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 Design &
Integration
Trends in
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GPSWORLD.COM

MULTI-GNSS
BOOSTS
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ACCURACY

First GPS III

Inaugurates New Era

Experts Define the

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Super Powers
JANUARY 2019 | Vol 30 | No 1
CENTIMETER-LEVEL ACCURATE
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S W I F T N A V. C O M / G P S
 VO L . 3 0 N O. 1 G P SWO R LD.CO M JANUARY 2019

Photo: Topcon
COVER STORY
28 THE FUTURE OF PRECISION
Cover Photo Creation: Leica Geosystem

WITH FIVE GNSS CONSTELLATIONS

by Gethin Wyn Roberts, Craig M. Hancock and Xu Tang
Today’s GNSS satellites transmit on three or more carrier frequencies. he quality
of the data in these signals from GPS, BeiDou, Galileo, GLONASS and QZSS
reveals the expected measurement precisions. his article explores the noise of the
range residual and ionospheric residual to indicate the oncoming capabilities.

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16 OEM 36 OEM 41 DEFENSE
17 SURVEY & MAPPING 38 SURVEY 42 TRANSPORTATION
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JANUARY 2019 WWW.GPSWORLD.COM GPS WORLD 3

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 JANUARY 2019
OPINIONS AND DEPARTMENTS

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ONLINENOW
NEWSLETTER EXCERPT

Geospatial Data Act Will Bring Huge

Changes to America, and the World
BY William Tewelow

Image: iStock.com/Jirantanin Chanachaiviriyakul

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR, GEOSPATIAL INTELLIGENCE

O
n Oct. 5, the FAA Reauthorization Bill passed into
law with overwhelming bipartisan Congressional
support. The Senate passed it 93-6, and the House
passed it 398-23. Both parties came together to pass this
important a piece of legislation. It happened without fanfare
or recognition aside from certain circles, but within H.R. 302
was contained the entire Geospatial Data Act 2018.
Most people are unaware that the Geospatial Data Act
(GDA) is now law. Even fewer realize that the GDA ap-
plies not only to the FAA, but to all government agencies
except for the Department of Defense and the intelligence
community. ability, opening GPS to the masses. Four years later, in June
Since Roger Tomlinson first created a geographic infor- 2005, Google Earth was launched. The iPhone came out two
mation system in the 1960s, GIS has become a multi-billion years later. Then, a year later, Google Maps with real-time
dollar global industry. By 2020, it is forecast to be nearly navigation was released.
a half-trillion dollars annually. The global GIS market is Businesses like Uber that depend on GPS and GIS began
expected to double in seven years. in 2012. Now, industries such as drones and autonomous
GeoBuiz estimates that GIS influences 20 percent the vehicles are on the verge of exponential growth.
world’s entire $80.7 trillion global annual production. Ac- Apply a similar trajectory to GIS and combine it with
cording to the Countries Geospatial Readiness Index, the smart technologies like the internet of things, open data,
United States leads the world in GIS. What is amazing is data science, artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and
that all these estimates were made prior to the passage of other emerging technologies and the growth potential is
the GDA — the gale force winds that have thus far blown unprecedented…
will soon become a hurricane.
Growth. The sweet spot of opportunity is the forward edge Read the full column at www.gpsworld.com/category/opinions/
of a growing industry. In the mid-90, the growth of the
HOTTEST PAGES @ GPSWORLD.COM
geospatial industry was led by state and local government DECEMBER 2018
(See GeoIntelligence Insider: In Jack Maple’s Steps – Fight-
ing Crime with GIS, May 2018). In the mid-2000s, growth First GPS III satellite encapsulated for LATEST
accelerated due to the intelligence and military communi- 1 Dec. 18 SpaceX launch NEWS
ties. The next big boom in GIS begins now as the federal
government complies with the GDA. There will be an even LATEST
longer growth trend internationally as other countries make 2 GPS to get terrestrial backup system NEWS
their own conversions.
It is a common adage that forecasts usually overestimate First GPS III launch delayed for rocket LATEST
the near term and underestimate the long-term, especially 3 issues NEWS
in regard to technology. Consider how one man’s idea to
Dual-band GNSS market moving from
sell books online in 1995 made him the wealthiest man in LATEST
the world 23 years later, or how a simple search engine in 4 insignificant to billions in less than 5
years
NEWS
1998 is now a global behemoth. Of course, those references
are to Jeff Bezos of Amazon and to Google. Directions 2019: GPS program looks FROM THE
And, consider the impact GPS has made since May 1, 5 toward GPS III launch MAGAZINE

2001, when President Clinton discontinued Selective Avail-

6 GPS WORLD WWW.GPSWORLD.COM JANUARY 2019

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 OUT IN FRONT
All Hail the Gold Standard’s WWW.GPSWORLD.COM
EDITORIAL
Editor-in-Chief & Group Publisher Alan Cameron

New Golden Era

[email protected] | 541-984-5312
Editorial Director Marty Whitford
[email protected] | 216-706-3766
Managing Editor Tracy Cozzens
[email protected] | 541-255-3334
BY Alan Cameron Digital Media Manager Joelle Harms
Were my friend Don Jewell still [email protected] | 216-706-3780
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Digital Editor Allison Barwacz
with us, he would be justifiably proud [email protected] | 216-706-3796

E
lsewhere in this issue you’ll find of the Air Force for launching this Art Director Charles Park

the hard facts — basic, but hard new golden era of the gold standard CONTRIBUTING EDITORS
Innovation Richard Langley | [email protected]
— concerning the inaugural in positioning — yet he would have Defense PNT Michael Jones | [email protected]
launch of the long-awaited GPS III seethed for years over the continued European GNSS Tim Reynolds | [email protected]
Professional OEM & UAV Tony Murfin
constellation. On pages 10 and 12, with pushes to the right.
GeoIntelligence William Tewelow | [email protected]
some seasoned leavening between, on This reminds me a good deal of Survey Tim Burch and Dave Zilkoski |
page 11. the drama and occasional comedy [email protected] and [email protected]

This column instead waxes briefly in the rise of Galileo, observed from BUSINESS
ACCOUNT MANAGER Mike Joyce
on the phenomenon of time, and afar. Next month I’ll give a talk at the [email protected] | 216-706-3723
humankind’s struggle to dominate it, European Space Agency, provisionally ACCOUNT MANAGER Ryan Gerard
[email protected] | 216-363-7921
to subject the fourth dimension to its titled “An Outside History of Galileo,” DIRECTOR OF AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT Bethany Chambers
own will. the bemused viewpoint of one who [email protected] | 216-706-3771
SR. MARKETING & EVENT MANAGER Michelle Mitchell
[email protected] | 216-363-7922
There is a rhythm and a flow to life, MARKETING & EVENT MANAGER Angela Gibian
[email protected] | 216-363-7936
and we are part of it. You can hurry MARKETING & SALES MANAGER, BUYERS’ GUIDE Chloe Scoular
[email protected] | 216-363-7929
neither sundown nor sunrise. PUBLISHING SERVICES
Manager, Production Services Chris Anderson
[email protected] | 216-978-5341
For GPS III has been, yes, long only heard and interpreted the news, Senior Audience Development Manager Antoinette Sanchez-Perkins
[email protected] | 216-706-3750
awaited, long debated, long victim to but did not participate in its forming. Reprints & Permissions Brett Petillo
multiple delays of many colors and For such complex endeavors do not [email protected] | 877-652-5295
Circulation/Subscriber Services
causes, scrutable and inscrutable, happen easily or speedily or exactly [email protected] | USA: 847-513-6030
of technological challenges and as planned by mere mortals. Nor NORTH COAST MEDIA, LLC.
institutional barriers, and of that base should they. Despite much gnashing 1360 East 9th St, Suite 1070
Cleveland, OH 44114, USA
determinant, money. The Government of teeth, no one — in the civil sphere President & CEO Kevin Stoltman
Accounting Office has issued its fair at least — has suffered unduly from [email protected] | 216-706-3740
Vice President of Finance & Operations Steve Galperin
and due share of reports pointing the longish delays in either satnav [email protected] | 216-706-3705
alarmed fingers at constellation gaps system’s modernization. Perhaps a Editorial Director
Marty Whitford | [email protected] | 216-706-3766
and fulfillment shortfalls and the trials few lives could have been saved in the VP Graphic Design & Production
of OCX, the ground control system military, or greater strategic advantage Pete Seltzer | [email protected] | 216-706-3737
without which GPS III satellites may gained, with the new capabilities that MANUSCRIPTS: GPS World welcomes unsolicited articles but cannot be held responsible
for their safekeeping or return. Send to: 1360 East 9th St, Suite 1070, IMG Center, Cleveland, OH 44114,
some day, soon or not-soon, be capable III will offer warfighters, had same USA. Every precaution is taken to ensure accuracy, but publishers cannot accept responsibility
for the accuracy of information supplied herein or for any opinion expressed. REPRINTS:
of broadcasting powerful new signals been available on schedule, say, four Reprints of all articles are available (500 minimum). Contact 877-652-5295, Nick Iademarco. Wright’s
Media, 2407 Timberloch Place, The Woodlands, TX 77380. SUBSCRIBER SERVICES: To
from space, yet not able to do so to six years ago. But even this is mere subscribe, change your address, and all other services, e-mail [email protected] or call 847-
513-6030. LIST RENTAL: Contact 800-529-9020, Brahm Schenkman, bschenkman@inforefinery.
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It’s often said that GPS is a victim and we are part of it. You can hurry 44114, USA. GPS WORLD does not verify any claims or other information appearing in any
of the advertisements contained in the publication and cannot take any responsibility for any
of its own success, that older satellites neither sundown nor sunrise. Things losses or other damages incurred by readers in reliance on such content.

living beyond their forecast lifetimes happen in their own due course.
have allowed t he Air Force to When full GPS III capabilities
economize by not replenishing when arrive — I don’t believe 2023 — then Published monthly

unnecessary. There’s wisdom in this, it will still be in good time. In its own
of course. best time, actually, to be here.

