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Reference and Control Station Improvements from Leica
Leica Geosystems’ booth at ACSM features a display of its GPS Reference Station, Advanced CORS System, with ControlStation software. Targeted for operators of Continuously Operating Reference Stations (CORS) networks such as state departments of transportation, the system’s mission is to ensure the validity of CORS data.
The GPS Reference Station and ControlStation software consists of extremely stable components intended for permanent installation. When running at full functionality, reference stations within the targeted network will essentially run continuous checks on the positioning data of each other. When a station’s data is determined to be questionable for whatever reason, the data is disabled. In effect, by the time the data reaches the user, it will have been pre-processed.
The Michigan DOT is one CORS sponsor that has made a commitment to use Leica’s system to guarantee that the CORS data it supplies is free of anomalies or other errors. Such a commitment is a significant contribution to the NGS effort to upgrade the accuracy of positioning based upon the National Spatial Reference System.
MicroSurvey FieldGenius Leads to Contract
MicroSurvey Software Inc. introduced the FieldGenius Surveyor, a data collection solution for surveyors, engineers and construction professionals. FieldGenius contains many field computation tools, allowing users to take shots, see linework and check drawings in the field. It claims to have more computing power than most onboard total station systems combined with a graphic interface that allows users to visually grab point, line and curve information. The FieldGenius syncs with MicroSurvey's desktop software automatically so users can see their field work on the desktop.
MicroSurvey also introduced Tap 'n Survey, one touch calculating power on the data collector screen. Users can tap a point to display its coordinates or tap a line to get its bearing and distance.
MicroSurvey has partnered with DAP Technologies, a Quebec City firm that designs, manufactures and markets rugged hand-hand computers with wireless communication capabilities, to provide data collection solutions for rugged field work. By working together, the two companies were recently awarded a contract from the British Columbia Ministry of Transportation and Highways to supply the agency with up to 150 units of the MICROFLEX CE5320 data collector over a three-year term.
DAP's MICROFLEX units operate on Microsoft Windows CE3.0, and feature an Intel Strong ARM CPU (equivalent to the speed of a 190 MHz Pentium processor). Tested in accordance with military standards MIL-STD-810E, the computers continuously withstand rough handling, drops onto concrete, driving rain, extreme temperature variations, condensation and other harsh environmental conditions. They also provide superior data security using NAND memory, user modes and automated communications.
