The TruPoint 300 total station by Laser Technology.

Laser Technology Inc. (LTI) has announced the release of the TruPoint 300 for field data collection and mapping, producing +/–1 millimeter range accuracy. It is a fully integrated laser with vertical and horizontal angle encoders capable of producing 3-D, survey-grade measurements.

The TruPoint 300 is LTI’s first phase-technology product with a laser diode that emits light pulses with a distinct wavelength and pulse repetition frequency that obtains millimeter accuracy.

The fully integrated MapStar Angle Technology make the Trupoint 300 suitable for GIS, incident mapping, crush analysis, surveying, electric utilities, architecture and construction.

It will measure the distance between two remote points and has onboard solutions for volume, height, 2D and 3D area. Professionals can navigate through measured data, routines, and menus with a full-color touchscreen.

For improved aiming confidence, an integrated red-dot visual indicator and crosshair with four-power zoom camera make taking measurements easier, especially indoors. The unit will also capture a photo of every shot taken that includes raw measurement values and onboard calculations.

Both photos and data can be stored in a CAD-friendly format for professional documentation. With Bluetooth and WLAN, professionals can communicate with apps and transfer X, Y, Z-point data files with images.

Several measurement and mapping apps designed by LTI are expected to be released in the coming months. Besides professional-grade lasers for mapping, LTI also provides a line of recreational rangefinders by Bushnell for golfing and hunting.

Swift Navigation and Carnegie Robotics announced their first joint product at AUVSI xPONENTIAL: the Duro, a ruggedized version of Swift Navigation’s Piksi Multi dual-frequency RTK GNSS receiver.

Built for outdoor operations, Duro combines a rugged enclosure with centimeter-accurate positioning. Leveraging design principles typically used in military hardware, the GNSS sensor is protected against weather, moisture, vibration, dust, water immersion and unexpected circumstances that can occur in outdoor long-term deployments. In addition to its ruggedness, Duro is ready to connect right out of the box. Primary industries for this product include: robotics, precision agriculture, mapping, military, outdoor industrial and maritime.

Duro incorporates:

• Dual-frequency RTK GNSS
• Tough, military-grade hardware
• IP67 rating
• Weatherproof external enclosure design with M12 standard-sealed connectors
• On-board MEMS IMU and magnetometer
• Future-proof hardware with in-field software upgrades
• Protected IO, including RS232 Serial Ports, 100mbit Ethernet, Event Inputs, PPS, PV, CANBus
• Durable UV and chemical-resistant powder-coating
• Flexible mounting interfaces

Inertial Sense will be releasing a high-quality, low-cost navigation system — the μINS — later this summer, the company said. The company made the announcement at AUVSI’s Xponential 2017.

Inertial Sense is a privately owned U.S. company that specializes in designing and manufacturing GPS inertial navigation technology for commercial and consumer products.

Historically, quality GPS inertial navigation has been expensive and was only designed into a small number of systems. As the commercial and consumer drone industries grow, the need for an accurate, low-cost navigation system has become more apparent, Inertial Sense said.

Acccording to Inertial Sense, the company’s engineers have invented a design that enables the technology to be smaller and less expensive.

The μINS is a tiny sensor module that is designed to provide high-quality direction, position and velocity data for drones and robotic applications. It provides this data by fusing sensor data from GPS (GNSS), gyros, accelerometers, magnetometers and a barometric pressure sensor.

Telit has introduced an ultra-slim family of smart antenna GNSS receiver modules. The fully integrated modules include a comprehensive feature set that eliminates the need for additional components. They are designed for Internet of Things (IoT) projects with size, cost and time constraints.

Easing the burden for developers with little or no RF design experience, the SL876Q5-A is compliant with regulatory and industry standards specifications. The module combines an omni-directional low profile embedded antenna and an internal RF switch. This combination is suitable for applications needing two antennas, such as personal trackers and alarms, which must be equipped with a main and a backup antenna when the signal becomes compromised.

A turnkey solution, the SL876Q5-A includes features such as an additional low noise amplifier (LNA), surface acoustic wave (SAW) filter and efficient power management technology in an ultra-slim leadless chip carrier (LCC) package.

The inclusion of several low-power modes reduces total power consumption while maintaining position accuracy, which extends battery life — a critical requirement for wearables, personal trackers, and other battery-dependent applications.

“The SL876Q5-A delivers on everything our customers and partners have come to expect from the industry’s leading IoT solutions provider,” said Ronen Ben-Hamou, Telit’s EVP of products and solutions. “IoT developers continuously search for solutions that simplify the design process. We’ve developed a compact solution with features that deliver industry-leading performance without compromising performance. Not only does the SL876Q5-A eliminate the need for additional components in most use cases, but also cuts development time and costs considerably.”

SL876Q5-A Features

• Full GNSS for exceptional coverage:

Quad-GNSS: GPS/ QZSS and GLONASS or BeiDou and it is Galileo ready

A-GNSS: Onboard generation and server-generated file injection that can be stored into the embedded flash memory

• Omni-directional antenna design delivers high performance in sensitivity, tracking performance and accuracy
• MEMS wakeup feature offers lowest power consumption
• Built-in LNA for improved sensitivity
• Primary UART port. A secondary port can be configured as UART, I2C, or SPI at boot/reset
  If I2C, the secondary port supports either commands and messages or MEMS wakeup.
• Embedded RF switch allows easy integration with external antennas
• Ultra-slim design, 11 x 11.9 x 2.3 mm LCC package for space constrained devices
• Flash memory enables firmware upgrades, customization, and AGPS file storage, which is ideal for battery-dependent devices

Availability begins in the second quarter of 2017. Learn more about the new SL876Q5-A slim antenna module.

Tersus GNSS has released to the market its new GNSS PPK board, the Precis-BX316R.

Precis-BX316R is a GNSS Post-Processing Kinematic (PPK) board for accurate positioning. It supports raw measurement output from two antennas: GPS L1/L2, GLONASS G1/G2 and BDS B1/B2 from primary antenna and GPS L1/L2 from the second.

The SD card on board (up to 32G) makes it convenient for users to collect data for post processing. Working with GNSS antennas, it can output stable measurement in challenging conditions, Tersus GNSS said.

Integrated with versatile interfaces and connectors, Precis-BX316R aims to facilitate applications such as precision navigation, precision agriculture, surveying and UAV, and enforcing effective GNSS data management.

The MapSmart app runs on any Android device using version 4.1 or later.

Laser Technology’s MapSmart app for Android is a tool for expert field data collection without complicated equipment, the company said.

The software is designed for quick and accurate mapping of anything, including stockpile volumes, with or without GPS coordinates for every data point.

The survey-quality mapping app, using the smart device’s internal GPS or the user’s own external GPS, integrates with LTI TruPulse lasers and enables users to establish an origin and begin capturing field data in minutes.

MapSmart:

• offers four mapping methods to accommodate user preferences
• provides an intuitive interface with icons and buttons
• organizes and classifies data to ease the process of decrypting field measurements in the office
• enables real-time addition of height and missing line values to mapped features
• delivers advanced image capabilities, including tablet photo association with data points and TruPoint 300 image integration
• supports a variety of report formats and wireless data transfer.

The smart features and remote-fire capabilities are especially useful for stockpiles, where users can measure and calculate the volume and tonnage of any material from a safe location.

Oscilloquartz has launched the OSA 5405 SyncReach, an integrated PTP grandmaster and GNSS receiver with a patent-pending dual antenna and receiver to enable the mass roll out of small cells.

The new technology has been specifically engineered to provide accurate and affordable phase synchronization for the rapidly growing small-cell market and meet the stringent timing requirements of 4.5G and 5G connectivity.

With the OSA 5405, operators can migrate from legacy GNSS RF antennas and cables to standard, cost-effective copper and fiber Ethernet cabling, reducing capital expenditure and operating expenses, Oscilloquartz said.

Available in both indoor and outdoor variants, the OSA 5405 can be deployed in challenging environments, including urban canyons where GPS signals fail. The OSA 5405’s miniscule form factor also enables it to be positioned on indoor windows to avoid multipath signal interference from objects within the building.

The OSA 5405 uses a unique dual GNSS antenna and receiver algorithm to mitigate interference from multipath signals that can affect accuracy, particularly in urban canyons, according to the company.

“We’re at the start of a new era. With the internet of things (IoT) connecting more wireless devices and 5G just around the corner, small cells will have a big role to play. This market is set to grow exponentially in the next few years,” said Gil Biran, general manager, Oscilloquartz. “Small cells will soon be everywhere and that makes precise synchronization essential. Operators urgently need a way to reliably and affordably deliver new levels of phase accuracy.

“We’ve created our OSA 5405 to effectively deliver small cell synchronization in any environment and eliminate all restrictions,” Biran said. “Our new technology radically simplifies GNSS antenna installation. The use of PTP removes the need to compensate for cable delay and extends the reach of GNSS. It enables operators to forget about archaic and expensive RF cables and use simple copper cabling or optical fiber for longer distances. And, with variants that can be positioned in almost any location, it provides strictly accurate timing precisely where it’s needed.”

The compact design and power-over-Ethernet capabilities of the indoor- or outdoor-mounted OSA 5405 enable synchronization at the edge of the mobile network. This creates dramatic reductions in complexity and power requirements as well as lower costs for installation and operation.

Another feature of the new technology is IP connectivity, so that synchronization becomes another element of the internet of things.

The OSA 5405’s highly precise GNSS-sourced synchronization is supported by network-based Sync-E and PTP backups. In high-rise buildings it can also deliver synchronization recovered from the GNSS smart receiver over optical fiber.

The ADVA FSP Network Manager with comprehensive Syncjack assurance guarantees efficient operation.

“Make no mistake; the launch of our OSA 5405 is a major milestone in the progress towards mass-scale small cell deployment,” said Nir Laufer, product line director, Oscilloquartz. “With its plug-and-play simplicity, miniscule form factor and multiple timing functions in a single device, this is a key technology for 5G networks and the IoT.

“Currently deployed in trials with major carriers, it will shortly be available to all operators looking to harness next-generation synchronization precisely where it’s needed,” Laufer said.

Tersus GNSS Inc. is now offering the INS-T-306, a GNSS-aided inertial navigation system. The INS-T-306 is the advanced module that combines GPS L1/L2, GLONASS, BDS navigation and high-performance strap-down system. It is capable of determining position, velocity and absolute orientation (heading, pitch and roll) for any device on which it is mounted.

The launch of the INS-T-306 aims at facilitating motionless and dynamic applications that need high accuracy, such as vessels, ships, helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs).

The INS-T-306 utilizes an advanced GNSS receiver, barometer, magnetometers, micro-electro-mechanical (MEMS) accelerometers and gyroscopes to provide accurate position, velocity, heading, pitch and roll of the device under measure.

Besides GPS L1/L2, GLONASS and BDS, the unit supports differential GPS and real-time kinematic (RTK). It is able to integrate into lidar (Velodyne, Riegl and Faro brands). The on-board sensor fusion filter, navigation and guidance algorithms, and calibration software inside all make INS-T-306 a commercially exportable GNSS-aided inertial navigation system.

Leica Geosystems’ BLK360 is a miniaturized black 3D imaging laser scanner. The BLK360 captures the world with full-color panoramic images overlaid on a high-accuracy point cloud.

The one-button Leica BLK360 is easy to use, Leica said. Anyone who can operate an iPad can now capture the world around them with high-resolution 3D panoramic images.

The Leica BLK360 imaging laser scanner is so small and light that it fits in a typical messenger bag. It features a 60-meter measurement range for full dome scans. A complete full-dome laser scan, 3D panoramic image capture and transfer to the iPad Pro takes only 3 minutes.

Using the ReCap Pro 360 mobile app, the BLK360 streams image and point cloud data to iPad. The app filters and registers scan data in real time. After capture, ReCap 360 Pro enables for point cloud data transfer to a number of computer-aided design, building information modeling, virtual reality and augmented reality applications. The integration of BLK360 and Autodesk software streamlines the reality-capture process, opening the technology to non-surveying individuals.