8 GPS WORLD WWW.GPSWORLD.COM JANUARY 2019

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TAKING POSITION

GPS III Finally Aloft, Benefits on the Way

BY Tracy Cozzens
more accurate than the current GPS M-code (military) transmissions. This
MANAGING EDITOR
Block II models. The navigation directional antenna’s spot beam covers

O
n December 23, the first GPS payload has more than three times an area 120 miles at high power—
III satellite entered an orbit reduction in range error and up to boosting the power of military GPS
around Earth, after a five- eight times increase in power — its signals by 100 times in specific regions,
day delay. This first of a new breed of signals should be much easier to pick making military GPS even harder to
GPS satellite also experienced a four- up under tree canopy, within urban jam.
year delay, with its original launch canyons and inside buildings. These advantages may not reach
scheduled for 2014. GPS III also has four civilian signals. the battlefield for a decade. The new
While the system has experienced The L1C signal is interoperable with constellation will take time to build.
more than its share of problems, at the international GNSS, meaning users The GPS III constellation is projected
start of a new year I want to focus on can receive signals from any country’s to be fully capable in June 2023, when
the benefits to come. satellites. Also, using two civilian 10 Block IIIA satellites are expected to
Few of us realized how much our signals means GPS III can directly be in orbit. Ten follow-on satellites are
lives would change when the first GPS detect and correct ionospheric errors. planned to be placed into orbit from
satellite was launched in 1978. GPS III In addition to a standard wide- 2026 to 2034.
could bring about a similar trajectory angle antenna for broad coverage, Back here on Earth, equipment
of changes. Civilians can expect a the GPS III satellites include a high- makers will need time to develop and
more reliable and accurate service. The gain directional antenna that will supply warfighters with military GPS
smartphone message “searching for operate with 100 times (+20 dB) the user equipment (MGUE) that can
signal” could become a dim memory. power of the wide-angle antenna, take advantge of all that GPS III has
GPS III signals will be three times and will be exclusively for use with to offer.

10 G P S W O R L D WWW.GPSWORLD.COM JANUARY 2019

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 PNT
EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD

What is the “sweet spot” for high-precision multi-GNSS receivers, factoring cost,
capability and robustness: processing of 2, 3 or 4 GNSS constellation signals?

“in theUsers expect an

available GNSS position
most demanding
Clem Driscoll
C.J. Driscoll & Associates
Jean-Marie Sleewaegen
Septentrio “wayCombining
frequencies is a
of removing the
environments, making impact of ionospheric
the combination of all John Fischer Michael Swiek disturbances. Some
constellations and frequencies the real Orolia GPS Alliance new GNSS signals such as Galileo E5
sweet spot. The benefits of using all are so high-quality that the solution
constellations and frequencies is very Ellen Hall Julian Thomas degrades when they are combined
important and will only increase in the with lower quality signals on other
Spirent Federal Systems Racelogic Ltd.
future.” frequencies. We must now use
other, novel, approaches to remove
Miguel Amor Jules McNeff Greg Turetzky the ionosphere disturbances.”
Hexagon Positioning Intelligence Overlook Systems Technologies, Inc. Consultant

Thibault Bonnevie Terry Moore

SBG Systems University of Nottingham

Alison Brown
NAVSYS Corporation
Bradford W. Parkinson
Stanford Center for Position,
“issueFour constellations are now virtually free, and incorporated
into new, inexpensive GNSS phone chips. A more complex
is using all frequency bands. Benefits are enormous. With
Navigation and Time volume, costs will plummet. So, the sweet spot moves to use of
Ismael Colomina all frequencies, particularly L5 and equivalents.”
GeoNumerics

JANUARY 2019 WWW.GPSWORLD.COM G P S W O R L D 11

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 SYSTEM
Policy and System
Developments
GPS Galileo GLONASS BeiDou

OF SYSTEMS

Artist’s rendering: Lockheed Martin

First GPS III Satellite Flies
to Historic Perch in Space
A
fter  several launch delays, longer lifetimes to ensure the U.S. technology that is now fully woven into
the first GPS III satellite military-run network remains available the fabric of any modern civilization.”
successfully deployed from a to troops and civil users around the The satellite’s earlier scheduled launch
SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, rising from world for decades to come. date of Dec. 18 was scrubbed, reportedly
Cape Canaveral on Dec. 23. By Jan. 2, “Launch is always a monumental due to liquid oxygen thermal limit
the satellite had circularized its orbit at an event, and especially so since this is constraints aboard the SpaceX Falcon 9
altitude of 12,550 miles to begin a period the first GPS satellite of its generation Block 5 rocket’s first stage reaching safety
of checkout and testing that could last up launched on SpaceX’s first national limits. A second attempt on Dec. 19 was
to 18 months, before entering service. security space mission,” said Lt. Gen. also ruled out due to ongoing evaluations
The satellite, built by Lockheed Martin, John Thompson, commander of the U.S. into the sensor issue. Then ensued three
will serve in space for 15 years. Air Force’s Space and Missile Systems days of weather delay, awaiting favorable
Known as GPS III SV01 and Center and the Air Force’s program wind conditions, until Dec. 23.
nicknamed “Vespucci,” it is the first in executive officer for space. “As more GPS GPS III SV01 was originally scheduled
a new generation of GPS navigation III satellites join the constellation, it will to ride aboard a United Launch Alliance
stations with improved services and bring better service at a lower cost to a (ULA) Delta IV M+ rocket. ULA and

12 G P S W O R L D WWW.GPSWORLD.COM JANUARY 2019

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 SYSTEM
OF
SYSTEMS

its prime partners, Lockheed-Martin Force declared the satellite “Available for on Aug. 20. At that time, the Air Force
and Boeing, have conducted every GPS Launch” (AFL) and had the company declared the second GPS III AFL and in
satellite launch since the start of the place it into storage. November called it up for 2019 launch.
program. However, due to an assortment In 2018, the Air Force called the GPS III satellites SV03-08 are now in
of issues variously involving delayed satellite to Florida, and it was delivered various stages of assembly and test.
technology development and lawsuits
regarding competitive bidding, the Air
Force re-opened the contract process
as part of its Evolved Expendable
Launch Vehicle (EELV) program —
“evolved” signifying that the rocket can
be recovered and reused.
Recycling Rockets. ULA did not bid on
the re-opened contract, citing concerns Assured PNT:
over the selection process and potential
risks with the anticipated lower launch Mitigate Threats to GPS
cost. In 2016, the Air Force selected
SpaceX to take over most GPS III Protect your critical GPS-reliant systems
launches. against interference, jamming and spooing
SpaceX’s Falcon 9 for this launch
used a new first stage core, the B1054.
Although it has re-use capability, it flew
in an expendable configuration this time, Mobile Solutions
with no landing legs and no grid fins. It to ensure continuity of operations.
was disposed of into the Atlantic Ocean
after separation from the second stage.
In other missions, after the satellite-
bearing stage separates from the rest of
the rocket, the remaining core launcher
fires additional fuel to return intact to Networks and Infrastructure
land or to sea aboard an Autonomous solutions to secure precision timing.
Spaceport Drone Ship (ASDS), a
converted barge awaiting in the Atlantic
or Pacific Ocean.
New Generation. The GPS III
constellation, once fulfilled, will bring
three times better accuracy and up to
Expert Testing and Services
eight times improved anti-jamming for reliable performance.
capabilities. Spacecraft life will extend
to 15 years, 25 percent longer than GPS
satellites on-orbit today. GPS III’s new Modular, scalable and afordable positioning,
L1C civil signal also will make it the first navigation and timing solutions from the global
GPS satellite broadcasting a compatible leaders in Assured PNT.
signal with other international global
navigation satellite systems, like Galileo,
improving connectivity for civilian users.
Lockheed Martin developed GPS Join Orolia at ION ITM/PTTI
III and manufactured GPS III SV01 Session B3b: Jan. 30, 4:45 pm, Regency B +1 585.321.5800
at its GPS III Processing Facility near orolia.com
Innovative Navigation Algorithms
Denver. In September 2017, the Air

JANUARY 2019 WWW.GPSWORLD.COM G P S W O R L D 13

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 Inertial Ranging & eLoran Wi-Fi Bluetooth

INERTIAL

NavSight Powers Car Testing and Surveying

S
BG Systems’ Navsight Land & Air Solution is a

Photo: SBG Systems

high-performance inertial navigation +GNSS system
designed to make data collection easier, whether for
high-accuracy applications such as car testing, aerial and
land surveying or “motion and navigation” applications
such as mobile mapping, GIS or road inspection.
It consists of an inertial measurement unit (IMU),
available at two different performance levels, connected
to Navsight, a rugged processing unit embedding fusion NavSight inertial plus GNSS system, shown here with Apogee option.
intelligence and a GNSS receiver. It also has connections
for external equipment such as lidar, cameras or computer. point positioning services such as Omnistar and TerraStar.
The Ekinox IMU enables the NavSight system to offer SBG IMUs’ sensor alignment and lever arms are
up to 0.02° roll and pitch accuracy in an RTK mode, up to automatically estimated and validated. Once connected
0.05° GNSS-based heading on a 4-meter baseline, and up to the Navsight processing unit, the web interface guides
to 1-centimeter positioning accuracy, depending on the the user to configure the solution. A 3D view of the vehicle
GNSS receiver employed. It can be connected to a vehicle shows the entered parameters so that the user can check
odometer, and its data improved by post-processing with the installation. By choosing the vehicle, such as a plane
Qinertia PPK software. The Apogee mode offers up to or a car, the inner algorithms are automatically adjusted
0.008° roll and pitch accuracy in an RTK mode, up to 0.025° to the application. The Navsight unit also integrates LED
GNSS-based heading on a 4-meter baseline, and the other indicators for satellite availability, RTK corrections and
features as stated above. power.
SBG’s fusion algorithms enable the products to draw Post-Processing Software. Qinertia, the SBG post-processing
optimal performance from inertial, odometer and GNSS software, provides access to offline RTK corrections from
technologies; exclude false GNSS fixes; and improve the more than 7,000 base stations in 164 countries. Trajectory
trajectory in areas such as urban canyons, forests and and orientation are improved by processing inertial data
tunnels. The Navsight Land & Air Solution supports all and raw GNSS observables in forward and backward
GNSS constellations, real-time kinematic (RTK) and precise directions.

