Trimble Receiver

  • It’s been almost 70 years since the invasion of Normandy, France when 156,000 Allied troops landed and began their march across Europe to defeat Hitler. And, while these soldiers’ collective destinies could not have been known at the time, their will to fight was unmistakable. General Dwight D. Eisenhower called the D-Day operation a crusade in which “we will accept nothing less than full victory.” The allied troops heard this charge and proved their resolve. The D-Day cost was high — more than 9,000 Allied soldiers were killed or wounded — but on Tuesday, June 6, 1944 more than 100,000 soldiers gained a crucial foothold in Normandy.  (Source: D-Day - June 6, 1944 - the United States Army).
    On D-Day and the days following, a 50-mile stretch of French coastline was overtaken by man and machine. In total there were 170,000 vehicles and 5,000-plus ships, including 702 war ships. The beaches of Normandy no doubt have a story to tell.
    To honor those who served, a massive survey and archeological effort is underway sponsored by France Televisions, 13 other broadcasters and the Normandy region. The French Navy (Marine National) and Department of Underwater and Undersea Archeological Research (DRASSM) were involved as well. Involvement from Sherrell Ocean Services, Trimble Navigation, Ltd. and Measutronics Corporation, a Trimble authorized marine dealer, was also instrumental in making this expedition possible.  Each company involved is committed to the effort and is graciously donating their time, equipment and expertise to the project. Covering approximately 500 square kilometers, this will be the largest continuous survey of this type ever completed in the region. Together, these groups are building a complete GIS database of the area based around the five invasion beaches of D-Day.  The volunteers are sharing their professional expertise to preserve the Normandy beaches’ history as well as capture 3D images of the historic assets.
    Through their survey and mapping work, the team is working to have the Normandy D-Day invasion coastline designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site by the  World Heritage Committee. A UNESCO World Heritage Site is a location that is identified as having special cultural or physical significance, not to a single nation, but to the world.
     

    Beaches of Normandy - Survey
    The Discovery Phase of the mapping expedition started in July 2013 with a catamaran and crew leaving from Port of Saint-Malo, France. The total survey effort took nearly seven weeks and involved bathymetric mapping with an EdgeTech interferometric multibeam / side scan sonar combined with the Trimble SPS855/555H GNSS modular heading bundle and an inertial motion reference unit (MRU). The Trimble SPS heading bundle outputs the position, heading and timing synchronization data to the multibeam data collection and processing software. Here it is stored and time-tagged to the sonar data. Geo-referenced point cloud and side scan data are displayed real time for review by the system operator as well as logged for further data editing, processing and mapping.
    The Trimble SPS series heading bundle antenna array was mounted on center with the transducer mount pole near the bow of the catamaran vessel.  A custom mount was developed and built to allow the entire survey sensor package to be retracted when entering or departing local ports, which have limited hull clearances, dependent upon tides. The interferometric sonar system afforded wide swath “point cloud” coverage for three-dimensional modeling and also provided side scan planimetric imagery to aid in target identification.
    Measutronics Corporation, Trimble’s leading U.S. Marine dealer, was chosen for this project because of its experience in the field of marine guidance, mapping, imaging and equipment holdings.  Lou Nash, Measutronic’s founder, explains that the GNSS heading bundle is critical to the bathymetric systems because, “without accurate positioning, you essentially don’t have a reference point or know where you are in relation to anything else; as a result you can’t accurately and efficiently trace back to targets in the water. In addition, the ‘motion of the ocean’ must be accounted for as all the sounding and image data collected are done so from a constantly moving platform – subject to the effects of vessel heave, pitch and roll.” 
    The Trimble SPS855 site positioning heading bundle was selected because of its accuracy and it’s interoperability with Fugro Marinestar satellite-based correction signals as well as shore-based reference stations. The SPS series heading bundle is also interoperable with a number of motion reference units (MRU).  With inputs from the heading bundle receivers, the MRU provided a blended GNSS / inertial solution, compensating for the effects of heave, pitch and roll. The Marinestar correction service was chosen over land-based correction transmission stations as typical UHF radio transmission would have required increased logistics and would not have provided adequate coverage for a large portion of the offshore due to the extreme distances involved. 
     “We chose the Trimble receiver because it’s really the only modular receiver that delivers the flexibility, accuracy and performance that we needed on a marine mapping expedition as significant as this,” said Nash. “It tracks the full GNSS constellation, giving better positioning availability and high precision, plus our crew knows the equipment inside and out.”

