Eric D. Colburn, PLS

Professional Land Surveyor News

Ashtech® has introduced a new GNSS firmware upgrade for the entire ProFlex™ line of products, including the ProFlex 500, ProFlex 500 Marine, ProFlex 500 CORS, ProFlex Lite and ProFlex Lite Duo.

The new firmware features as standard:

Hot Stand-By RTK: Doubles the assurance that an RTK position is always available and robust.

Advanced Raw Data Quality: Multi-criterion internal observation masks optimize raw data depending on reception parameters and the dynamics of the receiver.

Ashtech Optimized Messaging (ATOM) format: Freedom from radio link throughput issues using the new compact and ultra compact scenario of ATOM format.

RTC Bridge for ProFlex 500 only: Extends the number of users working in a given area by allowing one of them to forward its corrections, received through GPRS, to others through a radio link, thus saving money on mobile communication fees.

Legacy DBEN Base format support for ProFlex Lite only: Transit smoothly from legacy Ashtech sensors generation to the newest generation.

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New England Section ACSM - To promote geomatics education and to advocate for the advancement of surveying and mapping in New England.

GNSS Positioning Short Course Sponsored by New England Section ACSM and CALS

The New England Section ACSM and CALS are proud to present a GNSS Positioning Short Course offered on five consecutive Saturdays this summer starting on July 10, 2010 and ending on August 7, 2010. Each Saturday class begins at 8 am and ends at noon, and will be held at the University of Connecticut located in Storrs, Connecticut.

Summary:

This course will present the foundation information needed for a GNSS positioning professional to understand how their equipment works, with guidance to its proper usage. It is not a course on GNSS processing software or GNSS orthometric heighting.

Preparation:

Attendees are expected to be familiar with the operation of GNSS positioning equipment and to be proficient in surveying and mapping. Although the course will start with the basics of GNSS technologies, some prior knowledge of GNSS technology is assumed because of the speed of the presentation.

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Mike Hanson. Source BlindHiker.com

Here’s an inspirational story and video about Mike Hanson, who is an avid outdoorsman, GPS user, and happens to be blind. Despite his disability, Mike plans on hiking the entire Appalachian Trail solo only with the help of his GPS to guide him.

That’s right; he plans on hiking the entire 2,174 mile Appalachian Trail solo from Georgia to Maine only using his GPS and a white cane.

His goal, besides hiking the entire Appalachian Trail, is to “demonstrate the independence of persons with disabilities”, and to inform people with visual impairments about using GPS as a navigation aid.

GPS One Of The 3 Greatest Navigational Aids to People With Visual Impairments.

Mike has carefully plotting out waypoints along the trail. With these waypoints and his text-to-speech capable GPS receiver he plans on staying on track. He says that this system, accurate to within 10 feet, will notify him if he starts to travel of off the trail.

In 2006, Mike tested the mapping software on the Trail in Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, where he hiked 30-40 miles using GPS. In the following video you’ll hear about his plans and how he uses GPS to navigate in his everyday world. In fact, Mike ranks GPS as one of the top 3 greatest navigational aids to people with visual impairments, along with guide dogs and the white cane.

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Professional Land Surveyor News

Yesterday, January 18, 2009, Reuters India reported from Beijing, China that over the past weekend China launched the third BeiDou (Big Dipper) or Compass satellite in an effort to build its own global satellite positioning (GPS) system. This latest satellite is part of  a proposed constellation of 35 Chinese GPS satellites to be in orbit by the year 2020.

China is competing in space with the United States and Russia, and in addition to these BeiDou or COMPASS satellites also has plans to land on the Moon in 2012. While this instills a great deal of national pride within China, and is increasing the prominence of China in the space arena, this initiative and the overall China space program has alarmed some western counterparts. Within the region, rival India, in response to China’s space ambitions, is now working to increase India’s space program.

As reported, the China BeiDou or COMPASS GPS network will provide the following services:

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United States Coast Guard

Coast Guard announces publication of notice of intention to terminate the Long Range Aids to Navigation (Loran-C) signal

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Coast Guard’s Director of Prevention Policy announced Thursday publication in the Federal Register of plans to cease broadcasting the North American Loran-C signal Feb. 8.

As a result of technological advancements during the last 20 years and the emergence of the U.S. Global Positioning System, Loran-C is no longer required by the armed forces, the transportation sector or the nation’s security interests, and is used by only a small segment of the population.

President Barack Obama’s fiscal year 2010 budget supported the termination of outdated systems and specifically cited the terrestrial-based North American Loran-C system as such an example. The president did not seek funding for the Loran-C system in fiscal year 2010. Termination was also supported through the enactment of the 2010 Homeland Security Appropriations Bill.

The decision to terminate transmission of the Loran-C signal reflects the president’s pledge to eliminate unnecessary federal programs.

The Loran-C system was not established as, nor was it intended to be, a viable systemic backup for GPS. If a single, domestic national system to back up GPS is identified as being necessary, the Department of Homeland Security will complete an analysis of potential backups to GPS. The continued active operation of Loran-C is not necessary to advance this evaluation.

The notice may be viewed online at www.regulations.gov, docket number: USCG-2009-0299. for more information on terminations, reductions and savings contained in the fiscal year 2010 budget, including Loran-C, visit www.whitehouse.gov/omb/budget/TRS/.