LIDAR + SLAM of randomly generated forests, and world-tested two drones

Drones Map Without GPS in a forested area at NASA’s Langley Research Center. In both
experiments, each drone mapped a roughly 20-square-meter

R
esearchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology area in about two to five minutes, while the control system
(MIT) presented a project at the International integrated their maps together in real-time.
Symposium on Experimental Robotics involving an The drones were programmed to identify multiple trees’
autonomous drone fleet system that collaboratively mapped orientations, as recognizing individual trees in impossible
an environment under dense forest canopy. The drones used for the technology, and individual trees’ orientation very
lidar, onboard computation and wireless communication, difficult. When the lidar signal returns a cluster of trees,
with no requirement for GPS positioning. an algorithm calculates the angles and distances between
Each drone carries laser-range finders for position trees to identify the cluster and determine if it has already
estimation, localization and path planning. As it flies, each been identified and mapped, or is a new mini-environment.
drone creates its own 3-D map of the terrain. A ground The technique also aids in merging maps from the
station uses simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) separate drones. When two drones scan the same cluster of
technology to combine individual maps from multiple trees, the ground station merges the maps by calculating the
drones into a global 3-D map that can be monitored by relative transformation between the drones, and then fusing
operators. The MIT team tested its concept via simulations the individual maps to maintain consistent orientations.

14 G P S W O R L D WWW.GPSWORLD.COM JANUARY 2019

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 LAUNCHPAD | OEM

4
1. RF FRONT-END 2. POSITION SENSOR augmentation system SBAS known as
APPLICATION-SPECIFIC INTEGRATED FOR SMARTWATCHES, FITNESS TRACKERS GAGAN. The SL869T3-I module enables
CIRCUIT (ASIC) FOR GNSS AND SMARTPHONES the creation of high-performance position
reporting and navigation solutions. It com-
NT1066 is a four-channel RF front- The BHI160BP is a position tracking smart plies with Automotive Industry Standard
end ASIC (three wideband IQ and one sensor for consumer wearables that uses 140 (AIS-140) — an Indian government
narrowband IQ) that covers all GNSS integrated inertial sensors to improve GPS mandate that requires the use of NavIC
(GLONASS, GPS, Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS, location tracking. When used with a GPS for vehicle location tracking devices in all
NavIC) signals at all frequency bands, so or GNSS module, it enables users to take public transportation vehicles, effective in
users benefit from all the advantages of advantage of pedestrian position tracking April.
with up to 80% saving in system power Telit, www.telit.com
acquiring multiple system simultaneously.
Channels A, B and C are designed with consumption compared with a typical
single-conversion low-IF architecture, GNSS-only solution, without compromis- 4. REFERENCE AND TRAINING
individually programmable and intended ing on accuracy. The BHI160BP tracks a TECHNICAL INFORMATION FOR DEFENSE
to receive L1, E1, B1, E6, B3, L2, L3, B2, L5 person’s position by intelligently applying AND AERONAUTICS APPLICATIONS
and E5 in various combinations. IQ and an inertial-sensor-based algorithm for
image suppression modes are available. pedestrian dead reckoning. To maintain The Rohde & Schwarz Navigation and
Channel D is dedicated to the S band of accuracy, it calculates the user’s relative Guidance Solutions Learning Center now
NavIC or L2, L3, L5 bands of GNSS and has location based on data collected from the includes the latest Rohde & Schwarz solu-
zero-IF architecture. Combining channel inertial sensors and then recalibrates itself tions for GNSS testing. Updated material
D with channels A, B and C makes it every few minutes to obtain the absolute includes application brochures, white
possible to effectively eliminate ionospheric position provided by the GNSS/GPS mod- papers, articles, technical documents,
distortion using the large signal base ule. This means that the GNSS/GPS mod- training videos and products. Rohde &
of NavIC between the L5 and S bands. ule can be kept in sleep mode for most of Schwarz provides accurate, flexible, high-
Alternatively, channel D can be software- the time, which drasticly reduces a device’s performance test solutions, from design,
reconfigured “on a fly” to receive real-time power consumption and extends its operat- development, calibration and production to
correction data transmitted over FM, VHF ing time. operational maintenance for ground-based
and UHF bands. Bosch Sensortec, systems and advanced hybrid constella-
NTLab, ntlab.com www.bosch-sensortec.com tion simulations for GNSS systems. The
navigation learning center also describes
3. NAVIC-ENABLED MODULE company products, including GNSS signal
DESIGNED TO MEET INDIAN MANDATE simulators.
Rohde & Schwarz,
The SL869T3-I GNSS module combines www.rohde-schwarz.com
GPS with India’s NavIC (IRNSS) navigation
system and the country’s satellite-based

16 G P S W O R L D WWW.GPSWORLD.COM JANUARY 2019

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 SURVEY & MAPPING | LAUNCHPAD
2

1 along with the accompany-

ing Lidar Module SDK. The
developer’s toolkit provides
software engineers with the
means to embed the latest
geospatial technology into
1. SURVEY ANTENNA custom applications.Highlights include
DESIGNED FOR RTK APPLICATIONS conventional antennas. The X-Survey
antenna provides high isolation among dramatically improved vector data per-
each antenna to prevent self-interference, formance in both the 2D and 3D environ-
The X-Survey antenna is a 4-in-1 OEM ments, updated 3D mesh rendering with
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 :K\IROORZDZRUNÀRZGHVLJQHGIRU\HVWHUGD\¶VHTXLSPHQW"

7DNHFRQWUROZLWK-0DWH75,803+/6
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LEADINGEDGE

Photo: Wes Cole, courtesy JAVAD GNSS

THE FUTURE OF PRECISION
WITH FIVE GNSS CONSTELLATIONS
TODAY’S GNSS SATELLITES TRANSMIT ON THREE OR MORE CARRIER FREQUENCIES.
The quality of the data in these signals from GPS, BeiDou, Galileo, GLONASS and QZSS reveals the expected measurement precisions.
This article explores the noise of the range residual and ionospheric residual to indicate the oncoming capabilities.
BY Gethin Wyn Roberts, Craig M. Hancock and Xu Tang

T
oday, four GNSSs transmit various codes GLONASS and Japan’s Quasi-Zenith Satellite System
on various carrier frequencies: the USA’s (QZSS) augmentation. Two approaches analyze the
GPS, Russia’s GLONASS, Europe’s Galileo relative noise in the observables: the range residual and
and China’s BeiDou. Most of the carrier the ionospheric residual. Both techniques can also be
phase and pseudorange data are available used to detect cycle slips.
using civilian GNSS receivers. Improvements in signal
quality as well as reliability of the satellites are foreseen RANGE RESIDUAL
through the generations, as well as the introduction of The range residual is simply the change from one epoch
new signals, such as L1C, L2C, L5 carrier and codes, to the next in the difference in the range calculated
and M-codes, on top of the existing L1-C/A code and using the pseudorange and the range calculated by the
the P(Y) code on both L1 and L2. Improvements are carrier phase on a specific frequency. The pseudorange
also seen in boosting the transmitting power. values are scaled using the wavelength to an equivalent
This article investigates the use of two approaches to range in units of the carrier’s cycles rather than meters.
analyze the relative noise in the various carrier phase EQUATION 1 illustrates the range residual between the
and pseudorange observable for GPS, BeiDou, Galileo, pseudorange ρ on a specific carrier frequency and the

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 SURVEY ACCURACY

FIGURE 1 L1 range residual (left) L2 range residual (center) and L1L2 ionospheric residual (right) for GPS PRN32 (Block IIA) satellite.

All figures supplied by the authors.

FIGURE 2 L1 range residual (left) L5 range residual (center) and L2 (C code) L5 ionospheric residual (right) for GPS PRN01 (Block IIF) satellite.

carrier phase observable φ, using the dependent are introduced, so it is not data are for the complete passing of
wavelength λ of the carrier to scale possible to directly convert from one the satellites from horizon over and
the pseudorange. The values of these carrier phase value to another for a back down again.The data for PRN32
observables are compared between specific range measurement. The is all that exists in the datafile, as this
adjacent epochs. error is known as the ionospheric satellite only transmits L1 CA code
residual, and this will change slowly and P(Y) code, as well as L2 P(Y)
(1) over time as the satellite passes code, and corresponding carrier
overhead and the ionosphere being values.PRN01 is a block IIF satellite,
Two adjacent epochs are used, as passed through changes, and also as and data for L1 CA code, L2 P(Y)
then the integer ambiguity value, the ionosphere slowly changes its code as well as L2 C-code, L5 code,
as well as the ionospheric and characteristics over time, mainly due and corresponding carrier phase
tropospheric errors, and satellite and to the sun’s activities. values are recorded in the datafile.
receiver clock errors are the same, EQUATION 2 shows the calculation, The block IIF satellites can result in
or negligibly different at such small using L1 and L2 carrier phase four range residual values and five
(<1s) epoch intervals. Therefore, readings and corresponding ionospheric residual combinations.
these are all canceled out, and the frequencies, used to calculate the Figure 2 only illustrates three of
resulting value is the measurement ionospheric residual. Again, the these combinations.The data were
receiver and observable noise. The difference in the ionospheric residual obtained from the Curtin University
pseudorange observable will be values between adjacent epochs GNSS repository on Sept. 1, 2015,
significantly noisier than the carrier is used, as in the same way as the gathered at a 1-Hz epoch interval;
phase observable, therefore this range residual values, external noise 29,908 epoch of data were gathered
method is a good way to calculate sources are eliminated. for PRN32, and 26,073 epochs for
the measurement noise for the PRN01.
pseudoranges. (2) It can be seen from these figures
that the L1 range residuals are
IONOSPHERIC RESIDUAL similar in characteristics for both
If the carrier waves traveled only RESULTS PRN01 and PRN32.The values are
through a vacuum, then a phase The results presented here are a subset noisy at the start and the end of the
observation from a specific satellite of a much larger set. FIGURE 1 illustrates time series, indicating that the CA
to a specific GNSS receiver could be the range residuals for L1 and L2 as code is more prone to noise at low
scaled and converted to an equivalent well as the L1L2 ionospheric residual elevations.Comparing these to the
phase measurement on another for PRN32 (Block IIA satellite). L2 (PRN32) and L5 (PRN01) range
frequency using the frequencies of FIGURE 2 illustrates the L1 and L5 residuals, we can see that both the
the carrier waves. However, as the range residuals and the L2 (C-code) L2 and L5 range residuals are not as
signal passes through the ionosphere, L5 ionospheric residual for PRN01 prone to low elevation noise. Also,
systematic errors that are frequency (Block IIF satellite).Both figures’ the two L2 and L5 range residuals

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FIGURE 3 Ionospheric residual results for BeiDou PRN07 (IGSO) for combinations B1B2 (left), B1B3 (center), B2B3 (right).