    Target Identification Phase

    In mid-August the crew began to focus on further development of targets of interest identified during the previous weeks of surveying. Now mobilizing from Cherbourg, France, efforts included the use of SeaBotix remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) fitted with Tritech acoustic tracking devices and sonar.  These efforts were used to prioritize those targets to be further developed / examined with a higher resolution multibeam sonar system.  For the remainder of the survey, crews use the SeaBotix ROVs and a video camera along while continuing to collect multibeam data.

    High-Interest Targets

    For high resolution point cloud data collection, an R2Sonic 2024 Ultra High Resolution (UHR) mulitibeam sonar was used.  With the ultra-high resolution sonar system, the crew collected high-resolution point cloud data for about 20 historic assets of particular interest. 
    As a further effort in providing the most accurate point cloud data possible, GNSS phase data and inertial data were collected and logged with an Applanix POS MV motion reference unit.  Data were then post processed with Applanix’s POSPac MMS software providing a “true heave” blended GNSS / inertial solution. The post processed data files were then read into a hydrographic survey software package. Martin de Kievit, business development manager for Trimble Marine in the Heavy Civil Construction division, explains that the survey software grabs input from the GNSS receiver where it allows for display and editing of track lines, sounding profiles and text data. The software system correlates time-tagged tide, vessel position, motion and sound velocity correction data which are used to accurately plot and record locations.
    “Our surveys reported some 300 targets [artifacts] and about 20 ‘new’ wreckage sites were more fully developed,” said Nash.
    As submerged targets of interest were more fully developed and accurately located, crews also launched small manned submarines to capture film footage of various high-profile wreckage sites. Led by Andy Sherrell of Sherrell Ocean Services, the crew filmed sites in order to capture color and details of what the servicemen may have faced on that fateful June day. Using video, sonar, 3D imagery and 3D visualizations, the crew is essentially “peeling back the water to bring these stories to life,” Nash added.
    With higher resolution images and precise point cloud data, the crew is hoping to determine the actual ship, aircraft or vehicle name of the artifacts revealed. With this information, historians will also endeavor to derive names, ranks and associations of the crewmembers that were aboard the vessels or vehicles when they were sunk and destroyed.

    Updating the GIS Database

    During the months to come, teams will continue to work with the massive 11TB data set.  The United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (UKHO) and the French nautical charting authority (SHOM) are collaborating in an effort to update the international wreck database for the area. Because a large percentage of these identified artifacts are newly discovered or were inaccurately positioned previously, the team is working to make these corrections before they deliver the complete survey data to the UNESCO World Heritage Committee for review. To commemorate the event, MC4 and LCL Production are producing a 90-minute documentary for the international market. PBS/Nova will broadcast an adaptation in North America, both to be aired memorializing the 70th anniversary.

    Honoring Those Who Were There on “The Longest Day”

    During the official 70th Anniversary D-Day ceremony scheduled for June 2014, veterans, dignitaries and archeologists will meet along this historic coast to honor those who have served and sacrificed. Led by the French Department of Underwater Archeological Research, manned submarines will also escort a handful of WWII veterans and historians underwater to investigate a few of the high-profile identified wrecks.
     “Nearly everyone we approached about providing support for this historic mapping expedition, by means of donating equipment or personnel, was extremely supportive and enthusiastic about the project,” said Nash.  “Everyone has considered it an honor to be involved in this effort, and I know I feel that way, as do our guys.”
     

