Wangjie Zhao, an employee of CHC Navigation. (Photo: CHC Navigation)

For decades, surveying — which consists largely of making measurements to determine the relative positions of points above, on or beneath Earth’s surface — had much higher accuracy than mapping for geographic information systems (GIS) — which is mostly based on aerial photogrammetry for base maps and field data collection of the locations of features. When I started in this field a quarter century ago, we typically classified GPS receivers as survey grade, resource grade or consumer grade, with “resource grade” referring to field data collection for GIS.

Today, however, the accuracy of all receivers has greatly increased — thanks to improved chipsets, new GNSS constellations, and a plethora of corrections services — and those three categories are no longer relevant. Therefore, surveying and mapping are increasingly overlapping.

For this cover story, I asked the same three questions about mapping and surveying to representatives of four companies. 

CHC Navigation — Rachel Wang, product manager of survey and engineering product line

Hexagon — Craig Hill, VP marketing and services, surveying solutions, Leica Geosystems

OxTS — Geoff Besbrode, product marketing executive

Trimble — Chris Trevillian, director of product marketing, Geospatial Solutions

Additionally, click below to read insights from:

• Aaron Nathan, CEO and founder of Point One Navigation, explains the ways in which construction firms rely on GNSS signals.
• Raphael Goudard, global mobile mapping segment manager, Leica Geosystems, part of Hexagon, discusses the power of mobile mapping for transportation infrastructure.

Surveying and mapping are increasingly overlapping. What are the remaining differences between them, in terms of accuracy requirements and challenges in the field?

CHC Navigation
While advances in technology such as lidar and photogrammetry are narrowing the gap, there are still notable differences between surveying and mapping. Surveying often requires centimeter- or even millimeter-level accuracy at specific points. In contrast, mapping focuses on collecting dense 3D data over large areas. Although the accuracy of mapping point clouds is steadily increasing, the integration of ground-based GNSS data collection with aerial imagery and lidar is becoming widespread. Mapping tends to be less labor-intensive and involves fewer safety risks in the field, but it requires a unique skill set, particularly in point cloud processing.

Hexagon
Traditionally, surveying and mapping differ primarily in their accuracy requirements and application scales; however, this paradigm is changing with mapping becoming increasingly accurate. Surveying focuses on high-precision geospatial data of specific points. From road, rail and tunnel construction to high-rise buildings, there is no substitution for the precision delivered by surveying equipment and procedures. In contrast, mapping focuses on larger areas.

Recent advancements in sensor technology, including both airborne and mobile mapping systems such as the Leica CityMapper-2 and the Leica Pegasus TRK, have significantly improved the efficiency and precision of mapping, bringing it closer to the levels achievable with traditional surveying equipment.

OxTS
Surveying comes with a large overhead during the data collection process. It requires meticulous preparation and attention to detail to achieve high accuracy in the raw data. GNSS quality, lever arms, user operation, etc., can all cause problems later on. Getting any part of the process wrong can have major cost implications through having to redo the process.
Mapping is focused on the act of aligning that data to datums and control points after the surveying process is completed but it also requires major attention to detail in aligning coordinate frames and origin points in order to avoid baking in any errors that lead to mistakes being made once the map data is handed over to a customer

The problem is that if the surveying process wasn’t accurate, the mapping process will not have a solid foundation in the raw data to deliver accurate maps, so they are inherently tied to each other.

Trimble
Surveyors today have many tools in their toolbox, giving them flexibility across surveying and mapping applications. There are many highly accurate, easy-to-operate data capture systems to choose from these days, but challenges grow when combining and analyzing vast amounts of data from different sensors in the office to provide final deliverables. This has made field-to-finish software that delivers technological integration, workflow optimization and adaptability essential for the job.

Mapping projects often require less accuracy, but a lot of advanced survey technology is entering the mapping domain (e.g., mobile mapping and laser scanning) because of easier field operations and increasing understanding of the value of rich data to asset management.

The data were collected in and around a car park to prove how Lidar Inertial Odometry (LIO) can be used to retain accuracy for longer periods without GNSS updates. (Photo: OxTS)

What is your company’s niche in surveying/mapping?

CHC Navigation
CHC Navigation (CHCNAV) has been at the forefront of positioning and navigation for more than two decades, continually adapting to meet the diverse needs of the surveying and mapping industry. Our innovative solutions often lead the industry in providing end-to-end, integrated technology fusion — GNSS, inertial measurement unit (IMU) and imaging lidar — as a standard that empowers geospatial professionals worldwide. CHCNAV strives to provide accessible, value-added solutions from the start, positioning itself as a key technology enabler for the geospatial community.

Hexagon
Whether you are mapping an entire city or surveying a site for construction, capturing reliable and precise geospatial data is essential. Hexagon’s niche lies in its commitment to innovation, its extensive portfolio and the convergence of superior hardware, intelligent software solutions and expert services — enabling precise, efficient and scalable surveying and mapping for diverse needs. Our multitude of solutions, whether handheld, tripod-mounted, flying, or vehicle-mounted, are designed to collect data efficiently and safely from complex or dangerous environments — enabling the greatest accuracy and high-value deliverables.

Furthermore, Hexagon is uniquely positioned with its robust suite of software solutions that work seamlessly with our hardware, such as Reality Cloud Studio, Leica Cyclone, Leica Captivate or Leica Infinity for collecting, processing, modeling, analyzing, and presenting data. We offer end-to-end solutions that not only provide high accuracy but also ensure productivity and ease of use.

OxTS
OxTS offers localization and georeferencing technology that can help accelerate the collection of high accuracy survey data, allowing more work to be completed in a given time frame without compromising on accuracy.