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Professional Land Surveyor Source

United States Coast Guard

Professional Land Surveyor News

Brussels, 7 January 2010

Commission awards major contracts to make Galileo operational early 2014

The European Commission announced today the award of three of the six contracts for the procurement of Galileo’s initial operational capability. The contract for the system support services is awarded to ThalesAleniaSpace of Italy , that for a first order of 14 satellites to OHB System AG of Germany and that for the launch services to Arianespace of France. This will allow the initial deployment and service provision of Europe’s satellite navigation system as of early 2014.

Antonio Tajani, European Commission Vice-President in charge of Transport, said: “With this and the upcoming awards for the remaining procurement packages, we are concluding a critical phase of the Galileo programme. We can now focus on the actual roll-out and demonstrate to European citizens that Europe’s own satellite navigation system is firmly underway”.

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Lowell will also serve as Chief Hydrographer for the United States

November 2, 2009

NOAA Corps Capt. John E. Lowell, Jr., new director of NOAA’s Office of Coast Survey with Capt. Steven R. Barnum, former director of NOAA's Office of Coast Survey. High resolution (Credit: NOA

NOAA Corps Capt. John E. Lowell, Jr., has been named the new director of NOAA’s Office of Coast Survey. He will simultaneously serve as the U.S. national hydrographer. In his dual roles, Lowell will be responsible for overseeing NOAA’s hydrographic services, including the mapping and charting of all U.S. navigational waters, as well as represent the United States in international hydrographic efforts.

“We’re delighted that John Lowell has been named to this important leadership post within the National Ocean Service,” said John H. Dunnigan, assistant administrator of NOAA’s National Ocean Service. “He brings to the position a wealth of experience through a wide variety of assignments during his 26-year NOAA career. His experience and leadership will serve the nation well as we focus on important changes that will improve navigational safety and coastal protection.”

Lowell takes over the director’s helm after serving for the past three years as chief of the Office of Coast Survey’s Marine Chart Division. In that position, he oversaw the testing and acceptance of a new system that will revolutionize the production of nautical charts. The new chart system, which is undergoing a five-year transition period, will improve the quality, consistency, and timeliness of providing nautical charting data to the nation.

Graduating in 1982 from the Florida Institute of Technology, Lowell earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Oceanographic Technology. He recently completed the JFK Harvard Senior Executive Fellowship program.

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Houston, we have a problem…..

GPS Constellation

For over a month now there has been some chatter regarding the stability and reliability of Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites and now there is a report by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) with some very disturbing news concerning the GPS system as we move into the very near future.

The GAO, in recognition of the importance of GPS in positioning, navigation, timing data, and U.S. national security, to name a few, has undertaken a broad review of GPS, particularly in light of the Air Force GPS acquisition program and GPS modernization efforts. GAO assessed the following programs:

1. Acquiring GPS satellites.
2. Acquiring the ground control and user equipment necessary to leverage GPS satellite capabilities.
3. Coordination among federal agencies and other organizations to ensure GPS missions can be accomplished.

What they’ve found is a rather disturbing picture for GPS which includes Read the rest of this entry →

Magellan Triton 2000

While not necessarily thought of as a tool for Professional Land Surveyors, the , none the less, is a very handy tool for Professional Land Surveyors and outdoor enthusiast, alike. The Magellan Triton 2000 has proved to be a good tool to have in any Professional Land Surveyor’s tool box.

What I liked about the Magellan Triton 2000 is:

1. The full-color display. It was easy to read and the touch-screen worked well. While it was easy to read in full sun light, the real strength is using the Magellan Triton 2000 in low-light conditions, like under heavy tree canopy. In the woods, the screen is very readable, I think even better than out in the brighter locations.
2. The Magellan Triton 2000 takes 2 megapixel photos with geographic locations in the field. This can be a great way to take photos of the monuments you find in the field, and then be able to distinguish between them geographically back at the office. With a regular digital camera, if you’re not careful, it can be hard to tell what the photos you took in the field actually represent. With the Magellan Triton 2000 you now have a way to incorporate these photos into your project GIS.
3. The Magellan Triton 2000 comes Read the rest of this entry →

Suunto X9i Wrist-Top GPS Computer Watch with Altimeter, Barometer, Compass, and GPS (Military)

Suunto X9i Wrist-Top GPS Computer Watch with Altimeter, Barometer, Compass, and GPS (Military)

Product Description

Features: Compatible with digital maps, it is the perfect tool for planning routes in advance and storing the best ones for re-use Navigational functions calculate your present heading, remaining distance and time to finish, distance to the next waypoint and your drift from the planned route Mark home-find home function allows you to mark your home position easily and click find home when you decide to head back Compatible with National Geographic’s TOPO! State Series digital maps for route planning before the activity PC software gives you a graphical representation of your performance Altimeter-barometer functions include current altitude, vertical speed, weather alarm, 6-hour barometric trend graph, and 7-day weather memory so you stay in tune to incoming weather Time features include 12-24 clock, dual time display, calendar, 3 daily alarms, GPS time synchronization and a stopwatch with 29 split times USB recharger and PC connector included Specifications: Weight: 27 ounces Increments: +– 2-3 degrees Declination adjustment to Clinometer to Altimeter: Yes to Yes to Yes Battery type: Rechargeable Li-ion battery Battery life: 45 hr (1 sec GPS fixrate) to 12 hr (1 min GPS fix rate) to 2 weeks (manual GPS fix, 500 locations) to 2 months (in time and alti-baro modes) Channels to Waypoints to Routes: 12 to 500 to 50

Product Features