Photo: Hexagon | NovAtel

Hexagon | NovAtel has launched the NovAtel Application Suite Version 2.0, now including GNSS Resilience and Integrity Technology (GRIT). The GRIT Monitor application allows users to observe radio frequency (RF) interference through a comprehensive dashboard to make informed decisions to maintain robust positioning.

GRIT is RF interference detection and mitigation technology available on all OEM7 GNSS receiver products, including individual cards and enclosures such as smart antennas, PwrPak and MarinePak.

GRIT Monitor is a RF interference software visualization tool to offer a real-time, at-a-glance interface of all relevant data in a single dashboard view.

It includes positioning and device status overviews to serve as a mitigation assistant that indicates whether interference is detected. It features an interactive spectrum viewer, which shows all constellations and frequency bands (spectrum and waterfall), and a signal matrix indicating the signal quality and interference status by frequency band and constellation.

The updated suite also introduces improvements to user interface, firmware compatibility and extends support to include MarinePak among other enhancements. The Manage application, previously known as Setup and Monitor, now supports satellite tracking for L-Band and SBAS and offers a global map view of connected receivers.

Version 2.0 of the NovAtel Application Suite is designed to assist users in maintaining accurate GNSS positioning by quickly identifying and responding to RF interference. This update is targeted at industries that require precise location data, such as aerial mapping, agriculture and autonomous vehicle navigation.

To access the new GRIT Monitor application, download NovAtel Application Suite Version 2.0 at https://bit.ly/3weNXbi.

<p>The post Hexagon | NovAtel upgrades GNSS resilience and integrity technology first appeared on GPS World.</p>

Image: Hexagon | Novatel

Hexagon | NovAtel has released its 7.09.01 and 7.09.02 firmware, designed to provide improved precise point positioning (PPP) accuracy and availability for ionospheric scintillation on all OEM7 receiver boards, enclosures and SMART Antennas.

Ionospheric scintillation refers to rapid fluctuations in GNSS signal strength and phase due to localized irregularities in the electron density of the ionosphere resulting from solar activity. Scintillation adversely affects GNSS positioning particularly around the geomagnetic equator after local sunset.

Ionospheric activity is increasing as the peak of Solar Cycle 25 is approaching. To mitigate these effects, 7.09.01 and 7.09.02 firmware is designed to offer substantial enhancements to the accuracy and availability of high-precision positioning during ionospheric scintillation.

Version 7.09.01 is available for agriculture applications replacing Version 7.08.15. Version 7.09.02 is available for all other markets replacing Version 7.09.00.

Data comparing the performance of 7.09.01 and 7.09.02 to previous firmware versions showed 60% improved TerraStar-C PRO PPP accuracy during periods of ionospheric scintillation and less than 90% uptime with TerraStar-C PRO PPP in scintillation regions.

Additionally, the 7.09.01 for agriculture includes Precision time protocol (PTP) available on SMART7-I and SMART7-SI for synchronizing accurate GNSS time with other devices on a shared network. Compared to the previously released Version. 7.09.00, the system shows improvements to the time to first fix (TTFF).

Users can download the firmware updates for specific platforms at https://bit.ly/3Jr8hJi

<p>The post Hexagon releases ionospheric scintillation firmware first appeared on GPS World.</p>

Image: CNW Group / CMC Electronics

CMC Electronics has partnered with the Hexagon Autonomy & Positioning division, which includes the Hexagon | NovAtel brand, to release a multi-constellation, multi-frequency (MCMF) GNSS platform.

The MCMF GNSS platform combines CMC’s certification with the digital signal processing expertise of Hexagon | NovAtel. Designed to detect GNSS signal spoofing, it is lightweight and compact. 

The increasing threat of GNSS signal jamming and spoofing is not limited to military concerns. It has started to impact global commercial aviation and civilian sectors as well. In response, CMC Electronics and Hexagon | NovAtel seek to introduce a new era of MCMF GNSS positioning and assured positioning, navigation and timing (APNT). The collaboration aims to provide maximum reliability and dependability in solutions for the military, commercial aviation and unmanned aerial systems (UAS) sectors.  

Under the partnership, CMC Electronics’ new receiver, which is certified to the exacting DO-254 Level A standards, is integrated with Hexagon | NovAtel’s GNSS measurement technology.  