Trimble
Trimble is known for offering a wide range of highly accurate and reliable data capture sensors but our “niche” — our truly unique offering — is our ability to offer comprehensive solutions that make our customers more productive and their projects more streamlined. We do this through hardware and software solutions that enable highly efficient survey and mapping workflows that connect field and office operations. Our software helps transform the captured data into true information utilizing an increasing number of AI-powered tools while our cloud services allow customers to share the data with a variety of stakeholders, unlocking the transformational power of geospatial data.

What is your latest surveying/mapping product? What are its key specs, markets and applications?

Hexagon
Among our surveying and mapping solutions, the Leica BLK ARC stands out with its flexibility to integrate with various robotic and mobile carriers. The BLK ARC provides autonomous laser scanning with static and dynamic scans, creating 3D digital twins and ensuring operator safety. Similarly, the Leica BLK2GO introduces an agile, handheld mobile scanning solution, capturing point clouds and images, with a user-friendly design. Both solutions are great allies for professionals requiring accurate, efficient, and versatile mobile scanning solutions.

For those looking to offer wide-scale data-capturing capabilities and overcome capacity constraints, the Leica Pegasus TRK mobile mapping system stands out because it can gather extensive data quickly and accurately. Its high-resolution data capture, advanced lidar technology, and enriched 3D point cloud capabilities ensure detailed and comprehensive datasets. Building on this range of solutions, the autonomous flying laser scanner Leica BLK2FLY enhances surveying efficiency by capturing hard-to-reach areas and environments. Its user-friendly operations, advanced obstacle avoidance and seamless cloud-based data integration make it a valuable tool for enhanced productivity and safety in surveying work.

CHC Navigation
Our latest offering, the RS10, demonstrates the integration of surveying and mapping technologies by combining GNSS RTK, laser scanning and visual SLAM into a unified platform. The RS10 enhances traditional GNSS capabilities with V-lidar and SFix technologies. V-lidar enables non-contact offset measurements up to 15 m, ideal for rover applications. Meanwhile, SFix technology leverages laser and visual SLAM data to deliver 5 cm accuracy within one minute in environments with weak or absent GNSS signals. This breakthrough enables accurate GNSS measurements in challenging environments such as indoor spaces and urban canyons, bringing simplified workflows and increased productivity to professional surveying and mapping.

OxTS
OxTS recently released Lidar Inertial Odometry (LIO), which offers improved localization in GNSS-obstructed environments while maintaining a fully global frame output. It means that survey data can retain accuracy for longer in harsher GNSS environments but doesn’t give up the global reference to coordinate frames used by surveyors and does not require ground control points to be anchored to those coordinate frames.

Trimble
The newly released Trimble Business Center (TBC) v2024.00 delivers on its commitment to innovation by offering technological integration and workflow optimization, as well as adaptability and innovation for the ultimate field-to-finish workflow. A key highlight in the new release is the seamless integration of survey data delivery for pavement inspection within AgileAssets, which bridges the gap between Esri and Autodesk through feature services for more efficient pavement management.
In addition, AI technologies provide enhanced point cloud classification and new feature extraction routines for game-changing analysis of aerial, terrestrial, mobile mapping and tunneling data. Collaboration also is greatly enhanced through Trimble Connect for seamless data integration across TBC and Trimble Access field software.

Josh Humphriss, surveyor at Storm Geomatics Limited, surveys a stream with a Trimble GNSS system in Shipston-on-Stour, Warwickshire, England in 2022. (Photo: Michael Dix, Marketing Communications Manager, Trimble, Inc.)

<p>The post Surveying & Mapping: Overlapping technologies and professions first appeared on GPS World.</p>

In this month’s cover story, executives from seven companies present their perspectives on the GNSS/PNT challenges faced by U.S. and allied military forces, their market niche in this area, and their latest products.

• Lou Pelosi, vice president, CAST Navigation
• Stig Pedersen, executive vice president of aerospace and defense, Autonomy & Positioning division, Hexagon
• Brandon Malatest, COO, Per Vices Corporation
• Tony Full, director of business development, Navigation Systems, Safran Federal Systems
• Paul Crampton, senior solutions architect, Spirent Federal Systems
• Joel Korsakissok, president, Syntony

Click here to read an exclusive interview with Chuck Stoffer, director of business development and Eric Hughes, design engineer, UHU Technologies

Read the related “Innovation” article.

Photo: Petty Officer 1st Class Thomas Gooley

What are currently the top two or three challenges regarding GNSS/PNT for U.S. and allied military forces? How do you expect that to change in the next three to five years?

CAST Navigation
A top challenge is anti-jamming. GPS signals are low-power and fairly easy to jam. CAST has developed a simulator for testing controlled reception pattern antennas (CRPAs), which are anti-jam antennas. CAST simulators can test CRPAs with two to seven antenna elements.
Another top challenge is preventing our enemies from using GPS in a war zone. M-Code Modernized Navstar Security Algorithm (MNSA) has been designed to support denial of GPS signals to enemy forces. CAST has developed the ability to simulate M-Code MNSA. The company is working closely with the U.S. Space Force Space Systems Command’s GPS Directorate to develop a simulator that supports all their requirements.

Hexagon
Jamming is the key challenge. The secondary challenge is getting necessary protection into fielded systems so they can be used to the full extent of their service life. Over the next three to five years, while new products designed to safeguard PNT infrastructure will emerge, the process of getting these tools authorized and integrated will remain complex.

Per Vices Corporation
GNSS signals can be disrupted or manipulated by adversaries through jamming techniques, leading to potential navigational errors or loss of positioning capabilities. Advanced spoofing techniques also pose significant challenges to GNSS/PNT for U.S. and allied military forces, as they can deceive receivers into providing inaccurate positioning, navigation, and timing information. Both can be addressed with the integration of software-defined radios (SDR) for GNSS/PNT applications where we anticipate a strong push to further advance the different anti-jamming and anti-spoofing techniques in software using high-performance SDR platforms.

