MAPPING

Mobile Mapping System
With integrated inertial labs INS/lidar

The Meridian mobile mapping system integrates the Mosaic X camera with Inertial Labs inertial navigation system (INS) and lidar to improve mapping accuracy.

The Meridian system offers panoramas with a 74 MP native resolution and 13.5 K resolution using precisely synchronized camera modules. The design minimizes image overlap to offer clearer and more consistent panoramas. The integrated INS system has a vertical accuracy of 2 cm to 3 cm and a precision of 2 cm to 4 cm.

It features seamless, out-of-the-box operations with fully integrated and calibrated components. The Meridian system is designed for ease of use and requires only minutes of training. In addition, it features a rugged design to ensure performance in challenging environments.

Mosaic, mosaic51.com

OEM

INS
Combines a GPS master clock with an INS

The Geo-APNT serves applications requiring precise navigation data and an accurate time reference. The Geo-APNT combines a versatile GPS master clock with an INS to
offer assured positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) under all circumstances, including temporary loss of GPS signal. It minimizes size, weight and power (SWaP) due to the integration of positioning and timing that are typically achieved by two independent subsystems.

It can be easily integrated into existing systems and supports RTK and PPK positioning and offers support for MEMS, fiber optic gyro and ring laser gyro inertial measurement units (IMUs). The system also includes GPS antenna and cables.

AEVEX Aerospace, aevex.com

Tactical-Grade IMUs

For unmanned applications

<p>The post Launchpad: Tactical-grade IMUs, Spirent simulator upgrades, atomic clocks and more first appeared on GPS World.</p>

SURVEYING & MAPPING

Image: Geometer International

Dual-Frequency Receiver

Receives all GNSS constellations plus SBAS

The Walker RTK is a dual-frequency GNSS receiver (L1, L2) for high-precision coordinate surveying in real-time kinematic (RTK) mode. It comes with a helical antenna, a bracket for attaching a smartphone, and the Geometer SCOUT mobile app. A classic geodesic antenna can be connected through the SMA connector. The Walker RTK has a rugged aluminum alloy casing with a shock-resistant coating, yet weighs only 250 grams. GNSS signals processed by the Walker RTK GNSS receiver include GPS (L1C/A, L2C), GLONASS (L1OF, L2OF), Galileo (E1B/C, E5b), BeiDou (B1I, B2I), QZSS (L1C/A, L1S, L2C) and SBAS (L1C/A). A built-in rechargeable battery provides 24 hours of continuous operation without recharging.

Geometer International, gpsgeometer.com

AsteRx SB3 ProBase (Image: Septentrio)

Base station receiver

Creates high-quality measurements

The AsteRx SB3 ProBase creates high-quality measurements for real-time kinematic (RTK) and differential corrections. The IP68-housed GNSS base station receiver features the latest quad-constellation GNSS technology and complements the SB3 receiver family: the AsteRx SB3 Pro rover receiver, the AsteRx SB3 Pro+ rover and base receiver, and the AsteRx SB3 CLAS for the Japanese market. The SB3 ProBase is easy to configure, the company says. It comes with Septentrio’s GNSS+ technologies, including anti-jam and anti-spoofing technology (AIM+) for robustness and reliability. AsteRx SB3 products are pin-to-pin compatible with the AsteRx SB ProDirect receiver and the recently released AsteRx SBi3 GNSS/INS system.

Septentrio, septentrio.com

Rugged Tablet

Image: Handheld Group

Equipped with Multi-Band GNSS

The Algiz 10XR is a rugged 10-inch Windows tablet that combines durability with a GNSS receiver and 5G communications. It was developed for challenging environments in logistics, mining, public transport, public safety, waste management or geographic information systems (GIS). The 10xR is customizable and has a dedicated multiband GNSS u-blox NEO-M8U receiver for accurate positioning as well as untethered dead-reckoning technology. The high-resolution, sunlight-readable 10-inch touchscreen has super-hardened glass and rain-and-glove mode. The tablet also has 4G/LTE high-speed data, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

Handheld Group, handheldgroup.com

Image: Riegl

Laser Scanner

Integrated GNSS receiver helps speed workflows

The VZ-600i terrestrial laser scanner has a 3D position accuracy of 3 mm and less than 30 seconds of scan time for high-resolution scans with 6 mm point spacing at 10 m. This enables more than 60 scan positions per hour with real-time registration. Weighing less than 6 kg (13 pounds), the VZ-600i has a 2.2-MHZ pulse repetition rate, three internal cameras and an integrated GNSS receiver. It also includes key features to speed up workflows in indoor and outdoor applications such as architecture, engineering, construction, building information modeling, as-built surveying, forensic and crash scene investigation, archaeology and cultural heritage documentation and forestry.

Riegl, riegl.com

Image: LP360

Data Processing

For UAV lidar and photogrammetry

The LP360 Drone software system provides a geospatial-data workflow for UAV lidar and photogrammetry data processing. It provides powerful point cloud visualizations with multiple, synchronized windows. It can transform lidar and imagery data into survey-grade deliverables including visualization, quality checks, classification, analysis and 3D editing. For users of larger datasets, LP360 Geospatial can process captured lidar data or images from any aircraft or mobile sensor and analyze and extract values.

LP360, lp360.com

Image: Caliper

Mapping Databases

Free library offers data on healthcare, business, traffic

The extensive Maptitude library of free mapping databases has been updated for 2022 and is available for download, supporting insightful business development analysis. The data is available free to users of the latest version of the Maptitude mapping software. The data are also available as shapefile, KML, KMZ or GeoJSON for a fee. Maptitude includes business-critical data such as demographics, boundaries, streets, and the most ZIP Code/postal boundaries. Also available is a catalog of free premium datasets that can be used in other GIS applications, on the web, or in corporate databases.

Caliper, caliper.com 

TRANSPORTATION

Image: Traxmate and Nestwave

Asset Tracking Solution

Indoor and outdoor tracking of low-power, small IoT devices

Traxmate is integrating Nestwave GNSS location technology into its asset-tracking platform for seamless indoor and outdoor positioning, tracking and routing of small, low-power and battery-powered devices for the internet of things (IoT). Nestwave’s NestCore IP and NestCloud cloud services enable power-efficient geolocation solutions, while Traxmate (pictured) is a comprehensive data-processing hub that simplifies setup of tracking environments and provides real-time visualization of device location. The resulting geolocation solution is suitable for applications ranging from carrier tracking to tracking individual parcels and packets. Traxmate is simple to use and set up, requires no coding, and provides an out-of-the-box feature set that includes dashboards, alerts and processing rules for taking actions on incoming data. Nestwave’s trackers include ThinTrack, an ultra-low-profile, compact GPS tracking solution that integrates an LTE-M/NB-IoT modem, antenna, battery and SIM into a device that measures 82 mm x 35 mm x  3 mm and weighs 15 g. 

Traxmate, traxmate.io; Nestwave, nestwave.com

Image: Sygic

Auto Navigation

Provides guidance even without an internet connection

The Sygic GPS Navigation app uses a smartphone’s camera and augmented reality to display navigation instructions over the view ahead on the windshield. The head-up display is especially useful at night, enabling recognition of critical speed limit, road work or traffic restriction signs. Cockpit is a powerful tool that shows the real-time performance of the car, measuring the G force and actual speed to help users drive economically. The Dashcam feature records the road ahead and automatically saves the video in case of an accident. An Electric Vehicle Mode locates nearby charging stations.

Sygic, sygic.com

Image: Geotab and SureCam

Video Telematics

Enhanced data-based rule implementation for fleets

An enhanced SureCam video telematics integration provides fleet managers with access to new capabilities to keep drivers safe and maximize fleet efficiency. The solution features a method for capturing video footage from SureCam cameras using Geotab’s powerful telematics device and rule-based system. The result is a seamless display of video within the MyGeotab platform. The enhanced SureCam fleet video solution leverages Geotab’s numerous data-based rules, such as improper seat belt usage and speeding. It uses G-force triggered alerts that detect unsafe driving behaviors and automatically captures video footage that can be reviewed later on the MyGeotab platform and alert managers to incidents when necessary. Camera configuration and customized triggers are managed directly within MyGeotab.

Geotab, geotab.com; SureCam, surecam.com

Image: DeepRoute.ai

Autonomous Driving Solution

Can navigate heavy traffic safely and efficiently

Driver 2.0 is a Level 4 production-ready autonomous driving solution that can operate in complex and challenging traffic environments. Demonstrations with Driver 2.0 showed an autonomous vehicle could maneuver around double-parked cars, e-scooters and pedestrians, negotiate oncoming vehicles to calculate the right timing and trajectory to pass busy intersections, and make multiple lane changes and unprotected left turns. In the case of long tail scenarios, the system will alert the remote monitoring center to intervene or take other safety measures. Driver 2.0 includes five solid-state lidar units, eight cameras and other sensors, and a computing platform integrated with a proprietary inference engine. The perception algorithm with sensor fusion can achieve precise object detection up to nearly 220 yards. The planning and control algorithm based on game theory can choose optimal routes and make decisions based on real-time situations when negotiating with oncoming vehicles and other road agents.

DeepRoute.ai, DeepRoute.ai

Image: SABIC

Antenna compounds

Provide improved signal gain for automotive antennas

Two new compounds could improve signal-gain performance compared to ceramics in second-generation automotive GNSS antennas. The new compounds — LNP Thermocomp ZKC0CXXD and LNP Thermocomp ZKC0DXXD — help enable the design and molding of antenna substrates with more complex pattern markings that add effective surface area, a critical factor in enhancing signal capture. They also provide flexibility to produce smaller parts with the same performance as ceramic, or equal-size parts with better performance. The LNP Thermocomp compounds feature electroplating capability, good thermal resistance for reliability, and the design freedom and production efficiency of thermoplastics. Both are well-suited for shark-fin-style and new conformal antenna designs.