Geneq has introduced the SXblue Platinum, the latest model in the SXblue series. This high-accuracy GNSS receiver is compatible with iOS, Windows and Android Bluetooth, and provides real-time professional-grade positioning information.

Powered by 394 channels, the SXblue Platinum uses all constellations (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou and QZSS) with triple frequency, and provides the ability to use global or local coverage for corrections (SBAS, L-band and RTK).

With the scalable SXblue Platinum Basic, users can activate any frequency or constellation at anytime following initial purchase. The receiver is also field-upgradable, which means that these options can be remotely activated when convenient.

The Platinum was developed on the success of the proven SXblue receivers that were designed to optimize SBAS performances under tree canopy and in rugged terrain. In addition to location performances when working in a restricted environment, the SXblue Platinum is introducing an L-band signal correction via the Atlas service. This worldwide satellite-based correction system can deliver up to sub-decimeter accuracy. Thanks to its new Tracer technology, the receiver can sustain its level of accuracy when the Atlas signal is interrupted. The Atlas service can also stream data over the internet (NTRIP) while ensuring the best available vertical and horizontal accuracy.

Another innovative feature integrated on the Platinum model is the aRTK technology. This feature will allow RTK corrections to be received via the Atlas service, when RTK corrections have not been received for a period of time. For an Atlas-subscribed user device, a high accuracy will still be available at the subscribed service level until RTK is restored.

The new receiver is the same compact, lightweight, palm-sized unit as the SXblue series, which is completely dustproof and ruggedized. The internal, rechargeable, field-replaceable Li-Ion battery has on-board LEDs for easy access to battery life information.

The SXblue Platinum is targeted at GPS/GIS mapping and survey professionals in industries such as forestry, utilities, agriculture, environmental and other natural resource industries in addition to local, state and federal government users.

With a wide variety of compatible software and mobile devices, the support team can help users choose the perfect solution for their applications. A free iOS application for NTRIP/DIP configuration, named iSXblue RTN, is available from the App Store.

L3 Technologies’ WESCAM division has received an order from Airbus Helicopters to provide 37 MX-15 electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) imaging systems for installation on multiple fleets of H225M Caracal helicopters.

The systems will be installed in France before being delivered to two foreign governments for military deployment.

“This order expands L3’s international business base while creating a new market opportunity for our leading WESCAM products,” said Michael T. Strianese, L3 chairman and chief executive officer.

“L3 WESCAM is proud to have been chosen to supply its MX-15 systems, as it highlights our role as a trusted global supplier of advanced imaging technologies to the OEM marketplace,” added Mike Greenley, president of L3 WESCAM. “Additionally, it confirms that the highly specialized optics and leading technologies in L3’s systems continue to meet the needs of emerging mission portfolios, ranging from combative military to time-sensitive response and recovery operations.”

The first delivery of 19 units will support a variety of missions, including search and rescue, aeromedical evacuation and assistance and disaster relief.

The second delivery will provide a highly detailed, multispectral view of combat search and rescue, naval operations, medical evacuation and military transportation efforts to mission operators.

L3’s MX-15 can be configured with up to six imaging and laser payloads, each of which shares the highest level of stabilization. It incorporates a GPS receiver and antenna, with options available for a GPS time sync interface and GPS data interface.

Sensor options include a high-definition (HD) thermal imager, color low-light continuous zoom, daylight step zoom spotter, day/night spotter, laser rangefinder and a laser illuminator. L3’s MX-15 can be found on additional models of Airbus helicopters, including the H125 and UH-72A.

L3 WESCAM serves all segments of the airborne, land and maritime markets with advanced EO/IR imaging and targeting systems (MX-Series) and modular system solution kits (MatriX).

MX-Series turrets are operational across 74 countries and on more than 137 different types of platforms, and are supported by more than 14 globally deployed authorized service centers and a team of field service technicians who are available for dispatch 24/7 to anywhere in the world. L3 WESCAM is a unit of L3’s Sensor Systems business segment.

OEM

Narrowband cellular chipset

With integrated GNSS

The ALT1250 narrowband CAT-M1 and NB1 (NB-IoT) chipset includes GNSS functionality. Its extreme level of integration eliminates the need for most external components required to design a cellular Internet of Things (IoT) module. Less than 100 x 100 square millimeters, the ALT1250 module features support for both Release 13 standards — CAT-M1 and NB1. It includes a wideband RF front end supporting unlimited combinations of LTE bands within a single hardware design; a multi-layered and hardware-based security framework; an internal application MCU subsystem; and packaging that enables standard, low-cost printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing.

Altair Semiconductor, www.altair-semi.com

Grandmaster clock

Carrier-grade, packet-based timing and synchronization

Hardware on the TimeProvider 5000 IEEE 1588 Precision Time Protocol (PTP) grandmaster clock has been updated to support Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) and multi-GNSS constellations to ensure better reception and higher security in a wide variety of telecommunications network applications. Looking forward to mobile infrastructure with LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) and 5G services, support for IPv6 and alternate GNSS constellations is rising in importance for deploying a robust, secure and future-proof synchronization network. The device offers multiple constellations in accordance with the directives in certain countries to remove sole dependency on GPS. Support for GLONASS and Galileo also makes systems more robust and secure to certain GNSS vulnerabilities. The TimeProvider 5000 provides redundant hardware, user-configurable PTP profiles and Synchronous Ethernet (SyncE) support with optical small form-factor pluggable (SFP) modules.

Microsemi Corporation, www.microsemi.com

Post-processing board

Designed for effective data collection, management

The Precis-BX316R is a GNSS Post-Processing Kinematic (PPK) board for accurate positioning. It supports raw measurement output from two antennas: GPS L1/L2, GLONASS G1/G2 and BeiDou B1/B2 from the primary antenna and GPS L1/L2 from the second antenna. The SD card on board (up to 32 GB) makes it convenient for users to collect data for post processing. Working with GNSS antennas, it can output stable measurement in challenging conditions. Integrated with versatile interfaces and connectors, Precis-BX316R aims to facilitate applications such as precision navigation, precision agriculture, surveying and UAV, and enforcing effective GNSS data management.

Tersus GNSS, www.tersus-gnss.com

GNSS module

Integrated module eases embedded designs

The u-blox SAM-M8Q GNSS receiver with integrated antenna is housed in a 15.5 x 15.5 x 6.3 millimeter package. It can be embedded in small devices that require location information, such as asset tracking and telematics systems, and generic automotive after-market applications. The module offers simultaneous reception of GPS, GLONASS and Galileo. The combination of an integrated wide-band antenna along with the module’s SAW filter and low-noise amplifier (LNA) architecture ensures that the SAM-M8Q receiver delivers robust performance in the presence of high-frequency signals from other electronic equipment that can cause interference, such as cellular modems.

u-blox, www.u-blox.com

Dual-band antenna

Tight pre-filter protects against high-level cell signals

The TW3892 is a through-hole mount dual-band plus L-band GNSS antenna. It employs Tallysman’s Accutenna technology and is capable of receiving GPS L1/L2, GLONASS G1/G2, BeiDou B1, Galileo E1 plus L-band correction services (1213MHz to 1261MHz + 1525MHz to 1610MHz). The TW3892 is a precisely tuned antenna with a tight pre-filter to protect against intermodulation and saturation caused by high-level cellular 700 MHz and other signals.

Tallysman, www.tallysman.com

Multi-constellation board

Protection against jamming interference

The credit-card sized AsteRx-m2 offers all-in-view multi-frequency, multi-constellation tracking and centimeter-level real-time kinematic (RTK) position accuracy for low power. It can receive TerraStar satellite-based correction signals for precise point positioning (PPP). The board features Septentrio’s AIM+ interference mitigation system that can suppress a wide variety of interferers, from simple continuous narrowband signals to complex wideband and pulsed jammers. The RF spectrum can be viewed in real time in both time and frequency domains.

Septentrio, www.septentrio.com

Test suite

For in-vehicle and V2V connectivity

Spirent’s TTsuite-WAVE-DSRC (Wireless Access in Vehicular Environments – Dedicated Short-Range Communications) conformance test solution includes a set of tests required for U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) certification. TTsuite-WAVE-DSRC consists of four different protocol conformance test suites as per the USDOT Certification Operating Council (COC) conformance test specifications. It enables full test automation, includes frameworks for individual adaptation, and it is extensible with many plug-ins to meet constantly changing development requirements. TTsuite-WAVE-DSRC is targeted at companies supplying or testing WAVE-DSRC ITS technology.

Spirent Communications, www.spirent.com

Survey & Mapping

GNSS receiver

Multi-frequency, multi-application and multi-use

The SP90m GNSS receiver is a powerful, highly versatile, ultra-rugged and reliable GNSS positioning solution for a wide variety of real-time and post-processing applications. Integrated communications options include Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, UHF radio and cellular modem as well as two MSS L-band channels to receive Trimble RTX correction services. The SP90m can be used as a base station, campaign receiver, continuously operating reference station (CORS), real-time kinematic (RTK) or Trimble RTX rover, or be integrated on-board a machine. The receiver uses all available GNSS signals to deliver fast and reliable positions in real time, and allows the connection of two GNSS antennas for precise heading or relative positioning determination without a secondary GNSS receiver. It features an internal removable battery, internal memory and optional accessory kits for specific applications.

Spectra Precision, www.spectraprecision.com

Field-to-office software

For total stations, robotics and GNSS rover systems

GeoPro Field provides a graphical user interface designed to collect field measurements for land surveying and construction activities. GeoPro Field is a tool to collect and import measurement data into design and drafting software, increasing productivity with CAD functionality in the field. It is compatible with various software workflows, and point files are easily exported to third-party software. Sokkia GeoPro Office is the office-processing complement to the field software — designed to clean, process, and analyze field data into its easiest-to-use form. The office software can also be expanded with an optional 3D and road design module, for further versatility to design roads with the processed field measurements.

Sokkia, www.sokkia.com

RTK base and rover

Ready for highway and site construction

Hemisphere GNSS’ C321 GNSS Smart Antenna is designed for heavy highway and site construction. When paired with SiteMetrix Site Management software, the multi-frequency, multi-GNSS C321 antenna can be used as an all-in-one construction base and rover site controller. The C321 combines the Athena GNSS engine and Atlas L-band correction technologies. The ruggedized antenna is designed for the most challenging environments and meets IP67-standard requirements. Powered by Athena GNSS engine, the C321 provides best-in-class, centimeter-level RTK. Athena excels in virtually every environment where high-accuracy GNSS receivers can be used. Tested and proven, Athena performs with long baselines in open-sky environments, under heavy canopy, and in geographic locations experiencing significant scintillation. The C321 ships pre-configured to test-drive corrections from Hemisphere’s Atlas L-band corrections service. C321 also uses Hemisphere’s aRTK technology, powered by Atlas. This feature allows the receiver to operate with RTK accuracies when RTK corrections fail. If the C321 is Atlas-subscribed, it will continue to operate at the subscribed service level until RTK is restored.

Hemisphere GNSS, www.hemispheregnss.com

RTK GNSS tablet

Centimeter-level positioning

Toughpad is Panasonic’s newest professional-grade notebook, specifically designed for precision agriculture, machine control and robotic guidance applications in harsh environments and conditions. Embedded in the tablet is a u-blox NEO-M8 GNSS receiver module delivering high integrity and precision in demanding applications worldwide. First tested for collecting snow in Hokkaido, Japan, the Toughpad tablet uses Panasonic’s own satellite positioning technology combining a satellite radio receiver module, wireless WAN, and a single-band real-time kinematic (RTK) GNSS receiver connected to an external antenna. The system enables high-precision positioning down to centimeter level in open-sky conditions.

