-INS, and up to eight digital cameras or video equipment for a 360-degree field of view. Data acquisition is operator controlled using a standard laptop. At...

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Receiver for Sub-Meter Mapping

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 17:53:05 -0600

The SXBlue II-L is capable of receiving OmniSTAR sub-meter corrections and incorporates its SBAS signal processing for using WAAS/EGNOS/MSAS and future SBAS signals. The ability to select from either OmniSTAR or SBAS provides GIS professionals a sub-meter mapping solution virtually anywhere in the world. The SXBlue II-L is compact and rugged for field use, requiring no backpack or external...

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As Loran Fades, Attention Shifts to DGPS and SBAS

Eric Gakstatter — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 14:51:30 -0600

Few precise-positioning users have employed Loran in a professional sense, although maybe you have in your personal life if you’re a airplane pilot or a mariner. Then again, if you've flown as an airline passenger or cruised onboard a ship, you've benefited from the back-up to GPS that Loran provides. That back-up is about to go away. As attention and resources shift away from Loran, they focuses...

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A Little Q&A Follow-up and Feedback on My Last Column

Eric Gakstatter — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:28:17 -0600

I received some feedback on my last column entitled "What’s the Difference Between a Used Car Salesman and a GPS Salesman?" Most of the comments were positive in that the technical content was reasonably deep and thorough. However, I did receive a couple of e-mails from folks who were offended by the comparison.

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RTK Module

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:04:35 -0600

Topcon Precision Agriculture (TPA) has released a new Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) module for the Topcon AGI-3 receiver that includes the capability of receiving data from a radio base station or cell modem connected to GSM networks. The new AGA3928 module replaces the current AGA3677 module. This new RTK module includes both an internal, spread-spectrum 915 MHz modem for receiving data from a radio...

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Topcon to Provide 90 Additional GPS Reference Stations for the Japanese CORS GEONET

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 19:07:51 -0600

Topcon has received an order for 90 GPS receivers from the Geographical Survey Institute (GSI) of Japan, an affiliate of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT). This is in addition to the 360 receivers ordered in July.

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Topcon RTK Module Expands GSM Network Support

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:35:56 -0600

Topcon Precision Agriculture (TPA) has released a new Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) module for the Topcon AGI-3 receiver that includes the capability of receiving data from a radio base station or cell modem connected to GSM networks. The new AGA3928 module replaces the current AGA3677 module.

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Sokkia Releases Enhancements to NET05 and NET1 3D Stations

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:49:13 -0600

Sokkia (Olathe, Kansas) has announced four enhancements to the NET05 and the NET1 Automated 3D Stations. The NET05 features 0.5-sec angle accuracy and sub-millimeter EDM for maximum precision, while the NET1, a 1-sec model, incorporates longer range EDM and a new laser option designed for precise measurement in tunnel and general construction applications.

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What's the Difference between a Used Car Salesman and a GPS Salesman?

Eric Gakstatter — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:03:54 -0600

I didn’t attend the Minnesota GIS/LIS Annual Conference last week, but I received a report from someone who attended a session in which the presenter seemed to fit the maxim quite well. One of the presenter’s messages was that people should stop using WAAS immediately as a GPS correction source due to the inability of data collection software to handle the ITRF00 > NAD83/CORS96 datum shift....

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