Safran Federal Systems
GNSS denial and spoofing. Both challenges are expected to become more pervasive over the coming years as adversarial technologies evolve and are distributed. In the current conflict, systems are driving to become either assured GNSS or built to operate independently of GNSS clock and position information.

Spirent Federal Systems
Adversarial near-peer threats to PNT integrity are developing at an increasingly rapid pace. Navigation warfare (NAVWAR) used to focus within the boundaries of localized geopolitical conflicts, but now space-based, system-wide threats loom large and will present new challenges in the coming years. As PNT continues to evolve, more complex mitigation technologies must be integrated into a layered PNT ecosystem with shortened development and testing phases to be fielded faster.

Syntony
It is not a secret that jamming and spoofing will be the biggest challenges in the coming years: Almost every week, if not every day, we read some news about jammed or spoofed GNSS receivers, either in Eastern Europe or elsewhere.
Technology exists to protect against both threats: authentication, cryptography and CRPA. However, you cannot deliver an M-Code or PRS receiver to every soldier and every vehicle, if for no other reason than the difficulty of broadcasting the keys. The solution will pass by an intermediate level of anti-jamming and anti-spoofing receivers, which do not need them, associated to moderate prices and lighter infrastructure so that everybody and every vehicle can be protected.

For industry, it will pass through the generalization of CRPA architecture for the receivers, even for non-encrypted signals, and even with lower efficiency levels (update rate, J/S, etc.) corresponding to low dynamic movement.

What is your company’s niche regarding military GNSS/PNT?

senior software engineer Neil O’Brien utilizing a CAST-8000 GNSS simulator to analyze CRPA trajectory data. (Photo: CAST Navigation)

CAST Navigation
We are known for correctly interfacing with the military’s embedded GPS inertial (EGI) navigators.

Hexagon
We have carved out a distinctive position in the military APNT sector. We provide receivers that give users access to the entire GNSS spectrum, fortified by our unique GNSS Resilience and Integrity Technology (GRIT). Hexagon also produces anti-jam antennas designed to safeguard GNSS receivers, offering our customers tested protection in hostile environments.

Per Vices Corporation
We design, develop, and build high performance software-defined radio platforms and associated firmware/software for use in GNSS/PNT systems. This includes the use of SDRs for simulating hostile RF environments to test existing equipment, providing anti-jamming and anti-spoofing solutions, implementing dynamic frequency hopping, and signal authentication and integrity verification.

Safran Federal Systems
We are uniquely positioned to fulfill solutions to GNSS denial and spoofing through our precision timing, assured GNSS (M-Code/SAASM) and inertial navigation technologies. Additionally, we have these technologies often combined in different form factors to serve platform needs. When planning for missions, we offer our customers a full suite of mission simulation capabilities expediting the fielding of technologies by assuring functionality in a lab environment.

Spirent Federal Systems
We find our niche in partnering with industry and military institutions to provide innovative test solutions. Spirent NAVWAR test solutions enable PNT receivers to mitigate the effects of current and prospective threats. This involves new secure encrypted signals, space-based assets in a variety of orbital configurations, antenna and processing techniques, non-U.S. PNT systems, and non-satellite sensors to name a few. Research into potentially useful PNT systems is also efficiently conducted using simulation techniques — without the need to develop and iterate expensive hardware. Working with industry and military partners allows Spirent Federal to engage at the earliest stages of research and development, allowing system integrators to benefit from the same test methodologies used by the developers.

Cerber CRPA receiver with four-channel antenna and Constellator CRPA simulator. (Photo: Syntony)

Syntony
We have developed two technologies aiming at addressing this problem: a high-end CRPA receiver based on non-encrypted GPS/Galileo signals bringing state-of-the-art anti-jamming capabilities and anti-spoofing ones even with open signals, and the same for high-end 4 CRPA simulators with up to 8 channels. We developed the latter with the U.S. company Keysight and will demonstrate it at ION Joint Navigation Conference (JNC) 2024.

What is your latest product in this area? What are its key specs? What is/are its main application/mission area/s?

CAST Navigation
We have merged the EGI test capability with a CRPA tester. This allows testing an EGI that is driven by a CRPA in a jamming environment. This simulator also will be available with M-Code MNSA in the future.

a hexagon gajt in action on a U.S. Army M1A2 Abrams tank. (Photo: Sgt. Andrew Greenwood)

Hexagon
GPS Anti-Jam Technology (GAJT) antennas from Hexagon’s Autonomy & Positioning division mitigate against jammers to ensure the continuous signals required for calculating position and time remain available. GAJT is a commercial off-the-shelf product, which ensures short-order lead times and quick deployment. GAJT antennas from Hexagon can protect against between two and six simultaneous jammers. In addition to protection, they provide situational awareness messages to indicate the presence of jammers.

Our upcoming product in this area is an anti-jam antenna characterized by its low size, weight, power and cost (SWaP-C). It will protect L1/L2 and pass through all other GNSS signals to ensure resilient positioning. This addition to the battle-tested GAJT product family means that powerful, proven anti-jam protection will be available for all platforms, including UAVs. GAJTs provide assured and resilient PNT data for NATO forces worldwide on land, at sea and in the air.

PER vices cyan software-defined radio for GNSS/PNT applications. (Photo: Per Vices)

Per Vices Corporation
Our latest product in this area is our Cyan SDR, which offers up to 16 radio chains, tuning frequency spanning all GNSS/PNT frequency bands (near DC to 18 GHz), a high performance FPGA SoC on-board (Intel/Altera Stratix 10), and multiple inputs and outputs for timing and synchronization with other equipment. This system has been utilized for many applications in this space due to its flexibility, performance, form factor (19″ 3U), and value.