Based in Montreal, Canada, with additional facilities in the U.S., CMC Electronics designs and manufactures cockpit systems integration, avionics, display solutions and high-performance microelectronics for the military and commercial aviation markets. Hexagon’s Autonomy & Positioning division delivers comprehensive solutions for assured positioning across various applications, designed to progress autonomous technologies in essential industries. 

<p>The post Hexagon, CMC Electronics advance GNSS aviation platform first appeared on GPS World.</p>

Image: Wingtra

Wingtra, a UAV technology company, has introduced a lidar UAV mapping solution that combines the WingtraOne GEN II UAV with a newly developed lidar sensor. This integration aims to advance UAV lidar efficiency, increase accuracy and simplify integration.

The lidar solution incorporates a Hesai scanner, Inertial Labs IMU and NovAtel GNSS designed to optimize data acquisition and reduce the need for post-processing strip alignment. This advancement offers immediate access to precise terrain information following each flight and enhances the efficiency of mapping and photogrammetric analysis in various sectors.

One of the key features of the lidar system is its reduced field time, with no calibration needed and a one-minute initialization process. The Wingtra lidar application and the system’s automated features offer a streamlined data capture process, which makes it accessible even to those new to lidar technology.

Carlos Femmer, director of data acquisition at HDR, tested the Wingtra lidar payload and noted its ability to produce high-quality data on both vegetated and non-vegetated surfaces with minimal noise compared to other sensors in the same price range.

The solution offers a vertical accuracy of 3 cm from a 60 m flight height, with leading point density in its class. The WingtraOne GEN II’s design and automated flight patterns offer consistent results across different pilots.

<p>The post Wingtra launches lidar UAV solution first appeared on GPS World.</p>

TIMING

PTP Firmware
To synchronize accurate time from GNSS

The 7.09.00 firmware with a precise timing protocol (PTP) feature enables users to synchronize accurate time from GNSS with other devices and sensors on a shared network. The 7.09.00 firmware’s PTP feature brings stable timing to a user’s other sensor systems connected through a local network to best support positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) and automotive and autonomous applications. The firmware includes SPAN GNSS+INS technology improvements — including a secondary INS solution for built-in redundancy and reliability in challenging conditions. The enhancements are available on all OEM7 cards and enclosures, including all PwrPak7 and CPT7 enclosure variants. The 7.09.00 firmware also features improvements to the time to first fix, a secondary SPAN solution for a more accurate and reliable GNSS+INS output and more. The 7.09.00 firmware is not for precision agriculture applications and is not supported on NovAtel’s SMART antenna products.
Hexagon | NovAtel, novatel.com

Timing Antenna
A multi-GNSS and high-performance device

The AU-500 antenna is suitable for time synchronization applications. It supports all constellations in the L1 and L5 bands, including GPS, QZSS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, and NavIC. A built-in noise filter eliminates interference in the vicinity of 1.5 GHz caused by 4G/LTE mobile base stations as well as other radio waves that can adversely affect GNSS reception. The antenna is equipped with lightening protection and features a high-quality polymer radome that prevents snow accumulation. It is also waterproof and dustproof in compliance with IP67. The AU-500 achieves the best performance in time accuracy and robustness fundamental in critical infrastructure, when combined with Furuno’s GNSS receiver, GT-100. The antenna will be available this month.
Furuno, furuno.com

Timing Module
Dual-band and secure for 5G communications

The NEO-F10T offers nanosecond-level timing accuracy, meeting the stringent timing requirements for 5G communications. It is compliant with the u-blox NEO form factor (12.2 mm x 16 mm), allowing space-constrained designs to be realized without the need to compromise on size. The NEO-F10T is the successor to the NEO-M8T module, providing an easy upgrade path to dual-band timing technology. This allows NEO-M8T users to access nanosecond-level timing accuracy and enhanced security. Dual-band technology mitigates ionospheric errors and greatly reduces timing errors, without the need of an external GNSS correction service. Additionally, when within the operational area of a satellite-based augmentation system (SBAS), the NEO-F10T offers the possibility to improve the timing performance by using the ionospheric corrections provided by the SBAS system.
The NEO-F10T supports all four GNSS and L1/L5/E5a configurations, simplifying global deployments. It includes advanced security features such as secure boot, secure interfaces, configuration lock and T-RAIM to provide the highest-level timing integrity and ensure reliable, uninterrupted service.
u-blox, u-blox.com

