Launchpad: GOOSE receiver, splitter and decoder

A roundup of recent products in the GNSS and inertial positioning industry from the October 2019 issue of GPS World magazine.

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Multi-GNSS receiver

Refined in the Galileo Online project for rail applications

The multi-GNSS receiver GOOSE, distributed by TeleOrbit GmbH and developed by Fraunhofer IIS, is now available in a new housing. GOOSE now also includes the new OS-NMA beta standard, available by the end of 2019, which was integrated within the research project PRoPART. GOOSE is a flexible, professional GNSS receiver development platform with an open software interface, which can be adapted to a variety of applications and application-specific correction services. The flexible development platform offers multi-system and multi-signal real-time processing; integrated antenna receiver combination (smart antenna); guaranteed stable phase center for all GNSS frequencies; and deployment in commercial PC or as an embedded platform. It allows deep coupling and vector tracking in real time; access to correlation values; and record and replay of IF samples. It also offers access to SBAS data including upcoming augmentation systems and differential augmentation systems. The platform has been refined in the Galileo Online project for specific usage in rail applications. It has also been further upgraded as a robust and reliable Galileo position sensor for autonomous truck applications.

TeleOrbit, teleorbit.eu

Inertial measurement

Low-noise performance for high dynamic applications

The LandMark 007 inertial measurement unit (IMU) combines low noise, high range sensors and Velox high-speed output in a rugged package measuring 0.7 inches square. With rate ranges up to 2000°/s and acceleration ranges as high as 200 g, the LandMark 007 IMU provides demanding, precision performance for a range of high dynamic, rugged applications. High-speed output data rates (up to 10 kHz) for measurement accuracy and flexibility are complemented by low-noise gyros and accelerometers. A development kit is available.

Gladiator Technologies, gladiatortechnologies.com

Decoder

Corrections data from L6D and l6E

The QZSS L6 decoder module TAU-1303 supports tracking QZSS signals L6D (CLAS) and L6E (MADOCA). It can decode corrections data broadcast from L6D and L6E signals, and assist developers in applying the centimeter-level accuracy by PPP-RTK algorithm with the correction data. Within its 7.6 × 7.6-millimeter size, the module provides six channels to support tracking L6D and L6E at the same time. CLAS on L6D channel corrects satellite clock, orbit, code bias, phase bias ionosphere delay and tropospheric delay. MADOCA on L6E channel corrects satellite clock, orbit, code bias and phase bias. The TAU-1303 offers superior performance through an on-board 26-MHz temperature-compensated crystal oscillator (TCXO) and a reduced time to first fix because of its dedicated 32-KHz real-time clock oscillator. Based on 40-nanometer manufacturing processes of the Cynosure III GNSS chipset, the TAU-1303 has very low power consumption of less than 40 mA at 3.3V.

Allystar Technology Co., www.allystar.com

GPS Splitter

Uses only one rack space

ViaLite’s new Local Integrated GPS Splitter was designed to minimize rack space. The unit provides a fan-out of GPS/GNSS signals within a local area, can accept optical inputs from up to four antennas, and has a 1000-1800-MHz frequency range. Though it has a height of only one rack unit, the system is useful for feeding timing and synchronization signals to single or multiple floors or rooms through eight to 32 optical fiber links with no system loss. It includes built-in simple network management protocol (SNMP) control as well as dual-redundant power supply units. Built for data centers, banking institutions, scientific research establishments, cellular test environments, fixed satcom stations, oil and gas platforms, and big data.

ViaLite, vialite.com

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Point-cloud software

Creates intelligent 3D mesh models

Pointfuse point-cloud processing software converts the millions of individual measurements captured by laser scanning and photogrammetry into 3D mesh models.The latest release features streamlined classification to ensure maximum efficiency and multicore processing for unlimited conversion power. The ability to classify objects and compare as-built objects with the design enables more accurate clash detection, reducing the number of false clashes being flagged. Intelligently optimized mesh models reduce the working data size by a factor of up to 100, making them easy to share with online 3D collaboration platforms, such as BIM 360, 3D Repo, Revitzo and Trimble Connect.

Pointfuse, pointfuse.com

Android Software

Mobile data collection in the field

FieldGenius for Android, version 1.0, is multi-platform data-collection software built on Android OS. The brand-neutral data-collection software supports most popular GNSS sensors on the market. Features include dynamic data panels synchronized with map views, intuitive interface, simplified workflows and readily available data that surveyors require to make informed decisions in the field. Early adopters receive additional benefits and participate in the newly created MicroSurvey Technology Innovation Group.

MicroSurvey Software, microsurvey.com

Handheld GNSS receiver

Camera-enabled centimeter logging

The SP20 handheld GNSS receiver offers innovative camera-enabled centimeter-accurate logging in an everyday GIS and survey tool. Rugged, lightweight and versatile, the SP20 delivers high-end performance. It is an easy-to-use tool that delivers accuracy from meter to centimeter, depending on the job. Android-based, it is useful for cadastral, construction or topographic surveys; a range of GIS jobs from data collection to inspection and maintenance; and non-traditional geospatial professionals. The 5.3-inch screen displays the new workflow using a camera to ensure 2D centimeter accuracy handheld and 3D centimeter accuracy with monopole setup.

Spectra Geospatial, spectrageospatial.com

Offline data transfer

Alternative to the clouds

TerraFlex users can now synchronize data directly to their on-premise Esri geographic information system without cloud services. The new software workflow — called offline data transfer — is possible through the integration of Trimble TerraFlex and the Trimble Positions Desktop add-in for Esri ArcGIS Desktop. TerraFlex is a field solution that enables mobile workers to easily collect, manage and edit their geospatial feature data. The new workflow provides an alternative to using Trimble cloud services for storing and transferring GIS feature data collected with the TerraFlex platform. In addition, TerraFlex field data collected via this workflow using a Trimble GNSS receiver can be post-processed directly inside the Trimble Positions Desktop add-in for improved positional accuracy. The mobile apps are available in Apple’s App Store and the Google Play store.The Trimble Positions Desktop add-in is available through the Trimble Geospatial distribution channel.

Trimble, www.trimble.com

GPS Receiver

Now compatible with iPhone and iPad 

The Geode GNS2 sub-meter GPS receiver features connectivity with a range of iPhone and iPad devices, made possible by the Geode’s new MFi certification. Features of the Geode GNS2 include an IP-68 rating to withstand harsh environments, all-day battery life, multiple correction sources for precise real-time data, and an open interface that works with a wide range of Windows, Android, iPhone, and iPad devices as well as Juniper Systems’ handhelds.

Juniper Systems, junipersys.com