SAFran federal systems’ Geonyx inertial navigation solution, which can be integrated with VersaPNT, Safran’s all-in-one Assured PNT device. (Photo: Safran Federal Systems)

Safran Federal Systems
Safran’s Versa-PNT product coupled with a Geonyx inertial navigator offers rubidium oscillator precision timing, M-Code receiver and navigation-grade inertial technology, all in a package that can support land or maritime operations. More specifically, this package delivers:

• P — M-Code receiver.
• N — < 0.02% drift over the traveled distance (~2 m over 10 km, GPS accuracy).
• T — One-day holdover below 1 µs.

Photo: Spirent Communications

Spirent Federal Systems
The PNT X is Spirent’s innovative sixth-generation simulation platform, which launched at the end of April and will debut at the ION JNC 2024 in June. PNT X offers a new era in NAVWAR testing, with a record 140 dB high dynamic range to simulate high-powered jammers and spoofers. It offers a 2,000+ Hz update rate for a highly accurate representation of the motion of missiles, rockets, and UAVs, thereby guaranteeing the integrity of test results.
The platform includes spatial awareness simulation for jammers and signals of opportunity, overlaying motion on user-defined signals and jammers alongside the simulation of the local environment and terrain.

The PNT X uses Spirent’s custom-built software-defined radios to extend capacity, automation and ease of use for testing current and future PNT sources. Designed for secure environments, the simulation solution features the first M-Code Regional Military Protection (RMP) test capability. Spirent experts are available to assist with generating test scenarios and capitalizing on new automation and interoperability features.

Syntony
The CRPA simulator that we will market together with Keysight will support all available GNSS signals and carrier frequencies. It also will be expandable by a software upgrade to LEO PNT in the near future. With typically four or eight channels,130dB of J/S, and based on the unique generator of Keysight VXG-C (2.5 Ghz instantaneous bandwidth, providing high-level phase synchronization all along the band), it will generate all the GNSS signals in L and S bands through one RF channel, bringing unrivaled performance and ease of calibration.

<p>The post Combating jamming and spoofing first appeared on GPS World.</p>

SURVEYING & MAPPING

Rotating Laser
Built for challenging worksites

The Zone40 T one-button rotating laser is designed for all types of grading and leveling jobs. It seeks to address the industry’s need for efficient and accurate alignment solutions.
Its one-touch operation is designed to simplify and increase efficient workflows in a variety of jobs such as grading, paving, excavating, surveying, layout and more. It is ideal for contractors, crew chiefs, supervisors and trade professionals.

GeoMax products are tested and proven to endure the toughest conditions. With an IP67 environmental rating, the Zone40 T accurately delivers in dust, water, wind and extreme temperatures.
GeoMax Positioning, geomax-positioning.com

Hydrographic Surveying Solution
With advanced inertial sensors

The Seapath 385 navigation system is designed to enhance precision in hydrographic surveying by using advanced navigation algorithms and integrating a range of satellite signals, including GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou and QZSS, alongside geostationary satellite signals. The Seapath 385 system combines raw inertial sensor data from Kongsberg Discovery’s high-performance motion gyro compass (MGC) or motion reference unit (MRU) with GNSS data and corrections from real-time kinematics (RTK), precise-point positioning (PPP) or Differential Global Navigation Satellite System (DGNSS). The integration offers a robust and accurate navigation solution ideal for hydrographic surveying.

The system’s dead reckoning capabilities are attributed to its advanced inertial sensors and updated navigation algorithms. It uses GNSS antennas for both positioning and heading determination designed to add an extra layer of robustness to the system. The Seapath 385 also introduces a new post-processing format that consolidates all necessary data and system configurations into a single file, which allows for centimeter-level position accuracy through either satellite orbit and clock data or data logged from base stations.

Designed for ease of installation and continuous, reliable operation, the Seapath 385 is a modular system with a processing unit that handles all critical computations independently of the user interface on the HMI Unit. This feature offers precise measurements with a data rate of up to 200 Hz at multiple monitoring points, which makes it an ideal solution for accommodating sensors or systems that depend on motion or position data throughout the vessel.
Kongsberg Discovery, Kongsberg.com

Marine-Grade Sensor
Compatible with USVs

The Optech CL-360 Marine is a 360° long-range laser scanner. It combines a scan speed of 250 lines per second with 2 mm range resolution, a plug-and-play solution and an IP67 marine-grade sensor.The system can be seamlessly integrated with multibeam systems and the CARIS Ping-To-Chart workflow, which allows for full above-and-below-water image capture with survey-grade accuracy in a single workflow.It is ideal for mapping coastal infrastructure and is designed to be used on an uncrewed surface vessel (USV) that provides survey grade range and accuracy.
Teledyne Geospatial, teledyneimaging.com

GNSS Receiver
Designed for centimeter-level and RTK accuracy

The HiPer CR is a compact and lightweight GNSS receiver designed for centimeter-level and RTK accuracy for professionals in a wide range of applications in surveying, construction, engineering, forestry and mining. It joins a portfolio of fuller-featured receivers, including the HiPer HR and VR.

The HiPer CR tracks the GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou and QZSS constellations. It can be used in a variety of configurations, including as a network RTK rover, in base and rover setups and in integrated hybrid use with a robotic total station.

When used as a network rover with Topnet Live — the company’s global GNSS correction service — the HiPer CR will have access to high-quality data corrections to increase efficiency and productivity. Users also can select to use the receiver as part of a hybrid positioning system, which allows users to use a robotic total station for prism measurements. Users also can switch to GNSS measurement with the HiPer CR for obstructed areas such as warehouses, trailers, or buildings.
Topcon Positioning Systems, topconpositioning.com

Handheld SLAM laser scanner
For in the field and indoors

The RS10 is a handheld SLAM lidar laser scanner integrated with a full real-time kinematics (RTK) GNSS receiver.
Designed to improve efficiency across a wide range of mapping and surveying applications, the RS10 seeks to provide professionals with a versatile, all-in-one tool for capturing 3D geospatial data in both outdoor and indoor environments.