Panasonic, www.panasonic.com
u-blox, www.u-blox.com

Mobile app

Aids in understanding the oceans

Esri has released an Ecological Marine Units (EMU) app for mobile devices. The app provides a new way to measure marine environments on a 3D interactive map for more cost-effective fishery planning and informed conservation. It is a resource for scientists, educators, governments and industries seeking accessible information and imagery about the ocean’s long-term physical and nutrient properties. The EMU app puts data such as temperature, salinity and dissolved oxygen from 52 million locations throughout the world’s oceans at any user’s fingertips. This data informs how livable marine environments are for ocean-dwelling species as well as the overall health of the ecosystem. The app is free from the App Store and Google Play.

Esri, www.esri.com

Post-processing software

Delivers CAD drawings from ground-penetrating radar data

DX Office Vision is a utility post-processing software for mapping ground-penetrating radar (GPR) data from the field into a CAD drawing. It allows even non-experienced users to obtain professional 3D CAD drawings and visualize the detected underground utilities in a simple way. The intuitive interface enables users to filter, select, identify and make annotations of the located targets. With DX Office Vision, post-processing for all ground-penetrating data requires no add-on or third-party software.

Leica Geosystems, www.leica-geosystems.com

Transportation

Infotainment testing

For the connected-car market

Averna has entered a strategic partnership with M3 Systems to distribute their StellaNGC GNSS Simulator on VST NI platforms for the infotainment segment of the automotive market. M3 Systems’ GNSS simulator, based on National Instruments’ Vector Signal Transceiver (NI VST), will now be available as part of Averna’s AST-1000 platform, extending its capability to navigation and GNSS testing. Launched in July 2016, the AST-1000 is an RF solution designed for radio, navigation, video and connectivity testing. Also based on the NI VST, the software-defined AST-1000 supports infotainment RF signals, including AM/FM, DAB, RDS, HD Radio and Sirius/XM as well as GNSS navigation. The combination provides a comprehensive solution and enables applications for testing infotainment systems.

Averna, www.averna.com

LTE automotive-grade module

Optimized for connected cars

The LE940A9 automotive-grade module is designed to support LTE Advanced Category 9 (Cat 9) networks. The series offers three multi-band, multi-mode variants — including voice-over-LTE (VoLTE) — and is optimized for automobile manufacturers to deploy next-generation connected-car technology in world markets. The LE940A9 delivers 450 Mbps download and 50 Mbps upload speeds with extremely low latency and advanced security. The xE940A9 40×40 mm LGA form factor nests with the 34x40mm Telit xE920 automotive module family, offering flexibility for the OEM or tier-one integrator. It powers the entire connected-car platform, supporting current needs while including advanced features that enable future integration of upcoming services. The module can run in-vehicle applications inside a secure processing environment from the built-in application processor, storage and memory. Automotive application programs can run entirely and securely on the module itself, protected by advanced cyber-security capabilities.

Telit, www.telit.com

Reference design

Nine antennas including four LTE, two Wi-Fi, GNSS, SDARS and DSRC

The Axiom is a reference design for a low-profile, compact multiple-antenna solution for the next generation of connected cars. The Axiom reference design helps automobile manufacturers more quickly advance antenna configurations that work for their particular make and model. As many as 18 antennas are needed to power the next-generation connected car, including multiple cellular antennas for network connectivity; Wi-Fi for hotspot connectivity; GNSS for navigation, emergency call systems and other location-based technologies; satellite radio (SDARS); AM/FM antennas; radar antennas for object detection; Bluetooth antennas for smartphones and other devices, and dedicated short-range communications (DSRC) antennas for vehicle-to-vehicle/infrastructure applications.

Taoglas, www.taoglas.com

Ground robotics

Ruggedized module based on military design principles

The Duro is a ruggedized version of Swift Navigation’s Piksi Multi dual-frequency RTK GNSS receiver. Built for outdoor operations, Duro combines a rugged enclosure with centimeter-accurate positioning. Leveraging design principles typically used in military hardware, the GNSS sensor is protected against weather, moisture, vibration, dust, water immersion and unexpected circumstances that can occur in outdoor long-term deployments. It is ready to connect out of the box. Primary industries for this product include robotics, precision agriculture, mapping, military, outdoor industrial and maritime.

Swift Navigation, www.swiftnav.com
Carnegie Robotics, www.carnegierobotics.com

UAV

GPS-INS for drones

Now in beta mode for summer release

The μINS is a precision miniature GPS-aided inertial navigation system (GPS-INS) designed to provide high-quality direction, position and velocity data for drones and robotic applications. It uses a u-blox L1 GPS receiver. Advanced algorithms fuse output from micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) inertial sensors, magnetometers, barometric pressure, and a high-sensitivity GPS (GNSS) receiver to deliver fast, accurate and reliable attitude, velocity and position even in the most dynamic environments. Sensor calibration, standard on all units, minimizes undesirable effects of manufactured variation and maximizes sensor performance. Features include GPS UTC time synchronization; an inertial measurement unit with comprehensive calibration for bias, scale factor and cross-axis alignment; –40°C to 85°C temperature compensation; a measurement of 15.6 x 12.5 x 6.3 millimeters; and a weight of 2 grams.

Inertial Sense, www.inertialsense.com

UAV helicopter

Designed for high-altitude flight

The Scout B-330 UAV helicopter is built with a payload capacity of up to 50 kg. (110 pounds), flight endurance of at least three hours, and the capability of flying at high altitudes (up to 3,000 meters above sea level) in a typical mission scenario. This includes a full autonomous take-off sequence, a mission flight at variable speed, and a landing sequence. The Scout B-330 is specifically designed for lidar-based powerline mapping missions. It pairs with Riegl airborne and unmanned lidar sensors such as the Riegl VP-1 Helicopter Pod, the Riegl VUX-1UAV lightweight UAV laser scanner, and the Riegl VUX-1LR lightweight, long-range airborne laser scanner.

Aeroscout, www.aeroscout.ch

Situational awareness

Certifiable application for unmanned traffic management

The IRIS UAS Airspace Situational Awareness application meets the requirements of the DO-278A Assurance standard for Air Traffic Management systems, providing a certifiable option to monitor drones and airspace. By anticipating the regulatory requirements for airspace visualization with Unmanned Traffic Management or UTM, the IRIS display will be a regulatory-approved component increasing the safety of commercial drone flight operations — especially when operating beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS). The application had its genesis in supporting military UAV flight operations and was developed to help operators safely pilot UAVs in BVLOS operations. It was also used by regional airspace UTM managers to monitor the operations of multiple drones simultaneously. The DO-278A standard is used by certification authorities such as FAA, EASA and Transport Canada.

Kongsberg Geospatial, www.kongsberggeospatial.com

Precision pointing gimbal

Better than 0.3-degree accuracy, plug-and-play

The miniature Epsilon series of gyro-stabilized gimbals now have a precision geo-pointing feature. The feature, Precision Geo-Lock, combines a GPS-aided inertial navigation system (GPS/INS) with dedicated software algorithms and payload operator software. Precision Geo-Lock provides the user with highly accurate target geo-location, range-to-target, as well as Geo-Lock functionality and moving map user interface. It incorporates VectorNav’s VN-200, which offers a high-level of performance in a form factor small enough to be integrated directly into the optical bench of the gimbal. Precision Geo-Lock provides better than 0.3-degree accuracy and is plug-and-play, so the customer can install the Epsilon gimbal and get accurate results on any platform and in a high-vibration environment.

Octopus ISR Systems, www.octopus.uavfactory.com
VectorNav Technologies, www.vectornav.com

New features are now available for TerraGo Magic, including laser-rangefinder integration, offset data capture, Apple and Google turn-by-turn navigation, and proximity alerts. Also new is extended waypoint guidance for finding off-road assets and infrastructure.

TerraGo Magic is a zero-code platform-as-a-service that enables customers to build their own custom mobile apps without writing any code by choosing from a menu of available, field-tested features.

TerraGo Magic is also the underlying platform used to build TerraGo Edge, which includes these latest features in version 4.1, available for download from the iTunes App Store and Google Play.

“With the addition of laser positioning and offsets for remote data collection, TerraGo helps us rapidly capture high-accuracy data for more assets and infrastructure, even those in difficult to reach locations,” said Fernando Mutia, IS supervisor for San Jose Water Company.

Partnership with Laser Technology

TerraGo is now partnering with Laser Technology Inc. (LTI) to enable all custom apps built by TerraGo Magic to seamlessly utilize LTI’s professional-grade laser rangefinders.

TerraGo Magic partners and customers can now add TruPulse rangefinder support to their custom iOS and Android apps with the click of a button using the TerraGo Magic zero-code app platform.

Also, Seiler Instrument – Geospatial, a partner of both LTI and TerraGo, will now add TruPulse support to its new Field2GIS app, which was built using TerraGo Magic and is now available from iTunes and Google Play.

“We’re very happy to launch this partnership that we feel responds directly to our customers’ goals and the industry’s demand for improving the quality and productivity of their field data collection work,” said Derrick Reish, senior product manager at LTI. “By leveraging laser precision and cloud-based mobility, we can help our joint customers collect the accurate data they need at a level of efficiency that wasn’t possible just a few years ago.”

“With TerraGo Magic, we totally change the traditional way of thinking about how custom mobile app versions get built, released and upgraded,” said Dave Basil, vice president of product development at TerraGo. “When we publish a new feature in Magic, it’s immediately available to all customer apps but doesn’t force it on all customers or require an upgrade beyond their control.”

“With TerraGo Magic’s platform-as-a-service, customers can evaluate and include features based on their priorities, timeline, business requirements and users’ needs, giving them the flexibility and control of a custom solution  without the cost of custom app development,” Basil said.

Webinars

TerraGo is hosting a webinar on Aug. 15 at 12 p.m. ET with a live demonstration of the latest features in TerraGo Magic Apps and TerraGo Edge.

To learn more about the technical details and operational benefits, join TerraGo and LTI in the webinar Advanced Mobile Data Collection Finds the Range with Laser-Precision, on Aug. 22 at 12 p.m. ET.

OEM

Automobile module

Supports integration of telematics, managed services

The LE940A9 automotive-grade smart module supports LTE Advanced Category 9 (Cat 9) networks. It comes in three multi-band, multi-mode variants, including Voice-over-LTE (VoLTE), and is optimized for automobile manufacturers to deploy next-generation connected car technology in world markets. It features worldwide GNSS support including GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, Beidou and QZSS. The LE940A9 delivers 450-Mbps download and 50-Mbps upload speeds with extremely low latency and advanced security, enabling the next wave of automobile industry’s applications and services that also serve as a springboard for autonomous driving.

Telit, www.telit.com

Refreshed board

Low-power, high-precision, positioning and heading

The refreshed Vector Eclipse H328 is designed for robotics, autonomous vehicles, antenna pointing, marine survey, machine control and any application where high-accuracy positioning and heading is required. The multi-frequency, multi-GNSS H328 is an all-signals receiver board that includes Hemisphere’s new and innovative hardware platform, reducing its overall cost, size, weight and power consumption. It also integrates the Atlas GNSS Global Correction Service. The H328 offers fast accuracy heading of better than 0.17 degrees at 0.5-meter antenna separation and aiding gyroscope and tilt sensors for temporary GNSS outages. The 60 x 100 millimeter module with 24-pin and 16-pin headers is a drop-in upgrade for existing designs using this industry standard form factor.

Hemisphere GNSS, www.hemispheregnss.com

Personal mobility

Wheelchair with embedded 3G module can be upgraded with GNSS

A cellular module is embedded in a personal mobility wheelchair built by WHILL, a Japanese company specializing in innovative products for the mobility industry. The WHILL Model C features cloud connectivity based on a 3G cellular module from u‑blox. The embedded module features worldwide UMTS/HSPA and GPRS/EDGE coverage with a small footprint, also enabling easy and cost‑effective bolting on of a u‑blox GNSS receiver such as the MAX‑7C. The personal electric vehicle combines a sleek design with the latest innovative functionalities, enabling users to live an active lifestyle. As WHILL is looking into autonomous driving for people with disabilities, u‑blox plans to contribute with wireless positioning and connectivity technology.

WHILL KK, www.whill.jp; u-blox, www.u-blox.com

GNSS for small cells

Technology for 5G networks, IoT

The OSA 5405 SyncReach is an integrated Precision Time Protocol (PTP) grandmaster and GNSS receiver with a patent-pending dual antenna and receiver to enable the mass roll out of small cells. The new technology has been engineered to provide accurate and affordable phase synchronization for the rapidly growing small-cell market and meet the stringent timing requirements of 4.5G and 5G connectivity. With the OSA 5405, operators can migrate from legacy GNSS RF antennas and cables to standard, cost-effective copper and fiber Ethernet cabling, reducing capital expenditure and operating expenses. Available in both indoor and outdoor variants, the OSA 5405 can be deployed in challenging environments, including urban canyons where GPS signals fail or positioned on indoor windows to avoid multipath signal interference from objects in the building.

Oscilloquartz, www.oscilloquartz.com

LPWA with GNSS

Global, dual-mode low-power wide-area (LPWA) cellular module

The AirPrime WP77 smart wireless modules simplify LPWA deployments for customers developing products that need to connect to multiple networks where different LPWA technologies are supported.

With integrated GNSS for tracking and location-based services, low-power modes and a comprehensive set of interfaces for connecting sensors and companion chips (including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth), customers can develop multi-service platforms for the transportation market, and use the WP77 for applications requiring low throughput and optimized power performance. The WP77 supports both LTE-M (Cat-M1) and NB-IoT (Cat-NB1) with optional 2G fallback, allowing customers to deploy the same device with multiple network operators worldwide. For those deploying in regions where 4G LTE coverage is not as widely available, 2G fallback ensures their devices stay connected to the network.

Sierra Wireless, www.sierrawireless.com

GNSS-aided ins

Absolute orientation for devices

The INS-T-306 module is a GNSS-aided inertial navigation system that combines GPS L1/L2, GLONASS, BeiDou and a high-performance strap-down system. It is capable of determining position, velocity and absolute orientation (heading, pitch and roll) for any device on which it is mounted. The INS-T-306 aims at facilitating motionless and dynamic applications that need high accuracy, such as vessels, ships, helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs). The INS-T-306 uses an advanced GNSS receiver, barometer, magnetometers, micro-electro-mechanical (MEMS) accelerometers and gyroscopes to provide accurate position, velocity, heading, pitch and roll of the device under measure. The unit supports differential GPS (DGPS) and real-time kinematic (RTK). It is able to integrate into the lidar brands Velodyne, Riegl and Faro.

Tersus GNSS, www.tersus-gnss.com

UAV

UAV detection

Effective detection and neutralization of drones

The SafeSky multi-sensor UAV detection and tracking system detects and neutralizes drones in any weather, providing true dome-like protection. A combination of proprietary radar, acoustic, vision and RF sensors enables minimized alarm-rates detection of small drones at a distance of at least 1,000 meters. Its miniaturized, low-power radars are based on proprietary space technology developed with the European Space Agency. All sensors data is fused and the result presented in an integrated software environment. No-drone zones are easily defined. Alarms are issued via SMS, email and in graphical and sound form. The SafeSky application is web-based and can be run on desktop computers and tablets for untethered operation. To neutralize drones, the system uses directive jammers or drone hacking (depending on regulations), forcing the drone to return to its operator or land safely in a controlled manner.

Advanced Protection Systems, www.detectdrones.com

Fixed-wing drone

Large area survey tool

The DATAhawk PPK is an ultra-high accuracy fixed-wing drone package designed for professional surveyors that need maximum geospatial precision. It provides absolute (not relative) survey-grade results within minutes. The drone produces repeatable results. It is equipped with a dual-frequency L1/L2 receiver tracking GPS and GLONASS; 132 hardware channels allow simultaneous tracking of all visible GPS/GLONASS satellites. This system allows the aircraft to fly much further than with an RTK system, once flight camera positions are corrected by combining GNSS recordings of the aircraft with the corresponding information of the reference base station on the ground. The UAV is free of the requirement of a separate, high bandwidth, GPS link to a base station.

Quest UAV, www.questuav.com

Light imager

Dual thermal and visible sensor drone camera

The FLIR Duo is the same size and shape as popular action cameras, but features advanced capabilities. Equipped with FLIR’s smallest and lightest Lepton thermal camera core, operators are no longer constrained by daylight. The Duo provides the power to see objects over 100 yards away in complete darkness, smoke and light fog. Equipped with a 160 x 120 thermal camera and High-Definition (HD) 1080 color camera, FLIR Duo allows operators to swap between the two cameras mid-flight or view both in a picture-in-picture mode via the FLIR UAS app. FLIR’s proprietary multi-spectral dynamic (MSX) image processing algorithm embosses the thermal image with key details from the visible camera, resulting in a sharp dual-spectrum image. A fully radiometric variant called Duo R delivers accurate, calibrated temperature measurements in every pixel.

FLIR, www.flir.com

Drone deterrence

Technology without electronic jamming is safe for urban areas

ApolloShield is a radio system that detects and drives unauthorized drones away at the push of a button. Its RF jammers are field-proven, immediately deployable devices that emit strong signals that break the communications of unwanted drones, driving them away from secure sites. Drone identities are extracted from the radio signal and can be used as a lead to catch the operator. ApolloShield is customizable so that every site will have optimal protection, yet is plug-and-play and can be deployed in a few hours at any location and operated without any special training. The system consists of several elements, including an omni-directional antenna, a signal processing unit (pictured), and the Cloud Control Center that can be accessed from any cloud-connected device (pictured). ApolloShield is designed for various threat scenarios, including surveillance, accident response, terrorism, and incarceration violations using drones.

ApolloShield, www.apolloshield.com

Collision-tolerant UAV

Reduces accidents and injuries

The Elios drone solves the challenge of flying drones indoors in complex and confined spaces or in contact with humans, reducing the risk of collisions and injuries. By enabling remote visual inspection in any indoor environments, Elios eliminates the need for workers to enter hazardous places or face dangerous situations. The protective carbon-fiber frame is collision-tolerant up to 15 km/h. Elios reduces downtime and performs an entire inspection in hours, eliminating the need for scaffolding, rope access, or cranes for visual inspections of difficult-to-reach areas. Its integrated payload includes simultaneous full HD and thermal imagery recording, and adjustable tilt angle.

Flyability, www.flyability.com

Navigation kit

RTK GNSS for pixhawk drones

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

HEX, www.hex.aero

Agriculture sensor

Customizable filters allow for unique crop health detection

The Quad Sensor features four fully customizable imagers for collecting precision agriculture data. In its standard configuration, the sensors offer standard normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), green NDVI, normalized difference red edge (NDRE) and high-resolution color data capture in a single flight. Simultaneous collection of NDVI and NDRE data provides users with informative, accurate insights about crop health while streamlining operations. Custom filtering options provide virtually limitless configuration options. Because the Quad Sensor allows targeting of specific vegetative indices, it is being used by universities, researchers, large growers and agriculture advisors.

Sentera, www.sentera.com

Auto-follow camera drone

Autonomous drone takes flight

The Airdog ADII builds on the high-performance elements of the original Airdog drone. It combines advanced intelligent tracking technology with a durable design and autonomous, all-terrain flight performance. Built for hands-free operation, the ADII eliminates the need for manned operation, giving the user complete active freedom with perfect content capture. Customizable flight trajectories allow for more dynamic angles and obstacle avoidance, and scenic-capture modes provide unique filming perspectives. Its pro-grade camera stabilization and auto-record system guarantee smooth, framed, professional-grade footage even in challenging environments, such as high speeds, wind, water and abrupt elevation and terrain changes. The durable, lightweight, waterproof AirLeash tracking device allows for hands-free action with simple controls. The backlit LCD interface is loaded with easy flight, start-up tutorials and preset, sport and customizable modes plus a series of automated creative modes for capturing scenery.

Airdog, www.airdog.com

Onboard Defense

Micro Electronic Defense System (OMEDS) for drones, robots

The Pyramid installs easily to fully secure a drone or robot, add system robustness, and provide data for better planning and execution of missions. The Pyramid provides three layers of functionality: advanced security for the system and data with real-time full system encryption and GPS spoofing protection; operational reliability and robustness with RF link redundancy; and mission-enhancing benefits of RF mapping provided by collection and analysis of big data. RF mapping visually maps the datalink’s RSSI and GPS reception for better mission planning and execution. This enables better, safer, continuous autonomous operation in all environments. It includes virus and malware protection, and full system encryption for remote-control, telemetry and video links. Pyramid weighs about 1 ounce (30 grams), measures 2 inches (5 cm) and has no effect on a system’s performance. Regulus is offering a test and evaluation program to customers.

​​Regulus Cyber, www.regulusx.com

UAS mapping software

Cloud support added

Version 17.1 of the UAS Mapping desktop product now includes an upload-to-the-cloud feature. The upgrade includes the capability to upload any UAS Mapping content to a SaaS-based sharing and collaboration platform. Users can instantly bring their drone/UAS/UAV data online. The upload process is fluently integrated in the workflows of the product, with the required checks and validations. Upload time depends on the internet connection. Once uploaded, the data is immediately available for sharing on 3dmapping.cloud. The new Catalog tool adds insight and overview of all data-collection jobs.

Orbit GT, www.orbitgt.com

Survey & Mapping

Survey-grade laser

For field data collection and mapping

The TruPoint 300 is a fully integrated laser with vertical and horizontal angle encoders capable of producing 3-D, survey-grade measurements. It produces +/–1 millimeter range accuracy. The phase-technology product has a laser diode that emits light pulses with a distinct wavelength and pulse repetition frequency that obtains millimeter accuracy. The fully integrated MapStar Angle Technology makes the Trupoint 300 suitable for GIS, incident mapping, crush analysis, surveying, electric utilities, architecture and construction. It will measure the distance between two remote points and has onboard solutions for volume, height, 2D and 3D area. Professionals can navigate through measured data, routines and menus with a full-color touchscreen.

Laser Technology Inc., www.lasertech.com

Surveying application

Enables custom app design for Android and iOS

TerraGo Magic is a custom app designed for both iOS and Android platforms that simplifies the process of designing a custom application for specific clients and needs.Surveying firms can install this tool in their mobile device to enable the specific collection and sharing of important data that can vary as needed. The data can overlay Google and Apple Maps and allow attachments of images and video. The app avoids the time-consuming coding process, and can significantly improve workflow for many firms.

TerraGo, www.terragotech.com

Rugged receiver

For harsh construction environments

The Vector VR1000 GNSS receiver enables better positioning for machine control applications. Designed specifically for harsh construction environments, the Vector VR1000 — when combined with SiteMatrix software — can empower heavy equipment manufacturers to provide their own machine control and guidance solutions to their customers. It also has a new web user interface. The multi-frequency, multi-GNSS receiver offers real-time kinematic (RTK) positioning and high-precision heading. It has an Athena RTK engine, Atlas L-band corrections and excellent connectivity. With a baseline separation up to 10 meters, users can achieve heading accuracies of up to 0.01 degrees. The 744-channel VR1000 tracks GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo, QZSS and IRNSS. Its connectivity features support Ethernet, CAN, internal 400-MHz/900-MHz radio, serial, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Integrated L-band adds support for Atlas GNSS global corrections for meter- to sub-decimeter-level accuracy.

Hemisphere GNSS, www.hemispheregnss.com

Imaging scanner

Miniaturized for quick collection of as-built reality-capture data

The BLK360 miniaturized 3D imaging laser scanner simplifies collection of as-built reality-capture data for work in architecture, design, construction and engineering, among other vertical markets. It is an easy-to-use and powerful device that enables professionals to capture 360-degree high-dynamic range (HDR) spherical imagery within minutes. Users place the lightweight BLK360 on a level surface or tripod and, with the push of a button, it captures 360-degree HDR spherical imagery and takes a 360,000 points per second laser scan. The BLK360 features +/–4 mm accuracy at 10 meters and an overall 0.6–60-meter range. Within three minutes, the spherical image and laser scan is completed and ready to view in the Autodesk ReCap Pro for mobile app, which runs on an iPad Pro. From there, users can take measurements, add markup and annotations or share onsite data with their colleagues back in the office.

Leica Geosystems, lasers.leica-geosystems.com

PCTEL Inc. is offering a new multi-band LTE/Wi-Fi/GNSS antenna with a sub-inch profile. The antenna combines PCTEL’s high rejection multi-GNSS technology for precision timing and location tracking with high performance multi-band data connectivity.

The antenna is also rugged and easy to install, making it suitable for covert public safety operations, precision agriculture and the industrial Internet of Things (IoT).

“Complex, high performance antennas are critical for modern public safety communications, as well as for commercial applications such as mobile asset management,” said Rishi Bharadwaj, senior vice president and general manager of PCTEL’s Connected Solutions group. “However, vehicles and autonomous systems have limited space for antenna installation. PCTEL’s sub-inch antenna addresses these space limitations while delivering high performance multi-band coverage. PCTEL also offers external and embedded antenna system design services for customers with more severe antenna size constraints or other specialized requirements.”

Within its ruggedized ultra-low profile housing, PCTEL’s new antenna supports multi-band LTE MIMO and dual-band 2.4/5 GHz Wi-Fi for data connectivity, as well as GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou and Galileo GNSS satellite technologies.

All GNSS elements feature PCTEL’s proprietary high rejection technology to ensure reliable satellite connectivity in the presence of LTE signals or other interference. The antenna has been fully tested for use in extreme environments and on heavy agricultural equipment.

PCTEL will display its new multi-band LTE/Wi-Fi/GNSS antenna along with other antenna solutions for public safety communications at APCO 2017 in Denver Aug. 14-15, in booth #1943. The antenna can be ordered using part number GNSMB-COV beginning Aug. 15.

OEM

Time & Frequency Reference

GNSS master clock and NTP/PTP time server

VersaSync is a high-performance GPS master clock and network time server that delivers accurate, software configurable time and frequency signals under all circumstances, including GNSS-denied environments. Its compact size and high level of ruggedization make VersaSync suitable for mobile applications in harsh environments. Its small footprint allows for easy integration of the time and frequency functionality into systems architecture.

VersaSync accommodates an OCXO, a high-performance OCXO or a CSAC oscillator, allowing it to maintain frequency and time accuracy for long periods of GPS/GNSS outage. It can be re-synchronized by an external reference. VersaSync is available with a C/A L1 GPS receiver or with an L1/L2 SAASM receiver. An extension slot accommodates additional timing interfaces.

VersaSync physical inputs and outputs are software configurable and can adapt to various application requirements. I/O pins can be configured as TTL, 10 V pulse, RS232, RS485. This allows VersaSync to provide a high number of outputs of the same type, while still fitting into a small form factor. If the combination of software configurable outputs is not enough, VersaSync can accommodate an option board (within the same form factor), designed to customer requirements.

Because of its high level of ruggedization, VersaSync provides exceptional intrinsic reliability. Strong status monitoring capability, either locally or remotely, allows quick fault diagnoses. An internal, exportable log can be accessed.

Verasync Attributes

• Low size, weight and power
• Ruggedized (MIL-STD-810G)
• High versatility with software configurable inputs/outputs
• Design can be efficiently customized to match specific customer requirements
• Easy integration due to small footprint and low power consumption
• NTP/PTP precise time transfer over Ethernet, including security protocols that prevent network vulnerabilities
• Low phase noise 10-MHz frequency distribution
• Configurable pulse signals, including IRIG or HaveQuick timecodes
• Serial link Time Of Day (ToD) messages

Spectracom, spectracom.com

GNSS Simulator

for advanced research and development

The Simceiver by IP Solutions now features Beidou as a simulated signal with access to full parameters rather than the record and playback function used previously.

The Simceiver is part of the Replicator system, a multi-frequency, multi-system GNSS simulator for advanced research and development, equipment testing and education. It can also function as a recording, playback and signal analysis instrument.

The Replicator is the result of a collaboration with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).

Besides the Simceiver hardware unit, components include the ReGen control software for real-time simulation, Streamer control software for recording and playback and ARAMIS software receiver for signal analysis.

The 24-channel Replicator provides real-time generation of GNSS signals, recording and playback of dual-frequency GNSS RF signals, and GNSS RF signal analysis with JAXA COSMODE ionospheric scintillation monitor.

The Replicator offers real-time simulation of dual-frequency GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou or GPS+GLONASS, GPS+BeiDou, GPS+Galileo signals. Comprehensive simulation models include atmosphere, multipath, and more. Also available is signal analysis based on JAXA COSMODE ionospheric scintillation monitor.

Two or more units can be used to simulate, record and playback more signals at the same time. Simulated and recorded signals can be stored in digitized format, analyzed by a MATLAB software receiver and played back as RF at any time.

Replicator Advantages

• User defined models with ANSI C API
• Real-time simulation
• Record and playback
• GNSS signal analysis
• Upgradable to more features , signals and frequencies for the difference in price.

IP-Solutions, www.ip-solutions.jp

Multi-System RF Front-Ends

4- and 7-channel boards for software GNSS receivers

The NT1065_USB3 and NT1065/66_USB3 multi-channel GNSS RF front-end boards are based on NTLab’s RF ICs: NT1065 (4 channels for GPS/GLONASS/Galileo/Beidou/IRNSS/QZSS, L1/L2/L3/L5 bands) and new NT1066 (2 channels for GPS/GLONASS/Galileo/Beidou/IRNSS/QZSS, L1/L2/L3/L5 bands and 1 channel for IRNSS S-band). Both boards support USB3 connection, thus allowing users to process captured satellite signals on a PC or DSP platform.

NT1065_USB3 BOARD

Multi-system multi-band 4-channel GNSS RF front end based on NT1065.

Features

• IF bandwidth up to 32MHz for each channel
• Acquisition of wideband signals up to 64-MHz (such as Galileo E5) with 2 coherent channels
• Built-in 2-bit ADC
• USB3 interface (up to 800-Mbit/s)
• Ability to connect 4x CRPA

NT1065/66_USB3 BOARD

Multi-system multi-band 7-channel GNSS RF front end based on NT1065 plus new NT1066.

Features

All NT1065_USB3 features, plus:

• 2 additional L1/L2 GNSS channels
• IRNSS S-band channel

Product Support

Both boards are accompanied by comprehensive software and manuals:

• GUI for NT1065/66 registers access and USB3 data capture (Windows 7/8/8.1/10 and Linux Ubuntu 16.04 compatible)
• Complete NT1065 and NT1066 datasheets
• Configuration examples
• PCBs reference design

NTLab, www.ntlab.com

Multi-Constellation Simulator

Designed to test receivers against current and future signals

Constellator features top-end processing performance and RF quality and offers flexibility in simulation control. It performs fair-weather tests, but also is designed to subject receivers to suboptimal conditions, extreme situations and combinations of errors difficult to access in real-world tests — all of it finely controlled and indefinitely repeatable.

At constellator’s core is software, ensuring that all future constellations, satellites and codes can be handled. Most functional upgrades will then be software-only.

Constellator is used in aerospace and defense (among others) for multi-antenna receiver testing for spacecraft launchers, satellite onboard receiver testing (telecom and observation) and defense UAV receiver testing.

Constellator includes four spatial reference frames and trajectory editors for ground, marine, aerial and spatial motion and import facility. With hardware-in-the-loop, it receives position updates from test rigs in real time and generates corresponding GNSS signals and messages.

Propagation issues can be simulated at individual signal level with different models provided for ionosphere and troposphere.

Satellite error modeling options include orbital errors, onboard clock errors, satellite electronics (front-end) defects, satellite dysfunctions and signal fade, disappearance and “evil waveform” incidents.

Constellator Features

• 128 channels (extensible) delivering high-quality satellite signals on six distinct frequencies (L and S band)
• Hardware-in-the-loop testing at 10- to 100-Hz refresh rates
• Extensive simulation options:
• Full-time and location control
• Receiver trajectories with extreme dynamics
• Background noise, interference and jamming/spoofing (two units)
• Atmospheric propagation errors
• Satellite errors
• Multipath and obscuration
• On-the-fly scenario modifications
• Receiver attitude control
• Very accurate spaceborne trajectories

Syntony GNSS, www.syntony-gnss.com

GNSS+INS Technology

Delivers NovAtel SPAN GNSS inertial navigation

The PwrPak7-E1 contains an Epson G320N micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) inertial measurement unit (IMU) to deliver NovAtel SPAN technology in an integrated, single-box solution. It has a powerful OEM7 GNSS engine, integrated MEMS IMU, built in Wi-Fi, onboard NTRIP client and server support and onboard internal storage. The PwrPak7-E1 also has enhanced connection options including serial, USB, CAN and Ethernet.

SPAN Technology

Synchronous Position, Attitude and Navigation (SPAN) technology brings together two different but complementary technologies: GNSS positioning and inertial navigation. The absolute accuracy of GNSS positioning and the stability of IMU gyro and accelerometer measurements are tightly coupled to provide an exceptional 3D navigation solution that is stable and continuously available, even through periods when satellite signals are blocked.

PwrPak7-E1 Features

• SPAN-enabled enclosure featuring NovAtel’s tightly coupled GNSS+INS engine
• 555 channel, all-constellation, multi-frequency positioning solution
• Multi-channel L-Band supports TerraStar correction services
• Commercially exportable IMU
• Multiple communication interfaces for easy integration and installation
• Built-in Wi-Fi support
• Onboard internal storage
• Can be paired with an external receiver to support ALIGN GNSS azimuth aiding for low dynamic applications

NovAtel, www.novatel.com

GPS Wavefront Generator

CRPA and Attitude Determination Receiver Testing

The CAST-5000 produces a single coherent wavefront of GPS RF signals to provide repeatable testing in the laboratory environment or anechoic chamber. The system generates up to seven independent, coherent simulations that reference a single point.With an intercard carrier-phase error of less than one centimeter, the CAST-5000 is extremely accurate.

The system generates a wavefront of GPS when its GPS RF generator cards are operated in a ganged configuration. Each generator card provides a set of GPS satellites coherent with the overall configuration. Several RF generator cards may be utilized together, ensuring phase coherence among the bank of signal generator cards.

The CAST-5000 is the only Controlled Reception Pattern Antenna (CRPA) tester that allows a full end-to-end test of the antenna system. The CRPA antenna, antenna electronics and the GPS receiver can be tested as a unit with or without radiating signals.

CAST-5000 Features

• Generates single coherent wavefront of GPS
• 6 degrees of freedom (DOF) motion generation capability
• Complete SV constellation editing
• Post-mission processing via ICD-GPS-150/153
• Differential/relative navigation
• Antenna pattern modeling
• Waypoint navigation
• RAIM events
• Multipath modeling
• Spoofer simulation
• Satellite clock errors
• External trajectory input
• External ephemeris and almanac
• Several iono and tropo models
• Modifiable navigation messag
• Modeled selective availability
• Time-tagged satellite events
• Selectable host vehicle parameters

CAST Navigation, www.castnav.com

GNSS Receiver

A next-generation high-precision module for robots, drones

The UM482 is an all-system multi- frequency high-precision heading module with a small footprint. It supports the satellite signals GPS L1/L2, BDS B1/ B2, GLONASS L1/L2, GALI LEO E1/ E5b and SBAS. It is designed for applications such as robot, drone, intelligent drive and mechanical control.

The UM482 GNSS RTK module adopts Unicore’s new-generation Nebulas II chip and UGypsophila real-time kinematic (RTK) algorithm. Based on high-performance data-sharing technology and super-simplified operation system of the Nebulas II chip, the UGypsophila RTK algorithm dramatically optimizes matrix processing. It can involve all satellites from GPS, BDS, GLONASS and Galileo in RTK and heading processing, shorten RTK and heading initialization time to 5 seconds and significantly improve the reliability and accuracy of RTK and heading.