MOBILE

Image: Unicore Communications

GNSS RTK Module
A high precision module for multiple applications

The UM960 module can be used for a wide range of applications, such as robotic mowers, deformation monitoring, UAVs, handheld GIS, and more. It features a high position fix rate and provides accurate and reliable GNSS positioning data. The UM960 module supports BDS B1I/B2I/B3I/B1c/B2a, GPS L1/L2/L5, Galileo E1/E5b/E5a, GLONASS G1/G2, and QZSS L1/L2/L5. The module also has 1,408 channels. In addition to its small size, the UM960 features low power consumption — less than 450 mW. The UM960 also supports single point positioning and real-time kinematic (RTK) positioning data output at 20 Hz.
Unicore Communications, unicore.eu

CRPA System
A GPS/GNSS anti-jamming system

This system eliminates interference by applying novel beam forming techniques. With an 8-array CRPA antenna, the system can assure the normal operation of a GNSS receiver in the presence of multiple jamming sources. The anti-jam GNSS CRPA system can be deployed using various configurations and operates with civil and military GPS receivers for land, sea, air platforms (including unmanned aerial systems), and fixed installations. The device has an embedded GNSS receiver that supports all satellite constellations. The device is lightweight and compact. It requires minimal integration training and easily integrates into new or legacy platforms. The antenna also offers assured positioning, navigation and timing.
Tualcom, tualcom.com

IoT Antennas
Rugged and designed to enhance connectivity

KP Performance Antennas’ internet of things (IoT) multiband combination antennas are designed to enhance connectivity for vehicle fleets and base stations. The IoT multiband combination antennas have dedicated ports for cellular, Wi-Fi and GPS bands. They are also indoor and outdoor IP69K rated and can withstand harsh environmental conditions, such as extreme temperatures, water and dust. The antennas are suitable for transportation emergency response and agriculture applications. The IoT multiband combination antennas are in-stock and available now.
KP Performance Antennas, kpperformance.com

Smart Antennas
With integrated technology for centimeter-accuracy

PointPerfect PPP-RTK augmented smart antennas combine the ZED-F9R high precision GNSS and the NEO-D9S L-band receivers from u-blox and Tallysman Accutenna technology. The multi-band (L1/L2 or L1/L5) architecture removes ionospheric errors, and the multi-stage enhanced XF filtering improves noise immunity while relying on the dual-feed Accutenna element to mitigate multi-path signal interference rejection. Some versions of the new smart antenna solutions include an inertial measurement unit (for dead reckoning) and an integrated L-band corrections receiver to ensure operation beyond terrestrial network reach. The PointPerfect GNSS augmentation service is now available in North America, Europe and parts of Asia Pacific.
Tallysman Wireless, tallysman.com/u-blox, u-blox.com

SURVEYING & MAPPING

Airborne Laser Scanner
Suitable for mapping applications

The compact and lightweight VQ-580 II-S meets the increasing requirements of compact laser scanners for medium- and wide-area mapping as well as for corridor mapping. The successor of the VQ-580 II airborne laser scanner, provides a maximum measurement range of 2.45 m. It can be integrated with gyro-stabilized mounts as well as into the VQX-1 Wing Pod. It features high accuracy ranging based on waveform-lidar technology. The VQ-580 II-S also has a mechanical and electrical interface for inertial measurement unit (IMU)/GNSS integration.
RIEGL, rieglusa.com

Tablet and GNSS Solution
For surveying applications

The RT5 rugged tablet data collector and the RTk5 GNSS solution, which integrate the form factor of the RT5 with real-time kinematic GNSS performance, are suitable for land surveyors, engineers, GIS professionals, and users in need of advanced GNSS positioning with an RTK rover. The RT5 is designed for surveying, stakeouts, construction layout and GIS mapping, and is bundled with Carlson SurvPC — the Windows-based data collection program. The RT5 can run SurvPC with Esri OEM for use in the field. The RTk5 adds an advanced GNSS solution to the RT5, enabling accuracy in a compact, light and versatile package. It comes with a custom-built pole and cradle, a survey-grade antenna, and a small portable helix antenna for handheld GNSS use.
Carlson Software, carlsonsw.com

Lidar and RGB Solution
Suitable for aerial surveying

The Zenmuse L1 integrates a Livox lidar module, a high-accuracy inertial measurement unit (IMU), and a camera with a 1 in CMOS on a 3-axis stabilized gimbal. When used with Matrice 300 real-time kinematic (RTK) and DJI Terra, the L1 forms a complete solution that gives users real-time 3D data, capturing the details of complex structures and delivering highly accurate reconstructed models. Users can render centimeter-accurate reconstructions with the high-accuracy IMU, a vision sensor for positioning accuracy, and the incorporation of GNSS data. The solution’s IP54 rating allows the L1 to be operated in rainy or foggy environments. The lidar module’s active scanning method enables users to fly at night.
DJI Enterprise, enterprise.dji.com