The RS10 integrates a GNSS smart antenna for RTK positioning accuracy even in challenging environments. It delivers 5 cm measurement accuracy by fusing high-precision lidar, RTK, laser and visual SLAM using three HD cameras.
The RS10 uses a powerful onboard processor for real-time georeferenced point cloud generation in the field. Users can receive instant feedback, which allows them to adjust while scanning. Large sites up to 13,000 square meters can be mapped in real time.

The integration of high-precision GNSS and SLAM technologies eliminates the need for traditional loop closure, which often complicates the data collection process for handheld scanners. Users can freely scan target areas without having to return to previous locations, which can streamline field data capture and significantly reduce time spent in the field.
CHC Navigation, chcnav.com

Airborne lidar sensor
With scan pattern reconfigurability

The Leica TerrainMapper-3 airborne lidar sensor features a new scan pattern reconfigurability to support a variety of applications and requirements in a single system.

The system offers three scan patterns, which allow users to customize the sensor’s performance to fit specific applications. Its circle scan patterns are designed to improve 3D modeling of urban areas or steep terrains. The ellipse scan patterns use data capture for more traditional mapping applications. Skew ellipse scan patterns are aimed at improving point density for infrastructures and corridor mapping applications.

The sensor has a high scan speed rate and a 60° adjustable field of view to maximize data collection with fewer flight lines. The TerrainMapper-3 is complemented by the Leica MFC150 4-band camera, which operates with the same 60° field of view coverage as the lidar for exact data consistency.

The device’s reduced beam divergence offers more accurate results, while its new multiple pulses in air (MPiA) handling is designed to deliver more consistent data acquisition, even in steep terrain.
The system introduces possibilities for real-time full waveform recording at a maximum pulse rate to open opportunities for advanced and automated point classification.
Leica Geosystems, leica-geosystems.com

Mobile Mapping Solution
Mounted on vehicles or trains

The Trimble MX90 mobile mapping system integrates advanced Trimble GNSS and inertial technology with Trimble field and office software. It offers users a comprehensive field-to-finish mobile mapping solution designed for robust workflows for data capture, processing and analysis.

The MX90, mounted on vehicles or trains, captures detailed laser scans and imagery —panoramic and multi-angle. This data, collected at highway speeds, undergoes rapid processing to produce deliverables for feature detection and inspections.

The mobile mapping system includes immersive 360° panoramic and targeted cameras to capture high-resolution imagery of various details, such as small or distant road and rail signs, telecommunications towers or cracks and holes in roads.

Additionally, it offers high-density colorized point clouds with rich and accurate color projections. These dense point clouds, along with high-resolution imagery — panoramic and planar — and accurate trajectories, provide the basis for a wide range of deliverables, including street scenes, road and rail asset details, elevation models, volume calculations, 3D city models and as-built surveys.

It features a high-end inertial measurement unit (IMU) combined with IN-Fusion+ data processing technology to achieve high-quality data in challenging GNSS environments. The MX90 also comes with reliable office software solutions to support multiple use cases and applications, such as road inspection workflows and integration into cloud-based applications for efficient data sharing.
Trimble Geospatial, geospatial.trimble.com

Collaborative Mapping Tool
With spatial analysis features

Felt 2.0 is a collaborative mapping tool with powerful data transformation tools. Now with spatial analysis features, users can manipulate and analyze geographic data. It has web-based collaboration features designed to make mapping workflows interactive and accessible across organizations.
The software uses artificial intelligence (AI) to deliver faster workflows for geographic information systems (GIS) professionals. Users can utilize Felt’s Upload Anything capabilities to visualize any file format. The system will read, understand and deliver an internet-fast visualization to the users’ workspace. The software is available for download on tablets and other mobile devices.
Felt, felt.com

Automatic Identification System
Available on Android, IOS, PC and Mac

The Over the Horizon (OHA) automatic identification system (AIS) is the newest update to the savvy navvy app. The update uses a phone’s internet connection to stream other vessels’ locations in real-time directly to the app to improve safety on the water.

Traditional AIS received from the transceiver on the boat has a range of a few miles, whereas OHA is designed to show vessels further afield. While OHA does require an internet connection, users do not need additional hardware to see information on vessel movements.

OHA AIS allows users to see vessels directly on the chart with small and large vessel crafts defined by different colors. Users can also check how crowded an anchorage might be — either from onboard or while planning routes at home.

The savvy navvy application highlights when no position has been received for more than 30 seconds, which marks the positional variance area around each vessel and allows users to be extra vigilant when navigating.
Available on Android, IOS, PC and Mac, the savvy navvy app can be used on multiple devices and is available in both free and “premium” options with enhanced access and functionalities.
savvy navvy, savvy-navvy.com

UAV

Real-Time Command and Control System
Supports BVLOS

VigilantHalo is a software-based platform designed for real-time command and control of uncrewed airspace. The system supports a wide range of missions from air traffic control (ATC) to beyond visual line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations and counter-uncrewed aerial systems (C-UAS).
VigilantHalo combines radar and multi-sensor surveillance technology into a comprehensive situational awareness solution. It is designed for disaster response and critical infrastructure defense and can be customized for specific mission requirements. The system’s flexibility allows deployment across cloud, mobile or fixed-site installations, which aims to address the evolving threats in national security and the National Airspace System (NAS).