Furthermore, the UM482 integrates the onboard micro-electro-mechanical (MEMS) chip and U-Fusion integrated navigation algorithm, resulting in optimized continuity and reliability of accurate heading and positioning output in tough environments such as city canyons, tunnels and overpasses. Inputs of odometer and external higher performance inertial components are supported.

UM482 Features

• 30 × 40-millimeter all-system multi-frequency high-precision heading module (SMD packaging)
• Supports GPS L1/L2, BDS B1/B2, GLONASS L1/ L2, Galileo E1/E5b
• 1-cm RTK positioning accuracy and 0.2-degree heading accuracy with 1-m baseline
• Dual-antenna input with support of antenna signal detection
• Supporting simultaneous output of heading and RTK positioning, 20-Hz data output rate
• Adaptive recognition of RTCM input data format
• Onboard MEMS integrated navigation

Unicore Communications Inc., www.unicorecomm.com

Inertial Measurement Unit

Non-ITAR micro-electro-mechanical system IMU

The HG4930 is a very high-performance micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) based inertial measurement unit (IMU) designed to meet the needs of applications across various markets including agriculture, industrial equipment, robotics, survey/mapping, stabilized platforms, transportation, UAVs and UGVs.

With industry-standard communication interfaces, the HG4930 is easily integrated into a variety of architectures. The extremely small size, light weight and low power make the HG4930 ideal for most applications.

The HG4930 includes MEMS gyroscopes and accelerometers. It employs an internal environmental isolation system to attenuate unwanted inputs commonly encountered in real-world applications.

The internal isolation and other proprietary design features ensure the HG4930 is rugged enough to meet the needs of demanding users.

The HG4930 is not ITAR controlled. Its Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) is 7A994.

Example Applications

• Aiding a camera pod to track a desired object: For example, a television viewing enhancement systems used in sports broadcasting.
• Integration with GPS/GNSS to navigate an object from point A to point B: IMU performance is key; errors grow quickly without GPS/GNSS (such as in forested areas, underwater, dense urban).
• Dynamic antenna platform stabilization: IMU measures small perturbations of a platform under motion (including vibration and shock) and feeds those measurements into a control system that then corrects and stabilizes the platform; without an IMU, communication can be degraded or lost.
• Robots: Enables robots to navigate indoors with other aiding sources (such as radar or lidar); similar concept to GPS/GNSS aiding.

Honeywell, aerospace.honeywell.com​​

GNSS RF Simulator

Supports restricted and classified signals from GPS, Galileo

The Spirent GSS9000 multi-frequency, multi-GNSS RF constellation simulator can simulate signals from all GNSS and regional navigation. The GSS9000 offers a four-fold increase in RF signal iteration rate (SIR) over Spirent’s GSS8000 simulator. The GSS9000 SIR is 1000 Hz (1ms), enabling higher dynamic simulations with more accuracy and fidelity. It includes support for restricted and classified signals from the GPS and Galileo systems as well as advanced capabilities for ultra-high dynamics. It can evaluate resilience of navigation systems to interference and spoofing attacks, and has the flexibility to reconfigure constellations, channels and frequencies between test runs or test cases.

Spirent Federal Systems, www.spirentfederal.com

GNSS Simulator

Captures and replays GNSS signals at high resolution

The LabSat 3 Wideband record-and replay-device is small and battery-powered with a removable solid-state disk. It allows users to gather detailed, real-world satellite data and replay the signals on the bench.

Its recording bandwidth of 56 MHz allows for the capture of a wide range of live-sky satellite signals. Depending on the desired bandwidth, recording resolution can be set to 2, 4 or 6 bit. The GNSS frequency guide on the LabSat website shows exactly which signals can be recorded and at which resolution. It also has spare capacity for future planned signals.

Even with this increased capacity over the original LabSat 3, the new simulator remains easy to use: one-touch recording, no connection to PC required, battery powered for up to two hours, and with a removable 1-TB solid-state hard drive that can be replaced in no time, the LabSat 3 Wideband is convenient to use. It measures a compact 167 x 128 x 46 millimeters and weighs 1.2 kilograms.

Live-sky Signals Captured

LabSat 3 Wideband can record and replay the following signals:

• GPS: L1 / L2 / L5
• GLONASS: L1 / L2 / L3
• BeiDou: B1 / B2 / B3
• QZSS: L1 / L2 / L5
• Galileo: E1 / E1a / E5a / E5b / E6
• IRNSS: L5
• SBAS: WAAS / EGNOS / GAGAN / MSAS / SDCM

Racelogic, www.labsat.co.uk

Rubidium Frequency Standard

For any application requiring precision frequency

Stanford Research Systems (SRS) rubidium frequency standards have excellent aging characteristics, extremely low phase noise and outstanding reliability.

The FS725 benchtop instrument is designed for calibration and research and development (R&D) laboratories, or any application requiring a precision frequency standard, such as metrology laboratories.

The FS725 unit integrates a rubidium oscillator (SRS model PRS10), a low-noise universal AC power supply, and distribution amplifiers in a compact half-width 2U chassis. It provides stable and reliable performance, with an estimated 20-year aging of less than 5 x 10_-9 and a demonstrated rubidium oscillator MTBF (mean time between failures) of more than 200,000 hours.

It has two 10-MHz outputs and one 5-MHz output with exceptionally low phase noise (–130 dBc/Hz at 10-Hz offset) and 1 second Allan Variance (<2 x 10_-11). The FS725 can be phase-locked to an external 1-pps reference (like GPS) providing Stratum 1 performance. A 1-pps output is also provided that has less than 1 nanosecond of jitter, and can be set with 1-nanosecond resolution.

FS725 Features

• 10-MHz and 5-MHz outputs
• 20-year aging less than 0.005 ppm
• Ultra-low phase noise (<–130 dBc/Hz at 10 Hz)
• Built-in distribution amplifiers
• 1 pps input and output
• RS-232 computer interface

Stanford Research Systems, www.thinkSRS.com

Survey & Mapping

GNSS RTK System

High performance and stable signal reception

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

Tersus GNSS, www.tersus-gnss.com

GNSS Receiver

Real-time professional-grade positioning information

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

Geneq, www.sxbluegps.com

Smartphone antenna, location service

Turns Android devices into data-collection systems

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

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

Trimble, catalyst.trimble.com

Desktop GIS

Updated with improved workflows and innovative features

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

Esri, www.esri.com

Transportation

Flight management

For pilots to use GPS as primary means of navigation

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

Rockwell Collins, www.rockwellcollins.com

Smart ADAS camera

Efficient image recognition engine and functional safety

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

Renesas Electronics, www.renesas.com

Aircraft navigation

Touchscreen GPS/Nav/Comm for pilots

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

Garmin, www.garmin.com

Truck-specific navigation

Device includes critical driving and business tools

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

Rand McNally, randmcnally.com

UAV

Drone navigation kit

Open-Source kit integrates GNSS module

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

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

Long-endurance UAV

Hybrid electric propulsion provides longer operating time

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

Advanced Aircraft Company, www.AdvancedAircraftCompany.com

GNSS kit

Survey-level accuracy for small unmanned aerial systems

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

GeoCue Group, www.geocuellc.com

Large-area lidar

For advanced mapping, law enforcement

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

Phoenix Lidar Systems, www.phoenixlidar.com

After two decades of providing the U.S. government with Geiger-mode lidar data, Harris Corporation offers high-resolution lidar data and its derived products to commercial organizations.

The data can be used for land-use planning and management, transmission-line monitoring, pipeline design and maintenance, transportation engineering and planning, urban modeling, asset management and forestry analytics.

Geiger-mode lidar offers the most accurate elevation data available, according to Harris Corporation, the only provider of Geiger-mode lidar data.

According to the company, the sensor allows for collections on a large scale, while also collecting data up to 10 times faster and at 10 times the resolution of existing linear lidar sensors.

Geiger-mode lidar provides multi-angle illumination that penetrates foliage, removes shadows and and eliminates voids.

OEM

Combat survival radio

32 GPS channels for faster, 
more accurate position lock

The HOOK3 radio is 30 percent smaller and 40 percent lighter than the HOOK2 radio, and has a smaller, longer lasting battery. The embedded GPS module has 32 channels, enabling a faster position acquisition time, more accurate position reporting and better performance under forested or densely vegetated areas or near structures. The radio transmits encrypted GPS, user identification, situation reports and other critical information to rescue teams and aircraft in short bursts to reduce the risk of detection. The radio can also use multiple GNSS. The HOOK3 provides direct line-of-sight voice and encrypted two-way data communications to help combat search-and-rescue teams quickly and accurately locate and rescue downed pilots and isolated military personnel. It automatically activates and transmits location data when specific G-force or salt water is detected.

General Dynamics Mission Systems,
 gdmissionsystems.com

Category 11 LTE card

Module for routers and gateways

The LM940 is a global full PCI Express mini card (mPCIe) module for the router and gateway industry supporting LTE Advanced Category 11 (Cat 11) with speeds of up to 600 Mbps. The internet of things (IoT) module will be available, with various mobile network operator approvals, in the fourth quarter of 2017. The module includes quad-constellation integrated GNSS and is in an mPCIe form factor to support Cat 11 with the Qualcomm Snapdragon X12 LTE modem. The industrial-grade LM940 delivers significant flexibility and a competitive edge to original equipment manufacturers looking to quickly deploy next-generation products. 3x carrier aggregation leverages extended capabilities of the network for increased coverage and bandwidth. The industrial-grade module is designed for the router and gateway market supporting high-bandwidth dependent applications like high-definition video streaming with digital signage.

Telit, www.telit.com

Mobile testing

For Assisted BeiDou 
location-based services

The Rohde & Schwarz TS-LBS test solution allows mobile manufacturers, chipset manufacturers, test houses and network operators to verify chipsets and mobile devices to obtain permission to operate them in a particular network. The successful Assisted BeiDou (A-BeiDou) verification of a Media-Tek device under test using the Rohde & Schwarz test system means the setup can be used to validate and verify a device in the U-plane and C-plane for A-BeiDou location-based services (LBS). The TS-LBS uses an R&S CMW500 as the base-station simulator and an R&S SMBV100A GNSS simulator. The CMW500 provides assistance data to the device under test and the SMBV100A simulates the BeiDou satellites. The test system can be used to obtain Global Certification Forum (GCF) and PTCRB certification as well as network-operator-specific certification for chipsets and mobile devices.

Rohde & Schwarz,
www.rohde-schwarz.com

Receiver module

Next-generation quad-system 
GNSS module in small package

The UM482 is a multi-frequency high-precision heading module with a 30 × 40 millimeter footprint. It supports the satellite signals BDS B1/B2, GPS L1/L2, GLONASS L1/L2, Galileo E1/ E5b and SBAS. The module is designed for applications such as robotics, drones, intelligent drives and mechanical control. Features include surface-mount (SMD) packaging; 1-centimeter real-time kinematic (RTK) positioning accuracy and 0.2-degree heading accuracy with a 1-meter baseline; dual antenna input with support of antenna signal detection; supports simultaneous output of heading and positioning with a 20-Hz data output rate; adaptive recognition of RTCM input data format; and on-board micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) integrated navigation. The UM482 GNSS RTK module adopts Unicore’s new-generation Nebulas II chip and UGypsophila real-time kinematic (RTK) algorithm.

Unicore Communications, www.unicorecomm.com

Time server

Underlying tech, security benefits described in new application note

The NTP Reflector is one of many differentiating features of Microsemi’s new SyncServer S600 series network time servers. The Reflector is a real-time, hardware-based NTP packet identification and time-stamping engine uniquely designed to protect the SyncServer CPU from excessive network traffic denial of service (DoS) attacks. It will and notify the operator if NTP traffic is above expected levels. This enables extremely high-bandwidth, high-accuracy, high-reliability and security-hardened NTP operations.The Security Hardened SyncServer features denial of service (DoS) resilience, monitoring and notification functions.