Mapping Platform
Real-time, crowd-sourced map data

CityStream Live is a real-time mapping (RTM) platform that enables the mobility industry — including connected vehicles, maps, mobility services, digital twins or smart city applications — to access a continuous stream of crowdsourced road data. This platform provides real-time data on nearly every road across the United States at a reduced cost. Utilizing a crowdsourcing network and artificial intelligence software, CityStream Live offers users and developers a live data feed to increase situational awareness, enhance driving capabilities, increase safety and more. By combining massive data aggregation with real-time data curation, CityStream Live is the first platform to deliver road data streams in real time and at scale, supporting several urban and highway use cases.
Nexar, us.getnexar.com

Leica iCON gps 160 (Image: Leica Geosystems)

Smart Antenna
Contains features that increase productivity on construction sites

The iCON gps 160 is a versatile solution for various applications. It can be used as a base station, as a rover or for machine guidance. The device is a modernization and enhancement of the successful Leica iCON gps 60, which has been well accepted in the market. The result is a smaller, more compact GNSS antenna with additional features and a larger display for ease of use. The Leica iCON gps 160 is particularly suited to complex construction environments with different GNSS requirements because the ability to switch between the different applications is at the users’ fingertips. Besides checking grade, cut and fill, stakeout points and lines, users can also benefit from using this solution for basic-level GNSS machine guidance. It has an integrated color display, a user-friendly interface, smart setup wizards and an intuitive construction-specific workflow to help contractors get the most out of their investment from day one. Size and weight reductions make the iCON gps 160 easy to handle, while the latest GNSS and communication technologies improve data reception.
Leica Geosystems, leica-geosystems.com

UAV

Positioning Solution
For UAV delivery applications

The PX-1 RTX is designed for accurate, robust positioning and heading for commercial UAV delivery applications. This solution enables UAV integration companies to add precise positioning capabilities so operators can plan and execute takeoff, navigation and landing tasks as UAV delivery advances to take on more challenging operations. The PX-1 RTX leverages CenterPoint RTX corrections and small, high-performance GNSS-inertial hardware to provide real-time, centimeter-level positioning and accurate inertial-derived true heading measurements. This solution allows operators precise control of UAVs during takeoff and landing to tackle more demanding operations in tight or partially obstructed spaces. It also minimizes operational risks from poor sensor performance or magnetic interference by ensuring greater positioning redundancy, which is especially important as commercial UAV delivery operations venture into difficult urban and suburban environments.
Trimble Applanix, applanix.com

Certification Reference Guide
A guide for the AAM industry

Business and government leaders, engineers, members of the media and any user with an interest in the future of flight can use the Honeywell State of UAS and UAM Certification Guide to help navigate and communicate the complexities of vehicle certification and operational approval across multiple vehicle segments. Industry professionals can access the living document online at aerospace.honeywell.com/us/en/products-and-services/industry/urban-air-mobility. The certification reference guide summarizes evolving Federal Aviation Administration and European Union Aviation Safety Agency rules across multiple advanced air mobility (AAM) segments. It also links to documents that AAM professionals can reference to better understand detailed certification requirements.
Honeywell Aerospace, aerospace.honeywell.com

Image: A2Z Drone Delivery

Delivery UAV
Suitable for aerial mapping, UAV inspection, forestry services, search and rescue operations, water sample collection, offshore deliveries, mining, and more

The RDSX Pelican leverages a hybrid vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) airframe with no control surfaces to combine the reliability and flight stability of a multirotor platform, with the extended range of a fixed-wing craft. With no ailerons, elevator, or rudder, the Pelican’s durable design eliminates common points of failure and extends operational time between maintenance overhauls. Designed to meet the 55 lb takeoff weight limitation for Federal Aviation Administration Part 107 compliance, the Pelican can carry payloads of 5 kg on missions up to 40 km, roundtrip. The Pelican can be optimized for extended range operations or to deliver payloads from altitude with the company’s RDS2 UAV delivery winch. Available in multiple configurations, the RDSX Pelican can be customized for an array of missions. The Pelican enables deliveries from altitude where spinning propellers are kept far from people and property, mitigating consumer privacy concerns of low-flying UAVs while abating intrusive rotor noise. Alternatively, for missions in which the UAV can safely land at its destination, a simple servo-release mechanism can release payloads and expand the Pelican’s payload capacity.
A2Z Drone Delivery, a2zdronedelivery.com