SABIC, sabic.com 

AUTONOMOUS

Image: Civ Robotics

Robotic Surveyor

Precisely marks thousands of coordinates per day

The CivDot unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) is designed for civil engineering and infrastructure projects such as solar farms, roadways, data centers, power plants and more. The autonomous surveying robot is designed to increase efficiency, productivity and safety on the job. Augmenting the surveyor’s work, CivDot marks thousands of coordinates per day precisely and efficiently, while delivering layouts faster than traditional methods. Civ Robotics uses Trimble’s high-precision GNSS positioning technology and surveying software.

Civ Robotics, civrobotics.com

Image: DJI

Enterprise Drones

Designed for business, government, public safety

The compact DJI Mavic 3E and 3T drones have been designed for an array of commercial missions. Flight time is 45 minutes. Both models have a real-time kinematic (RTK) module that enables surveying professionals to achieve centimeter-level accuracy with support for network RTK, custom network RTK services, and the D-RTK 2 Mobile Station. The D-RTK 2 Mobile Station is DJI’s upgraded high-precision GNSS receiver that supports all major GNSS, providing real-time differential corrections. The DJI Mavic 3E enables efficient mapping and surveying missions without the need for ground control points. The DJI Mavic 3T is engineered for aerial operations in firefighting, search and rescue, inspections and night missions.

DJI, dji.com  

<p>The post Launchpad: New receivers, scanners and tablets first appeared on GPS World.</p>

OEM

Simulator

Designed for desktop convenience

Photo: Orolia

The BroadSim Solo has a compact form factor designed to fit comfortably at a typical desk or workstation. It shares the same Skydel simulation engine that runs on a standard BroadSim, BroadSim Anechoic and BroadSim Wavefront. It supports advanced scenario creation features and the benefits provided by a software-defined architecture such as high dynamics, a 1000-Hz iteration update rate and ultra-low latency of 5 ms. Nearly all civilian GNSS signals can be generated through the Solo’s single RF output (one frequency band at a time), along with jamming or spoofing signals, and GPS AES M-code.

Orolia, orolia.com

9-in-1 Antennas

Series offers GNSS, 5G NR, and wifi-6E combination

Photo: 2J Antennas

The Stellar series of antennas is designed for a large suite of devices with a focus on GNSS, sub-6 GHz, 5G NR, 4G LTE, 3G, 2G and WiFi-6E technologies. The series is suitable for law enforcement, medical transportation, fire rescue and other mission-critical applications. The series includes single or up to 9-in-1 configuration choices within the range of 617 MHz to 7125 MHz frequency bands. The patent-pending technology reduces the antenna footprint by 55% while implementing a new double trifilar design and longitudinal resonances for MIMO/ARRAY configurations that traditionally have more complex size restrictions (such as B71 band/600 MHz). Each antenna configuration uses symmetrical or asymmetrical resonators for negative sections of the antenna, resulting in maximum performance at low and mid frequencies.

2J Antennas, 2j-antennas.com

GNSS Antenna 

Full-band helical design for precise positioning

Photo: Tallysman Wireless

The full-band GNSS HC990E embedded helical antenna is designed for precise positioning, covering the GPS/QZSS-L1/L2/L5, QZSS-L6, GLONASS-G1/G2/G3, Galileo-E1/E5a/E5b/E6, BeiDou-B1/B2/B2a/B3, and NavIC-L5 frequency bands, including the satellite-based augmentation system (SBAS) available in the region of operation [WAAS (North America), EGNOS (Europe), MSAS (Japan), or GAGAN (India)], as well as L-band correction services. The HC990E embedded helical antenna is designed and built for high-accuracy positioning. It is packaged in a very light and compact form factor, making it suitable for a wide variety of applications, especially lightweight UAV navigation. The HC990E is 60-mm wide and 25-mm tall, weighing 12 grams. It features a precision-tuned helical element that provides an excellent axial ratio and operates without the requirement of a ground plane. The HC990E also features a low-current, low-noise amplifier (LNA) and pre-filter to prevent harmonic interference from high-amplitude signals, such as 700 MHz band LTE and other nearby in-band cellular signals.

Tallysman Wireless, tallysman.com

Chip-Scale Atomic Clock 

Provides wider operating temperatures, faster warm-up, improved stability

Photo: Microchip Technology

The SA65 chip-scale atomic clock (CSAC) provides precise timing accuracy and stability in extreme environments. Designed for military and industrial systems, it features ultra-high precision and low power consumption. The SA65 CSAC delivers higher performance than the previous SA.45s CSAC, including double the frequency stability over a wider temperature range and faster warm-up from cold temperatures. It has an operating temperature range of –40° C to 80° C and a storage temperature range of –55° C to 105° C. The warm-up time of two minutes at –40° C is 33% faster than that of the SA.45s. These performance improvements benefit designers of highly portable solutions for military applications such as assured positioning, navigation and timing (A-PNT) and C5ISR (command, control, communications, computers, cyber, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance).

Microchip Technology, microchip.com

Processor

Provides L1 receiver for mobile, wearables

Image: Samsung

Samsung Electronics is offering a new processor for wearables, the Exynos W920. The new processor integrates an LTE modem and is built with an advanced 5-nanometer (nm) extreme ultraviolet process node, offering powerful yet efficient performance demanded by next-generation wearable devices. The Exynos W920 is embedded with a GNSS L1 receiver (GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo) for tracking speed, distance and elevation during outdoor activities. It also has a 4G LTE Cat. 4 modem. It has two Arm Cortex-A55 cores for high-performing, power-efficient processing and an Arm Mali-G68 GPU with CPU performance improved by 20% and 10 times better graphics performance than its predecessor. The Exynos W920 supports a new unified wearable platform that Samsung built jointly with Google, and will be first applied to the upcoming Galaxy Watch model.

Samsung, samsung.com

SURVEYING & MAPPING

GNSS Receivers

Longer battery life, more signals

Photo: Eos Positioning

The Arrow Gold+ and Arrow 100+ expand upon the features of the Arrow Gold and Arrow 100. The Arrow Gold+ has a battery life 3.5 hours longer, for a total of 11 hours of field autonomy. It supports concurrent use of BeiDou B3 and GPS L5 signals when using RTK corrections, and the upcoming Galileo E6 High-Accuracy Service (HAS). The Arrow 100+ has a battery life 6 hours longer than the Arrow 100, for a total of 18 hours of field autonomy. It also supports Atlas H50 (Basic) service subscriptions, which provide 30-50 cm positioning accuracy worldwide when no SBAS or RTK network is available. Both the Arrow Gold+ and Arrow 100+ use Eos Bridge to connect with external sensors — multiple mobile devices can connect to a single Arrow GNSS receiver via Bluetooth.

Eos Positioning, eos-gnss.com

3D Mesh Conversion

Enables new visualization of geospatial data

Photo: Skyline

EagleView’s high-resolution ortho and oblique imagery now can be converted into 3D mesh layers with Skyline’s PhotoMesh and viewed, edited and analyzed on Skyline’s TerraExplorer platform. EagleView customers will be able to use Skyline’s TerraExplorer web-based GIS viewer and editor to see, analyze and share their imagery in an immersive environment. Accurately measuring distance, area and volume is now easier than ever, which is critical for planning and zoning to verify regulations or estimate the costs of flattening a site. With floodplain analysis, disaster management can identify flood risks before they happen, and with viewshed calculations E911 can pre-plan for high-profile events. Other key analytic features for customers include the ability to analyze shade, view contour and slope maps, and view in underground mode. The additional 3D Mesh capability is available as an add-on to any new Reveal Essentials+ Property or Neighborhood image capture.

Skyline, skylinesoft.com; EagleView, eagleview.com

Ground Survey App

Enables ground surveys on KlauPPK drone setup

Photo: Klau Geomatics

The KlauPPK Phone App, designed for use on drones with KlauPPK hardware and software, enables users to collect ground survey points with a name, description, feature code and antenna height like a traditional survey controller. The app sends the information to the operator’s computer for processing with the raw GNSS data logged in the KlauPPK unit on the pole. After post processing, the accurate survey data can be brought into CAD software to create points and line strings. The app takes a photo of the point being captured, and metadata is collected in the project. Users can place ground control points or check points, pick up as-built data like roads and utilities, and perform basic surveying. The system is compatible with the hybrid PPP/PPK MakeItAccurate post-processing service.

Klau Geomatics, klauppk.com

Geospatial Software

For command-and-control applications

Image: Kongsberg

TerraLens 9.3 is a real-time software development toolkit for geospatial visualization. This release improves performance for 3D visualization for large viewports and multi-domain visualization features for command-and-control applications. It is significantly faster to enhance situational awareness. With increased multithreading in its map handling, TerraLens can load and display vector, raster and elevation formats smoothly without pre-processing, suitable for applications with disk size constraints or customers with a short turn-around time. A pre-processing option is still included. Improved data culling ensures only visible items will be rendered — especially noticeable when displaying large numbers of dynamic tracks and objects. New tools and features including support for OGC 3D Tiles for cityscapes, and a new API to control resolution of terrain mesh. Elevation warnings can now be displayed.

Kongsberg Geospatial, kongsberggeospatial.com

Panoramic Camera

Now usable on UAVs

Photo: GeoSLAM

The ZEB Vision 16MP panoramic camera is now available for pre-order. Suitable for any ZEB Horizon, the new camera provides better colorization, image walkthroughs and point-cloud measurements using optional Draw software. Further updates mean GeoSLAM customers now can take a ZEB Horizon from handheld to UAV usage to get a more complete picture of projects. ZEB Horizon is compatible with the DJI Matrice 300 UAV.

GeoSLAM, geoslam.com

TRANSPORTATION

Auto Modules

Accurate navigation in heat

Photo: U-blox

A new series of automotive-grade positioning modules are operational up to 105° C (221° F). The NEO-M9L modules and the M9140-KA-DR chip are built on the u-blox M9 GNSS platform and use dead-reckoning techniques to provide accurate position data when satellite signals are compromised or unavailable. The NEO-M9L-20A and NEO-M9L-01A modules, as well as the M9140-KA-DR chip, are specially designed for first-mount automotive solutions. The NEO-M9L-01A variant offers an extended operational temperature range up to 105° C, making it suitable for integration on the roof, behind the windscreen, or inside hot electronics control units. Applications include integrated navigation systems such as in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) and head units, integrated telematics control units and V2X.