FIGURE 4 Ionospheric residual results for BeiDou PRN01 (GEO) for combinations B1B2 (left), B1B3 (center), B2B3 (right).

FIGURE 5 Ionospheric residual results for BeiDou PRN12 (MEO) for combinations B1B2 (left), B1B3 (center), B2B3 (right).

are visually similar in characteristcs. Here it can be seen that the B2B3 These results have been calculated
By comparing the L1L2 and L2L5 combination is generally less noisy with varying elevation mask angles,
ionospheric residuals (Figure 1, than the B1B2 and B1B3. In addition ranging from 0° to 55 ° at 5 ° intervals.
right, and Figure 2, right), we can see to this, it can be seen that when the The RMS values of the resulting
that the L1L2 combination is slightly MEO and IGSO satellites are at lower ionospheric residuals and range
noisier than the L2L5, in particular elevation angles, the observables also residuals were calculated and plotted
at low elevation angles. become noisier. The GEO satellites against the respective elevation mask
If we compare BeiDou ionospheric have a constant elevation angle, and angle for each satellite and frequency
residual results, we can see the do not experience this phenomenon. combinations. This illustrates the
comparison of noise on the three influence of the elevation mask angle
ionospheric residual combinations, DETAILED RESULTS used on the results.
B1B2, B1B3 and B2B3, as well as the The data, gathered on a single GNSS Typically, tens of thousands of
results from the three types of satellite receiver located at the University of epochs of data were used for every
orbits, ie MEO, IGSO and GEO. Curtin’s GNSS research center, was plotted point in the following figures.
FIGURE 3 illustrates the ionospheric downloaded in BINEX format and Further to this, not only are the
residual results for PRN07 (IGSO) for converted into RINEX 3.02 format results for the various frequencies
the three frequency combinations, using RTKLIB software. Software and frequency combinations for the
from data gathered on a static pillar was developed by the authors in various GNSS illustrated, but also the
located on top of the University of Matlab in order to interrogate the various satellite types, MEO, GEO
Nottingham Ningbo China’s Science data files and implement the range and IGSO, and various satellite Blocks
and Engineering Building. residual and ionospheric residual for GNSS. GPS Block IIA (PRN04
FIGURE 4 illustrates the ionospheric algorithms. RINEX 3.02 format was and PRN32), Block IIR (PRN14),
residual results for PRN01 (GEO) for chosen due to its compatibility with Block IIR-M (PRN31) and Block IIF
the three frequency combinations. multi-GNSS and multi-frequencies. (PRN01, PRN26, PRN25) data were
FIGURE 5 illustrates the ionospheric Results are presented for both all analyzed. Thus, the comparison of
residual results for PRN12 (MEO) for ionospheric residual and range the various frequencies within each
the three frequency combinations. residual results for various GNSS. satellite system are illustrated, as

30 G P S W O R L D WWW.GPSWORLD.COM JANUARY 2019

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 SURVEY ACCURACY

FIGURES 6A AND 6B RMS range residual results for GPS (left) and BeiDou (right).

well as the variations by comparing the various satellite QZSS (e) respectively. These figures have been drawn
constellation types and the various generations of GPS so that the y-axis ranges are the same for each, hence
satellites. The BeiDou data illustrated are MEO (C12, illustrating the relative values.
C14, C11), IGSO (C09, C10, C07) and GEO (C01, C02). Figure 6A illustrates the range residual results for
The data used were gathered on Sept. 1, 2015, in order GPS. It can be seen that the L1 CA code results are the
to include GPS Block IIA satellites (PRN04 and PRN32). noisiest, with PRN14 being the noisiest, followed by
PRN32 was retired in June 2016, and PRN04 was taken PRN31, PRN26, PRN01, PRN04, PRN25 and PRN32. It
out of active service in November 2015, but the satellite can also be seen with these results that lower elevation
was reactivated in March 2018, this time broadcasting angle mask increases the noise level. Both the L2 and L5
PRN18. code results are less noisy. Looking at the detail, the L5
FIGURE 6 illustrates RMS of the range residual results code results is less noisy than the L2 and affected less than
for GPS (a), BeiDou (b), Galileo (c), GLONASS (d) and the L1 results by the changes in elevation mask angles

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JANUARY 2019 WWW.GPSWORLD.COM G P S W O R L D 31

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 SURVEY ACCURACY

FIGURE 6C AND 6D RMS range residual results for Galileo (left) and GLONASS (right).

used. Interestingly enough, the data file includes both of B2 and B3 results for the GEO satellites are close to
the L2 P(Y) code and L2C code results. L2C only exists each other in values, and the pairs of B2 and B3 results
on the Block IIR-M and Block IIF satellites. The L2C for the other satellites are also close to each other. It can
code results are generally noisier than the L2 P(Y) code. also be seen that the range residual results for BeiDou
Figure 6B illustrates the results for the range residuals are generally less noisy than than GPS, in units of cycles.
for the BeiDou satellites. Here it can be seen that the B1 Similarly, for Galileo, Figure 6C, the E1 results are worst,
code is affected more by low elevation mask angles than and affected more by low elevation masks. Again, generally
B2 and B3. It can also be seen that both the geostationary the Galileo results are seen to be improved over GPS. The
satellites’ B1 results stand out, with satellite C02 being GLONASS results, Figure  6D, illustrate that the L1C
noisier than C01. The B2 and B3 values for both these results are generally noisier, and then the L1P, followed by
GEO satellites are bunched up with the majority of the L2C and L2P. PRN09 is also consistently generally noisier
other results towards the middle of the figure. The pairs than PRN10. Finally, Figure 6E illustrates the results for

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32 G P S W O R L D WWW.GPSWORLD.COM JANUARY 2019

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 SURVEY ACCURACY

Photo: Septentrio
FIGURE 6E RMS range residual results for QZSS. UAV SURVEY operations can also benefit from multi-GNSS receivers.

QZSS. Again, L1C is the noisiest and affected most by low available on Block IIF and Block IIR-M satellites, PRN31,
elevation mask angles. PRN26, PRN01 and PRN25), followed by L1L5CX (L1 CA
FIGURE 7 illustrates the ionspheric residual results for the code and L5 code, Block IIF satellites, PRN01, PRN25,
same satellites as Figure 6. This time, however, the resulting PRN26) and finally the least noisy were the L2L5XX results
ionospheric residual values are calculated using pairs of (L2 C code and L5 code available on Block IIF satellites,
data from the same satellite on different carrier frequencies. PRN26, PRN25 and PRN01).
The range residual results compare the code and carrier Figure 7(b) illustrates the BeiDou ionospheric residual
from specific satellites and frequencies. Figure 7(a) shows plots, illustrating that satellite C14 is much noisier for
that the ionospheric residual results are affected by low all three combinations of B1B3, BB1B2 and B2B3 in
elevation masks, and that the L1L2CW (L1 CA code and that order. The B1B2 combinations for the satellites
L2 P(Y) code available on all the satellites) combinations are generally the noisiest, and then the B1B3 and B2B3
are the noisiest, followed by L2L5WX (L2 P(Y) code and combinations are intertwined. The Galileo results again
L5 code available on Block IIF satellites, PRN 26, PRN01, illustrate that the E1 combinations are generally noisier,
PRN25), followed by L1L2CX (L1 CA code and L2 C code and again we see the effect of low elevation angle masks,
Figure 7(c). Generally, however, the
Galileo results are less noisy than
SEPTENTRIO SWIFT GPS, as are the BeiDou results.
The GLONASS results are again
generally the noisiest, and again
PRN09 is noisier than PRN10, with
the L1P combinations being noisier,
Figure 7(d). Figure 7(e) for QZSS
shows that there are generally two
groups of results. The upper set
The Altus NR3 high-precision GNSS receiver is used Swift Navigation’s Piksi Multi RTK GNSS receiver consists of L1L2ZX, L1L5ZX, L1L2XX,
for a wide variety of applications from machine improves UAV and terrestrial survey operations. L1L5XX, L1L6ZX and L1L6XX from
control or earthquake measuring to UAS mapping With centimeter-level accuracy, it is multi-band, highest to lowest noise respectively.
or precision agriculture. The latest member of enabling convergence times in seconds, and The lower, less noisy, group consists of
the Septentrio family, Mosaic will make the final multi-constellation, improving operations in L1L2CX, L1L5CX, L2L5XX, L2L6XX,
leap to intelligent machines for fully autonomous even the most challenging conditions. Piksi Multi L1L6CX and L5L6XX from highest
applications of the future. The Altus NR3 offers GNSS increases the quality of final orthomosaics, and to lowest noise respectively. Further
positioning with multiple connection modes and imagery stitching is exponentially more precise details about the various codes and
flexible configuration as a rover or a base station. with its accurate output. Piksi Multi improves carrier values can be found in the
For reliable survey measurements, it incorporates the precision of survey results and can reduce RINEX 3.02 manual produced by
Septentro’s AIM+ advanced onboard anti-jamming. overlap and sidelap, increasing the survey area the IGS.
Altus NR3 incorporates GNSS performance and during a given flight. Piksi Multi technology can
wireless technology, offering cm-level accuracy in be used with existing base stations to avoid CONCLUSIONS
the most challenging environments. having to purchase new ground systems. These preliminary results illustrate
that there are differences in the noise

JANUARY 2019 WWW.GPSWORLD.COM G P S W O R L D 33

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 SURVEY ACCURACY

/
values for various GNSS, frequencies as well as satellite users can gather data from 30 to 50 at any time. Positioning
generations and orbit types. It can be seen that generally requires nowhere near this number of satellites, therefore
L1, B1 and E1 have noisier results, and are affected moreso decisions are needed as to which satellites and which data
by low elevation mask data, and hence multipath. It can to use in a positioning solution. Our findings imply that
also be seen that newer generations of satellites do indeed our approach could be used in such decision-making in
produce better quality data. GNSS processing software, helping the software to choose
Some specific satellites produce lower quality data such the optimum satellites to draw from in a positioning
as GLONASS PRN09 and BeiDou C14. This could be due solution.
to multipath produced at the satellite.
Today roughly 100 GNSS transmit data, and typically ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
This work described in this article was first presented at
the FIG 2018 conference held in Istanbul, Turkey. The
authors acknowledge the use of data supplied from the
Curtin University GNSS Centre.