    (As published in the March 2014 edition of Marine Technology Reporter - www.seadiscovery.com)

  • MT Nov-23#5 The Next-generationINS/GNSS 
Post-processing Software
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    November 2023 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 5

    The Next-generationINS/GNSS Post-processing Software Quality: Green -> centimetric position; Blue -> decimetric < 30cms; Red -> Raw GNSS data SURVEYING UNDER BRIDGES Å GNSS Altitude (m) - Merged Å Altitude (m) - Merged MADE EASY This survey has been done with an APOGEE INS under very challenging condition

  • MT Sep-23#47 SEAmagine Hydrospace 
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    September 2023 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 47

    SEAmagine Hydrospace Corporation https://www.seamagine.com/ Since 1995, SEAmagine’s ? eet of subs have accumulat- ed more than 12,000 dives with a perfect safety record. All SEAmagine submersibles are classed by the American Bu- reau of Shipping (ABS) that performs the full design reviews and performs

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    September 2023 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 29

    cessor. The four vectored thrusters allow horizontal motion in any direction, and the ability to rotate-in-place. Vertical power is also increased, with three thrusters for diving and lifting. The unique vertical thruster placement also provides the ability to adjust pitch and trim of the ROV. The

  • MT Sep-23#17 systems to the market is one of our key focal points)
    September 2023 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 17

    systems to the market is one of our key focal points, and it ing an electromagnetic source integrated in an AUV or ROV. was part of our uniqueness when we started,” said Crantz, who • Argeo SCOPE (previously Digital Ocean Space) soft- touts his company’s “fantastic engineering department devel- ware

  • MT Jul-23#5 The Next-generationINS/GNSS 
Post-processing Software
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    July 2023 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 5

    The Next-generationINS/GNSS Post-processing Software Quality: Green -> centimetric position; Blue -> decimetric < 30cms; Red -> Raw GNSS data SURVEYING UNDER BRIDGES Å GNSS Altitude (m) - Merged Å Altitude (m) - Merged MADE EASY This survey has been done with an APOGEE INS under very challenging condition

  • MT May-23#46 Tech Files
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    May 2023 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 46

    Tech Files CSignum CSignum Demos Electromagnetic RadiEM Modem CSignum demonstrated its new RadiEM Modem at Ocean Business. The company touts RadiEM as the ? rst platform to use low-frequency electromagnetic (EM) ? elds to transmit more data wirelessly. According to CSignum, RadiEM is the only technology

  • MT May-23#32 TELEMETRY & BIODIVERSITY
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    May 2023 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 32

    TELEMETRY & BIODIVERSITY © Aytaç Özgül Deployed acoustic receiver, listening for acoustically tagged ? sh in the Aegean Sea, Turkey. The “four corners” for tracking identi? ed as part of STRAITS. © STRAITS Project 32 May/June 2023 MTR #4 (18-33).indd 32 5/31/2023 4:06:10 PM

  • MT May-23#31 inter-compatible data nodes,” she explained. “An OTN node)
    May 2023 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 31

    inter-compatible data nodes,” she explained. “An OTN node is ETN’s newest collaboration takes the form of the Strategic In- a replica of OTN’s acoustic telemetry database structure, which frastructure for Improved Animal Tracking in European Seas allows for direct cross-referencing between the data

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    May 2023 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 30

    TELEMETRY & BIODIVERSITY © Anna Flam © Cullen Cullen checking an acoustic receiver. © Ryan Daly 30 May/June 2023 MTR #4 (18-33).indd 30 5/31/2023 4:01:47 PM

  • MT May-23#29 southern African marine researchers.  units for use by)
    May 2023 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 29

    southern African marine researchers. units for use by those in academia, gov- data analysis tools and contributes to the Cullen utilizes both acoustic and satel- ernment, non-pro? ts and industry. development of global data standards, lite telemetry to increase understanding of The organization is also

  • MT May-23#28 TELEMETRY & BIODIVERSITY
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    May 2023 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 28

    TELEMETRY & BIODIVERSITY had positive impacts on their species and habitats, especially tion and PhD candidate at Dalhousie University in Halifax. in areas that are data de? cient and have sparse management. Cullen lives and works in Zavora, Mozambique, an area rich “You know, we have no idea where