Microsemi, www.microsemi.com

High-gain antennas

Provide a high degree 
of multipath signal rejection

The TW3152 and TW3752 are high-gain (50dB) GNSS antennas useful where long cable runs are required, such as in timing systems and GNSS re-radiator systems. The TW3152 provides reception of GPS L1. The TW3752 provides reception of GPS L1, GLONASS G1, BeiDou B1 and Galileo E1 signals. Both antennas employ Tallysman’s Accutenna technology, which provides a high degree of multipath signal rejection through the full bandwidth of the antenna. The antennas are triple filtered to prevent the saturation of the front-end low-noise amplifier (LNA) by strong near frequency and harmonic signals — are a growing concern throughout the world. The antennas are available with a choice of radome shape (flat or conical), color of radome (white or grey), and a wide variety of connectors.

Tallysman, www.tallysman.com

Survey & Mapping

Data collection app

Cloud-connected android application in the field

Penmap for Android is a cloud-connected application for field surveying and high-accuracy geographic information system (GIS) data collection that works on mobile handhelds, smartphones and tablets. It focuses on core survey and mapping tasks such as cadastral and boundary surveys, establishing local control, stake-outs, quality checks and asset management for utilities. It provides both professional surveyors and field workers with a map-based interface to manage features and attributes for high-accuracy GIS and complete survey documentation. In the energy sector, it can be used to locate infrastructure and record critical information on encroachments, clearways and existing monuments. The app runs on Android handhelds such as the Trimble TDC100 and supports the Trimble R10, R8s and R2 GNSS receivers.

Trimble, www.trimble.com

RTK rover radio

Advanced, high-speed wireless radio

The HX-DU1603D is an advanced, high-speed, Bluetooth-enabled wireless rover radio designed for GNSS/RTK surveying and precise positioning. The HX-DU1603D is a lightweight, ruggedized UHF receiver designed for data communications between 410 MHz and 470 MHz in either 12.5-KHz or 25-KHz channels, which can be widely used in GNSS/RTK surveying and GNSS precise positioning fields. It has a Bluetooth transceiver and is IP67 waterproof rated. It also has a 6800-mAh rechargeable internal battery and configurable transmit power between 0.5W and 2W. The 1.9-inch display screen supports frequency, protocols, power display, serial port baud rate and air baud rate. Users can instantly communicate with GNSS precise positioning receivers with the same protocols throughout the world.

Harxon, en.harxon.com

Water-depth data

Bathymetrics portal delivers data online for download

The Bathymetrics Data Portal allows users to search, purchase and automatically download water-depth information directly from an online store to their computer. It offers continuously expanding 2m Bathymetry data in shallow water areas and a global database of interpolated 90m bathymetry. The portal allows users to search for data in their areas of interest and purchase what they need. Data is priced by the square kilometer; the customer pays online with credit card and can download the data shortly after. Bathymetric products are used extensively by organizations involved in energy infrastructure development, port construction, environmental monitoring, aquaculture planning and hydrodynamic modeling.

DHI, www.dhigroup.com
TCarta, www.tcarta.com
DigitalGlobe, www.digitalglobe.com

Digital asset management

Organize, access and share geospatial datasets

Portfolio 2017 is a digital asset management (DAM) solution optimized for geospatial data. It enables users to organize, access and share geospatial datasets — including compressed MrSID files — along with associated graphics and documents. Divisions of Celartem Inc., LizardTech and Extensis collaborated in adding geospatial data management capabilities to the new version. The DAM solution indexes and catalogs photographs, videos, maps, audio files, Adobe Creative Cloud applications and Microsoft Office documents. A centralized repository for managing digital files should reduce time spent looking for datasets and eliminate costly replacement of misplaced files, according to LizardTech. Portfolio 2017 gives users instant access to imagery, lidar and video data captured by satellite, aircraft and UAV platforms. Geospatial files that have been compressed and saved in MrSID formats with the LizardTech GeoExpress solution can be loaded and viewed into Portfolio without any further data conversion. The new version extracts embedded metadata from compressed imagery and lidar files saved in MrSID formats — as well as GeoTIFF, JPEG 2000, NITF and LAS. Geospatial data can be indexed and stored alongside associated non-geospatial photographs and documents. Data can be retrieved by geographic coordinates or the metadata tag, such as a name, acquisition date or sensor platform. Users can also search by defining an area of interest on a map.

LizardTech, www.lizardtech.com
Extensis, www.extensis.com

GIS training

Book and website

The ArcGIS Book: 10 Big Ideas about Applying The Science of Where has a companion website. The book provides mapmakers with the know-how and hands-on experience to practice what Esri calls “The Science of Where.” The accompanying website offers information and interactive education resources needed to use web-based geographic information system (GIS) technology to create maps, work with apps, create and use authoritative data and conduct spatial analysis. The book is available in print, as an interactive PDF and online. Chapters cover web mapping, ready-to-use apps, story maps, 3D GIS, spatial analysis, imagery and the Internet of Things, as well as curated content from Esri’s Living Atlas of the World.

Esri, www.esri.com

Productivity app

Internet of things workflow automation application

WyzeTask is now available in the Geotab Marketplace. WyzeTask is a complement to the MyGeotab platform, which serves more than 14,000 Geotab customers. WyzeTask maximizes employee productivity by automating task tracking and job completion processes, freeing workers from paperwork and manual data entry. WyzeTask includes the WyzeBeacon, a wearable device that uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) to transmit data to a nearby BLE scanner, which can be a Geotab IOX-BT hub or a smartphone/tablet running the WyzeTask application. Employees click a button on their WyzeBeacon to have it log and share information such as their task status, time and GPS location.

Wyzelink Systems, www.wyzelink.com
Geotab, www.geotab.com

Transportation

Aircraft imaging system

Incorporates GPS 
with additional GPS options

The MX-15 electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) imaging system can be configured with up to six imaging and laser payloads, each of which shares the highest level of stabilization. It incorporates a GPS receiver and antenna, with options available for a GPS time-sync interface and GPS data interface. Sensor options include a high-definition thermal imager, color low-light continuous zoom, daylight step zoom spotter, day/night spotter, laser rangefinder and a laser illuminator. The MX series turrets are operational across 74 countries and on more than 137 different types of platforms, including Airb us helicopters.

L3 Technologies, www.l3t.com

Autopilot for farmers

Autosteer designed for agricultural machinery

The AG960 AutoSteer System is designed to accelerate the application of autopilot for precision agricultural machinery. By integrating high-precision real-time kinematic (RTK) receiver and software, the AG960 enables agricultural machines to operate in accordance with a pre-set planning path. Using precise GNSS guidance, the hydraulic system of the agricultural machinery is steered by the vehicle controller. Agricultural machines can operate aligned with the set route automatically, while graphical details are displayed on the vehicle display panel. The system includes a high-precision positioning receiver with GPS L1/L2, GLONASS G1/G2, BDS B1/B2, Galileo, QZSS and two GNSS antennas. Other features include a vehicle display panel computer, hydraulic valve (steering wheel optional), autopilot (controller), coaxial rotation direction sensor, electromagnetic hydraulic valve and radio receiving antenna mast/pedestal.

Tersus GNSS, www.tersus-gnss.com

GNSS compass

Maintains accurate heading during GNSS outages of up to 20 minutes

The GNSS Compass is a fully integrated wheelmark certified GPS/INS navigation and heading solution. It contains a 9-axis IMU that is integrated with a dual-antenna GNSS system with high-performance antennas. It provides higher heading accuracy than magnetic systems and does not require any calibration or setup. It features high accuracy RTK positioning and is plug and play for NMEA0183 and NMEA2000 integrations. Four product variants are available . The low-cost variant is an L1-only model suitable for commercial vessel navigation, while an L1/L2 variant meets the high accuracy requirements of surveying applications. It is also possible to choose between an NMEA0183/NMEA2000 interface and a power-over-Ethernet interface for maximum flexibility. The Ethernet variant features NTP and PTP timing servers for precise time synchronization.

Advanced Navigation, 
www.advancednavigation.com.au

GNSS simulation

In-vehicle system compliance tools for EU eCall regulations

Spectracom has introduced built-in scenarios for testing eCall in-vehicle systems compliance to the GNSS requirements of the regulation as an option with its GSG simulator products. These options will ensure that automotive manufacturers who plan to continue selling in Europe are equipped with the right tools for testing the eCall regulatory compliance of their equipment. The Spectracom GSG simulators simulate all the major GNSS constellations needed for testing compliance of critical signal-receiving equipment in a variety of eCall scenarios. Scenarios can test positioning accuracy under different conditions, time-to-first-fix, GNSS receiver sensitivity, reacquisition performance following signal outages, playing specific static and dynamic trajectory scenarios, and changing RF transmit-power-level manually or remotely sequenced as required by standard. European Union (EU) regulation 2015/758 requires new vehicle types of M1 and N1 to be equipped with eCall in-vehicle systems by March 31, 2018.

Spectracom, spectracom.com

Electronic logbook

Addresses U.S. Dec. 18 mandate for fleets

Titan GPS’ Titan Electronic Logbook (ELD) was one of the first devices to be registered as a certified ELD under the standards of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The Titan Electronic Logging Devices and Electronic Hours of Service Logbook App help fleets comply with hours of service regulations with error-free, easy-to-use electronic solutions. An intuitive interface, detailed analytics and easy installation ensure that fleets of all sizes can comply with the FMSCA mandate. Features include easy creation of a driver log faster roadside inspections and audits, pre- and post-trip DVIR reports. The logbook adheres to both U.S. and Canadian rules.

Titan GPS, www.titangps.ca

Low-profile GNSS antenna

For tracking applications 
and smart cities

The Robusta GNSS antenna ia a very low-profile antenna in a new patent design for metal surfaces. The antenna operates in the 1559–1609 MHz bands and is designed for tracking metal objects and smart city applications. It is designed to answer to the challenge of operating on a metal surface or housing, where it is extremely difficult for an antenna to operate. It uses a patented new technology with two layers: The first layer is electrically isolated to provide RF shielding to the second layer, allowing the antenna to radiate effectively in the direction pointing away from the base material. It can be used on bicycles, motorcycles, vehicles, containers or other property that needs to be tracked and located accurately.

Antenova, www.antenova.com

UAV

Drone controller

In kit with UAVCAN GNSS module, power module, long-range Wi-Fi

The ArduPilot-based Emlid Edge drone controller runs Linux on a quad-core system on chip, and offers an HDMI input, long-range 5.8GHz Wi-Fi and a UAVCAN GNSS module. The Emlid Edge kit offers an HDMI input to capture video from an HD camera such as the GoPro. An optimized, long-range 5.8-GHz Wi-Fi link can stream pre-compressed HD video and telemetry data up to 2 kilometers to Emlid’s QGroundControl station (GCS) software running on a laptop equipped with the same 5.8-GHz link. The kit provides a separate external UAVCAN GNSS module that includes a temperature-controlled dual inertial measurement unit (IMU) and barometer sensor subsystem. The module supports batteries up to 12S and current sensing up to 200A. The GCS software includes waypoint navigation, flight status monitoring, automatic return based on triggers, and payload control for devices like cameras, retractable landing gear, parachute or crop-spraying equipment.

Emlid, emlid.com

Professional drone

12-kilometer direct vision feed

The Falcon UAV comes with a complete first-person-view kit. A return-to-launch function enables the system to come back to the point of launch by command of the Ground Control Station or when it loses power. High-efficiency motors and actively braking propellers provide increased stability and response control, while hard-switch buttons on the command station reduce the in-field risk of operating the the aircraft and selecting the wrong mode or instruction. Autonomous software allows the operator to plan, control and fly missions using pre-determined flight paths via waypoint control. Its small noise footprint means the aircraft is undetectable at 150 meters.

Airborne Drones, 
www.airbornedrones.co

Counter-UAV rifle

Distrupts GNSS signals

The REX 1 is designed to disrupt GPS, GLONASS, Galileo and BeiDou sateliite navigation signals; radio-frequency communications (900 MHz, 2.4 GHz and 5.2–5.8 GHz); and mobile networks (GSM, 3G and LTE). Built on the Kalashnikov MP-514K rifle, it can be put in combat mode with the push of a button. It is equipped with interchangeable jamming units, a sight, foregrip, bipod and a mount for ancillaries such as a strobe light or a laser-beam pointer. The battery is installed in the rifle’s buttstock and has a continuous working time of 3 hours. It has a jamming distance of 1,000 meters (5,000 meters against GPS navigation), an angular coverage of 15° (180° against GPS navigation) and weighs 4.2 kilograms.