MANUFACTURERS
The GNSS receiver used is a Trimble NET R9,
and the antenna is a Trimble TRM 59800.00 SCIS
choke r i ng ante n na . A C om Nav K 5 0 8 G N S S
receiver supplied some of the BeiDou results.

FIGURE 7 Ionospheric residual results for GPS (top), BeiDou (mid-left), Galileo (mid-right), GLONASS (lower left) and QZSS (lower right).

34 G P S W O R L D WWW.GPSWORLD.COM JANUARY 2019

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Photo: Skycatch, Swift Navigation SURVEY ACCURACY

Photo: Trimble
INDUSTRIAL UAV applications such as construction draw benefits from MOUNTAINOUS AREAS present special problems for surveyors,
multi-GNSS receivers’ capabilities. overcome by the expanded availability of multi-GNSS.
CRAIG M. HANCOCK is an associate professor
GETHIN WYN ROBERTS is an associate in Geodesy and Surveying Engineering and the
professor at Fróðskaparsetur, the University head of the Department of Civil Engineering at
of the Faroe Islands. He is past Chairman of the University of Nottingham, Ningbo, China
the FIG’s Commission 6, Engineering Surveys, as well as the head of the Geospatial and
and previously held posts at the University of Geohazards Research Group. He holds a PhD
Nottingham both in the UK and in China. He from the University of Newcastle Upon Tyne.
holds a Ph.D. in engineering surveying and XU TANG is a research fellow at the University
geodesy from the University of Nottingham. of Nottingham, Ningbo, China. He holds a PhD

Photo: JAVAD GNSS

from Nanjing University.

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JANUARY 2019 WWW.GPSWORLD.COM G P S W O R L D 35

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 MARKET Segment Snapshot:
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Transcoder module allows glueless Windows App. T h e Mi c ro -
retrofitting of existing GPS equipment Transcoder can also be operated
by upgrading systems with secure and as a generic high-performance
assured positioning, navigation and GPS simulator with built-in GPS
timing (PNT) capability. It achieves M-code, Iridium STL, or concurrent Disciplined Oscillator (GPSDO),
hardening of the customers’ GPS GNSS receiver — and encodes (RF and is supported by a comprehensive
equipment by splicing the unit in modulates) the baseband PNT and free Windows application program
between the existing antenna and the UTC timing information into a downloadable from the JLT website.
users’ GPS receiver. standard GPS L1 RF signal. This RF The Windows application allows
RF Encoder. It takes the output of signal can then be received by any control of all the simulation aspects,
any secure PNT source — inertial legacy GPS receiver. creating and storing simulation
navigation system (INS), SAASM, The unit is based on JLT’s CLAW See TRANSCODER, next page.

Septentrio Launches Mosaic High-Precision Module

S
eptentrio has launched the technology, together with Septentrio’s spectrum, GNSS-based services are
Mosaic high-precision GNSS algorithms, to guarantee maximum vulnerable to unintentional radio-
receiver module. accuracy and availability. The surface- frequency interference (RFI). They
Despite its compact size (31 x 31 mount design of Mosaic is optimized are also vulnerable to intentional RFI,
x 4 millimeters, 1.29 x 1.29 x 0.15 for automated assembly and ease of attacks intended to disrupt receivers by
inches), the Mosaic module supports integration, with a full library of well- means of counterfeit GNSS-like signals
more than 30 signals from all six GNSS documented and flexible interfaces. (known as spoofing), and to intentional
constellations, L-band and various Mosaic provides RTK positioning transmission of RF energy to mask
satellite-based augmentation systems, with a power consumption of 0.6-1 W, GNSS signals with noise (known as
the company said. and requires no or minimal additional jamming).
As a multi-band module tracking components for the design-in, making To defend against these threats,
all GNSS satellites in view, it is also it suitable for mass market UAV, Mosaic features Septentrio’s AIM+
designed to support future GNSS autonomous and robotics applications. technology. AIM+ can suppress the
signals. Threat Defense. Due to the natural widest variety of interferers, from
It also supports correction services, weaknesses of distant GNSS signals simple continuous narrowband sig-
and uses real-time kinematic (RTK) and a crowded radio-frequency See MOSIAC, next page.

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 MARKET WATCH

OEM 2
TRANSCODER, continued from previous page. MOSAIC, continued from previous page.
vector commands, and testing user equipment for leap-

Photo: Septentrio
nals to complex wideband
second and GPS week rollover event compatibility to and pulsed jammers, the
identify weaknesses in user equipment. company said. In addi-
The unit does not require a PC to be connected to it tion, the integrated
to function. This makes embedded operation as easy as spectrum analyzer
applying power, and connecting the units’ RF output to allows the RF envi-
the antenna input of any GPS receiver. ronment around any
Legacy Upgrades. By generating a legacy RF GPS signal Mosaic module to be
from any secure PNT source, the Micro-Transcoder allows viewed in real time in
users to maintain their investment in fielded legacy GPS both time and frequency
equipment. Example applications include retrofitting domains.
financial transaction time servers with CSAC or rubidium Effective interference
atomic clock holdover capability, and adding GPS RF countermeasures against threats to
output capability to concurrent GNSS receivers to allow GNSS signals also require constant knowledge of
reception of L1, L2, L3, L5 GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, the changing RF environment.
BeiDou, QZSS, Iridium STL, or any other satellite-based The Mosaic module helps analyze these threats by
navigation signal to legacy GPS receivers. continuously and automatically monitoring the GNSS
It can also be used to add inertial navigation system frequency spectrum to detect, characterize, log and mitigate
(INS) capability to vehicles and aircraft. interference events when needed.

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 MARKET WATCH

SURVEY 2
Oscar Follows David in Tersus GNSS Portfolio

T
ersus GNSS Inc. has launched Tersus Oscar, its
new generation GNSS real-time kinematic (RTK) OSCAR HIGHLIGHTS
system. • Supports multiple constellations
Oscar is an all-in-one GNSS receiver that can and frequencies
be used as rover or base system. Paired with a Tersus TC20 ◊ GPS L1/L2
controller or A11 mobile terminal, Oscar can efficiently meet ◊ GLONASS L1/L2
customer application requirements for a surveying solution. ◊ BeiDou B1/B2
Oscar is an advanced version of the David, introduced in
◊ GALILEO E1, E5B
2017.

Photo: Tersus GNSS

◊ SBAS L1C/A
Oscar supports calibration-free tilt compensation function,
meaning a leveling pole is no longer required. Configuration • 410–470MHz UHF,
4G network
is made easy with a 1.3-inch interactive screen. With an
internal high-performance multi-constellation and multi- • Wi-Fi, Bluetooth,
NFC
frequency GNSS board, the Oscar GNSS receiver can provide
high accuracy and stable signal detection, the company said. • More than 20 working modes
The high-performance antenna can speed the time to including CORS, UHF, Ntrip server
first fix and improve anti-jamming performance. The • Tilt compensation without
built-in large capacity battery can support up to 10 hours calibration
of fieldwork. • 16GB internal storage
A radio module in the package supports long-distance • Up to 10 hours of battery life
communication. With its rugged housing material, Oscar
is protected from harsh environments.

GeoCue Enables Third-Party GNSS Use with Phantom 4 RTK

eoCue Group (via its wholly owned access to an observation file, preventing

G
Photo: GeoCue

AirGon subsidiary) has completed it from being stationed using an online

the integration of the new DJI positioning service such as OPUS,
Phantom 4 Pro RTK (P4R) into its AirGon AUSPOS, Canadian Geodetic Survey
Sensor Processing Suite (ASPSuite). services and so forth. An additional
ASPSuite is a post-processing solution consideration in our integration into
for GeoCue’s Loki direct geopositioning ASPSuite was that professional
system for DJI and other manufacturer’s surveyors already have survey kit
drones. that they need incorporated into this
DJI Phantom 4 Pro with Loki PPK
ASPSuite enables integration of workflow.
system.
the P4R with third-party L1/L2 GNSS GeoCue is offering camera calibration
base stations such as systems from between collection datums and local services for the P4R for customers
Septentrio, Leica, Trimble, TopCon, CHC coordinate systems (site calibration) who wish to do minimal or control-
and others in a high accuracy Post- • application of antenna static and free high-accuracy mapping projects
Process Kinematic (PPK) workflow. In dynamic lever arm corrections (the DJI “calibration” is an image
addition to PPK processing, ASPSuite • full support for Loki direct de-warping algorithm, not a proper
includes support for options often geopositioning systems. photogrammetric calibration). A test of
required in engineering-grade surveys The DJI D-RTK-2 base station a GeoCue-calibrated P4R using an OPUS-
such as: (optionally available) for the P4R can positioned base station and ASPSuite
• vertical transforms (such as ellipsoid only be used in RTK mode, and then only achieved about 4-cm horizontal and
to country-specific geoids) if it is being sited on a known location. 5-cm vertical network accuracy (RMSE)
• creation of and transformation The D-RTK-2 does not currently allow with no ground control points.

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 MARKET WATCH

MAPPING 2

Images: Bluesky
St. Paul’s Cathedral in London was captured in RGB (left) and lidar point-cloud data.

