News

  • Home > News

        Windows surveyor has 1cm precision

        Jonathan Angel | Date: Mar 19, 2009 | Comments: 1


        Topcon introduced a handheld Windows computer claimed to provide accurate positioning to within a centimeter. The 72-channel GRS-1 (left) includes RTK (real time kinematic) and WAAS (wide area augmentation system) support, an internal camera and magnetic compass, and an optional GSM or CDMA cellular...

        modem, says Topcon.

        (Click here for a larger view of Topcon's GRS-1)

        According to Topcon, its GRS-1 uses an undisclosed GNSS (global navigation satellite system) chipset that's compatible with both the U.S.A's GPS satellite network and Russia's GLONASS (global navigation satellite system). Capable of utilizing 72 different channels, the device is also compatible with WAAS (wide area augmentation system), a network of ground-based reference stations, located in North America and Hawaii, that increases accuracy by measuring small variations in GPS satellite signals, says Topcon.

        Using the above networks and techniques, the GRS-1 is claimed to be accurate to within one meter using its internal antenna, or just 50cm with an external antenna. But that's not all: Topcon also offers a snap-on RH-1 accessory, which can increase accuracy to an amazing 1cm horizontally and 1.5cm vertically, plus or minus two parts per million, the company claims. The RH-1 (below left) works via public or private RTK networks, in which a base station at a known, surveyed location is combined with a number of mobile units, according to the company.


        Topcon's GRS-1 offers an optional RTK accessory (left) and internal magnetic compass (right)

        The GRS-1 includes both an internal magnetic compass (above right) and a two megapixel autofocus camera. Wireless 802.11b networking and Bluetooth are standard, and the device is also available with an integrated GSM or WCDMA cellular modem, the company adds.

        The GRS-1 runs Windows Mobile 6.1 using a 806MHz Marvell PXA320 CPU, 256MB of RAM, and 1GB of flash storage. It has a 3.7-inch touchscreen display with 640 x 480 resolution, an SD expansion slot, and a mini USB connector that may be configured as either a USB host or USB client, says Topcon.

        Finally, the GRS-1 has just three keys, but these are said to be supplemented by a software keyboard when necessary. The device survives three-foot drops, and meets the IP66 standard for sealing against weather and dust, according to the company.

        Features and specifications cited by Topcon for the GRS-1 include:
        • Processor -- Marvell PXA320 clocked at 806MHz
        • Memory -- 256MB of RAM and 1GB of flash storage
        • Display -- 3.7-inch touchscreen display
        • Camera -- Two megapixel, with autofocus
        • Wireless:
          • LAN -- 802.11b
          • WAN -- GSM or WCDMA (optional; frequencies not specified)
          • GPS receiver; WAAS-capable
          • GLONASS receiver
          • PAN -- Bluetooth
          • RTK receiver (with RH-1 accessory)
        • Other I/O -- USB host/client via single mini USB connector
        • Expansion:
          • Communication port for RH-1
          • SD slot
        • Battery type -- 2500mAh; life not specified
        • Environmental specifications:
          • Operating temperature -- -20 to 50 deg. C (-4 to 122 deg. F)
          • Drop resistance -- resists three-foot drops
          • Dust/liquid sealing -- meets IP66 standard
        • Dimensions -- 7.76 x 3.54 x 1.81 inches (197 x 90 x 46mm)
        • Weight -- 1.5 pounds
        Availability

        Topcon did not release pricing, but the GRS-1 appears to be available now, and is supplied with the company's TopSurv surveying software. More information may be found on the company's website, here.


        Related stories: