Surveying has always been a profession defined by precision and adaptability, but recent advancements in technology are reshaping the landscape.
CHC Navigation (CHCNAV) is at the forefront of this transformation, introducing hybrid GNSS RTK, IMU, and vision technology — able to be used on unmanned aerial vehicles or on the ground — to streamline workflows, improve accuracy, and enhance safety for surveyors operating in challenging environments.
The introduction of the i93 GNSS RTK Receiver in 2023 and the subsequent i76 GNSS receiver marks a significant leap forward in surveying efficiency. By integrating dual-camera systems and advanced positioning technologies, CHCNAV is setting new standards for the industry.
Vision Technology: Why it Matters in Surveying
Traditional GNSS RTK systems rely on satellite signals and base stations to determine precise locations, but obstacles such as bridges, buildings, and dense vegetation often disrupt these signals. Surveying in such conditions—whether along steep slopes, busy highways, or densely constructed areas—can be time-consuming and risky.
CHCNAV’s integration of dual-camera vision technology into GNSS receivers addresses these challenges head-on. The combination of high-resolution imaging with real-time positioning creates a powerful tool for data collection, offering surveyors a safer, more efficient way to work while maintaining precise results.
Hybrid Technology: Combining GNSS RTK, IMU, and Vision
At the core of CHCNAV’s innovation is the fusion of multiple technologies.
- GNSS RTK provides centimeter-level accuracy in real time, ensuring that even the most intricate survey tasks are completed with precision.
- IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) monitors movement and orientation, stabilizing data collection in dynamic or obstructed conditions.
- Dual-camera systems enable geo-referenced image capture, synchronized with GNSS and IMU data to produce accurate visual and positional datasets.
This integration empowers surveyors with tools for seamless point measurements, detailed 3D modeling, and augmented reality (AR) applications, transforming traditional GNSS rovers into versatile instruments for modern surveying needs.
Revolutionizing Workflows: 3 Key Applications
1. Vision Surveying
Technology
Vision surveying leverages GNSS RTK positioning and dual-camera imaging to improve accuracy and workflow efficiency. By capturing high-resolution images and pairing them with GNSS data, surveyors can calculate precise coordinates for points visible in the imagery, even if those points are physically inaccessible.
Benefits
This approach, enabled through CHCNAV’s LandStar8 software, allows surveyors to record coordinates for features such as lane markings or distant objects directly from video footage. This method reduces on-site time, lowers risks in hazardous locations, and improves productivity in areas with weak GNSS signals.
2. Augmented Reality Stakeout and Visual Navigation
Technology
CHCNAV has incorporated AR capabilities into its surveying technology, overlaying CAD models onto real-world views through dual-camera systems. The Meta CAD engine, integrated into LandStar8, enables real-time alignment of virtual designs with physical site features.
Benefits
Traditional stakeout processes often require repeated adjustments to match coordinates, but AR-guided navigation significantly speeds up the process. Surveyors can see CAD markers overlaid on live imagery, reducing errors and ensuring precise alignment between design plans and on-site layouts.
3. High-Resolution 3D Modeling
Technology
CHCNAV’s GNSS receivers combine GNSS RTK data with dual-camera imaging to produce geo-referenced 3D models. These models are created using photogrammetry software that processes spatially aligned images into high-resolution digital representations of landscapes, structures, and features.
Benefits
This capability streamlines the capture of complex datasets for engineering and planning purposes. By reducing the need for manual post-processing, surveyors can generate detailed models faster and with greater accuracy, supporting project planning and analysis.
Seamlessly Integrating Aerial and Terrestrial Data
For comprehensive surveys, integrating aerial and terrestrial data is often essential. While drones excel at capturing large areas, they can struggle with obstructions like eaves or dense canopies.
CHCNAV’s video-based GNSS RTK technology bridges these gaps by capturing precise images of obstructed areas. These images, processed alongside aerial data, correct distortions and fill in missing details.
CHCNAV offers both manual modeling tools and AI-powered cloud-based solutions, enabling flexible workflows. Data can be exported to software like CloudCompare or Smart3D for further refinement, ensuring efficient project turnarounds.
In a live demonstration, CHCNAV showcased the i93 GNSS receiver integrating drone data with terrestrial video footage to create accurate models of challenging areas, such as observation towers and overhangs. This approach corrected traditional manual correction inefficiencies, delivering superior results.
Pioneering the Future of Surveying
CHCNAV’s hybrid GNSS, IMU, and vision technology is more than an innovation—it’s a response to the pressing challenges surveyors face daily. With tools like Vision Survey, AR Stakeout, and 3D Modeling, CHCNAV enables professionals to work more efficiently and safely while achieving unparalleled accuracy.
As surveying technology evolves, CHCNAV’s commitment to integrating advanced systems positions it as a leader in the industry. The i93 and i76 GNSS receivers exemplify the company’s vision for smarter, faster, and more reliable workflows, redefining what’s possible for surveyors worldwide.
Visit the CHC Navigation website for more information.