Bluesky with CityMapper Captures Cities in 3D

Photo: Leica

erial survey are in place to also include also includes high-perfor-

A company Bluesky
International Ltd.
is using the Leica
CityMapper to capture
major cities throughout the
the imagery in the HxGN
Content Program.
The combination of
m u l t i p l e s u r vey- g r a d e
cameras and lidar enables
mance lidar technology to
accurately collect elevation
data even into the shadows,
which are common in urban
environments and make
United Kingdom. the simultaneous capture photo-based data collection
CityMapper is a hybrid of data for the automatic difficult.
airborne sensor combining creation of highly accurate The CityMapper sensor
vertical and oblique imagery and detailed citywide 3D also collects color infrared
with 3D laser scanning de- models, with one sensor, data, which can be used to
signed for 3D city modeling according to Bluesky. aid greenspace mapping and
The CityMapper sensor
and urban mapping. is designed for 3D city modeling Previous 3D models have vegetation studies.
Using the CityMapper, and urban mapping. either been prohibitively ex- Applications of the new
Bluesky was able to capture pensive for use across larger Bluesky 3D models are
parts of London, Manchester technology has been areas or of insufficient detail expected to include urban
and Birmingham as well used commercially in or accuracy. The CityMapper planning, line-of-sight
as Brighton, Bristol, the UK to this level. The sensor enabled efficient, analysis, new development
Cambridge, Norwich, captured city data is cost-effectivecapture of visualizations and
Nottingham and Oxford. available from Bluesky highly detailed and accu- environmental modeling,
Bluesky intends to increase and Leica Geosystems, rate data, and could make as well as potentially 3D
its coverage by capturing part of Hexagon, in its possible widespread use of fly throughs and virtual
additional towns and cities constituent components 3D models possible. reality experiences. Early
across the UK and Ireland in of vertical orthorectified CityMapper includes a adopters of the data
2019. aerial imagery, oblique traditional vertical camera include architects, planning
According to Bluesky, photographs and lidar as well as survey-grade consultants and other map
this is the first time the point cloud data. Plans oblique cameras. The sensor publishers.

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 MARKET WATCH

UAV 2
UAV Can Lift

Photo: Audi
200 Pounds
M
obile Recon Systems is
of fe r i ng an u n man ne d
aerial vehicle that can lift
more than its own weight.
At 78 pounds, the Dauntless multi-
rotor UAV has lifted an additional
payload of 100 pounds as a tethered
quadcopter, the company said. It Dxt Geofencing
is designed to lift more than 200
pounds as an octocopter, with a
generator-powered flight time of
several hours.
The multi-functional platform can
carry up to 160 pounds of supplies
in a climate-controlled transport
box. It can be outfitted with sensors,
radiation detectors, radar, weather
stations, multi-spectral, thermal
and infrared cameras, and other
devices, and can perform eight or
more different functions at once.
Audi, Airbus and Italdesign
Users can swap or combine devices
to meet their needs. Test Flying Taxi Concept
Uses include border and perimeter
security, natural disaster response, udi, Airbus and Italdesign presented for the first time a flying and driving
medical emergency first response,
routine inspections and mapping.
The Dauntless has a full 3K
(military-grade) carbon-fiber body
and titanium and aircraft aluminum
A prototype of Pop.Up Next, a flying taxi. The companies demonstrated
the concept at Drone Week, held Nov. 27-29 in Amsterdam.
The concept combines a self-driving electric car with a passenger
drone. In the first public test flight, the flight module accurately placed a
passenger capsule on the ground module, which then drove from the test
frame. The propellers are carbon fiber, grounds autonomously.
and are safely surrounded by the body. The demonstration was done with a 1:4 scale model. But as soon as the
It is waterproof and sandproof. coming decade, Audi customers could use the flying taxi service in large cities
— in the air and on the road without changing vehicles. Audi is conducting tests
of such a service in South America in cooperation with Airbus subsidiary Voom.
Customers book helicopter flights in Mexico City or Sao Paulo, while an Audi is
at the ready for the journey to or from the landing site.
The next step is for a full-size prototype to fly and drive.
Audi is also supporting the Urban Air Mobility flying taxi project in Ingolstadt.
This initiative is preparing test operations for a flying taxi at Audi’s site, and is
part of a joint project of the European Union in the framework of the marketplace
Photo: Recon Systems

for the European Innovation Partnership on Smart Cities and Communities.

The project aims to convince the public of the benefits of the new technology
and answer questions concerning battery technology, regulation, certification
and infrastructure.

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DEFENSE 2
NEWSBRIEFS
UTC ACQUIRES
ROCKWELL COLLINS
UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORP. (UTC) completed
its $30 billion acquisition of Rockwell Collins
in November. The two companies will now
combine to form Collins Aerospace Systems

Artist’s rendering: Collins Aerospace

and be based in Palm Beach City, Florida.
Collins Aerospace Systems will have about
70,000 employees. Rockwell Collins CEO and
President Kelly Ortberg will be the CEO of
the newly formed company. UTC Aerospace
President Dave Gitlin will serve as president.
The company’s avionics and mission systems
US Air Force Selects Collins will be based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Aerospace Anti-Jam Receiver BOUNDLESS RECEIVES ARMY

OK FOR GIS SOFTWARE

T
he U.S. Air Force has selected Integration of the DIGAR requires
an anti-jam GPS receiver no changes to existing operational BOUNDLESS DESKTOP has received the U.S.
from Collins Aerospace. flight programs or A-kit aircraft wiring, Army Certificate of Networthiness (CoN), an
The U.S. Air Force Life lowering the risk and cost involved to accreditation that ensures the product meets
Cycle Management Center (USAF upgrade, Collins Aerospace said. stringent Department of Defense and Army
AFLCMC) chose the company to Built on an open systems architecture, guidelines, regulations and requirements
supply its latest generation Digital GPS the DIGAR is designed for use across a for security, sustainability and usability.
Anti-Jam Receiver (DIGAR), which variety of aircraft platforms that include Boundless Desktop is a native, cross-platform
will provide highly reliable navigation rotary wing, fixed-wing fighter, bomber, geospatial information system (GIS) built
for U.S. Air National Guard and transport aircraft and small to large upon open source software, including QGIS,
U.S. Air Force Reserve F-16 aircraft unmanned aerial systems. PgAdmin, Qt Designer and GDAL/OGR. The
operating in contested, electromagnetic DIGAR is a form, fit replacement product builds maps, manages data, models
environments. for existing antenna electronic systems and analyzes, and disseminates results with
The F-16 will be the first combat with demonstrated performance that users globally. Desktop is used to conduct
fighter aircraft to be installed with the exceeds legacy capability, Collins geospatial analysis, including creation of
latest version of the receiver. Aerospace said. common operating pictures, route and area
analysis, and other geospatial intelligence
operations.
DIGAR FEATURES
• Superior digital beamforming or nulling anti-jam DRONESHIELD JOINS THALES
• Up to 16 simultaneous beams for superior jamming immunity to 125+ dB DroneShield Ltd has entered into a teaming
J/S performance (beamsteering mode, actual performance is classified.) agreement with Thales Programas De
• Two- to seven-element CRPA compatible Electronica Y Comunicaciones S.A.U.
• Simultaneous L1/L2 protection (“Thales”) (a Spanish subsidiary of Thales
• Supports Y-code and M-code Anti-jam S.A.), whereby Thales will utilise and promote
• Supports STAP/SFAP beamforming DroneShield’s products in its defence and
• Two form factors: DIGAR-200 (218 cubic inches) or DIGAR-300 (75 cubic security contract bids in Spain involving
inches) counterdrone aspects.
• Supports retrofit AE-1/GAS-1/ADAP platforms

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 MARKET WATCH

TRANSPORTATION 2
Rohde & Schwarz and Huawei Conduct

Photo: Rplls-Royce
Field Trials for 5G and V2X Precision
ohde & Schwarz and Huawei have successfully

R conducted cellular-based 5G V2X latency

measurements in vehicular environments in field
tests in Munich and Shanghai.
In a joint project between Huawei and Rohde & Schwarz,
a precision end-to-end delay measurement system for over-
the-air internet protocol (IP) transmissions was applied to 5G
V2X communication for cooperative driving applications in field
tests in a moving car.
The precision absolute time standards on both ends were
derived from two independent GPS receivers.
Rolls-Royce Demos
Initial measurements show that it is possible to achieve
delays in the millisecond regime in a 5G network, demonstrating
Autonomous Ferry

R
superior latency performance in comparison to LTE. olls-Royce and Finnish state-owned ferry operator
One of the key use cases of 5G is ultra-reliable low-latency Finferries have successfully demonstrated a fully
communication (URLLC). Important for advanced vehicle-to-X autonomous ferry in the archipelago south of the
communication use cases, URLLC will enable automated driving city of Turku, Finland.
in the future. The car ferry Falco used a combination of Rolls-Royce
A measurement accuracy below 2 µs for each transmitted Ship Intelligence technologies to successfully navigate
IP packet was demonstrated. The transmitted data contained autonomously during its voyage between Parainen and
various IP traffic streams including video, lidar and control data Nauvo. The return journey was conducted under remote
(ITS messages) for a tele-operated vehicle. control.
The tests in Shanghai were related to a platoon V2X testing During the demonstration, the Falco, with 80 guests
site, connecting several vehicles traveling together. aboard, conducted the voyage under fully autonomous
control. The vessel detected objects utilizing sensor fusion
and artificial intelligence and conducted collision avoidance.
Septentrio Partners on It also demonstrated automatic berthing — the vessel
Autonomous Vehicle Demo automatically altered course and speed when approaching the
quay and carried out docking without human intervention.
Septentrio teamed up with Point One Navigation, a provider The Falco is equipped with advanced sensors that allow
of precise location as a service, for autonomous vehicle dem- it to build a detailed picture of its surroundings, in real time
onstrations at the 2019 International Consumer Electronics and with a level of accuracy beyond that of the human eye.
Show, held Jan. 8–11 in Las Vegas. The situational awareness picture is created by fusing sensor
During CES, attendees rode in a fully autonomous dem- data, and is relayed to Finferries’ remote operating center
onstration vehicle that incorporates technology from both 50 kilometers away in Turku city center, where a captain
companies. monitors the autonomous operations and can take control
Point One showcased its proof-of-concept autonomous of the vessel if necessary.
vehicle equipped with FusionEngine vehicle localization soft- Rolls-Royce has so far clocked close to 400 hours of sea
ware. Demonstrations used corrections from Point One’s trials testing the autodocking system as well as the collision
Polaris Cloud, which enables high-precision GPS and com- avoidance system in various conditions.
puter vision-based localization. Earlier this year, Rolls-Royce and Finferries began
Point One’s solution is powered by Septentrio’s GNSS collaborating on a new research project called SVAN
receivers, using at least two frequencies broadcast by each (Safer Vessel with Autonomous Navigation), to continue
GNSS constellation. For users operating in open sky sce- implementing the findings from the earlier Advanced
narios, a Septentrio RTK receiver can be used directly with Autonomous Waterborne Applications (AAWA) research
Polaris Cloud to provide centimeter-level accuracy. project, funded by Business Finland.