ZALA Aero Group, zala.aero

Fixed-wing UAV

Six-hour flight time

The Atlas Blue-J features a 3.5-meter wing span, four to six hours of flight time and a 150-kilometer operational range. Designed for large-scale security and inspection missions, the fixed-wing UAV can be operated in autonomous and semi-autonomous modes, including takeoff and landing. Made of carbon fiber, the Atlas Blue-J is light weight (11 kilograms) and can carry up to a 9-kilogram payload. It is suitable for high-speed, high-altitude missions, with long target duration capabilities and a low radar footprint.

Atlas Dynamics, 
www.atlasdynamics.eu

Agriculture drone

Simultaneous capture of thermal, NDVI, high-resolution RGB imagery

The Omni quadcopter drone captures three distinct crop health data measurements in a single flight: thermal, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and high-resolution RGB. Pairing a DJI XT Thermal sensor with Omni’s standard Double 4K offers agronomists, crop consultants, advisors, and producers a precise agriculture data capture tool for multi-dimensional insights. Thermal data allows farmers to evaluate plant health and practices as reflected through plant and soil temperatures.

Sentera, www.sentera.com

Charging station

Enables battery and package exchange

The Matternet Station enables fully-automated ground operations for Matternet customer networks, including battery and package exchange. It is integrated with Matternet’s autonomous M2 drone and Matternet’s cloud platform to provide an intuitive user interface for sending and receiving packages through Matternet. The station has a footprint of 2 square meters and can be installed at ground or rooftop locations. Its technology guides the Matternet M2 drone to precision landing on the station’s platform. After landing, the station locks the drone in place and automatically swaps its battery and payload. A user is able to send a package to another location by scanning it into the Matternet Station, or receive a package from the station by scanning a QR code. The first Matternet networks will service hospitals in cities across Switzerland.

Matternet, mttr.net

OEM

GPS Firewall

Protects critical infrastructure from spoofing and jamming

The BlueSky GPS Firewall is designed to provide security protection for GPS-delivered position, navigation and timing (PNT) data. It can be deployed in-line between any standard GPS antenna and stationary GPS receiver to provide protection against GPS signal incidents, both intentional or accidental, before they enter a GPS receiver system. BlueSky GPS Firewall filters the GPS signal in real time, removing anomalies before the signal is consumed by the downstream GPS receiver. This creates an intelligent and secure barrier against jamming and spoofing, and prevents the GPS receiver from being impacted by such incidents. It incorporates an Ethernet interface for remote management and monitoring and includes a secure web interface for configuration and set-up. Evaluation kits are available in advance of full production release, both in response to the growing number of GPS incidents and their potential threat to critical infrastructure.

Microsemi, www.microsemi.com

Low-noise amplifiers

LNA upgrades enable expanded GNSS reception

Four new models of high-performing wideband low noise amplifiers (LNAs) are now available for choke-ring antennas, with options of 35-dB and 50-dB gain. The LNAs are designed for upgrading existing choke-ring antennas with Dorne Margolin/EDO elements to receive new and expanding GNSS signals. The LNAs provide consistent gain across the full bandwidth and include filters for suppression of out-of-band interfering signals, such as cellular LTE and Iridium signals, while maintaining a low noise figure, high third-order intercept point, small group delay and low power consumption. The enclosure is designed to fit a wide variety of currently deployed choke-ring antennas.

Tallysman, www.tallysman.com

GNSS-inertial boards

OEM boards for high-precision guidance and control

The BD GNSS family of boards includes the BD940 GNSS and GNSS-inertial boards and new BD990 GNSS, GNSS-heading and GNSS-inertial boards. The BX940 and BX992 models are available in a rugged enclosure (pictured) for applications in harsh environments. The BD GNSS boards offer simple connectivity and configuration, allowing system integrators and OEMs to easily add GNSS positioning and orientation — with the ability to upgrade its capabilities — using the same board footprint, connectors and software interface for specialized and custom hardware solutions. The compact boards include a broad range of receiver capabilities, from high-accuracy GNSS-only to full GNSS-inertial features for positioning and 3D orientation. Firmware options are upgradeable, allowing functionality to be added as requirements change. The boards are designed for UAVs, autonomous vehicles, fleet management and aviation.

Trimble, www.trimble.com

GNSS RTK board

Upgraded with improved functionality

The Precis-BX306 RTK board (pictured: Precis-BX306 board easy kit) has been upgraded with new and improved GPS and GLONASS functionality. The new version supports up to 20-Hz real-time kinematic (RTK) solution and raw measurement output, which can be integrated with autopilots and inertial navigation units. With improved algorithms, the new Precis-BX306 demonstrates an ability to quickly fix a 30-km baseline. Stable fix rate is achieved when under tree canopy, in urban canyons and other challenging environments. This latest version of Precis-BX306 is pin-to-pin compatible with major GNSS boards in the market, offering a flexible interface. Event mark and PPS are supported as always.

Tersus GNSS, www.tersus-gnss.com

SURVEY & MAPPING

Radio modem

Offers advanced radio connectivity with GNSS receivers

The R4S-BT UHF radio provides an external option for use with the Sokkia GCX receiver line. The UHF multichannel radio modem has a tuning range of up to 70 MHz. It features an IP67 certified housing with internal batteries designed to be easy to carry with versatile mounting options. The radio modem makes the GCX GNSS receiver a more scalable and modular solution for situations without a network connection or when long-range Bluetooth technology is not enough on its own. Survey and mapping professionals can add the radio modem to extend the range between the base and rover. Connectivity options include wireless data transfer and USB connections.

Sokkia, sokkia.com

Survey UAV

Programmable via computer

The Triumph-F1 Survey UAV and Receiver is based around a geodetic GNSS receiver with 864 channels. When used on the ground, the receiver can function as base or rover. It includes eight propeller motors, a sim card slot, two micro SD card slots, USB connector, satellite tracking and communications indicators, flight and gyro status indicators, storage and selector for saved flight patterns, up to four antennas including Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, four angled cameras and a downward-facing high-precision camera for photogrammetry.

JAVAD GNSS, www.javad.com

GNSS smart antennas

Next-generation multi-frequency

The S321+ and C321+ smart antennas are upgrades to the previous versions S321 and C321 and offer added benefits. Powered by the Eclipse P326 OEM board, the smart antennas support 394 channels and can simultaneously track all satellite signals including GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo and QZSS. The boards come with two hot-swappable lithium batteries providing up to 12 hours of operation. The S321+ and C321+ combine Hemisphere’s Athena GNSS engine and Atlas L-band correction technologies with a new customer-friendly web user interface. Both antennas meet IP67-standard requirements. The S321+ and C321+ come in two versions, with 4G LTE optimized for either North American or international locations. The S321+ is designed for use in land or marine survey, GIS, mapping and construction. With the SureFix advanced processor, the S321+ delivers high-fidelity RTK-quality information. The C321+ is designed for construction environments, and can be paired with Hemisphere’s SiteMetrix software that helps manage construction jobsite activities.

Hemisphere GNSS, hemispheregnss.com

Topography software

Integrates data from a variety of sensors in one platform

X-PAD Office Fusion is an all-in-one office software combining data from multiple sensors into a single interface. It manages, combines and processes data from GNSS receivers, total stations, laser scanners and other sensors, whether from GeoMax or another provider. There is no need to export the data from one program to another, and X-PAD also offers all CAD features. The program handles a multitude of different types of data: measurements, coordinates, drawings and point clouds. Large quantities of data can be managed in the fastest way with maximum accuracy. The software automatically detects the common points between the point clouds and performs a first rough alignment. The Bundle Adjustment feature performs the final and accurate alignment in order to reduce errors. Personalized reports are then created with little effort.

GeoMax Positioning, www.geomax-positioning.com

TRANSPORTATION

Public transportation

Insight for agencies and passengers

The TSO Public Tracker provides public transportation riders with a variety of GPS-based monitoring capabilities. Riders can view exact locations and information on a variety of public vehicles. Passengers can view on a single screen the whereabouts of connected-fleet vehicles in real time. The tracker can be used by agencies of all sizes and in different geographical locations. The related TSO Mobile App provides route information, current and historical location updates in different map views through Google Maps, and more. TSO Mobile’s transportation solutions also provide agencies with driver reports based on customized behavior metrics to improve driver behavior.

TSO Mobile, www.tsomobile.com

Freight tracking

Location of cargo in transit

Omnitracs Virtual Load View (VLV) provides brokers, shippers and carriers with direct access to the position data of assets carrying their freight, allowing them to easily track loads. Position data about the load is either shared from the Omnitracs Intelligent Vehicle Gateway (IVG) or Mobile Computing Platform (MCP) unit, or if no Omnitracs unit is available, through the VLV Mobile smartphone application, which the driver can download from the iOS and Android app stores. VLV can also be directly integrated into a company’s back office system, so employees are not required to learn and access a new platform. Brokers and shippers can identify loads that are behind schedule so they can make the proper adjustments in a timely manner.

Omnitracs, www.omnitracs.com

UAV

Mapping drone

For survey-grade photogrammetry

The lightweight fixed-wing UX11 UAV combines a powerful integrated onboard system, industry-grade sensors, limitless communication range and PPK centimeter-level positioning. It carries enough onboard computing power to access and process pictures, then send them to the operator in real-time. It will run automated quality checks on the images (such as blur detection or overlap checks) to help ensure the operator is acquiring quality data. Its redundant communications system includes a proprietary line-of-sight radio and 3G/4G connectivity between the ground-control station and the UAV using a worldwide machine-to-machine pre-paid plan. The UX11 is ready for beyond visual line-of-sight (BVLOS) flights with unlimited range and adds a new level of safety with this communication link.

DelAir, delair.aero

Super digital camera

Super 35 Camera for Professional Aerial Cinematography

The Zenmuse X7 UAV camera features superior image quality, interchangeable lenses and a new post-production color system. The Super 35 digital film camera is designed to work with the DJI Inspire 2 drone. The Zenmuse X7 features 14 stops of dynamic range for more detail in low-light conditions. Its low-noise image capture enhances grading flexibility by preserving details in both highlight and dark areas while enabling a shallow cinematic depth of field. It is capable of shooting 6K CinemaDNG RAW or 5.2K Apple ProRes at up to 30 frames per second (FPS), as well as 3.9K CinemaDNG RAW or 2.7K ProRes at up to 59.94 FPS to integrate into industry-standard post-production workflows.

DJI, dji.com

Charging Station

For remote BVLOS missions

The Atlas NEST smart protective charging station is designed for autonomous beyond visual line-of-sight (BVLOS) operation of the Atlas Pro drone platform. The Atlas NEST is a landing, protective charging station that extends flight range and provides constant drone readiness in remote locations. When the Atlas Pro UAV requires new batteries, it can autonomously land in a NEST charging station where a robotic arm changes the drone’s batteries, allowing the Atlas Pro to continue flying to mission completion. The Atlas NEST can be stationary or motorized.

Atlas Dynamics, www.atlasdynamics.eu

UAV for heavy payloads

VTOL lift-off followed by tilt to fixed wing in flight

The WingtraOne vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) UAV bridges the gap between traditional multi-rotors and fixed-wing drones. It takes off and lands vertically like conventional multirotors, but once in flight, the drone tilts forward to fly like a fixed-wing aircraft. Being able to carry a heavy payload such as the Sony RX1RII, the drone offers high mapping accuracy, while covering an area of 980 acres (400 Ha) at 3 cm/px (1.2 in/px) GSD or the equivalent of 570 football fields. The WingtraOne is available in use in Europe, China, the United States and Australia for applications ranging from surveying and precision agriculture to glacier monitoring.

Wingtra, wingtra.com