Compared to standalone GNSS receivers, the additional measurements and enhanced performance of GNSS-aided inertial navigation systems (INS) provides a significant advantage in mobile mapping applications. But thanks to a number of additional background technologies, OxTS’ survey customers are currently enjoying enhanced GNSS accuracy for longer periods of time, and in more challenging environments than ever before. Here’s a brief overview of some of our recent technologies.
Forwards/backwards processing is a post-process technology designed to increase position accuracy during GNSS-blackouts. It works by processing the data twice; first in the same direction it was captured and then in reverse—from the end of the file to the beginning. This creates two slightly different files because any drift that occurs during GNSS-blackouts accumulates differently. The position solutions in each file can then be combined, resulting in increased position accuracy during GNSS-blackouts.
Refined smoothing algorithms ensure that the data collected by users is as reliable and accurate as possible. Our newly updated smoothing algorithms are particularly tuned towards ensuring there are no spikes in the combined data generated from forwards/backwards processing—reducing the chance of jumps in your measurements.
gx/ix processing is OxTS’ custom GNSS processing technology that helps achieve higher accuracy in built-up areas, and even improve the INS performance during periods of good satellite reception. The gx algorithm works by processing raw data from GNSS receivers to more stringent standards, which leads to increased performance. While in areas of poor satellite reception, the ix algorithm takes information from individual satellites and with tight-coupling is able to generate a position solution even when less than four satellites are in view.
gxRTK is an extension of gx/ix that allows customers to achieve RTK 1 cm position accuracy in post-process along with the additional benefits of gx/ix processing. By taking DGPS corrections from RINEX files, RTCMv3 files or directly from a raw data file, gxRTK removes the need to set up local base-stations or operate radio modems while out in the field. And as well as achieving RTK position accuracy, gxRTK also generates RTK-quality velocity and orientation measurements so all mobile mapping data is as accurate as possible.
gxRTK inertial relock is our most recent technology and brings benefits to post-process users surveying in dense urban environments. It allows RTK lock to be reacquired in as little as 5 seconds after an obstruction interrupts the GPS signal, which significantly increases the overall accuracy experienced in real-world environments where tunnels, bridges and other obstructions can block the signal.
The final way in which OxTS is helping customers can’t really be described as a technology, but it often surprises customers so much that it’s worth mentioning. It is the fact that our inertial navigation systems are supplied with all the software they need—and not just for configuration. The free comprehensive software suite includes configuration, post-processing, graphing, analysis and export applications, so the price you pay really is the up-and-running price.
For more information on any of the technologies mentioned above, or to arrange a demonstration so you can see how OxTS Survey products can benefit you, please contact your regional representative via our website, or contact OxTS directly at click here.
