IN-Fusion Multi-Single-Base Processing is designed for customers who need the highest level of differential GNSS position accuracy and perform long, linear projects such as power-line corridors, long highways or stretches of coastline. During these projects, a GNSS base station network may not be available, or the geometry of the network so weak that an Applanix SmartBase solution — which uses existing reference stations to achieve high accuracy over longer distances — is not viable. In these cases, IN-Fusion Multi-Single-Base Processing allows base stations to be established along the full length of the travel path and makes optimal use of the nearest base station at all times.

Customers can now take advantage of robust tightly coupled in-fusion processing without the need to break the project up into multiple segments for each base station to attain the highest accuracy, Applanix said.

“In addition to IN-Fusion Multi-Single-Base Processing, POSPac MMS V6.2 includes new features designed to increase productivity, efficiency and ease-of-use.  The Coordinate Conversion tool included allows users to choose from a number of local reference frames for inputting base station coordinates,” said Edith Roy, Development Manager of POSPac MMS at Applanix.  “POSPac MMS Version 6.2 demonstrates our commitment to providing customers with not only the most advanced software solutions for mobile mapping applications, but also the easiest to use.”

POSPac MMS V6.2 can be purchased through Applanix’ global sales network. The software is available as an upgrade to all POSPac users currently under a maintenance contract.

The new enhancements will allow surveyors, contractors, engineers and geospatial professionals to rapidly process 3D laser scanning data and expedite the creation of deliverables for their clients, increasing productivity and reducing costs, Trimble said.

The new 3D database engine in Trimble RealWorks version 8.0 will allow up to five times more data to be visualized and managed, compared to Trimble RealWorks version 7.2. The ability to handle larger data sets greatly increases usability and productivity for customers capturing data with 3D laser scanners such as the Trimble TX5 and Trimble FX.

The automated targetless registration function, together with additional workflow enhancements, will provide further productivity gains for customers. The automated targetless registration function automatically identifies planar objects in each scan and matches the planes from multiple stations, creating a combined data set. The function enhances productivity in the field by eliminating target placement prior to data capture in applicable environments. Office processing time is also reduced by the fully automated function.

Sharing of data with clients has been enhanced by the addition of a Publisher function within the Trimble RealWorks software that allows projects to be custom packaged for viewing via Microsoft Internet Explorer. The Scan Explorer interface, embedded inside a HTML web page, allows clients to navigate and explore the scan data as well as take measurements and add notes.

“Software is an integral part of Trimble’s 3D laser scanning solutions and is essential to extract information from 3D data captured in the field,” said Tim Lemmon, marketing director of Trimble. “The new version of Trimble RealWorks software significantly improves our customers’ productivity in processing field data, extracting information and preparing deliverables for their clients.”

The announcement was made today at SPAR International 2013, the leading conference for 3D data capture, processing and delivery technologies.

The agencies want to know how users use NDGPS, and are seeking ideas for future uses or alternative uses.

According to the notice in the Federal Register,”The NDGPS was designed to broadcast signals to improve the accuracy and integrity of the Global Positioning System (GPS) derived positions for surface transportation, as well as other civil, commercial, scientific, and homeland security applications. This analysis will be used to support future NDGPS investment decisions by the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Transportation beyond fiscal year 2016. This notice seeks comments from federal, state, and local agencies, as well as other interested members of the public regarding current and future usage of the NDGPS, the need to retain the NDGPS, the impact if NDGPS signals were not available, alternatives to the NDGPS, and alternative uses for the existing NDGPS infrastructure.”

NDGPS is a ground-based augmentation system that provides increased accuracy and integrity of GPS information to users on U.S. land and waterways. The system consists of the Maritime Differential GPS System operated by the U.S. Coast Guard and an inland component funded by the Department of Transportation. NDGPS is built to international standards, and similar systems have been implemented by 50 countries around the world. Modernization efforts include the High Accuracy NDGPS (HA-NDGPS) system, currently under development, to enhance the performance and provide 10-15 centimeter accuracy with integrity throughout the coverage area. For more information about NDGPS, visit the following webpages:

Comments and related material must reach the Docket Management Facility on or before July 15, 2013.