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MOBILE 2
U-blox, Arvento Partner on Tracker
U

Photo: Arvento
-blox is partnering with Arvento battery before it needs to be recharged.
Mobile Systems, a Turkey-based The Treyki Mini relies on the u-blox
fleet telematics company, to ZOE-M8Q concurrent multi-GNSS
develop a compact people and asset module to discover its location. This
tracking device with a long battery life. system-in-package (SiP) offering is 4.5
The Arvento Treyki Mini has eight x 4.5 x 1.0 millimeters. It provides high
operating modes, including special accuracy thanks to its ability to receive
settings for tracking children (with 72 channels simultaneously, from up to
geofencing) and senior citizens (with three different GNSS constellations, the
an integrated fall sensor). It is also company said.
suitable for use in sports, racing and It also offers reliable positioning in
asset management. It can also be used challenging environments because it has Treyki Mini relies on u-blox positioning
and wireless communication technologies.
as an emergency beacon. a sensitivity of –167 dBm and is energy
The tracker has an onboard efficient. mA helps extend the Mini’s battery life.
positioning receiver, and reports its Communications for the Treyki Mini The SARA-G340 module also supports
location using an internal GSM/GRPS are provided by the u-blox SARA-G340 firmware-over-the-air (FOTA) updates,
modem. It can operate for up to seven dual-band GSM/GPRS module — its enabling Arvento to continue to refine
days from its 900mAh LiPo rechargeable very low standby power of less than 0.90 the Treyki Mini after production.

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RESEARCH Roundup
SUPERCORRELATION: ENHANCING ACCURACY,

Images: Focal Point Positioning

SENSITIVITY OF COMMERCIAL RECEIVERS
BY ramsey faragher, focal point positioning

T
he SGPS/SGNSS technology is a patent-protected
suite of methods that provides software-based
improvements to existing GNSS receivers. All
methods within the software suite build upon a
core technology called supercorrelation, which enables over
a second of coherent integration while undergoing complex Figure 1 Reflected signals in the local environment suffer different
motions on low-cost platforms. The benefit is high sensitivity Doppler variations than the desired lineofsight signal. This means
coupled with strong multipath mitigation capabilities, that the supercorrelator that is created for a given satellite broadcast
providing a high-accuracy and high-integrity positioning couples strongly to the desired line of sight version of the signal, but
attenuates any reflected signals arriving from different directions.
solution in traditionally difficult environments.
Many GNSS receivers perform a small amount of coherent from inertial sensors mounted alongside the GNSS receiver,
integration, typically less than 20 milliseconds, and then as is the case for smartphones and smartwatches, or can be
optionally incoherently integrate over many hundreds of modelled using multi-hypothesis methods. Low-cost crystal
milliseconds to boost sensitivity if needed. The major problem oscillators cause phase instabilities which traditionally reduce
with this approach is the resulting susceptibility to multipath coherent integration time, but can also be accounted for by
interference. Incoherent integration destroys the phase multi-hypothesis testing and by joint estimation processes
information stored within the captured data before combining across multiple channels.
it, resulting in line-of-sight and non-line-of-sight signals A decade ago, consumer GNSS receivers were typically
accumulating within the same correlation peak, producing an ASIC or similar hard-wired design. Modern designs
a distortion of the desired line-of-sight information. This incorporate a front-end correlator bank which may or may
distortion leads to erroneous codephase estimates, which in not be reprogrammable, feeding into a DSP stage which
turn leads to erroneous position estimates. handles all tracking and navigation processing from the DLL,
Coherent integration can decorrelate signals arriving PLL, FLL stages onwards. The flexibility of reprogramming
from different directions, but the degree of decorrelation the code running on the DSP stage permits existing GNSS
depends on the user speed and the coherent integration time. chipsets to be easily upgraded to support supercorrelation,
Supercorrelator technology creates a clock-and-motion- without needing to design and fabricate a new receiver.
compensated phasor correction sequence that provides Focal Point aims to have S-GNSS enabled chips by early
over a second of coherent integration on low-cost consumer 2020, with licensing opportunities available from summer
platforms. The outcome is signal tracking sensitivities down to 2019 onwards.
nearly zero dBHz, combined with high multipath mitigation
performance. Such long coherent integration times allow
signals arriving from different directions to be separated out
in the frequency domain, permitting new capabilities in anti-
spoofing and 3D map-aiding methods by directly resolving
GNSS angle-of-arrival using a single moving antenna.
Traditionally, very long coherent integration times were
not practical on consumer devices due to limitations of data
modulation bits, crystal oscillator stability, and unknown
(often complicated) receiver motion. Supercorrelation
overcomes these limitations with signal processing and sensor
fusion. Data modulation bits are not an issue for modern
pilot signals, and for legacy signals they can be removed with Figure 2 The result of supercorrelation on positioning performance
a variety of methods, ranging from prediction or provision in the urban canyons of central San Francisco. The red line is a standard
of the bits over a datalink, to stripping them directly with state-of-the-art vector tracking GPS solution, and the green line is the
signal-squaring methods. Receiver motion can be inferred same positioning engine with supercorrelation processing enabled.

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 Images Fraunhofer IIS
SPOOFING RESISTANT UAVS
BY Alexander Rügamer, Daniel
Rubino, Xabier Zubizarreta,
Wolfgang Felber, Fraunhofer
IIS, and Jan Wendel and Daniel
Pfaffelhuber, Airbus Defense
and Space GmbH

T
his work presents a new secure
localization method that can
be used for UAVs to obtain
a new level of protection
against hostile and unauthorized UAVs.
While non-spreading code-encrypted Figure 1 The Precalculate & Process architecture.
(SCE) GNSS devices can be blocked, this method mitigates the risk that due to the short SCE PRN code chip
authorized UAVs using this method hostile forces may try to jam the UAV’s sequences valid only for the limited
have unrestricted access to the non- radio control. Moreover, radio silence mission duration and inside a limited
spoofable and trusted SCE GNSS. The can be realized, which is beneficial or area.
proposed method is to store short even required for some missions. Potential target markets for this
sequences of SCE PRN code chips on No dedicated security module method are police and special forces
the user receiver before the mission. required on the user terminal, no and other authorized users which are
These SCE PRN code chips allow SWaP problems, no keying issues, no allowed to use certain SCE GNSS and
the user receiver to calculate at pre- handling of controlled items on user would like to equip their UAVs with
defined points in time a secure and side, no need for a communication link a secure, unspoofable positioning
trustable SCE PVT position. Since no giving rise to the availability and radio solution. More info at www.ion.org/
communication channel is required, silence issues, and no security issues publications/ browse.cfm.

FLAMINGO: FULFILLING ENHANCED LOCATION consumption optimisation techniques.

Whereas the Galileo High Accuracy Service targets 10-cm
ACCURACY WITH INITIAL GALILEO SERVICES precision for professional users, FLAMINGO targets 50-cm
precision for consumers. With accuracies of a few decimetres,
BY William Roberts, Joshua Critchley-Marrows,
a range of improved and new applications in diverse market
Marco Fortunato, Maria Ivanovici, Nottingham
sectors are introduced, including, but are not limited to,
scientific Ltd., Karel Callewaert, Thiago
mapping and GIS, autonomous vehicles, augmented reality
Tavares, VVA Brussels, Laurent Arzel and Axelle
environments, location-based gaming and people tracking.
Pomies, Telespazio France.
To obtain such high accuracies with mass market devices,

T
he FLAMINGO initiative is developing the FLAMINGO must overcome several challenges which are
infrastructure, solutions and services to enable technical, operational and environmental. This includes
use of accurate, precise GNSS in the mass-market, the hardware capabilities of most mass-market devices,
operating predominantly in an urban environment. where components such as antennas and processors are
Whilst mass-market receivers are yet to achieve accuracies prioritised for other purposes. We demonstrate that, despite
below one meter for standard positioning, the introduction these challenges, FLAMINGO has the potential to meet the
of Android raw GNSS measurements and the Broadcom dual accuracy required. Tests with the current smartphones that
frequency chipset present such an opportunity. provide access to multi-constellation raw measurements
FLAMINGO will enable high-accuracy positioning and (the dual-frequency Xiaomi Mi 8 and single-frequency
navigation information on devices such as smartphones Samsung S8 and Huawei P10) demonstrate significant
and internet of things (IoT) devices by producing a service improvements to the PVT solution when processing using
delivering accuracies of 50 cm (at 95%) and better, employing both RTK and PPP techniques. More info at www.ion.org/
multi-constellation, PPP and RTK mechanisms, power publications/ browse.cfm.

