Topcon's mapping receiver scores quadruple firsts

Topcon's new GMS-2 GIS hand-held mobile GPS receiver scores an historic quadruple first with dual-constellation tracking, an integrated digital camera linking photos to feature locations, an electronic compass for bearing and direction information and the functionality to be used as a GIS mapping system, an L1 static survey grade receiver or a field controller.

The company believes it provides an unparalleled solution for multi-function GIS-GPS tasks. Using a Windows CE operating system, the GMS-2 is equipped with a color touch-screen, an Intel processor, internal wireless Bluetooth connectivity, accuracy levels from sub-metre to centimetre range, a removable, rechargeable lithium ion battery, an SD memory card slot and a USB port.

Also available are options including a beacon receiver, Topcon Tools GIS post-processing office software, and various TopSURV field software programs.

Digital images, GPS coordinates, compass bearings, and attribute information, can all be obtained with integrated imaging technology in a single trip to the field.

Topcon GIS sales manager Mike Weir said, “This unit opens up diverse opportunities for surveyors and GIS professionals. The capability of having dual-constellation access guarantees increased productivity on the job site. Using the unit's integrated digital imaging technology eliminates the need for external devices in the field.”

“The camera eliminates the headache of configuring devices to work together and/or linking photos to GPS locations manually back at the office. It's all boils down to saving time, and increasing productivity.”

GMS-2 provides two choices of field management and mapping software “to fit specific GIS requirements. For standard GIS location and navigation functions in addition to survey tasks,” he said, Topcon's “field controller software, TopSURV-GIS, adds GIS mapping capabilities to survey functionality like stakeout, topographic and basic coordinate geometry (COGO) tasks.” Combining GIS field operations with total stations and RTK GPS is “a complete solution,” Weir said.

GIS product marketing manager Barbara McInerney said, “The unit is also ideal for the advanced GIS professional who demands the functionality of ESRI software in the field. TopPAD is a new field mapping and management software. It combines the power of ESRI ArcPad field software with a special user interface designed specifically to take advantage of all GPS functionality available in a Topcon GIS mapping system.”

More information: www.topconpositioning.com