U-blox, ublox.com

Dead-Reckoning Module

Provides positioning accuracy in tunnels, parking garages

Photo: SkyTraq

The PX1120D GNSS/inertial measurement unit (IMU) is suitable for both automotive pre-installation and aftermarket. The robust dead-reckoning module integrates a six-axis IMU and a concurrent quad-GNSS chipset. It receives signals from GPS, GLONASS, Galileo and BeiDou, as well as QZSS. The sensor-fusion module maximizes positioning accuracy in challenging environments, providing continuous navigation in tunnels and underground parking lots. For automotive pre-installation applications where vehicle wheel-tick signals are available, the PX1120D provides wheel-tick sensor fusion with automotive dead-reckoning. In aftermarket applications where wheel-tick signals are unavailable, the PX1120D provides an untethered dead-reckoning sensor-fusion solution. A single PX1120D module provides both automotive and untethered dead-reckoning functionality, simplifying logistics. It is suitable for infotainment systems, telematics control units, vehicle tracking, and advanced driver-assistance systems.

SkyTraq Technology, skytraq.com.tw

Sharkfin Antenna

For intelligent transportation and public safety

Photo: PCTEL

The Trooper Max 5G FR1 antenna platform is a 5G configurable and low-profile antenna platform for intelligent transportation and public safety applications. Configurable and optimized for multiband applications, the platform includes an option to add land mobile radio connectivity through an external whip port. With a slender shark-fin form factor, the Trooper Max is recommended for installation on public safety fleets. It is compatible with cellular routers supporting 600-MHz to 6-GHz frequencies. It also covers Wi-Fi 6 frequency ranges.

PCTEL, pctel.com

Fleet Tracking

New features increase functionality for winter operations

Photo: EvgeniaParajanian/iStock/Getty Images Plus/Getty Images

Version 7.9 of the CompassTrac fleet and asset management solution provides winter fleets with more detailed spreader controller information and greater insight through enhanced dashboard and reporting functions. Features include integration of numerous spreader controllers for granular, pre-wet and liquid materials; a snow-fighting dashboard consolidating key performance indicators; and a snow materials report that delivers historical reporting of granular, pre-wet and direct liquid material application rates and totals, including air and road temperature (where available). The fleet-management solution integrates GNSS, GIS and wireless networks, enabling end users to view the real-time locations and status of vehicles, people, and other high-value assets for full situational awareness.

CompassCom, compasscom.com

Marine Planning App 

New departure scheduling charts route, wind, tides

Photo: Savvy Navvy

Smartphone app Savvy Navvy now allows boaters to plan better by visually showing the best time to depart given wind and tidal implications, leading to more informed and cost-saving decisions for journeys. By comparing passage times, as well as weather and tide information, boaters can immediately make crucial decisions based on safety, comfort, time and cost. Savvy Navvy is available on Android, iOS, PC and Mac and can be used on an unlimited number of devices simultaneously. It charts, weather, tide, marina details and passage planning with full tidal vectors. Active GPS tracking shows vessel position and enables boaters to instantly check course over ground (COG) and speed over ground (SOG). The app uses UKHO, NOAA and other official hydrographic charts from around the globe, as well as tide data from 8,000 tidal stations.

Savvy Navvy, savvy-navvy.com

UAV

Heavy Lift Platform

Multi-purpose, dual-rotor unmanned aircraft

Photo: UAS Global

The Anzen EG-1250 provides a heavy lift, multi-drop, long endurance and flexible platform, expanding the services and operational support offerings from UAS Global Services. With an endurance of six hours, the EG-1250 can carry 75 pounds, cruise at 65 knots, in any weather day or night. The EG stands for an electric and gas dual-engine configuration, with the secondary engine able to power the aircraft or act as a power boost for the primary Skypower rotary SP-180 SRE engine. The Anzen EG-1250 is auto-rotation capable and offers an optional safety parachute system. The flexible platform can support industries such as maritime, agriculture, oil and gas, utility, cargo delivery and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR).

UAS Global Services, uas-gs.com

VTOL drone

Fixed-wing design for long endurance

Photo: CHC Navigation

The P330 Pro is a high-performance vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) fixed-wing UAS for aerial surveying and mapping. It provides high accuracy, long endurance and multiple payloads. It features a 100-Hz differential module, which allows aerial mapping operations at the centimeter level, and a flight endurance with payload reaching more than 150 minutes. The P330 Pro can be used to conduct small- and large-scale aerial surveys with extreme data quality, and is an alternative to manned aircraft for surveying and mapping, mining, construction and infrastructure, environmental monitoring and agriculture.

CHC Navigation, chcnav.com

Mining Software

Capability expansion enables M300 for data capture

Photo: Skycatch

Flight1x software now provides data-capture capabilities for the DJI Matrice 300. The Skycatch High Precision Package provides mining operations with cloud or edge-based data processing that enables viewing terrain in 4D, automated RTK/PPK industrial drone management, and fast edge processing with data visibility in minutes. Built on technology adopted by large mining companies, Flight1x includes purpose-built flight automation software for the M300, leveraging DJI’s L1 and P1 sensors. Flight1x is part of the Skycatch High Precision Package, which provides mining operations with cloud or edge-based data processing that enables viewing terrain in 4D, automated RTK/PPK industrial drone management, and fast edge processing with data visibility in minutes.

Skycatch, skycatch.com

5G Drone Platform

Offers 5G and artificial intelligence capabilities

Photo: Qualcomm

The Flight RB5 5G platform is designed to accelerate development of commercial, enterprise and industrial drones. Powered by the Qualcomm QRB5165 processor, it condenses multiple complex technologies into a tightly integrated drone system. With 5G and Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, the platform enhances critical flying abilities beyond visual line-of-sight to support safer, more reliable flight. High-performance computing provides power efficiency for artificial intelligence and machine learning, enabling fully autonomous drones. A secure processing unit supports cybersecurity protections. New camera capabilities deliver premium image capabilities and performance. The Flight RB5 5G drone reference design is available through ModalAI. Use cases include mapping, inspection, film and entertainment, defense, security and emergency response, and delivery.

Qualcomm Technologies, qualcomm.com

Cloud-Based Service

Predicts aerial traffic in urban areas

Photo: Spirent

Spirent GNSS Foresight lets operators know where and when unmanned vehicles, air taxis and drones can operate safely and dependably beyond visual line of sight, especially in urban areas where buildings frequently obstruct GNSS signals. The cloud-based solution can produce forecasts using data from any of the world’s satellite constellations, and is of particular interest to the aviation, UAS and automotive industries. Spirent GNSS Foresight’s ability to accurately predict where and when autonomous systems will perform enables users to scale operations or services by expanding operational areas, reducing the number of system disengagements, and providing a greater level of safety and reliability assurance when reducing — or ultimately removing — human involvement in the driving or piloting task.

Spirent Communications, spirent.com

<p>The post Launchpad: Navigation modules, fleet tracking, UAVs first appeared on GPS World.</p>

SURVEYING & MAPPING

RTK thermal mapper

Asphalt paving with RTK positioning

Photo: Topcon

The Thermal Mapper is designed to monitor temperature segregation to prevent future problems and measure performance, as well as provide accurate compliance reporting, using real-time kinematic (RTK) positioning accuracy. It records temperature readings behind an asphalt paver during paving and provides a visualization to operators in real time of whether the mix falls within a predefined temperature range. If the readings are unacceptable, operators can make adjustments. The system also creates data reporting files to download for applications such as U.S. Department of Energy compliance through the interactive Pavelink module, the Topcon cloud-based logistics application for asphalt paving.

Topcon Positioning Group, topconpositioning.com

Unmanned fleet

Aids near-shore projects

Z-Boat 1800-T Trimble Edition fleet. (Photo: Trimble)

The Z-Boat 1800-T unmanned survey vessel is equipped with Trimble’s high-precision GNSS heading receiver and compatible with Trimble Marine Construction (TMC) software. The Z-Boat 1800-T enables marine construction and dredging projects to run efficiently and be monitored in real time anywhere in the world. The Z-Boat 1800-T is a high-resolution shallow-water hydrographic unmanned survey vehicle with the newly released Odom Hydrographic Echotrac E20 Singlebeam Echosounder and dual-antenna Trimble BX992 GNSS heading receiver. Each sensor is integrated into a compact, portable package for marine construction and allows data collection under harsh conditions. Both sensors can be removed and mounted on other watercraft and barges.

Teledyne Marine, teledynemarine.com
Trimble, trimble.com

Aerial mapping

Large-format photogrammetry

Photo:

The 280MP Aerial Solution has an image coverage width of more than 20,000 pixels. The large format enables high-quality aerial surveys. Compact and lightweight, the aerial mapping solution consists of an iXM-RS 280F large-format camera, Applanix GNSS/inertial measurement unit (IMU) POS-AV receiver, DSM 400 Somag gyro-stabilized mount, Phase One iX Controller and iX Flight Management software. It is designed for use in a wide range of aircraft.

Phase One Industrial, industrial.phaseone.com

Mobile mapping

Inertial navigation systems

Photo: ixBlue

The Atlans Series of FOG-based inertial navigation systems (INS) is designed for land and air mobile-mapping applications. Based on iXBlue’s fiber-optic gyroscope (FOG) technology, the Atlans Series is a scalable range of north-seeking and north-keeping INS. They provide FOG performance to the full spectrum of land and air mobile-mapping applications and offer highly accurate positioning up to 0.01 meter in all conditions, including within GNSS-denied environments such as urban canyons, mountainous or forested areas.

iXBlue, www.ixblue.com

Census data

2020 neighborhood blocks available

Image: Caliper

The Maptitude 2020 U.S. Census Blocks Groups data is now available for the United States. The small-area Census Summary Level is packed with neighborhood information for making accurate geography-based decisions. Users can explore locations by income, income growth, daytime population, age, race, gender, ethnicity, occupation, housing characteristics and more. The data can be leveraged by data scientists and market research analysts using the Maptitude application. The files are also available as shapefile, KML, KMZ or GeoJSON.