UAS
Suitable for mapping applications

The Trinity Pro UAS features Quantum-Skynode autopilot, using a Linux mission computer. This provides additional onboard computing power, increased internal storage, versatility and interoperability. Included in the Trinity Pro system is QBase 3D operations software. As the Trinity Pro is built on the Trinity F90+ UAS, its new capabilities include planning functions for missions requiring takeoff and landing at different locations, allowing for efficient and safe long corridor flights and beyond visual line of sight operations. The platform also incorporates advanced self-diagnostics to ensure safe operation. The UAS now includes an enhanced terrain- following system. Additionally, improvements to trigger point calculations results in improved image overlap and higher data quality. The Trinity Pro features automatic wind simulation for crash avoidance in bad weather and a linear approach for landing. The UAS is equipped with a downfacing lidar scanner that provides highly accurate ground avoidance and landing control. The system features USB-C ports for faster data transfer. The Trinity Pro is protected against dust and water damage and features increased wind limits of up to 14 m/s in cruise mode and 11 m/s during hover.
Quantum Systems, quantum-systems.com

<p>The post Launchpad: Mobile mapping, timing modules and UAVs first appeared on GPS World.</p>

Image: Hexagon │ NovAtel

Hexagon│NovAtel’s OEM7 GNSS receivers have successfully tracked Xona Space Systems PULSAR signals generated by a simulator from Spirent Communications. This test proved NovAtel GNSS receivers can track a Spirent simulated L-band signal identical to the PULSAR signal broadcast by Xona’s low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites.

The Xona LEO signals will complement GNSS, improving resiliency, security, and precision for positioning, navigation and timing (PNT).

“Using Spirent’s simulated PULSAR signal, we have successfully tested our receiver’s capability to track the L-band signal planned to be broadcast from Xona’s LEO satellites,” Sandy Kennedy, VP of innovation at Hexagon’s Autonomy and Positioning division, said. “The OEM7 is a powerful platform, designed for both resiliency and flexibility; it is exciting to test our forethought by trialing this new signal type.”

Join Hexagon│NovAtel on Thursday, June 15, at the ION Joint Navigation Conference (JNC) where it will co-present “Testing of LEO PNT for Resilience in GNSS Contested Environments.”

<p>The post Hexagon│NovAtel receivers track Xona PULSAR LEO signal generated by Spirent simulator first appeared on GPS World.</p>

Image: Hexagon | NovAtel

It has been a wild decade, with so many players in the autonomous vehicle (AV) market, all striving for a leg up. Until the dominant design of present AV stacks emerged, there was no small amount of experimentation and less-than-successful alternate approaches. For instance, there was one big-name player that initially sought to create an AV solution without GNSS. Reality set in, and they soon embraced GNSS as an essential component.

Gordon Heidinger, segment manager, automotive and safety critical systems at Hexagon’s Autonomy and Positioning division, has had a front-row seat from which to observe, and contribute to the evolution of AV.

“I’ve been in the automotive industry for 20 years, all the way from OEMs like Chrysler to tier ones like Harman,” Heidinger said. “I’ve worked on the engineering side, on the project management side, and have now joined Hexagon | NovAtel to help further their involvement in the automotive industry. NovAtel was there for aviation 20 years ago, helping develop systems for planes to take off and land autonomously — we have a deep bench when it comes to applying such expertise for vehicular autonomy.”

NovAtel has long provided GNSS and IMU products and solutions, as well as real-time positioning services. Each are key elements of AV sensor stacks and overall autonomy solutions. Parent company Hexagon has multiple divisions contributing to intelligent transportation — on both the front end and back end.

The Front End

AV systems require highly reliable and smart sensor stacks that typically include cameras, radar, lidar and sonic sensors; these provide the relative positioning for advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), which are becoming commonplace for newer vehicles. There are also implementations that include GNSS/IMU for navigation and lane keeping.

“Lane keeping is possible to a limited degree with combinations of the other sensors; however, you need GNSS to let you know where you truly are for autonomous driving,” Heidinger said. “Are you on the right freeway lane in Ottawa, or is this an exit ramp? This was a big problem with today’s simple single frequency solution; a car can assume highway speeds on an exit ramp, not realizing it was an exit ramp.”