The system features integrated data processing, a fusion tracker and a communications system that enables operators to monitor and manage air traffic under various conditions. It leverages weather analytics from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and other sources to assess flight paths and identify safety risks. VigilantHalo uses a custom sensor data processor (SDP) that integrates data from different sensors and surveillance feeds into a unified display tailored to specific missions such as ATC, BVLOS, air defense and more.
BlueHalo, bluehalo.com

Dynamic Channel Switching
Improves communication in the field

The Skydio X10D UAV features dynamic channel switching to monitor signal interference and move to a clearer channel. This aims to improve wireless transmission signal quality during flights to ensure troops maintain communication with the UAV to accomplish their mission.
Dynamic channel switching allows the X10D to provide adaptable communications between the drone and its accompanying controller in situations where the airspace is congested or under electronic warfare conditions. This feature ensures that reliable command and control is maintained and real-time data feeds are available even in challenging conditions.

The X10D is designed for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) applications critical to defense and government agencies. It delivers advanced sensor technology, autonomous navigation and a modular, open architecture for military needs.

Skydio’s onboard AI and autonomy for small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) offers obstacle avoidance in zero-light environments and autonomous flight. Skydio X10D delivers enhanced compliance with federal standards, including the Robotics and Autonomous Systems – Air (RAS-A) Interoperability Profile (IoP) and an open, modular platform that supports third-party applications. RAS-A compliance and open MAVLINK protocol enable the use of third-party and government-owned flight application software.
Skydio, skydio.com

Lidar Sensor
Integrates with UAVs

The JoLiDAR-1000 is a new lidar sensor for UAVs. It aims to improve applications in GIS, surveying, and precision inspections of power lines. The JoLiDAR-1000 incorporates advanced lidar technology to improve measurement accuracy for UAV applications.

The sensor features a 1,000 m medium-range laser scanner, using RTK and inertial measurement unit (IMU) fusion technology and laser scanning for enhanced measurement precision. It achieves a measurement accuracy of 5 mm, a repetition accuracy of 10 mm and a line scanning speed ranging from 10 lines to 300 lines per second. It has a 100° field of view and an angular resolution of 0.001 to precisely detect objects at extended distances.

Designed with compact dimensions and weighing only 1.9 kg, the JoLiDAR-1000 is portable and integrates seamlessly with various UAV platforms. It incorporates a suite of technologies, including a GNSS high-precision positioning system, IMU, high-speed data acquisition systems, time synchronization systems and a 26MP RGB camera to enhance its data collection capabilities.
The JoLiDAR-1000 streamlines operational processes by eliminating the need for base station setup and ground control points. It is equipped with high-precision POS solution computation and point cloud fusion capabilities. The sensor is suitable for a wide range of applications such as terrain mapping, power line inspection, mining surveying, coastline measurement, emergency mapping and natural resource surveying.
JOUAV, jouav.com

AI Autopilot
Designed for USVs

The Voyager AI Autopilot converts newly built or retrofitted unmanned surface vessels (USVs) into fully autonomous craft.
The Robosys Autopilot module seamlessly integrates with Robosys’ Voyager AI Survey as part of the Voyager AI software suite. It enables remote and autonomous heading and speed control as well as various other mission modes for navigation and vessel control, specifically for hydrographic and oceanic surveying operations.

The marine autopilot is designed to meet the demands of 3 m to 12 m electric drive surveys. It is easily scalable to full advanced autonomous navigation, which seamlessly integrates with third-party steering, drive and motor control systems to provide optimal vessel functionality for USVs and other craft.
Robosys Automation, robosysautomation.com

OEM

Satellite Positioning Chips
With AEC-Q100 Grade 2 reliability qualification

Designed for automotive applications, the AG3335MA satellite positioning chip series has earned AEC-Q100 Grade 2 reliability qualification. The AEC-Q100 is designed to ensure reliability and safety beyond the requirements for consumer electronics.
The AG3335MA series chips have been certified by a third-party quality management system equipped with an automotive specification laboratory. Achieving Grade 2 certification, these chips are tested for operation in extreme temperatures ranging from -40°C to 105°C, which caters to the demanding environments of automotive applications.
The AG3335MA features ultra-low power consumption, high endurance and dual-frequency capability. It supports the five major global satellite systems and NavIC to ensure reliable operation in a broad temperature range and challenging weather conditions. Its GNSS receiver measurement engine has a satellite tracking sensitivity of -167 dBm and a cold boot positioning time of 25 seconds. This allows it to receive and process signals from all visible satellites simultaneously, offering increased accuracy in positioning.
Airoha Technology, airoha.com

SOM-SMARC Modules
Powered by Qualcomm

The Smart Mobility Architecture (SMARC) System on Modules (SoMs) are based on Qualcomm QCS6490 and Qualcomm QCS5430 application processors. These new SMARC modules are the first results of SECO’s strategic collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies, announced in September 2023.
The SOM-SMARC-QCS6490 is designed to simplify the use of the Qualcomm QCS6490 processor. The chipset offers support for artificial intelligence (AI) and computing, robust performance at low power and expanded interfaces and peripherals catering to diverse industrial use cases.
The Qualcomm Adreno 643 GPU offers enhanced graphics performance and energy efficiency. It supports FHD+ at 120 fps resolution on primary and secondary displays up to 4k Ultra HD at 60 Hz. The SOM-SMARC-QCS6490 supports Microsoft Windows 11 IoT Enterprise, Yocto Linux and Android, with both commercial (0°C to +60°C) and industrial (-30°C to +85°C) temperature variants available.
The SOM-SMARC-QCS5430, powered by the Qualcomm QCS5430, is a mid-tier solution that slightly moderates CPU and GPU performance. This system-on-chip (SoC) combines enhanced connectivity, performance and edge AI-powered camera capabilities. It also provides scope for field software-based upgrades of the CPU and GPU by using the processor’s capabilities.
SECO, seco.com

INS
Featuring FOG-based IMU

The Phins 9 Compact is a high-performance inertial navigation system (INS) designed for all unmanned underwater vehicles. It offers a blend of navigation performance, reliability and size, weight and power (SWAP) efficiency.
The Phins 9 Compact is built around a high-performance fiber-optic gyroscope (FOG)-based IMU with advanced accelerometers. With compact dimensions, a DVL-aided position accuracy of 0.1% TD, and a power consumption of less than 7 W, it is ideal for compact subsea vehicles in demanding applications with low power requirements.