Caliper, www.caliper.com

OEM

GNSS/INS module

Compact system for accurate position, velocity and attitude

Landmark 60 GNSS/INS. (Photo: Gladiator Technologies)

The high-performance LandMark 60 INS/GPS and compact LandMark 005 INS/GPS both feature advanced sensor-fusion technology, combining a 72-channel GNSS receiver with low-noise, high-output inertial sensors as well as barometric pressure and magnetometers. Both products use proprietary Velox processing technology and an extended Kalman filter (EKF), enabling precision position information during short-term GPS outages. The units provide accuracy of less than 2 nautical miles per hour during short-term GPS outages. The LandMark 60 provides +/– 0.3° heading accuracy and pitch/roll angle measurements of 0.1°. It is also available with an option for a real-time kinematic (RTK) GPS receiver. The LandMark 005 is less than 35 square centimeters, suitable for space-constrained applications that require a high standard of performance. Applications include flight control, navigation and stabilization for imaging, platforms and antennas. A development kit is available for set-up, configuration and data collection.

Gladiator Technologies, gladiatortechnologies.com

Crystal oscillators

GNSS-disciplined, oven-controlled

Photo: IQD

The IQCM-112 series of GNSS-disciplined oven-controlled crystal oscillators (OCXOs) incorporates an internal GNSS receiver with a 1-PPS output, which is compatible with an external GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou and Galileo source. It is housed in a 14-pin 60-millimeter-square package. When coupled to an external aerial antenna via the incorporated SMA connector, in the event of the loss of the GNSS signal the highly specified 10-MHz OCXO will switch in with a holdover capability of 1.5 µseconds for a 24-hour period, thereby maintaining lock until restoration of the reference signal. The standard operating temperature range of the module is –20° to 75° C, but it is also available with a –40° to 85° C operating temperature range. Other holdover specifications can be considered upon request.

IQD, iqdfrequencyproducts.com

Triple-band antenna

Embedded helical GNSS

Photo: Tallysman

The HC977 covers GPS/QZSS-L1/L2/L5, GLONASS-G1/G3, Galileo-E1/E5a/E5b, BeiDou-B1/B2/B2a, IRNSS-L5 and L-Band correction services, as well as GLONASS-G2. Tallysman helical antennas are designed for high-accuracy applications where precision and light weight matter, such as unmanned aerial vehicles. The antennas are available in either a robust IP67 enclosure or an embedded format. The HC977 features a low current, low noise amplifier (LNA) that includes an integrated low-loss pre-filter to protect against harmonic interference from high amplitude interfering signals, such as 700-MHz band LTE and other near in-band cellular signals.

Tallysman, tallysman.com

GNSS module

Designed for internet of things

Photo: Quectel

The RG500Q is a series of 5G sub-6-GHz modules optimized for internet of things (IoT) and machine-to-machine (M2M) applications. It supports the Qualcomm IZat location technology Gen9C Lite (GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou/Compass, Galileo and QZSS). The integrated GNSS receiver greatly simplifies product design and provides quick, accurate and dependable positioning capability. The RG500Q is provided in two variants: RG500Q-EA and RG500Q-NA. The RG500Q-EA 5G NR module has achieved commercial readiness and is now available to support global customers with mass deployment.

Quectel Wireless Solutions, quectel.com

UAV

Dual-payload UAV

Cost effective for a range of missions

Photo: UMS Skeldar

The V-150 is optimized for use from small naval vessels. It can be employed to support the homeland security, oil and gas and energy sectors. The UAV, which is free from International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) restrictions, incorporates two payload bays: up to 30 kilograms (kg) in the main bay and up to 12 kg in the nose. Within these, it provides a variety of payload options, including powerful electro optical and infrared (EO/IR) sensors, hyperspectral and multispectral cameras for airborne remote sensing, lidar and a variety of small tactical synthetic aperture radars (SAR) for delivering real-time intelligence in all weather conditions.

UMS Skeldar, umsskeldar.aero

UAV engines

Designed on modular concept

Photo: Sky Power

The SP-56 series is a family of small two-cylinder engines for UAVs. It can be integrated into small helicopters, which require smoother engine operation than single cylinders can provide. The SP-56 series provides 3.35 KW at 7,000 rpm; total weight of the carbureted version is 2.6 kilograms. The engine can be equipped with a generator or a starter generator on the rear output shaft. Hybrid applications are possible in which the engines are used only to generate electricity.

Sky Power, www.skypower.online

2-in-1 UAS System

Rucksack portable for ISR data collection

Photo: Auterion

Two new small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) are available to U.S. government defense and security markets. Vector and Scorpion form a 2-in-1 rucksack-portable system with an open source operating system, Auterion OS. The Scorpion tricopter can be used for dynamic urban environments and missions that require maneuverability and hover to collect intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) data. A tethering system enables 24/7 operations. By configuring the base fuselage with fixed wings and tail section, Scorpion transforms into Vector, a fixed-wing vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) UAV for long-range, long-endurance ISR missions.

Auterion Government Solutions, auterion-gs.com

Action camera

Interchangeable lenses increase options

Photo: Insta360

Insta360 ONE R is an interchangeable-lens action camera designed with three swappable Lens Mods for capturing different kinds of content. It has a Dual-Lens 360 Mod and a 1-Inch Wide Angle Mod co-engineered with Leica Camera AG. Advanced stabilization with Insta360’s FlowState algorithm achieves gimbal-like stabilization when shooting 360 degrees or with a standard wide angle lens. The 5.3K wide-angle lens can be swapped for a dual-lens setup that captures action in all directions at once. It captures brilliant 5.3K video and 19-megapixel photos even in complex lighting conditions. The ONE R is waterproof to 5 meters.

Insta360, insta360.com

<p>The post Launchpad: RTK thermal mapper, GNSS/INS modules first appeared on GPS World.</p>

OEM

NavIC modules

Support both L1 and L5 bands

Photo: Allystar

The dual-band multi-GNSS modules TAU1202 and TAU1205 support both the L1 and L5 bands to enhance sub-meter positioning accuracy. Constellations received include GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, BeiDou, QZSS and NavIC. Besides the L1 band, TAU1202 and TAU1205 also support L5/B2a/E5a, which are expected to have lower noise and significantly reduced multipath mitigation because of the higher chipping rate of L5 signals relative to L1 C/A code. TAU1205 supports NavIC (IRNSS), improving navigation in India and the Middle East. Powered by the Cynosure III GNSS chipset and with built-in low-noise amplifier and surface acoustic wave (SAW) filter, TAU1202 and TAU1205 provide higher sensitivity, ensuring exceptional acquisition and tracking performance even in weak signal areas.

Allystar Technology, allystar.com

L5 mass-market module

Dual-Frequency chip uses new signals

Photo: Broadcom

The BCM47765 dual-frequency GNSS module is capable of using the BeiDou-3 constellation’s B2a signals (the Chinese indicator for L5). It can track 30 new L5 signals (60% more) with a significant impact on accuracy. End users will experience much higher reliability of the submeter accuracy inherent to dual-frequency L1/L5. The enhanced L5 signal improves the accuracy of GNSS in an urban scenario by mitigating reflections from nearby buildings (multipath). It also improves GNSS in an open-sky scenario, allowing for submeter accuracy. Second generation dual-frequency GNSS will enable lane-level driving navigation, allowing applications to know in which highway lane a vehicle travels.

Broadcom, broadcom.com

Atomic clock

Next-gen timing in a tiny package

Photo: Microchip

The MAC-SA5X miniaturized rubidium atomic clock is a high-performance atomic clock that delivers a wide thermal range, critical performance improvements and other enhancements over previous clocks. The MAC-SA5X produces a stable time and frequency reference that maintains a high degree of synchronization to a reference clock, such as a GNSS-derived signal. Its low monthly drift rate, short-term stability and stability during temperature changes allows the device to maintain precise frequency and timing during extended periods of holdover during GNSS outages or for applications where large rack-mounted clocks are not possible. Operating over a temperature range of –40 to +75 Celsius, the MAC-SA5X is designed to quickly achieve atomic stability performance with a fast lock.

Microchip Technology, microchip.com

Correction receiver

Centimeter-level accuracy for consumer devices

Photo: u-blox

The NEO-D9S GNSS correction data receiver module provides an affordable approach to bringing centimeter-level accuracy to GNSS receivers. The NEO-D9S receives corrections from correction service providers broadcast on the L-band (1525–1559 MHz). A host processor can then decrypt this correction data and provide it to a high-precision GNSS receiver, combining corrections directly with readings from the satellite constellations to enable much more accurate position readings than those offered by GNSS signals alone. Use of the NEO-D9S will also increase the availability of high-precision GNSS positioning data in areas with limited connectivity and reduce the amount of cellular data consumed by positioning receivers. Expected customers are Tier 1 and OEM carmakers, industrial system integrators, and any other applications that rely on very accurate positioning at low cost. The NEO-D9S module is a correction-only receiver. Based on the latest u-blox ninth-generation (D9) platform, it will integrate easily with the u-blox F9 RTK GNSS receivers from u-blox, or can be used as part of a modular product roadmap.

u-blox, u-blox.com

Mobile platforms

Dual-frequency systems on chip

Image: Qualcomm

The Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, 662 and 460 enable enhanced user experiences across connectivity, gaming and entertainment. The new mobile platforms support dual-frequency (L1 and L5) GNSS to improve location positioning accuracy and robustness. The system-on-chip solutions also support NavIC. For the first time on mobile, the Qualcomm Location Suite supports up to seven satellite constellations concurrently, including NavIC.

Qualcomm Technologies, qualcomm.com

UAV

Survey drone

VTOL option available

Photo: FlyTech UAV

Dedicated to surveying and agriculture, the UAV Birdie is tailor-made, combining intuitive use and high-quality data through precise sensors and GPS RTK L1/L2 onboard. Features include a 24-megapixel camera or optional full-frame 42-megapixel camera; flight time up to 60 minutes; and coverage up to 8 square kilometers in one flight. A vertical-takeoff-and-landing (VTOL) upgrade is available.