JANUARY 2019 WWW.GPSWORLD.COM G P S W O R L D 45

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 DESIGN INTEGRATION TRENDS

Precision
BY Juan Vázquez, Elisabet Lacarra, Jorge Morán and
Miguel A. Sánchez, ESSP SAS, and Julian Rioja and
Jimmy Bruzual, Topcon Agriculture

Ag Aided by T
he European Geostationar y Navigation
Overlay Service (EGNOS), a satellite-based
augmentation system (SBAS), provides
corrections and integrity information to GPS

Internet, SBAS signals over Europe and is fully interoperable with

other SBAS such as North America’s WAAS. Among
its services is the internet-based EGNOS Data Access
Service (EDAS).
A reliable, repeatable, EDAS gathers raw data from GPS, GLONASS
and EGNOS GEO satellites collected by receivers at
free solution with better approximately 40 EGNOS ground stations distributed
over Europe and North Africa. EDAS reformats and
than 20-centimeter disseminates GNSS data in real time and through an FTP
archive to EDAS users and service providers.
pass-to-pass accuracy Additionally, EDAS provides differential GNSS
corrections to the GPS and GLONASS satellites in view
by the EGNOS system network through its Ntrip service.
Differential GNSS corrections via the The tests summarized in this article focused on the
EDAS Ntrip Service, which can be used for differential
EGNOS Data Access Service (EDAS) positioning. An earlier test near Seville, Spain, concluded
that these corrections could support pass-to-pass accuracies
enable pass-to-pass accuracy for a range in the order of 20 centimeters in a consistent manner and
of precision agriculture applications: with a high degree of repeatability.
To assess EDAS performance validity for agriculture
spraying and sowing of any crop type, applications, two additional tests were done in Lisbon,
tilling and harvesting of grains. Tests Portugal, and York, UK. These locations provide diversity
with respect to the Seville test, especially in terms of
with auto-steering systems looked at key distance from the farm to the selected EGNOS reference
performance indicators. station (≈320 km in York and 40 km in Lisbon, versus
the 110 km baseline of the test in Seville) and also
geographically. In all tests, a real-
time kinematic solution operated in
parallel to the EDAS DGPS solution
to provide the required reference for
the post-processing of the recorded
data. Nine different runs with a
total of 78 passes were performed
in these two campaigns.
See EDAS Ntrip, page 48. >>
Article photos and figures: Topcon

PASS-TO-PASS (P2P) accuracy concept.

46 G P S W O R L D WWW.GPSWORLD.COM JANUARY 2019

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 RECEIVERS

EUROPEAN SATELLITE EFFIGIS GEO-SOLUTIONS

SERVICES PROVIDER (ESSP) Nicos Keable-Vézina
Director of Precision Agriculture
Juan Vazquez
Team Leader, EDAS Service Provision

Pass-to-pass accuracy is the key Thanks to artificial intelligence,

performance indicator to assess variable-rate application of
the precision of guidance systems, nitrogen has made great strides
characterizing the short-term in recent years. Science has
dynamic performance determined d e m o n s t r a t e d t h a t e f f e c t i ve
from off-track errors along the straight segment passes nitrogen management requires an array of technologies,
(error with respect to the desired path in the direction including massive databases. Data is geospatial
perpendicular to the tractor trajectory). (positioning signal and satellite imagery enabling the
The results of the tests reported in this article, jointly identification of changes in nitrogen requirements),
performed by Topcon Agriculture and ESSP, confirm that agronomic (mainly soil texture and seasonal weather),
EDAS DGPS corrections can support a wide range of and economic (grain and nitrogen price).
precision agriculture applications and represent a real To automate extraction and analysis of such data,
alternative for cereal farms, when located in the vicinity combining very low-cost positioning technologies,
(at least up to 260 km away) of an EGNOS reference satellite imagery and artificial intelligence is paramount.
station, complementing the benefits that the EGNOS A democratized access to technology has led to the
signal-in-space is already providing to a large number of development of scientifically proven nitrogen prescribing
agriculture users in Europe. platforms, among them FieldApex, that calculate the most
More info on EDAS is available at egnos-helpdesk@ profitable nitrogen rates and generate prescriptions in
essp-sas.eu. seconds without soil sampling. Further technological and
platform integrations are likely to bolster such innovation.

TOPCON AGRICULTURE Hemisphere GNSS

Julian Rioja John McClure
Channel Development and Business Intelligence Engineering Manager, Precision Agriculture
Manager
All tests were performed using Precision agriculture is expanding
Topcon receivers, vehicles and auto- the use of ISOBUS for CAN
steering systems. Two different communication between a common
Topcon guidance systems on board terminal and implements, to reduce
tractors ran simultaneously to clutter in the cab. These virtual
assess the EDAS DGPS positioning terminals now act as display and
performance with respect to the reference provided by a user entry for multiple applications including GNSS
real-time kinematic (RTK) system. Hence, two independent receivers and factory or after-market steering systems.
positioning outputs were continuously available (the INS-aided GNSS solutions, typically using RTK or
receivers were placed along the same longitudinal axis satellite-based correctors such as Atlas, provide time/
on the roof of the tractor): position data for rate and section control and auto-
• RTK position: provided by the AGI-4 receiver fed by steering. CAN-based NMEA 2000 is the commonly used
Topcon’s Hiper V RTK base. receiver protocol for position data, replacing serial NMEA
• DGPS position: provided by the AGI-4 receiver fed by 0183.
the EDAS Ntrip service. All major tractor, agricultural equipment, and GNSS
On board the tractor, two Topcon X35 consoles were manufacturers attend regular “Plugfest” meetings,
each connected to one of the receivers. A Topcon AES-25 organized by the Agriculture Industry Electronics
electric steering system was installed on the tractor so Foundation, to test interoperability of products and set
that the selected navigation input (RTK or EDAS DGPS) common standards.
could be used to automatically guide the tractor along Smart CAN dongles are being developed to read sensors
the defined reference pattern. and control systems, supplying positioned data via
telematics as the Big Data for real-time and post analysis.

JANUARY 2019 WWW.GPSWORLD.COM G P S W O R L D 47

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DESIGN INTEGRATION TRENDS

CUMULATIVE DISTRIBUTION of P2P accuracy, in centimeters.

EDAS Ntrip 1 meter (95th percentile) of absolute horizontal accuracy

<< Continued from page 46. is required. It can be assumed that, within the area where
Considering the results from the three tests, the pass-to- EDAS DGPS supports sub-meter horizontal accuracies (up
pass accuracy supported by EDAS DGPS corrections was to 260 km from the selected EGNOS station, according
below 10 cm for more than 60% of passes and below 20 cm to previous studies), EDAS DGPS corrections can also
for more than 85% of the passes. These figures exceed the support pass-to-pass accuracies in the order of 10-20 cm.
earlier results and confirm that EDAS DGPS corrections Such performance levels are considered to be appropriate
can deliver pass-to-pass accuracies in the order of 10 to for most grain farm operations. In particular, the observed
20 cm in a consistent manner. performance is sufficient to support the following precision
The stability of the results and the very good pass- agriculture applications:
to-pass accuracy levels observed in the York scenario, ▪ Spraying/spreading of any crop type.
where baselines larger than 300 km were tested, deserve ▪ Tilling of grain.
highlighting. For grain and dry soil cultivation, at least ▪ Harvesting of grain.

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COMNAV TECHNOLOGY 43 SBG SYSTEMS 11
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UNICORE COMMUNICATIONS 10

48 G P S W O R L D WWW.GPSWORLD.COM JANUARY 2019

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 MAPPINGMARVEL

Carbon mitigation
modeling. A dropdown menu
provides three visualization choices —
strong mitigation (representative
concentration pathway, RCP 2.6),
moderate mitigation (RCP 4.5) and
A slider lets users visualize
business as usual (RCP 8.5).
how cumulative climate change
impacts by year across the globe.

Credit: Esri
Interactive App Illuminates
Climate Change Around the Globe
new interactive app by Esri models the comprehensive assessment of the simultaneous
A cumulative number of climate hazards likely to
occur under different emissions scenarios for any
occurrence of multiple climate hazards strengthened
by increasing greenhouse gas emissions and their
place on Earth through 2100. The app visualizes the effect on humanity. Mora’s analysis of thousands
index of 11 hazards, including warming, drought, of peer reviewed scientific papers reveals 467 ways
heatwaves, fires, precipitation, floods, storms, in which human health, food, water, economy,
water scarcity, sea-level rise and changes in natural infrastructure and security have been impacted by
land cover and ocean chemistry. Users can see how multiple climatic changes.
severely locations around the world will be affected By clearly visualizing the threats that our world’s
by these cumulative hazards under different global ecosystem faces at every level, the maps and data
mitigation scenarios. hammer home how location intelligence can help with
Esri created the app in partnership with Camilo understanding what is at stake in making decisions,
Mora of the University of Hawaii, lead author of even at a global scale. Visualize the data at https://
a study in Nature Climate Change that provides a maps.esri.com/MoraLab/CumulativeChange/.

JANUARY 2019 WWW.GPSWORLD.COM G P S W O R L D 49

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SEEN HEARD
BACKPACKER TRACKING
A recent study by Lorraine Stamberger used GPS units to
understand where backpackers travel in the wilds of Denali
National Park, where there are few trails. Researchers
distributed Canmore GT-740 FL GPS units to backpackers;
the devices recorded waypoints every 15 seconds, creating
detailed spatial data. Results showed backpackers
were concentrated in specific hotspots, which surprised
researchers and park managers. (Via ScienceDirect)

BACK TO BIKE BASICS

Since the beginning of 2017 Chinese cities have been
provided with 23 million GPS-equipped bicycles, part of a
bike share program that has been credited with changing
traffic patterns across the country and reviving a mode
of transportation that was fading fast. On one day last
year, the system logged 70 million riders — three to four
rides per bike. The bike-share program is credited with
reducing gridlock and smog. (Via CBC)

NYPD GOES HIGH-TECH

In December, the New York City Police Department
added a fleet of drones to its force. The 14 DJI drones
will be used by licensed NYPD officers for search and
rescue, event monitoring, crime scene documentation,
HAZMAT incidents and hostage situations. Eleven of
the drones are small quadcopters that will be used for
tactical operations. Two are larger, weather resistant
quadcopters with a zoom camera and thermal imaging
capabilities. Another quadcopter will be used for training
and testing.

KEEPING BESSIE FIT

Australia’s national science agency (CSIRO)
and agtech startup Ceres Tag have completed
successful trials of a new fitness tracker for
cows. The smart ear tag will enable farmers to
track the location of their cattle through the
use of GPS, and by using accelerometers, it
will also be able to inform the farmers of any
unusual activity.

PHOTO CREDITS: Denali map/LorraineStamberger; Drones/NYPD; Bike rental in China/iStock.com/yurouguan; cow/CSIRO.

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