Berntsen International Inc. introduced the Rothbucher System line of permanent precision survey markers. Rothbucher survey markers and control points are made of tough, UV-resistant materials and are intended for long-term, highly precise control monumentation. The system includes 20 specialized markers for placement anywhere precise, repeatable control is needed. Rothbucher markers typically include a reflective surface for use with most total stations and a bull’s-eye or level line (or ledge) for accurate targeting. Rothbucher markers can be set directly into concrete or attached to reference points by adhesive or threaded inserts. One set of markers can be attached to formwork and leaves a negative impression in concrete that serves as an elevation reference during the project’s life. Another set has a built-in roof that protects the target from concrete applied to the structure after control placement. The low profile of the markers allows measurements to be taken directly at the point of interest rather than at a prism offset. Because they remain in place permanently, shots to Rothbucher control markers are repeatable and more accurate than prism shots. Shots that are unsafe or difficult to access only need to be physically accessed once, and all future shots can be taken from a safe, remote location. ( www.berntsen.com )

Carlson Software released CG-Survey 9 and CG-Survey 18. New features include VISTA and AutoCAD 2008 compatibility, deed reader, point manager, all new lot labeling routines, shrinkwrap, enhanced CG symbol editor and new polyline tools. In addition, users have the ability to create 3D face from TIN, edit coordinates in spreadsheet format and create a Carlson grid file. CG-Survey 9 and CG-Survey 18 also feature Network Least Squares Adjustment (NLSA), which simultaneously adjusts a network of interconnected traverses with any amount of redundancy. The raw data can contain any combination of traverse (angle and distance), triangulation (angle only) and trilateration (distance only) and GPS vectors. It also can calculate and adjust resections, any combination of distance and angles. Both programs interface to virtually any data collector on the market. CG and Carlson Software data files are fully compatible, with all drawings being the AutoCAD DWG format. (www.carlsonsw.com )

Topcon Positioning Systems announced a new internal CDMA cellular modem option for the GR-3 family of receivers. The CDMA option allows the use of signals from Verizon and Sprint. The new receiver kits are available with single- and dual-mode GR-3 UHF receivers. ( www.topconpositioning.com/news-events ).

ESRI released ArcGIS Explorer 440. ArcGIS Explorer 440 includes more ways to customize maps, efficient methods of communicating information about features on custom maps and instantaneous navigation to target areas around the globe. Users can now access ArcIMS sublayers enabling the selection of desired content and providing better control. This release also includes new billboarded point symbol sets as well as the ability for users to add their own custom symbols from local images or images found on the Web. Pop-up windows are now supported for both results and local data sources, and can be customized and configured using style sheets. This enables users to create better visual representations and communicate detailed information for specific features. Other improvements include better KML support, new navigation options, access to map layer properties, enhanced result management and more.



Also, ESRI enhanced the ArcGIS Explorer Resource Center where users can find content such as maps and layers. Two new tabs have been added to the Content section to make it easier to find results and tasks. The Community Showcase has been improved to make it easier for users to browse maps and link to Web sites that include maps created with ArcGIS Explorer. Users can also browse the ArcGIS Explorer Blog to learn about real-life examples of how ArcGIS Explorer is used by GIS professionals in their daily work. ( www.esri.com/arcgisexplorer )



QCoherent Software released LP360 v1.5.1 and LP360 Classify v1.5.1. LP360 v1.5.1 provides ESRI ArcGIS users the ability to leverage enormous LiDAR point cloud data sets. New features in LP360 v1.5.1 include: accelerated export and conflation performance; additional exporting options including intensity raster; intensity shading toggle; LiDAR QA/QC Toolbar; and enhanced profile functions. LP360 v1.5.1 users can export contours directly from LiDAR .LAS files, integrate and create 3D breaklines from 2D features, classify LiDAR point clouds using familiar geospatial operations and conflate elevation statistics to features. ( www.QCoherent.com )