As their popularity grows, mobile mapping systems (MMS) are being adopted by many industries outside of their traditional strongholds in surveying and engineering. This technology can benefit many fields, including archaeology, forensics, accident reconstruction, riot scene analysis, agricultural and forestry applications, golf courses, amusement parks, and city simulations.
Roadways, railroads, bridges, tunnels, erosion, topography, hydrology, and geographic information systems (GIS) are all examples of traditionally critical mobile mapping applications. However, the more unusual applications propel much of the innovation in mobile mapping systems. Of course, a vital component of this initiative is the incorporation of GNSS Modules into handheld devices.
Ø Positioning is crucial for a mobile mapping system, and GNSS Modules for Portable Devices are commonly used for this purpose. Many of these new GPS users initially associate the technology with navigation.
Ø It is anticipated that the GNSS Module for Portable devices is a secondary concern for these end-users and represents a negligible financial outlay compared to their primary goals.
Ø They always want more with less and wish for more significant outcomes. Using GNSS isn't necessary, but it amps up the coolness factor.
Ø Users have similar expectations in surveying and mapping but realize that this will likely be their life's most significant financial outlay. Given the price tag, they expect the machinery to be bulky and challenging.
Ø Many of the mobile mapping systems up until recently were very large and cost anything from $500,000 to $1,000,000.
Ø Since only the most prominent companies with financially stable clients and a willingness to pay top dollar could afford mobile mapping, the option was effectively shut down.
Ø Alteration is something that time can bring about. The cost of portable mapping devices has reduced significantly in recent years.
Ø A wide variety of brand-new systems can be purchased for less than $500,000, with some costing as little as $100,000.
Ø As a result, the size has shrunk significantly, and the user interface has become much more intuitive. Because of this, it's now possible for more people to start using the service.
Ø First, without delving further into any topic, let's consider how the GNSS part of a mobile mapping system works. The GNSS Module for Portable devices is one of two primary components of an INS (Inertial Navigation System), an integral part of a mobile system.
Ø All available INS products use GPS, which offers two positioning-relevant frequencies (L1 and L2). Results from an L1-only system are only 50-100 cm, while those from an L1/L2 system are only accurate to a few centimetres. On top of that, there are other satellite navigation systems out there besides GPS.
Ø Several development methods aim to provide a GPS-like solution, at least in some parts of the world; these include GLONASS, Galileo, and Beidou. More systems and better receivers will usually lead to a better outcome.
Ø In most cases, they would employ the information from the GNSS Module for Portable devices in a final, post-processed answer. The standard method employs high-end computer programmes and a physical hub.
Ø The optimal solution can be calculated by using a base station that logs data at 1Hz and a GNSS module installed on a portable device. Post-processed positioning is an option that can be used instead of a base station (PPP).
A continuous 2.5–3 hours of GPS receiver operation is required here. In both cases, post-processing allows for results on the centimetre scale.
Ø It's also possible to have quick service. Space-based augmentation systems (SBAS) such as OmniSTAR and NovAtel CORRECT are available if the application does not require exact positioning.
Ø These systems use a geostationary satellite to supplement the positioning data received by a receiver. The precision of these systems is 10 cm. Initializing and reinitializing these systems is necessary if the GPS signal is lost. Positioning is not enhanced by post-processing.
Ø The last option is the real-time kinematic (RTK) solution for GNSS modules on portable devices. In this setup, a local base station is a hub for real-time data transmission between the base and the rover. Local parameter updates are included in the message to help with placement.
Ø While this can achieve positioning accuracy on par with a post-processed solution, it has a short range and is easily disrupted by physical obstacles. With more and more places to set up a base station, this answer gets better practically every day.
Using a GNSS Module for Portable Devices to pinpoint the location of a moving system is challenging. Several things are at play (cost, range, availability, accuracy). Even more causes for alarm emerge when additional positioning methods are taken into accounts, such as the Locata solution, SLAM, and others. They have run out of room. A further investigation into this topic may be possible next time.
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