Comments can be submitted identified by docket number USCG-2013-0054 or RITA-2013-0001 using any one of the following methods:

1. Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov.
2. Fax: 202-493-2251.
3. Mail: Docket Management Facility (M-30), U.S. Department of Transportation, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, D.C.   20590-0001
4. Hand delivery: Same as mail address above, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The telephone number is 202-366-9329.

All comments received will be posted, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov and will include any personal information provided.

For more details on submitting comments, see the Federal Register notice.

More information on the status of the NDGPS can be found on the RITA site and the U.S. Coast Guard site. More information on the HA-NDGPS is at the U.S. Department of Transportation site.

In its announcement at the Munich construction trade show Bauma 2013, Topcon focused on the website’s features, which include giving end-users an intuitive way to manage and control every aspect of Topcon 3D machine control systems anywhere in the world.

The subscription web-based service—accessed via computer, tablet or smartphone—is a user-friendly, real-time visualization and communications tool that allows users to access job site status and create new or update job site parameters, and view movement of machines on the job, Topcon said.

Features of Sitelink3D include file transfers, messaging, machine tracking, remote support and training, real-time cut/fill mapping, and acquiring and storing real-time survey data.

“While Sitelink3D is a complete site communications systems providing data control, machine tracking and a reporting system in one solution, Sitelink3D.net gives complete site management power in real time and provides remote information access to and from any piece of enabled equipment regardless of location,” said Richard Jackson, vice president of machine control applications.

“The web portal provides simple, effective tools for monitoring machine efficiencies and site progress,” Jackson said. Through Sitelink3D.net, “companies can now better manage onsite progress, maintain data integrity, optimize production and minimize downtime. The ability to be able to send and receive job data and make instantaneous decisions or corrections saves time, fuel and money.”

Most machines currently equipped with a Topcon 3D-MC system can be included in the Sitelink3D network by adding the SL-100 radio modem. New Topcon 3D-MC systems can be ordered with the modem pre-installed. Users of Topcon Pocket3D and 3D Office software can also be included in the Sitelink3D network.

Using the MR-1 receiver and Topcon’s MG-A8 antenna, the system provides “centimeter-accurate RTK positioning and better than 1/10 of a degree heading accuracy in challenging environments,” said Doug Langen, TPS GNSS product manager. “The rugged MR-1 receiver is water and dustproof and operates at a robust operational temperature range of -40°C to 75°C.”

When combined with Topcon’s Quartz Lock Loop technology, the MR-1 offers continuous operation during “extreme vibration and shock, typical of intense dynamic environments,” he said.

The MG-A8 antenna of the MR-1 Heading System is designed for moving platforms and provides multipath rejection. It also offers increased resistance to near-band interference from satellite communications systems commonly found in marine applications.

Additional information is available at www.topconoemsolutions.com.

Trimble Slate Controller.

Trimble has introduced an all-in-one device for mobile communications and surveying data collection — the Trimble Slate Controller. The Trimble Slate Controller combines the convenience and ease-of-use of a smartphone with rugged durability. Optimized for Trimble Access field software and the Trimble R4 GNSS receiver, the Trimble Slate Controller supports a surveyor’s everyday workflows.

“Surveyors require mobile, rugged solutions that can readily withstand and perform in the toughest of conditions,” said Erik Arvesen, vice president of Trimble’s Survey Division. “With the introduction of the Trimble Slate Controller, we are providing a rugged handheld device designed to run survey workflows while also delivering the capabilities and convenience of a smartphone.”

Offering voice, SMS text, and 3.75G cellular data transfer capabilities on GSM cellular networks worldwide, the rugged Trimble Slate Controller enables enhanced connectivity in the field. Its wireless communication capabilities keep surveyors connected to the office. An integrated 8-megapixel camera offers enhanced job documentation and point attribution by providing geotagged, high-quality digital photos. 

The Trimble Slate Controller’s slim, ergonomic design is easy to hold while its screen provides superior sunlight readability enabling all-day use by survey professionals. Designed to withstand even tough conditions, a 4.3-inch capacitive touch Gorilla glass display covers the entire front surface, increasing readability without sacrificing durability.