Only with the absolute precise positioning that GNSS provides, and a high-definition map, level 4 autonomy — and potentially level 5 someday — could be achieved. With current sensor stacks, when the car is moving, it can reliably detect the other cars moving in its vicinity. Furthermore, vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) solutions are being developed and tested, which enable a vehicle to share data about where it is going, its speed and acceleration, and its current location. We may remain far from full autonomy until such solutions are broadly deployed, however we will see some of the vehicle-to-everything (V2X) solutions sooner than later.

Various developers and departments of transportation around the world are testing short range V2X communication systems.
“We would need real-time construction zone updates,” Heidinger said. “It would be tough to do lane keeping if a construction site closes or diverts lanes during the course of a day. Or if cameras detect crashes, or blocked lanes, this will need to be broadcast immediately and continuously in real-time.”

A representative example of a production high precision positioning system was demonstrated at the recent Consumer Electronics Show 2023 (CES 2023). ZF Friedrichshafen AG (ZF) has developed ProConnect — a dedicated short-range communication (DSRC) solution that enables positioning and communication for use in applications with roadside infrastructure, such as traffic lights. It can be scaled to include other over-the-air alerts that could include first responder vehicle proximity and construction site status. At CES, the GNSS positioning was demonstrated with an autonomous vehicle platform from Hexagon.

“The precise map and the real-time updates from V2V and V2X systems all need precise absolute positions to relate objects to each other,” Heidinger stated. The question then becomes “…how reliable and trustworthy is that solution”?

There are international automotive-grade requirements such as the ISO 26262 standard for electrical/electronic systems, and automotive safety integrity levels. For instance, ASIL-B(D), and cybersecurity standard ISO/SAE 21434. The latter provides protection against external access without authorization.

“The level of reliability required is extremely high,” Heidinger said. “After all, these are human lives, in metal boxes hurtling along at highways speeds. There are ASIL standards that call for a probability of 10-8, or 1 in 100 million, in an hour that the system is wrong. These levels of reliability need to apply to electronic components, communications, and the availability of the GNSS positioning solution to really automate any type of vehicles. You’ll encounter similar AV standard references to five-nines, or 99.999%.”

Positioning Services

Heidinger explained that for most aspects of autonomy, GNSS can be “good enough”, even just to a foot. However, uncorrected, GNSS can never meet even those needs — achieving an accuracy of a few meters at best. Then there is the matter of reliability. Augmentations like real-time kinematics (RTK) and precise point positioning (PPP) apply broadcast “correctors” that can yield centimeter positions. RTK is not practical for broad areas or highway and road networks as it requires dense infrastructure and two-way communication with the vehicle, which can introduce security challenges.

Solutions for autonomy are typically PPP. While there are many applications of PPP that use clock, orbit and ionospheric model data broadcast from geostationary L-band satellites, for applications such as surveying, mapping, maritime and agriculture, this would not meet the reliability requirements for AV. The Achilles heel of broadcast PPP is that the satellites are usually limited in number and positioned over the equator; the vehicle can often lose sight of these. Instead, PPP services, such as that provided by NovAtel and others, are tapped by vehicles via mobile internet connections; this means cellular networks. While cellular services can often meet reliability goals, there are still vast areas of highways where availability is sparse.

The other challenge for PPP is the convergence time needed to get reliable sub-foot precision.

“No one wants to wait five minutes or more for it to converge,” Heidinger said. “By processing data from semi-dense networks of reference receivers, our PPP can converge rapidly enough to be ready to roll as soon as you start driving.”

The Back End

A free-for-all of autonomy is not going to happen on highways and roads that are not precisely mapped and kept up to date.
“There are visions of crowd sourcing map updates from the sensors in cars,” Heidinger said.

Crowd-sourced data is not systematic enough, though, and could be inconsistent. After all, there are privacy considerations, and how many vehicle owners would be willing enough to participate?

There are numerous mapping and imaging “buggies” plying road and highway networks on an ongoing basis; this could provide a base layer. But how precise? The specific applications these mapping buggies support may not need high precision. And operators may not be willing to invest in high precision/accuracy. The precision of the 3D maps would need to be higher than the target range of the AV systems. The technology exists and is broadly used for various applications in the form of centimeter precision 3D mobile mapping — at highway speeds. Such systems with lidar scanners, cameras, and positioning solutions can include GNSS, IMU, wheel speed encoders, and SLAM lidar for enhanced position stabilization. An example is the Pegasus TRK from Hexagon | Leica Geosystems.

