FieldTech: Surveying Technology Essentials

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Topcon FC-500 Data Collector
Offering a large, bright sunlight-readable display screen, the FC-500 has built-in wireless Bluetooth® and WiFi connectivity, and an optional 3.5G cellular modem, allowing interaction from users in the field, to the office, and additionally to the cloud when used with MAGNET Enterprise. Additional features of the FC-500 include a 1GHz processor and 8GB flash storage. When used with MAGNET Field, users can imprint file information, including GPS location, directly on photos that are taken with the internal 5MP camera. The FC-500 can also be used as a standalone device for 2-5 meter accuracy.

Sokkia GHX2 Network Rover
Designed to pair with the Sokkia SA300 external antenna to provide enhanced positioning accuracy and RTK performance, the system is a perfectly balanced and lightweight solution for surveying professionals. Additional features include a large 5.7-inch, sunlight readable touchscreen, waterproof housing, a built-in 3.2MP camera with 4GB of flash storage, and Bluetooth® and Wi-Fi connectivity. The system is compatible with MAGNET® Field and Sokkia Receiver Utility (SRU) software.

MicroSurvey FieldGenius v7 Software
Featuring a redesigned stakeout routine, easier project workflows and enhanced connection capabilities, the latest release offers big, bold navigation text during stakeout and also includes a compass view to intuitively navigate users to the point. A more robust Bluetooth module automatically reestablishes communication link to equipment when needed. Other improvements include easier export options; better backsight calculations; faster bluetooth connections; simplified NTRIP caster management; and GNSS Tolerance Override.

Leica Viva GNSS Unlimited Series
The Leica Viva GNSS range now fully supports the Chinese BeiDou navigation system. It can even provide BeiDou-only and Glonass-only high-precision positioning. The unlimited series additionally includes a future upgrade to a GNSS board with more than 500 channels and will serve users’ needs beyond 2020. Outages of real time kinematic (RTK) communication links are bridged for up to 10 minutes with SmartLink to increase centimeter position availability in areas where RTK communications links are unstable.

Globalstar’s Sat-Fi
When travelling beyond cellular, Sat-Fi key features include: Powered by the world’s newest, most modern satellite network; Data speeds 4x faster than the competition; Easy initial setup– Sat-Fi can be operational within minutes to make calls, send emails and SMS; Affordable airtime plans, starting at $39.99/month and with Unlimited voice and data plans for only $149.99/month; and connect up to 8 users to Sat-Fi at one time.

Trimble 4D Control Software
Trimble introduced the latest version of its deformation monitoring software–Trimble® 4D ControlTM version 4.3. The latest software version features new optional monitoring applications–the High Rise App, the SeismoGeodetic App and the Trimble 4D Control Site Setup App for Trimble Access–to better analyze complex data communicated from a broad range of GNSS, optical, geotechnical, seismic, atmospheric and metrological sensors.

Neptec OPAL-360
The sensor features a large, panoramic field of view, longer range options and, in particular, a non-overlapping scan pattern that avoids creating "blind spots" when the scanner is stationary compared to conventional 360° laser scanners designed for autonomous vehicles. Neptec’s patented obscurant-penetrating OPAL technology also solves the problem of operating a LiDAR-based surveillance system in all types of weather–including fog, rain and dusty conditions.

Orbit GT Mobile Mapping Feature Extraction
Version 11 includes seamless access, viewing, inspecting and management of unlimited size point clouds and imagery of all sorts and resolutions. The Feature Extraction tools include tools for Point, Distance, (Poly)Line, Catenary and Areas. Visualization includes panoramic view, perspective, anaglyph stereo and isometric views.

Leica Geosystems Pegasus:Two
With its portable and streamlined aerodynamic design, the Pegasus:Two offers six horizontal cameras, plus an optional rear camera and a skyward view camera, a single high speed LiDAR sensor, and an external output for an additional sensor. Pegasus:Two balances the largest pixel to sensor ratio on the market (5.5 x 5.5 µm), delivering extremely high image resolution. Users can download data via WiFi or wired Ethernet, or even faster by using the latest USB3 interface. Equipped with the Novatel’s latest ProPak6TM high precision receiver, the Pegasus:Two offers accurate positioning even in urban canyons.

A 1.626Mb PDF of this article as it appeared in the magazine—complete with images—is available by clicking HERE