Trimble Access field software available on the Trimble Slate Controller offers a variety of features and capabilities to streamline topographic, stakeout, control and other surveying applications. Partnered with Trimble Access and the Trimble R4 GNSS receiver, the Trimble Slate Controller provides a dedicated GNSS solution that is effective for both real time and post-processed GNSS surveys, Trimble said.

“Surveyors require mobile, rugged solutions that can readily withstand and perform in the toughest of conditions,” said Erik Arvesen, vice president of Trimble’s Survey Division. “With the introduction of the Trimble Slate Controller, we are providing a rugged handheld device designed to run survey workflows while also delivering the capabilities and convenience of a smartphone.”

Offering voice, SMS text, and 3.75G cellular data transfer capabilities on GSM cellular networks worldwide, the Trimble Slate Controller is a rugged device that enables enhanced connectivity in the field. Its wireless communication capabilities keep surveyors in the field connected to the office. An integrated 8-megapixel camera offers enhanced job documentation and point attribution by providing geotagged, high-quality digital photos.

The Trimble Slate Controller’s slim, ergonomic design is easy to hold while its screen provides superior sunlight readability enabling all-day use by survey professionals, Trimble said. Designed to withstand the toughest conditions, a 4.3-inch capacitive touch, Gorilla glass display covers the entire front surface, increasing readability without sacrificing durability.

Trimble Access field software available on the Trimble Slate Controller offers a variety of features and capabilities to streamline topographic, stakeout, control and other surveying applications. Partnered with Trimble Access and the Trimble R4 GNSS receiver, the Trimble Slate Controller provides a dedicated GNSS solution that is effective for both real time and post-processed GNSS surveys.

Trimble

The updates include increased satellite tracking and real-time kinematic (RTK) performance. These improvements modernize the integrated receiver portfolio to add functionality, flexibility and capability as well as more options for surveyors, Trimble said.

“With the introduction of the next-generation Trimble R10 GNSS system, we felt it was an ideal opportunity to modernize the complete integrated receiver portfolio,” said Erik Arvesen, vice president of Trimble’s Survey Division. “The additional functionality in the Trimble R4, R6 and R8 provide surveyors with more capability, flexibility and additional receiver options to meet their ever-changing business needs.”

Trimble R8 GNSS System. The Trimble R8 includes integrated Trimble Maxwell 6 ASICs offering 440 channels. Powered by Trimble 360 technology, the Trimble R8 provides consistent and reliable tracking of signals for all existing GNSS constellations and augmentation systems, including GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou and QZSS. Using the Trimble R8, surveyors can connect directly to the controller, receive RTK network corrections and access the Internet via comprehensive communication options.

Trimble R6 GNSS System. Featuring Trimble R-Track satellite tracking technology, a Trimble Maxwell 6 ASIC with 220 channels and support for all GPS and QZSS signals with GNSS upgrade options, the Trimble R6 provides surveyors with a completely scalable and flexible solution. The Trimble R6 supports GPS L1, L2, L2C, and L5 signals and QZSS as standard and offers upgrade options to support GLONASS, Galileo and BeiDou signals. The Trimble R6 delivers the accuracy and reliability required for precision surveying with superior tracking and RTK performance.

Trimble R4 GNSS System. Designed for use with the new Trimble Slate Controller and Trimble Access field software, the Trimble R4 GNSS System provides a dedicated and reliable GNSS solution that is effective for both real-time and post-processed GNSS surveys. The Trimble R4 now supports GPS L1, L2, and L2C and QZSS signals as standard and also offers GLONASS, Galileo and BeiDou support upgrade options. The system includes Trimble R-Track technology and a Trimble Maxwell 6 ASIC with 220 channels.

Trimble R10 GNSS System. The Trimble R10 GNSS system is the premier solution of the integrated survey receiver portfolio. Designed to increase  productivity, the Trimble R10 provides powerful functionality, including Trimble 360 receiver technology, precise position capture with Trimble SurePoint technology, the cutting-edge Trimble HD-GNSS processing engine and Trimble xFill bridging technology to “fill in” for RTK corrections in the event of temporary radio or Internet connection outages.

The updated configurations of the Trimble R4, R6 and R8 as well as the Trimble R10 GNSS system are available now through Trimble’s Survey Distribution Channel.