FlyTech UAV, flytechuav.com

Inspection drone

Five-hour flight time

Photo: Skyfront

Skyfront’s Perimeter 8 drone is equipped with Silvus Technologies’ SteamCaster Radio system, a powerful user-customizable radio system for the military, police and broadcast. The new long-range drone will allow operators to inspect pipelines and other assets as well as conduct long-range surveillance missions. The octocopter can fly for five hours and travel up to 100 kilometers without losing connection from the ground station. Currently, five models are available to suit uses including mapping, lidar and medium, long, or extra-long surveillance. SteamCaster radio system uses the latest beam-forming technology, spatial multiplexing, and space-time coding to ensure the drone can be controlled in environments in which other radio systems are likely to fail. The combination of the technologies allows the range to be increased from 40% to 100%. SteamCaster comes with SteamScape, a network management interface to allow for key metrics and statistics to be viewed and collected in real time. The system also allows the drone to be overlayed onto a map showing the current location and path of the drone.

Skyfront, skyfront.com
Silvus Technologies, silvustechnologies.com

Transformable drone

Delivers critical tools on the ground or in the air

Photo: Robotic Research

The Pegasus Mini is a smaller version of the Pegasus, a hybrid unmanned aircraft system/unmanned ground vehicle. The Pegasus hybrid UAS/UGV configuration delivers advanced GPS-denied mapping with fully autonomous high-speed flying and driving capabilities. Pegasus Mini is designed to provide the extra reach that a UAV or UGV alone cannot provide. Uses include inspection, rescue, rapid response, and applications that strongly benefit organizations in oil and gas, public transportation, law enforcement, public safety, and more.

Robotic Research, roboticresearch.com

Electric drone

ISR UAV designed for long flight

Photo: Silent Falcon UAS Technologies

The Silent Falcon E1 UAV has completed 500 hours of successful flight testing and operations. It’s maker, Silent Falcon UAS Technologies (SFUAS), is based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The E1 solar-electric, fixed-wing UAV is noise free, emission free, and provides long-range, low-cost intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capability. It has a payload capacity of 20 pounds and a ceiling of 20,000 feet above ground level. SFUAS has an application pending before the FAA for type certification of the E1. The 500-hour milestone confirms for federal regulators that it is safe and durable. Silent Falcon aircraft have operated in eight foreign countries and are not ITAR restricted.

Silent Falcon UAS Technologies, silentfalconuas.com

High-definition GNSS

Enables submeter positioning

Image: HERE Technologies

The High Definition (HD) GNSS cloud-based solution enables mass-market devices to achieve sub-meter accuracy across the globe. HD GNSS enables lane-level navigation, augmented reality and virtual reality. It combines precise point positioning (PPP) and real-time kinematic (RTK) positioning methods, allowing for fast convergence time, high availability and global coverage. It also supports off-the-shelf mobile devices and internet of things (IoT) trackers equipped with dual-frequency chipsets.

HERE Technologies, here.com

GNSS/INS module

Open design for developers

Photo: Aceinna

The OpenRTK330L GNSS/INS module is designed for developers creating guidance and navigation systems for autonomous vehicles, robots, drones, industrial, construction and agricultural machinery. OpenRTK330L is a low-cost, high-performance triple-band RTK/GNSS receiver coupled with redundant inertial sensor arrays to provide cm-level accuracy, enhanced reliability, and superior performance during GNSS outages. The module is aimed at automotive, robot, drone, construction and agriculture systems. The multi-band GNSS receiver can monitor all global constellations (GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo, QZSS, NavIC, SBAS) and simultaneously track up to 80 channels. The module has RF and baseband support for the L1, L2 and L5 GPS bands and their international constellation signal equivalents.

Aceinna, aceinna.com

<p>The post Launchpad: New modules, UAVs take flight first appeared on GPS World.</p>

OEM

Anti-spoofing

Provides mitigation and reporting

Photo: Regulus

The Pyramid GNSS allows detection, mitigation and reporting of spoofing of the GNSS system, while still providing accurate positioning (jamming protection will be available in a future version). Version 2 of the Pyramid GNSS adds a software-only version, making it available to numerous applications and enabling GNSS to perform seamlessly under spoofing and jamming conditions. The device is designed for any system depending on GNSS navigation or precise timing, including cars, drones, ships, robots, financial institutions and stationary infrastructure, such as power plants and power grids. The Pyramid GNSS connects externally and integrates seamlessly with existing GNSS receivers, adding reliability and protection to the system. It offers full GNSS support including for BeiDou, Galileo and GLONASS.

Regulus, www.regulus.com

Firmware Upgrade

GNSS receiver now has BeiDou and Galileo support

Photo: Swift Navigation

Swift Navigation has upgraded the firmware of its flagship product — the Piksi Multi GNSS receiver. This marks the sixth major release to Piksi Multi since it was launched in February 2017. The upgrade is available free of charge to Swift customers. The firmware release also enhances Duro, the ruggedized version of the Piksi Multi receiver housed in a military-grade, weatherproof enclosure for long-term outdoor deployments. Firmware Release 2.0 for Piksi Multi and Duro supports two additional major satellite constellations — Chinese BeiDou (B1/B2) which, once completed, will contain 37 satellites, and Europe’s Galileo (E1/E5b), which will eventually consist of 30 satellites. Piksi Multi’s performance will further improve for future satellites. The addition of BeiDou and Galileo creates more robust positioning in a variety of challenging sky-view environments.

Swift Navigation, www.swiftnav.com

Three-axis gyro

Suitable for image stabilization

Photo: Gladiator Technologies

The G300D gyro is a three-axis, inertial rate system gyroscope. Measuring 0.67 cubic inches, it features low power and high speed, making it suitable for image stabilization applications. The G300D has message timing under 150 microseconds and output data rates up to 8 kHz with external sync. A micro-electro-mechanical gyroscope, it has an ARW of <0.0028 degrees/sec/√Hz and an option for both 24 and 32-bit LSB for exceptional resolution. Users can configure the G300D using a software development kit or through software protocols to simplify the integration process. The G300D gyro is non-ITAR.

Gladiator Technologies, www.gladiatortechnologies.com

Front-end modules

Ready for internet of things applications

Image: Skyworks

Two new GNSS low-noise amplifier (LNA) front-end modules, the SKY65933-11 and SKY65943-11, integrate Skyworks’ proprietary TC-SAW filters. The modules are designed specifically for internet of things (IoT) applications including smartwatches, action cameras, drones, asset trackers and personal navigation devices. They are designed for wireless module and IoT device manufacturers, providing a turnkey GNSS connectivity solution in a compact form factor. Both solutions offer integrated pre- and post-filter LNA and matching to reduce printed circuit board (PCB) area versus a discrete implementation; single DC supply for design flexibility and simplicity; multi-GNSS compatibility to cover GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou and QZSS receiver applications in the 1559–1606 MHz frequency range; extremely low leakage current (1 uA max) benefitting battery-powered IoT devices; and highly manufacturable and low-cost surface-mount technology in a 2.5 x 2.5-millimeter multi-chip module package.

Skyworks, www.skyworksinc.com

SURVEY

Reference receiver

Robust system for CORS networks

Net20 Pro. (Photo: Geneq)

The Net20 Pro provides high-quality data for users interested in the proximity and reliability of a reference station while eliminating real-time kinematic (RTK) corrections service charges. It uses multi-frequency, 555-channel technologies in a rugged casing to deliver accurate and effective positioning data even in harsh environments. It can be configured for correction data reception in client mode to calculate a fixed RTK position and to monitor the antenna position while continuing to work as a GNSS reference server. With NTRIP Caster software, the Net20 Pro provides superior connectivity with an unlimited number of mount points. Users can have permanent transmission of RTK corrections with a local internet connection. Its 32-GB internal and 32-GB external memory is enough for permanent recording even at a 100-Hz high data sampling rate. Its web user interface features upgrade, status and settings management as well as data downloading via smartphone, tablet or other internet-enabled device.

Geneq, geneq.com

Measurement module

Combines GNSS/terrestrial for accuracy

J-Mate (Photo: Javad GNSS)

The J-Mate measurement module combines conventional measurement via laser scanning and photographic imagery with the multi-constellation location accuracy of the Triumph-LS receiver. It utilizes precision horizontal and vertical encoders for angular measurement, while the high-definition camera and laser module combine to locate the USB-powered target for accurate measurements. The target rests on top of the receiver and lights up for better visibility to the camera and sensor. The lighting power comes through the USB cord connected to the receiver. Coupled with the onboard data collector screen of the Triumph-LS, operation of the module is done visually with the LS mounted on top of the module or remotely on the J-Pod pole used for GNSS data collection. The module and software is also designed to be an efficient staking application.

Javad GNSS, www.javad.com

GNSS system

New model for land surveyors

Photo: Trimble

The Trimble R10 Model 2 GNSS System is designed to help surveyors work more effectively by enabling reliable, fast and accurate data collection in the field. Enhancements in Model 2 include a custom Trimble survey GNSS ASIC with 672 GNSS channels including GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo, QZSS and IRNSS as well as the full range of SBAS. It also will support planned GNSS signals. It has improved reliability against interference and spoofed signals, improved power management by 33 percent, and increased internal memory (6 GB) to store more than 10 years of raw observations. Support for Android and iOS platforms allow field crews to use their own mobile devices. The Trimble R10 Model 2 supports the recently released Trimble TSC7 controller and Trimble Access 2018 field software.

Trimble, www.trimble.com

Correction Service

Provides 2.5-centimeter accuracy

Image: NovAtel

The TerraStar-C PRO correction service provides multi-constellation support, including GPS, GLONASS, Galileo and BeiDou. Combined with NovAtel’s OEM7 positioning technology, TerraStar-C PRO cuts initial convergence times by nearly 60 percent and offers 40 percent better horizontal accuracy than the current TerraStar-C service. In challenging signal conditions, it offers multipath, shading, interference and scintillation. High-rate TerraStar-C PRO corrections provide reconvergence in less than 60 seconds following brief GNSS signal interruptions. Corrections are generated using TerraStar’s proprietary global network of more than 100 GNSS reference stations. The data is delivered worldwide through overlapping geostationary satellites directly to a NovAtel receiver or via cellular IP network.