GNSS is the key component — the provider of precise absolute positioning. When people drive, they are the sensor stack, and they are (mostly) aware of the context of where they are and can see and hear what is going on around them. Before we can hand over the driving duties to machines, and fully accept any autonomous driving technology, it will not only need to be as smart and aware as humans, but much better and more aware than humans. Autonomy sensor stacks can tell a car what it is doing, and what other things are doing in its immediate vicinity, but without a precise map, and knowing precisely where it is in real-time, a car would be still tip-toeing around in a fog of uncertainty.

<p>The post GNSS at the front end and back end of Intelligent Transportation first appeared on GPS World.</p>

U.S. Army m2A3 Bradley Fighting Vehicle prepares for a platoon live-fire exercise at Pabradė Training Area, Lithuania, Oct. 13, 2022. It has a GAJT anti-jamming antenna. (Image: U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Lianne M. Hirano)

What have been the advances since you began deliveries of the GAJT-710ML?

The original signal plan for GAJT-710ML was GPS L1 and GPS L2 only, with specific capability to use civil, P(Y) and M-Codes. GAJT-710ML as delivered in 2019 addressed GPS L1, Galileo E1, QZSS L1, GPS L2, QZSS L2. The version delivered provides situational awareness by jammer power level – by automatic gain control (AGC), as well as jammer direction-finding to the most powerful jamming signal. We are in the process of improving GAJT-710ML to be able to give simultaneous directions to multiple jammers.

Meanwhile, deployment of GAJT-410ML has started. This is a 4-element version of the same technology as GAJT-710ML but for smaller platforms. By using an internal junction box, the user can install this GAJT with just one small RF cable penetrating the vehicle armor. The latest GAJT version is GAJT-AE2. This UK-built board-level product is also able to use the strong L5 signals.
We have also launched the Robust Dual Antenna Receiver (RoDAR). Our engineers put an anti-jam algorithm directly on our OEM7 dual-antenna receivers (OEM718D and OEM7720).This is for the very small platforms that cannot carry a full GAJT. It only provides one null (as it has two antennas) although it does so simultaneously on L1 and L5 and related GNSS signals.

NovAtel’s GAJT are commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) products. How does that help you with exports?

GAJT products are built in Canada (mainly) and the UK and are subject from source to the Controlled Goods Program of Canada and UK Export controls respectively, but are not subject to U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) until shipped to the United States. RoDAR is based on OEM7 receivers which are free from export controls and because only one null is created per frequency, the RoDAR configuration is also free from export controls.

Once goods controlled by Canada or the UK land in the United States, or are incorporated into an already ITAR controlled system, then they become subject to the ITAR. Being COTS helps with export classifications because GAJT is dual-use. For example, it is used in oil and gas exploration. One of the ways that we work with the U.S. Department of Defense and other departments is via Hexagon U.S. Federal, which is a U.S.-proxied organization that can operate at classification levels beyond what other Hexagon units can.

Has the form factor remained essentially the same, and will it remain the same, while you upgrade the electronics?

The GAJT-710ML form-factor remains unchanged. This is important because the installation schemes take time to design and the customer likes continuity in the area. We intend for follow-on products —which will naturally be better performing, lower volume and lower power — to have an optional interface that will allow mounting on existing installation schemes. GAJT-410ML and the other products are smaller.

Hexagon says that its anti-jam technology increasingly emphasizes protecting GPS signals against Cyber Electromagnetic Activities (CEMA) from the advanced armed forces of nations. What are some examples and in what direction is anti-jam technology evolving?

Most conflicts of the previous generation were “asymmetric” in terms of the military technology deployed by each side. Now we see more conflicts between advanced armed forces which are more symmetric and expect that to continue. Anti-Jam technology is evolving to encompass all the GNSS signals and other PNT sensors that are being used by allied defense forces. This includes added GPS signals (beyond L1 and L2) as well as GNSS, L-Band corrections, SBAS and other emerging PNT signals. One task for us is to discern users’ requirements. Even within NATO there are different national policies as to which signals and sensors are essential/desirable/not to be used.

<p>The post Anti-Jamming Antennas for the U.S. Military first appeared on GPS World.</p>