The INS aims to redefine the standards of subsea navigation in a wide range of applications, including survey-grade coastal and offshore seabed mapping, inspection repair and maintenance (IRM), defense and more.
Exail, exail.com

MOBILE

GNSS FR Antennas
Supports a full spectrum of bands

This series of GNSS RF antennas is designed to elevate location-based services with enhanced accuracy and precision. This new lineup aims to outperform conventional GPS technologies by offering faster signal acquisition, improved tracking capabilities and reduced power consumption.
The antennas support a full spectrum of bands, including L1, L2, L5, and L-band data correction services. It can be used in a variety of sectors, such as agriculture, surveying, the Internet of Things (IoT), mapping, defense and aviation.
The technology is designed to meet the rigorous demands for precise location data across various applications. These antennas offer multi-band and multi-constellation support to ensure broad compatibility. With centimeter-level accuracy, these antennas are crucial for aerospace, defense, asset tracking, geolocation, precision agriculture and industrial IoT.
Abracon, abracon.com

Iridium on the Go
Magnetic mount antenna

The 2J7426MPz by 2J antenna is a high-performance magnetic mount antenna that is designed specifically to communicate efficiently with the Iridium satellite communication system. It is manufactured with high-quality polycarbonate (PC) and acrylic-styrene-acrylate terpolymer (ASA), a thermoplastic combination that offers strong resistance to UV, moisture, and heat and enhances mechanical properties.
The antenna housing is waterproof to IP69 standards and designed to operate in extremely harsh environments, including those with frequent exposure to water, dust and debris. It has a recommended operational and storage temperature of -40°C to +85°C. The magnetic mount allows for easy installation and removal between vehicles or assets, and it is easily converted to an adhesive type for greater flexibility.
It is delivered with a standard SMA-male connector and a standard 300 cm long coaxial LL100 cable. Iridium has certified the 2J7426MPz antenna for commercial use in connection with the Iridium communications system.
SparkFun Electronics, sparkfun.com

<p>The post Launchpad: Rotating lasers, antennas and upgraded UAVs first appeared on GPS World.</p>

CHCNAV’s Apache USV, made of macromolecule polyester carbon fiber and Kevlar fiber-glass, can be carried by a single person. (Image: CHCNAV)

Bridges are essential components of our transportation infrastructure, facilitating seamless travel and connecting communities. The construction and maintenance of a bridge is an ongoing process, influenced by a variety of natural factors, including topography, geology, meteorology and hydrology. To protect the foundations and ensure the structural integrity of bridges, it is critical to continuously monitor bridge piers with a focus on providing consistent data support. For this project, the acquisition of 3D point cloud data of the riverbed surrounding a bridge is essential for the long-term safety monitoring of its abutments.

The Challenge of Traditional Surveying Method

Traditionally, bridge pier surveys are conducted using manned boats equipped with multibeam sonar — a method that, while mature, faces several challenges:

1. Significant safety hazards. Survey areas are prone to tidal changes, high winds, waves, and traffic from passing vessels, which can often create dangerous working conditions. Stone ridges along the riverbanks, potentially hidden during high tide, pose additional risks to manned boats surveying near bridge piers.

2. Low operational efficiency. After a typhoon, the timeline for surveying is tight. However, setting up and calibrating multibeam sonar equipment on manned boats is time-consuming. Operations in shallow areas, such as riverbanks and near central river sandbars, are limited to short periods of low tide, requiring strict adherence to schedules.

3. Poor data quality. Multibeam surveying requires overlaps of more than 20%. Accurate route keeping by manned boats, critical to multibeam surveying, is often compromised by environmental conditions and operator experience, resulting in poor data quality. In addition, GNSS signal reception under bridges is poor, affecting positioning accuracy and thus the integrity and efficiency of data collection.

4. High operational costs. The lack of specialized underwater topographic survey vessels requires the rental of traditional manned boats, which increases project costs.

A USV can operate where it would be dangerous or inefficient for a manned boat. (Image: CHCNAV)

The CHCNAV Solution: Efficient Autonomous Surveying

To overcome these obstacles, one bridge project team implemented an innovative solution: the use of the Apache 6 unmanned surface vessel (USV) coupled with a NORBIT multibeam echosounder and an iLiDAR 3D laser scanner. This integration results in a system that is not only lightweight, compact, and easy to install and operate, but also portable and energy efficient.

The Apache 6 USV, with its all-carbon fiber hull weighing only 15 kg, combines lightness with durability. Its modular design simplifies logistics and transportation, while its ability to withstand offshore conditions and automatically follow pre-determined routes enhances operational efficiency. The system synchronizes surface and underwater data, with beams capable of scanning shallow flats and channel slopes. The echosounder and iLiDAR share position, heading and attitude data to optimize cost efficiency.

The iLiDAR 3D laser scanner features an ultra-lightweight design, with the main unit weighing less than 3 kg. Its high level of integration, requiring only a single cable for full-surface data access, and compatibility with leading multi-beam data acquisition and processing software underscore its utility.

Advantages of Using USVs

Compared to traditional manned boat surveys, the Apache 6 USV’s integration of surface and underwater sensors offers several advantages, including high integration, compact size, safe unmanned operation and lower operating costs. In addition to ensuring the safety of personnel and bridge structures, it increases survey efficiency in complex environments. Using this autonomous survey system, two project engineers were able to create a high-resolution 3D point cloud model of the riverbed scour around the bridge piers at a low operational cost. This dataset is invaluable for ongoing safety monitoring of the bridge piers, facilitating proactive maintenance and ensuring the long-term stability and reliability of this critical transportation infrastructure.