NovAtel, www.novatel.com

MAPPING

Unmanned inspections

Command center for BVLOS

Photo: AviSight

The C3UBE Command Center enables unmanned beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) data collection and near real-time data streaming from almost any point within any critical infrastructure network. The mobile command and distribution center allows for the flight of unmanned aerial systems and is designed to not only allow AviSight to reach the maximum BVLOS distances permitted today, but also to expand its range for UAS operations as limits increase in the national airspace. In addition, it enables near-real-time transmission of data and imagery, which can be disseminated live to anywhere in the world via its proprietary distribution network located at Switch’s Tier 4 data center. It is aimed at the oil, gas, power, transportation and telecommunications sectors.

AviSight, www.AviSight.com

Mining support

Correlator3D photogrammetry

Photo: SimActive

SimActive has updated its Correlator3D end-to-end photogrammetry software to include tools for users to generate precise statistics on mining activities, with improved volumetric calculation. The integrated tools allow users to generate precise statistics on mining activities. The Correlator3D software performs aerial triangulation and produces dense digital surface models, digital terrain models, point clouds, orthomosaics and vectorized 3D features. Applications like mineral extraction monitoring can be done seamlessly within the software. Users can process raw drone data, produce point clouds and DSMs, and perform volumetric calculations in the same Correlator3D workflow.

SimActive, www.simactive.com

Laser rangefinder

Increased distance accuracy

Photo: LTI

The improved TruPulse 360 laser features LTI’s TruVector 360° Compass Technology. The rangefinder measures slope distance, inclination and azimuth; instantly calculates horizontal and vertical distances; and calculates 3D missing line values. The enhanced device offers 33 percent increased distance accuracy, 25 percent better target acquisition and a higher azimuth accuracy of 0.5° root mean squared (RMS). Other features include reflectorless technology that enables data capture to any surface type; advanced targeting modes to achieve accurate, repeatable results of the intended target; seven-power superior optics technology that displays all measured and calculated solutions; and smart technology that recognizes adverse measurement conditions and prompts recalibration. Uses include forestry, utilities, construction and GIS mapping.

Laser Technology Inc., www.lasertech.com

Satellite imagery

MDA RADARSAT-2 data now in SecureWatch for GEOINT

Synthetic aperture radar imagery from Maxar’s MDA RADARSAT-2 satellite is now available to SecureWatch subscribers. SecureWatch is DigitalGlobe’s powerful, cloud-based geospatial intelligence platform. The service has added the radar imagery to its high-resolution optical imagery, enabling defense and intelligence analysts to deliver actionable insights to decision makers regardless of weather and light conditions. The satellite will refresh hundreds of global sites on a weekly basis using a wide-ultra-fine format (3-meter resolution, 50-kilometer scene width). RADARSAT-2 imagery allows users to observe features and changes that go undetected using other imaging techniques, and provides day and night coverage regardless of weather. SecureWatch users can access timely RADARSAT-2 imagery using current subscription plans. When combined with 30-cm optical imagery, analysts will have a powerful and reliable toolset to make decisions with confidence.

DigitalGlobe, www.digitalglobe.com

TRANSPORTATION

Trackers with toolset

Software and application board

Photo: u-blox

U-blox has introduced a toolset comprising the u-track software and the C030-R410M application board. The toolset is a rapid-prototyping platform that lets product designers test and optimize the position accuracy and power consumption of wireless location tracking applications that use LTE-M and NB-IoT cellular networks, as well as GNSS technology. The toolset targets product engineers working on battery-powered applications such as sport, people and asset trackers. An increasing number of battery-powered consumer and industrial products feature integrated GNSS receivers. These products include virtual reality headsets, smartwatches and devices to track elderly people, containers or parcels. With the ongoing roll-out of low power wide-area cellular networks (LPWAN) such as LTE-M and NB-IoT technologies around the world and the extremely low power consumption they enable, the range of use cases for wireless location trackers is expected to expand further. The u-track software runs from embedded firmware on the new u-blox C030-R410M application board. The board, specifically designed to rapidly prototype applications for the internet of things (IoT), includes an ultra-small, low-power u-blox ZOE-M8B GNSS receiver and a size-optimized SARA-R410M LTE-M/NB-IoT cellular communication module, and u-track includes a PC software application that lets users log, retrieve, and visualize power consumption, accuracy, and other important values, such as the GNSS time to first fix.

u-blox, www.u-blox.com

Asset tracker

Add-on to AT&T Fleet Complete platform or for separate use

Photo: AT&T

The new GPS Asset Tracker One (AT1) from AT&T and Fleet Complete can track transportation as well as agriculture, food services, pharmaceuticals and emergency services. Users can monitor their assets through the Fleet Complete mobile app. Besides tracking location in near real-time, it also captures humidity, temperature, light exposure and more. AT&T’s nationwide LTE-M network is designed for devices that require low-cost, extended battery life, coverage underground and inside buildings, and carrier-grade security. Two high-capacity Lithium AA batteries power the AT1. They can last up to five years with a once-a-day use.

Photo: Quectel Wireless Solutions

AT&T, att.fleetcomplete.com

Quad-band module

Indoor and outdoor positioning

The MC90 is a quad-band GSM/GPRS/GNSS/Wi-Fi module that supports hybrid positioning technologies including GNSS, Cell ID and Wi-Fi aided positioning. It integrates the multi-GNSS system, including GPS, GLONASS, Galileo and QZSS, which makes it suitable for urban areas with high-rise buildings and complex environments. The MC90 also adopts Wi-Fi hotspot positioning technology for blind spots and satellite coverage. It integrates multi-aiding positioning technologies to offer customers with optimized GNSS performance. It also supports EPO technology, which provides predicted Extended Prediction Orbit to speed up TTFF without the need of an extra server. The MC90 features a compact design and lower power consumption, and supports dual SIM single standby function.

Quectel Wireless Solutions, www.quectel.com

Maps and traffic SDK

For mobile and internet of things

Photo: TomTom

TomTom will offer free maps and traffic tiles on its mobile software developer kit (SDK) in both Android and iOS. With global coverage, the Mobile Maps SDKs and its free map tiles will guide developers of mobility and ride-sharing apps. The TomTom Maps APIs (application programming interfaces) also play a role in the internet of things, where traffic data is needed to enable self-driving cars and smart city planning.

TomTom, www.developer.tomtom.com

Inspection Software

Increases safety and speed of data collection

MAGNET Inspect is designed for UAV data collection. (Photo: Topcon)

MAGNET Inspect software is designed to facilitate the data-processing workflow for UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) infrastructure inspection by efficiently managing large UAV data sets to create inspection reports. It allows operators to visually navigate UAV photos, aligning 3D reality meshes with raw georeferenced images in one location and filtering them based on selected criteria including field of view. When combined with Intel Falcon 8+ Drone – Topcon Edition and Topcon ContextCapture, powered by Bentley Systems, the software enables operators to navigate, annotate and create reports with inspection photos, creating a strong end-to-end inspection workflow.

Topcon Positioning Group, Topcon.com

Drone software

Flight planning and data capture tools

Photo: Esri

Site Scan Esri Edition is a custom version of the Site Scan iOS app for drone flight planning and data capture that works seamlessly with Esri’s ArcGIS Online and Drone2Map for ArcGIS. The Site Scan Esri Edition app complements Esri’s Drone2Map for ArcGIS software by providing full drone project mission planning and a simple workflow for transferring drone captured data into Esri ArcGIS. Users will be able to connect to ArcGIS Online with an Esri sign-in. The app will allow users to directly use Esri data layers from ArcGIS Online as base and reference data for their drone flight planning mission. Esri customers can use any drone supported by Site Scan, including a variety of DJI drones. Site Scan also supports a custom version of the new Yuneec H520 commercial drone by 3D, which is based on the Dronecode PX4 software and designed to be an open and secure drone option for use on U.S. government projects.

3DR, 3dr.com; Esri, www.esri.com

Search-pattern software

Helps rescue response

Image: Airborne Response

UAS mission-planning software company UgCS has joined with disaster response expert Airborne Response to develop a comprehensive search capability for drones. The search-pattern software, a new feature of the UgCS platform, allows remote pilots to more effectively conduct search-and-rescue operations. Customizable search patterns such as the “expanding square” and “creeping line” can be deployed. Based on the flight altitude input by the operator, the UgCS software will automatically calculate the course heading and track spacing necessary to provide the prescribed coverage area for a search target. UgCS software allows central management of all types and manufacturers of unmanned vehicles, enabling a user to control one or a fleet of drones on a single mission in multi-operator mode and multi-platform environments. Airborne Response will offer the UgCS mission planning software and associated training to public safety and emergency response professionals throughout the U.S.

UgCS, www.ugcs.com
Airborne Response, www.airborneresponse.com

Camera drone

Integrates a Hasselblad camera

Photo: DJI

The Mavic 2 Pro is designed for professionals, aerial photographers and content creators. With a folding design, the Mavic 2 is a powerful platform with new gimbal-stabilized cameras and advanced intelligent features like Hyperlapse and ActiveTrack for easier and more dynamic storytelling. Flight time is 31 minutes. Co-engineered in partnership with Hasselblad, the Mavic 2 Pro houses a 1-inch CMOS sensor with a 10-bit Dlog-M color profile. It can capture 20-megapixel aerial shots with utmost color accuracy using the Hasselblad Natural Color Solution (HNCS) technology, while an adjustable aperture from f/2.8-f/11 provides control across a wide variety of lighting conditions.

DJI, www.dji.com 

<p>The post Launchpad: Anti-spoofing, GNSS receivers, mobile kit first appeared on GPS World.</p>

Mobile surveying app

Increases RTCM 3.1 support

SuperSurv’s NTRIP solution is being enhanced to adopt more RTCM versions and provide a better GNSS positioning service. NTRIP (Networked Transport of RTCM via internet protocol) is a protocol to send GNSS-related data through the internet, which enables users of differential GPS or network real-time kinematic (RTK) to get correction parameters after connecting to the internet. The correction parameters can be used to calculate a more accurate GNSS location. Supergeo’s product team is developing the support for RTCM 3.1, including Types 1021 and 1023.

