Network corrected real-time is a technological approach to high precision GPS/ GNSS positioning that has been theorized about, studied, experimented with, and implemented in various academic, scientific, and commercial forms for nearly a decade. Many of the various approaches share the fruits of past research, algorithms, and technological tools; some which are in common.
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Hard-wired into human nature is a fascination for speed—we like to go fast. In our March 2007 issue I wrote about FARO, a German laser company that had recently entered the U.S. market with their laser scanner. We visited their factory in Stuttgart, and along the way, took advantage of the opportunity to do some legal high-speed driving (140mph) on the Autobahn.
In February of 2008, FARO capitalized on "speed" by staging a press event at the Richard Petty Driving Experience at Disney World in Orlando. The star of the show was FARO's latest scanner, the Photon. In their "drive" for accuracy, reliability and repeatability, FARO chases every micron. The $198 million company is doing quite well. FARO experienced 25 percent growth in 2007, and anticipates the same in 2008.
The new Photon has several improvements: faster scans with 200 percent better positional accuracy, 300 percent less "noise", and an improved color overlay that uses a high-rez digital camera, all resulting in crisper scans with greater clarity. FARO has improved the optics, angle encoders, and underlying electronics. The electronic improvement yields twice the power at the same eye-safeness, and 1.4 times the range in sunlight. New to the Photon is its iPod controller, wireless capability and a six-hour battery that fits under the tribrach.
Aside from the Photon, another "direct relationship" that played out at the press conference was one between my hands and the steering wheel of a 600hp NASCAR vehicle! Strapped in from the head down, the Richard Petty Driving Experience allows you to get behind the wheel and follow a pace car driven by a professional driver. The object is to stay three car lengths behind him. If you can manage that, he continually picks up speed. Those who don't feel up to driving alone can opt for a ride-along with a professional driver. The ride-alongs hit speeds of 140-145mph, while the drive alone option is generally 20-25mph slower. Sure enough, my best lap was just short of 120mph. When I exited the vehicle my hands were shaking, not from fear, but from the extreme concentration required to maintain the measured distance behind the pro (and my desire to not hit the wall). Unlike the smooth-running car we had driven on the Autobahn, the NASCAR vehicles are not as easy to drive. I came away with a new measure of respect for the skill of the NASCAR drivers who draft each others bumpers at nearly 200mph.
Yes, we like to go fast. Our need for speed spurs the growth of new technology. While this issue features technology that would make our predecessors' heads spin, we also kick back to the days when surveyors wore spurs. Sit back, slow down, and enjoy!
A 225Kb PDF of this article as it appeared in the magazine—complete with images—is available by clicking HERE
Editorial: The Wow Factor
I recently attended a reception hosted by Loyola Spatial Systems at the annual Virginia Association of Surveyors' conference. Loyola is a great example of a well-run entrepreneurial company that has capitalized on the RTN boom [see "RTK-Net Entrepreneurs" in our June 2007 issue]. At the reception, Loyola unveiled a new web app they developed that will allow asset owners to .... Read the Article
Reconnaissance: The Stories They Tell
Over the years of traveling to most of these United States and talking to or otherwise corresponding with hundreds of surveyors in virtually every state, I have come across a wide variety of interesting and humorous documents. Some of them I share off and on in my presentations, others not, but many of them deserve to see the light of day. As Dave Barry famously writes.... Read the Article
The Wow Factor: Loyola's RTK-Net Management Portal
As part of its newly-released Management Portal and GPS Work Day Planning Center, Loyola now provides Real Time Connection Logs to their customers. A map function is included that uses Google Maps to plot the location of GPS rovers that have been connected to RTK-Net®. This exclusive feature is ... Read the Article
Bad Pass Archaeology
The Bad Pass Trail runs for miles along the western side of rugged Bighorn Canyon in southern Montana and northern Wyoming. Today it consists of numerous rock piles or cairns, which once helped guide travelers along the treacherous canyon country. People also left behind rocks that once held down the bottoms of... Read the Article
Rapid Surveyor: Mapping the built environment and beyond
Today, we live in a world where the trend is to have the latest or the best currently available gadget, be that a humble MP3 player, a digital camera or a cell phone. While this trend is most likely quite obvious to users of consumer level electronics, it should be noted that it is also a trend that is reflected in many .... Read the Article
RTN101: Network GeometryDesign Meets Reality (Part 12)
"We will never be an advanced civilization as long as rain showers can delay the launching of a space rocket."--George Carlin
The best design principles and best intentions may initially drive RTN design, but certain realities rule in the end. Ultimately the test of functionality reigns supreme. Most RTNs have... Read the Article
Equipment Review: Leica System 1200 (Part 2 of 2)
The Smart Antenna is a lightweight device that includes a GPS/GLONASS (GG models) or GPS-only antenna and receiver. For connectivity, it includes a wireless Bluetooth port, a LEMO port, and a clip port for attaching to the TPS1200+ Smart Station handle. It is powered by the ... Read the Article
Software Review: Prefiniti from Center Line Services
Bob Stevenson, a well-known and respected New Mexico surveyor*, once told me that a surveyor could make good money doing lot and block surveys for title companies. I thought he was probably right, but at the time survey inspection reports, or whatever they are called in your area, were equivalent to ... Read the Article
Vantage Point: Just Say "No"
Early December 2007 newspapers carried an article entitled, "Scotsman Says `No' to Trump". It seems "The Donald" had approached Michael Forbes to buy his 23-acre farm and was told that the land was not for sale at any price. Apparently the offer of $750,000, "well above market value", was not enough to... Read the Article
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