<p>The post CHCNAV: An autonomous boat surveys a bridge first appeared on GPS World.</p>

Image: Frontier Precision

Several technologies — ranging from very mature to nascent — are converging to make autonomous vehicles and devices more useful, efficient, and reliable than ever. They include real-time kinematic (RTK) GNSS, inertial navigation systems (INS), cameras, and radar for navigation; cameras, lidar scanners, multibeam echosounders, and a variety of other sensors for data collection; software-defined radios (SDRs) for secure communications; and artificial intelligence (AI) to plan routes, coordinate the movements of multiple autonomous vehicles and devices (including “swarms” of UAVs), and analyze the data collected.

Read this cover story, featuring case studies from Unicore and CHCNAV, interviews with executives at Per Vices and M3 Systems, and images from Frontier Precision and YellowScan.

<p>The post Autonomy evolves first appeared on GPS World.</p>

Image: CHCNAV

CHC Navigation (CHCNAV) has released the RS10 handheld SLAM lidar laser scanner integrated with a full real-time kinematics (RTK) GNSS receiver. Designed to improve efficiency across a wide range of mapping and surveying applications, the RS10 seeks to provide professionals with a versatile, all-in-one tool for capturing 3D geospatial data in both outdoor and indoor environments.

The device integrates a GNSS smart antenna for RTK positioning accuracy even in challenging environments. It delivers 5 cm measurement accuracy by fusing high-precision lidar, RTK, laser and visual SLAM using three HD cameras. It uses a powerful onboard processor for real-time georeferenced point cloud generation in the field. Users can receive instant feedback, which allows them to adjust while scanning. Large sites up to 13,000 square meters can be mapped in real time.

The integration of high-precision GNSS and SLAM technologies eliminates the need for traditional loop closure, which often complicates the data collection process for handheld scanners. Users can freely scan target areas without having to return to previous locations, which can streamline field data capture and significantly reduce time spent in the field.

<p>The post CHCNAV unveils handheld SLAM laser scanner first appeared on GPS World.</p>

Photo: Juniper Systems

Juniper Systems, which has more than 30 years of experience in mapping and data collection in a wide variety of applications across industries, recently released a real time-kinematics (RTK) activation for its Geode GNSS receiver that allows mapping accuracy down to a centimeter. Pairing a Geode with the company’s Uinta mapping and data collection software and a Mesa rugged tablet makes it easy for users to share their data — such as the locations of fiberoptic telecommunication lines or of utility manhole covers — with other people working on site or at the office. The Geode and the Mesa meet IP68 protection certification for water and dust ingress; they also have MIL-STD-810G certification against drops, vibration, and extreme temperatures.

In this month’s cover image, the Geode is at the top of the survey pole, the Mesa Rugged Tablet is mounted near the user’s hand, and the screen on the Mesa depicts the Uinta mapping software.

On construction sites, surveying is an ongoing process. Surveyors are the first on the site, before any other work begins, and the last ones there, to map the project “as built.” Total stations with GNSS receivers, as well as tablets and other mobile digital devices are their essential tools, increasingly complemented by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and lidar scanners. Accuracy is their key contribution. In this month’s cover story on GNSS for architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC), we highlight three building projects: a skyscraper in Sweden, a highway in China, and a luxury resort in the Caribbean.

Check out these perspectives on architecture, engineering and construction:

ComNav Technology: Building Sweden’s Tallest Tower

CHCNAV: Expanding a Highway in China

EOS Positioning Systems: Building a System to Build an Island Resort

<p>The post Aligning the trades: GNSS for architecture, engineering and construction first appeared on GPS World.</p>

Orthophoto of the service area in the section of the G85 highway that is being enlarged. (Photo: CHCNAV)

Li, a surveyor responsible for surveying a 5 km section that included a service area, bridges, culverts, and embankments, wanted to avoid closing lanes, which would have been expensive and dangerous due to heavy traffic. Additionally, using only GNSS receivers and total stations to complete the project would take a long time and potentially require multiple surveys. Instead, he opted to conduct a lidar survey.

To meet the project’s 2 cm root mean squared error (RMSE) accuracy requirement, Li established ground control points (GCPs) before scanning. To avoid disturbing the traffic and ensure safety, he placed the GCP targets within 50 m of the roadside. Then, a 50-minute flight was enough to scan the 5 km section.

The data was then imported into CHCNAV’s CoPre lidar processing software, which performed point cloud correction and bundle adjustment, increasing the absolute accuracy of the road surface point cloud to the required 2 cm. Next, the software performed point cloud classification, modeling, point cloud coloring, and image georeferencing and generated depth maps.

The resulting color point cloud clearly shows road markings and other features, and makes it possible to accurately measure the locations of drainage ditches, slopes, and culverts. For power lines crossing the highway, the point cloud provides accurate measurements of the minimum distance between the lines and the road for safe equipment operation.

Lidar scanning captures detailed ground surfaces, but road design relies on actual terrain conditions. Using CHCNAV’s CoProcess post-processing software — which has built-in adaptive ground point filtering algorithms — the team removed vegetation, guardrails, and vehicle returns, revealing the bare ground for design. They also accurately extracted road features, including dashed and solid lane lines with width and line type parameters, to enhance the efficiency of subsequent design efforts.

Lidar point clouds provide much richer ground detail than traditional surveys. This allows CoProcess software to automatically generate cross-sections from processed point clouds, while manual editing options are available for special terrain, such as roadside ditches. Sections can be exported to design formats or CAD drawings for immediate use.

For this project, two engineers performed the field scanning, and one engineer handled the point cloud processing, classification, and modeling to provide multi-dimensional data that met the 2 cm accuracy criteria.

<p>The post CHCNAV: Expanding a Highway in China first appeared on GPS World.</p>