Supergeo Technologies, www.supergeotek.com

Smart antenna

For harsh outdoor applications

The scalable A222 GNSS smart antenna is designed for both agriculture and basic indicate systems markets, as well as other markets requiring flexible positioning. The smart antenna has the flexibility to scale and grow as business expands and can be configured from L1-only to multi-GNSS, multi-frequency and real-time kinematic (RTK). It adds a system component so that tractor and farm equipment manufacturers can deliver their own guidance and control solutions to their customers. Designed to excel in challenging environments, the A222 uses Hemisphere’s Athena RTK engine and is Atlas L-band capable. It is easy to mount and customizable. Its dual-serial, CAN and pulse output options are compatible with almost any industry-standard interface. Because the A222 is Atlas-capable, it has the ability to use the new Atlas AutoSeed technology. Atlas AutoSeed allows users to suspend Atlas use for any period, and upon returning to their last location, AutoSeed rapidly re-converges to a high-accuracy converged position. A222 comes pre-configured with Atlas Basic activated.

Hemisphere GNSS, hemispheregnss.com

OEM

Location architecture

Locates mobile devices moving indoors and outdoors

Leveraging ubiquitous LTE signals, the Lite-Touch Architecture calculates positioning in the cloud to efficiently locate devices between indoor and outdoor environments. By offloading computation-heavy location calculations from the device to the cloud, the PoLTE positioning solution makes location positioning available to a wider variety of devices, including those constrained by battery life, memory, processing power, size and cost. This includes IoT-based applications that historically relied on GPS, with its high rate of power consumption, as well as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth with their added size, cost and network complexity.

PoLTE, www.PoLTE.com

Time server

Enhanced for Ethernet networks, satellite uplinks

Enhancements to the SyncServer S600 series of time servers and instruments improve time synchronization over enterprise Ethernet networks and supply timing signals for improved military radar operations and satellite uplink communications. The SyncServer S600 series also meets the timing and synchronization needs of the rapidly evolving networks of enterprise and financial customers, particularly for compliance purposes such as the European MiFID II directive, which specifies highly stringent time accuracy requirements for stock trading systems. The latest release includes support for the IEEE 1588 multiport, multi-profile Precision Time Protocol (PTP), which allows the S600 to operate as an independent grandmaster clock on each Ethernet port — delivering cost savings and network deployment flexibility to customers. This is coupled with a new 10-GbE interface to easily interoperate with a wider variety of network and stock trading topologies.

Microsemi Corporation, microsemi.com

Defense-developed IMU

Available to customers worldwide

The HG4930 inertial measurement unit (IMU) is tailored for “straight-out-of-the-factory” integration and use in various non-defense and non-aerospace industrial applications including surveying and mapping, autonomous vehicles and gimbal stabilization. The HG4930 IMU is not classified under an International Traffic in Arms Regulation category; it is free from the burden of an export license for all but a few military-related use cases. The micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS)-based IMU has been tailored to provide significantly improved gyroscope and accelerometer performance for the environments and use cases experienced by non-aerospace and non-defense users.

Honeywell, honeywell.com

Frequency-hopping modem

With anti-jamming

The HX-DU2017D is a frequency-hopping OEM modem designed to provide strong anti-jamming and signal receiving capability for complex data-intensive applications. HX-DU2017D is a miniature, dual-frequency, software-selectable 840-MHz and 900-MHz data link modem. It provides power switching of 0.5 W, 1 W and 2 W; 20 ms/30 ms/40 ms/50 ms/ frequency-hopping intervals; and supports point-to-point, point-to-multipoint network. Its full duplex mode ensures secure data transferring and stable long-range communication. The HX-DU2017D also provides short latency of data transmission and communication recovery in millisecond level. It allows fast and secure simultaneous data communication for mission-critical applications, especially in the fields of precision agriculture and UAVs, including unmanned plant surveys, UAV plant protection and automatic mowers. It could be placed on a UAV with its extremely small footprint for tight OEM integration and design flexibility. Meanwhile, its frequency-hopping transmission ensures UAV data security and flight stability.

Harxon, en.harxon.com

UAV

Thermal imaging

For small construction, thermal inspections and public safety

The Parrot Bebop-Pro Thermal is a compact quadcopter with two embedded cameras: a stabilized 14-megapixel high-definition front-facing video camera and a FLIR ONE Pro thermal camera. The thermal-imaging camera is positioned in a dedicated module at the back of the drone. Three thermal-imaging setting modes are available: Standard, Dynamic and Hotspot. The Parrot FreeFlight Thermal app innovatively transmits and analyzes images captured by the quadcopter’s cameras. Included is a long-range Parrot Skycontroller 2 remote control.

Parrot, www.parrot.com

Methane detector

Pergam gas sensor integrated with carbon-fiber UAV

Pergam gas sensor aboard the Microdrones md4-1000 UAV.

The aerial methane detector mdTector1000 CH4 detects methane gas via a fully integrated aerial package. It has a Pergam gas sensor, mounted and integrated with the Microdrones md4-1000 UAV. In real time users can see aerial shots of detection with the laser sensor. The carbon-fiber-built UAV goes into dangerous areas unsuitable for workers. The mdTector1000 CH4 can be used for natural gas line surveys, tank inspections, gas well testing, plant safety and landfill emission monitoring. The mdCockpit Android app allows users to maintain visualization in flight. A special mdTector app allows users to visualize and present all post-flight data on one map.
Microdrones, www.microdrones.com

UAV tracking antenna

Portable antenna for unmanned or manned aircraft

The Octopus UAV portable tracking antenna enables long-range data transmission and is suitable for unmanned and manned aircraft applications. It has a range of more than 100 kilometers and an integrated pointing algorithm. The GPS location of the aircraft is sent over the Airlink IP datalink and received directly by the tracking antenna, making it operational with any existing unmanned aircraft autopilot system. For a manned aircraft, an existing GPS receiver or dedicated GPS receiver can be used.

Octopus ISR Systems, octopus.uavfactory.com

GNSS Engine

Brings high-precision positioning and attitude to small UAVs

AsteRx-m2 UAS receiver.

The AsteRx-m2a UAS GNSS OEM engines provides precise and reliable multi-frequency, all-in-view real-time kinematic (RTK) positioning and heading — along with interference technology — with low power consumption. It features Septentrio’s AIM+ interference mitigation and monitoring system, which can suppress a wide variety of interferers. It is designed to bring high-precision positioning and attitude to any space-constrained application, offering a high update rate and low latency output. The AsteRx-m2a UAS provides plug-and-play compatibility for autopilot systems such as ArduPilot and Pixhawk. Event markers accurately synchronize camera shutter events with GNSS time. The board can be powered directly from the vehicle power bus via its wide-range input. It works seamlessly with GeoTagZ software, providing offline re-processed RTK accuracy without the need for either ground control points or a real-time datalink.

Septentrio, septentrio.com

TRANSPORTATION

Railroad antenna

Designed for use in congested sites

The GPS-TMG-HR timing antennas are designed for Positive Train Control and railroad management, among other markets. They are equipped with high-rejection narrowband filtering to mitigate interference and provide 65-dB rejection of frequencies adjacent to L1 GPS. The GPS-TMG-HR maintains all features of PCTEL’s GPS timing reference platform. The antennas feature a 26-dB amplifier (GPS-TMG-HR-26N) and 40-dB amplifier (GPS-TMG-HR-40N ) and narrowband high rejection filtering to support long-lasting, trouble-free deployments in congested cell-site applications with severe interference around the GPS L1 frequency. The proprietary quadrifilar helix design, coupled with multi-stage filtering, provides superior out-of-band rejection and lower elevation pattern performance than traditional patch antennas.

PCTEL, pctel.com

Patch antenna

Embedded stack passive patch

The GPDF.47.8.A.02 is a ceramic GPS L1/L2 / Galileo low-profile, low-axial ratio, embedded stacked passive patch antenna. It is 47.5 x 47.5 millimeters wide and 8 millimeters thick. It is designed for the highest accuracy centimeter-level tracking in telematics applications for positioning technologies. Typical applicable industries are transportation, defense, marine, agriculture and navigation.

Taoglas, taoglas.com

Autonomy Platform

For development of autonomous vehicles

The Autonomy Development Platform provides automakers, truck makers and Tier 1 vehicle suppliers the hardware, software, engineering and integration services they need to accelerate development programs for on-road and off-road autonomous vehicles. By combining customized integration and engineering services with GNSS-inertial positioning technologies, the Autonomy Development Platform advances driverless vehicle development projects at every stage of development and commercialization. The platform delivers a navigation solution that is fully customizable and includes integration and engineering services, field-tested hardware and proprietary software for highly accurate positioning. The solution is capable of working with all sensors, including multiple cameras, lidar, radar and ultrasonic sensors, and with all vehicle types at all stages in the development and commercialization cycle. Also, the technology enables highly accurate assessments of the full 360-degree environment around a vehicle to produce a robust representation, including static and dynamic objects, which is critical for successful vehicle autonomy.

Applanix, applanix.com

Map delivery service

Offers a customizable data stream

TomTom AutoStream is a map delivery service for autonomous driving and advanced driver assistance systems. The service enables vehicles to build a horizon for the road ahead by streaming the latest map data from the TomTom cloud. TomTom AutoStream ensures that the TomTom map data used to power advanced driving functions is the latest, most accurate available, enabling a safer and more comfortable experience. The map-data stream can be customized based on criteria such as sensor configuration and horizon length. It can stream a wide variety of map data including advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), attributes such as gradient and curvature, and the TomTom HD Map with RoadDNA. This flexibility allows customers to use AutoStream to power a wide range of driving automation functions.

