ProFlex helps achieve fast and accurate underwater, under-seabed cable and pipeline mapping
Santa Clara, Calif., October 21, 2010 – The Ashtech ProFlex 500 receiver has been selected to provide GNSS position data to the recently introduced FieldSens underwater utility mapping system from Optimal Ranging Inc. FieldSens is a faster and more accurate means of locating underwater utilities than conventional methods because the FieldSens towed unit only needs to be in the general vicinity of the utility line to provide accurate 3-D mapping of the line. The FieldSens technology is based on the optimization of data from many sensors, including ProFlex 500 GNSS data, a pressure sensor, 3-axis digital compass, and pitch and roll, against a physical model of the magnetic field expected from the utility line. The FieldSens method eliminates the need to bring the measurement equipment to specific points along the utility cable or pipe in order to validate position. Conventional instruments must find the peak or null in the signal in order to confirm pipeline or cable position. The underwater towed FieldSens calculates position including bottom depth, utility depth, and depth of cover measurements, with each value is accompanied by a confidence interval.
The towed rig, which can also be fixed-mounted to the vessel for shallow water applications, receives the ProFlex 500 positioning data stream via Bluetooth. Additional Bluetooth streamed data includes data from the vessel’s depth sounder and length of the automated tow cable.
The Ashtech ProFlex 500 GNSS receiver was selected for its excellent positioning performance, very flexible NMEA-like application interface, integrated GSM modem with NTRIP network corrections, robust design, and quick change camcorder-type battery, according to Jim Waite, president of Optimal Ranging.
About the ProFlex 500 GNSS receiver
Designed for shipboard use, the ProFlex 500 uses patented BLADE technology to apply multiple GNSS constellations (GPS, GLONASS, SBAS) to deliver very fast real-time output with centimeter-level precision enabling coastal vessels to work more accurately and economically. Its high-impact resistant aluminum housing resists harsh shipboard conditions, including salt mist, 100 percent condensing humidity, shock and vibration. Even in close proximity to other shipboard electronic equipment, all available signals are optically isolated from receiver’s internal circuitry. Its advanced multi-path mitigation virtually eliminates superstructure interference. The receiver offers long-range RTK capability, dependable UHF communications, and mounting parts for easy shipboard installation.
About Optimal Ranging Inc.
Optimal Ranging, Inc., headquartered in Santa Clara, Calif., develops and manufactures equipment for locating and mapping of underwater or underground cable and pipeline utilities. The equipment utilizes the unique FieldSens™ remote sensing method for achieving survey-grade precision in mapping, establishing depth of cover and locating faults, significantly simplifying and lowering the cost of those operations compared to established methods. For more information on Optimal Ranging, visit www.optimalranging.com.
About Ashtech
Recognized as an industry innovator, Ashtech (formerly Magellan Professional) has been developing GNSS technology for more than 25 years. Ashtech is the creator of BLADE technology, which introduces a unique patented method to the market using multiple GNSS constellations for high-accuracy positioning. Ashtech has also introduced the MobileMapper® series of products for GIS and mapping, as well as the ProFlex™ 500 and ProMark™ series, including the ProMark 500, ProMark3 RTK and ProMark 3, a well-recognized GNSS Land Survey product line currently on the market. Ashtech S.A.S. is privately held and headquartered in Carquefou, France, with offices in Beijing, China, and Singapore, as well as affiliates in Santa Clara, California (Ashtech LLC) and Moscow (Ashtech A/O LLC). For more information on Ashtech, visit www.ashtech.com.