TomTom, tomtom.com

<p>The post Launchpad: Antennas, autonomous vehicle platform first appeared on GPS World.</p>

GNSS RTK System

High performance and stable signal reception

The NeoRTK System is a high-performing GNSS RTK system. It includes a multi-constellation and multi-frequency GNSS engine and various communication protocols. With a high-end GNSS antenna inside, NeoRTK can speed the time to first fix (TTFF) and improve the capability of anti-jamming. The 16G internal storage and up to 32G external SD card, along with the built-in large-capacity battery for 10-hour field work, improves surveyors’ productivity, while the radio module makes long distance operation more convenient. A smart personal digital assistant offers high readability and fast access to essential functions and modes. The NeoRTK system also has an adjustable measurement rod with automatic tilt compensation.

Tersus GNSS, www.tersus-gnss.com

GNSS Receiver

Real-time professional-grade positioning information

The SXblue Platinum is a high-accuracy GNSS receiver compatible with iOS, Windows and Android Bluetooth. Powered by 394 channels, the SXblue Platinum uses all constellations (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou and QZSS) with triple frequency, and provides the ability to use global or local coverage for corrections (SBAS, L-band and RTK). With the scalable SXblue Platinum Basic, users can activate any frequency or constellation at any time following initial purchase. The receiver is also field-upgradable, which means that these options can be remotely activated when convenient. It also has an L-band signal correction via Hemisphere’s Atlas service. With its new Tracer technology, the receiver can sustain its level of accuracy when the Atlas signal is interrupted.

Geneq, www.sxbluegps.com

Smartphone antenna, location service

Turns Android devices into data-collection systems

Trimble Catalyst DA1 antenna attaches to a smartphone running a Catalyst-enabled app.

The Catalyst software-defined GNSS receiver for Android devices is now available through Trimble’s global distribution network. Through Catalyst and a special antenna, customers can access positioning-as-a-service to collect geolocation data with Trimble or third-party apps on smartphones, tablets and mobile handhelds. When combined with a plug-and-play digital antenna and subscription to the Catalyst service, the receiver provides on-demand GNSS positioning capabilities to turn consumer Android devices into centimeter-accurate data-collection systems. Catalyst requires a Catalyst-enabled location app for Android; a Catalyst subscription, with accuracy options ranging from 1 meter to centimeter level, and the small, lightweight DA1 antenna, which plugs directly into Android smartphones and tablets. A range of Catalyst-enabled applications have been developed for geographic information system (GIS) data acquisition, cadastral land management, topographic mapping and ground control for unmanned aircraft systems (UAVs).

Trimble, catalyst.trimble.com

Desktop GIS

Updated with improved workflows and innovative features

ArcGIS Pro 2.0 is Esri’s next-generation desktop geographic information system (GIS). It is tightly integrated with the rest of the ArcGIS platform, so that users can complete more of their workflows solely in ArcGIS Pro, such as map creation and data management. Getting started with new projects has vastly improved with Favorites. In ArcGIS Pro, users can modify topology properties directly. An enhanced traverse tool improves COGO workflows. Highly requested context menu options for importing and exporting data included in the Catalog pane. 3D navigation controls enable exploration of 3D landscapes, and views of 3D and 2D maps can be synced. Layouts are more useful and powerful with embeddable dynamic interactive charts. Improvements to 3D drawing including feature drawing by camera distance. Enhanced lighting of 3D objects make 3D visualizations even better. Analytics improvements include fill-missing-values tools and enhanced spacetime cubes.

Esri, www.esri.com

Transportation

Flight management

For pilots to use GPS as primary means of navigation

The GPS-4000S sensor provides GPS-based navigation and enables GPS-based approaches for aircraft equipped with flight management systems. The sensor’s Space-Based Augmentation System (SBAS) capabilities enable use of GPS as the primary means of navigation in areas of SBAS coverage. The GPS-4000S uses up to 10 GPS satellites and two geostationary SBAS satellites. However, users can calculate navigation with a minimum of four GPS satellites with acceptable geometry or three satellites plus calibrated barometric altitude. With additional satellites, the system’s Receiver Autonomous Integrity Monitoring (RAIM) detects and isolates defective satellites while improving navigation accuracy. Predictive RAIM capability determines if the future satellite geometry at the destination airport will support planned arrival procedures.

Rockwell Collins, www.rockwellcollins.com

Smart ADAS camera

Efficient image recognition engine and functional safety

Renasas autonomy is an advanced driving assistance system (ADAS) and automated driving platform. The first rollout under the new platform is the R-Car V3M high-performance image recognition system-on-chip (SoC), optimized for use in smart camera applications, surround view systems and lidars. For smart camera applications, the R-Car V3M focuses on enabling NCAP (New Car Assessment Program) features. It is equipped with an integrated ISP and delivers high performance for computer vision, while supporting low power consumption and a high level of functional safety. The R-Car V3M SoC complies with the ISO26262 safety standard, delivers low-power hardware acceleration for vision processing and is equipped with a built-in image signal processor, freeing up board space and reducing system manufacturers’ costs.

Renesas Electronics, www.renesas.com

Aircraft navigation

Touchscreen GPS/Nav/Comm for pilots

GTN 650 is a fully integrated solution in a small package ready and approved for installation in hundreds of makes and models of aircraft, including helicopters, by the U.S. FAA, Europe EASA, Canada TCCA and Brazil ANAC. It combines GPS, communication and navigation functions with powerful multifunction display capabilities such as high-resolution terrain mapping, graphical flight planning, advanced navigation, multiple weather options, connectivity and traffic display. The SBAS/WAAS-certified, 15-channel GPS receiver generates five position updates per second, letting pilots fly GPS-guided localizer performance with vertical guidance (LPV) glidepath instrument approaches down to as low as 200 feet. The system includes a complete package of very high frequency (VHF) navigation capabilities, with a 200-channel VHF omni-directional radio range (VOR)/instrument landing system (ILS) with localizer and glideslope.

Garmin, www.garmin.com

Truck-specific navigation

Device includes critical driving and business tools

The OverDryve 7 Pro is part of Rand McNally’s OverDryve OS Connected Vehicle platform. It is E-Log ready and has a high-resolution 7-inch screen. Designed for truck drivers, the OverDryve 7 Pro has truck-specific navigation and routing with points of interest, advanced lane guidance, toll costs, warnings and fuel logs. Other features include hands-free calling and texting, voice assistance and in-cab entertainment. The powered magnetic mount includes a commercial-grade GPS boost. The unit comes pre-loaded with the Rand McNally DriverConnect2 logbook app, which can be paired with a compatible Rand McNally electronic logging device (ELD) to provide a fully compliant electronic logging solution.

Rand McNally, randmcnally.com

UAV

Drone navigation kit

Open-Source kit integrates GNSS module

The Here+ RTK GNSS kit, is built around the u‑blox NEO‑M8P high-precision real-time kinematic (RTK) GNSS module. HEX offers an open-source drone autopilot, the Ardupilot, which the kit supports. The kit consists of a round rover designed to be mounted on the drone. It is connected to the flight controller using the supplied 8‑pin CLIK-Mate connector (for the autopilot Pixhawk2) or an optional 4 pin + 6 pin DF13 connector (for the Pixhawk1). The base station with its smaller GNSS receiver and an external antenna complete the equipment. HEX’s goal is to promote open source drone technology to a larger community and assist drone companies with affordable accessories for a wealth of applications, such as agricultural drone, powerline inspection, precision farming, logistics or 3D mapping.

HEX Technology Limited, www.hex.aero;
u-blox, www.u‑blox.com

Long-endurance UAV

Hybrid electric propulsion provides longer operating time

The Hercules is a long-endurance multi-rotor UAS with a hybrid electric propulsion system and patent-pending aerodynamic design improvements. These two technologies enable the aircraft to fly up to 3.5 hours or carry a 4-pound payload for 2 hours. The aircraft has a 36-pound gross weight and is intended for FAA Part 107 operations. Hercules is useful for applications that benefit from long endurance such as precision agriculture, mapping, first responders and infrastructure inspection. The increased flight time enables up to 45% reduction in cost per acre for the operator to acquire data, while the increased payload capacity avoids repeat overflights with swapped out payloads.Three gallons of fuel is enough energy to fly the aircraft for the whole day. The battery contains enough energy to fly the aircraft for an additional 2 minutes following failure of the combustion engine, enabling the aircraft to make a safe landing.

Advanced Aircraft Company, www.AdvancedAircraftCompany.com

GNSS kit

Survey-level accuracy for small unmanned aerial systems

The Loki GNSS positioning system allows users of DJI Phantom 4 Pros and Inspire 2 drones, as well as most drones using higher end cameras, to achieve survey-level accuracy with minimum ground control. For positioning accuracy, Loki uses the Septentrio AsteRx-m2 GNSS engine with 448 hardware channels. A patent-pending method by GeoCue detects camera events from the UAV and synchronizes them to GNSS positioning. Loki is a self-contained kit that provides the hardware and software needed to equip a drone with a post-processed kinematic (PPK) multi-frequency, multi-constellation, differential, carrier-phase GNSS. The adapter cable is splug and play. Using a local base station (not included), Loki provides centimeter-level positioning with minimal, and in some cases, no ground-control points (though GCPs are always recommended for quality assurance).

GeoCue Group, www.geocuellc.com

Large-area lidar

For advanced mapping, law enforcement

The Phoenix Ranger RL1-UAV produces photorealistic 3D point-cloud data collected efficiently over extensive regions. For law enforcement, the data can provide greater context, awareness and tactical accuracy. Agencies typically use ground-based lidar as a forensic crime-scene mapping technology. Aerial lidar is efficient for larger, outdoor scenes because line-of-sight issues can restrict ground lidar scans from capturing the entire area. Benefits for law enforcement include exposing unmapped trails hidden in remote backwoods; determining width, elevation and length of roads; detecting micro topography hidden by vegetation; and gathering ground-surface information affected by human activities. The Phoenix Ranger RL1-UAV provides survey-grade (cm-level) accuracy with 920-meter laser range and outstanding intensity calibration. Options include IMU and dual-GPS upgrade for increased accuracy.

Phoenix Lidar Systems, www.phoenixlidar.com

<p>The post Launchpad: Survey, UAV, Transportation first appeared on GPS World.</p>