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    May 2023 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 27

    at risk of disease—including those the human population rely on for sustenance. In the oceans alone, climate change impacts sea levels, acidi? cation, currents and temperatures. As such, it is increasingly important to better understand and manage marine biodiversity trends on a global level. And while

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    March 2023 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 59

    map land and sea. T7 Teledyne Marine Teledyne Marine is a world class Marine Systems business that is part of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated. Trimble Applanix K13 Trimble Applanix is transforming the world of marine mobile mapping. It builds, delivers, and supports products and solutions designed

  • MT Mar-23#38 VIEW FROM THE TOP  TROND CRANTZ, CEO, ARGEO
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    March 2023 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 38

    VIEW FROM THE TOP TROND CRANTZ, CEO, ARGEO market. The vessel was prepared properly in the Middle East, tems, and the integrators, and the sensors, one that we foresaw and the in Las Palmas we rigged all of the AUVs and ROVs with the product development that we are ourselves doing on onboard. It was

  • MT Jan-23#41 Tech Files
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    January 2023 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 41

    Tech Files Autonomous Navigation GNSS MEMS Advanced Navigation Advanced Navigation debuts the Boreas D70, a ? ber-optic gyroscope (FOG) iner- tial navigation system (INS). According to the manufacturer, the technology is well suited to surveying, mapping, and navi- gation across subsea, marine, land and

  • MT Nov-22#58 Tech Files
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    November 2022 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 58

    Tech Files Innovative new products, technologies and concepts HII REMUS 620 UUV BOREAS D70 ISS360HD Sonar HII’s Mission Technologies divi- Advanced Navigation debuts the According to Impact Subsea, Boreas D70, a ? ber-optic gyroscope sion debuted a new medium-class the ISS360HD offers a 1° acoustic

  • MT Nov-22#7 The Next-generationINS/GNSS 
Post-processing Software
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    November 2022 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 7

    The Next-generationINS/GNSS Post-processing Software Quality: Green -> centimetric position; Blue -> decimetric < 30cms; Red -> Raw GNSS data SURVEYING UNDER BRIDGES Å GNSS Altitude (m) - Merged Å Altitude (m) - Merged MADE EASY This survey has been done with an APOGEE INS under very challenging condition

  • MT Sep-22#50 MTR 100
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    September 2022 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 50

    MTR 100 EdgeTech www.edgetech.com EdgeTech is known for its side scan sonars, sub-bottom pro- available in a number of frequency options. The most popu- ? lers, bathymetry systems, deep sea acoustic releases, shallow lar frequency set, the 850kHz and 1600kHz dual frequency water and long-life acoustic

  • MT Sep-22#19 Applied Acoustics
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    September 2022 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 19

    Applied Acoustics www.applied-acoustics.com Family-run applied acoustics launched a new acoustic posi- tioning offering, its ? rst combined Inertial Navigation (INS) and Ultra Short Base Line (USBL) system. The Pyxis system is free of acoustic calibration and can operate without the need of external GPS

  • MT Jul-22#11 The Next-generation INS/GNSS 
Post-processing Software
Quali)
    July 2022 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 11

    The Next-generation INS/GNSS Post-processing Software Quality: Green -> centimetric position; Blue -> decimetric < 30cms; Red -> Raw GNSS data SURVEYING UNDER BRIDGES Å GNSS Altitude (m) - Merged Å Altitude (m) - Merged MADE EASY This survey has been done with an APOGEE INS under very challenging

  • MN Jun-22#32 Feature
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    June 2022 - Marine News page: 32

    Feature Comms close proximity (perhaps within a few hundred meters).” trait not that long ago. Now, humans don’t even need to New receiver designs, they said, should offset this and they be present. This trend is really just starting; it places new don’t expect a signi? cant deterioration in performance.

  • MT May-22#58 Tech Files
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    May 2022 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 58

    Tech Files Innovative new products, technologies and concepts Tritech’s Gemini Imaging Sonar Linden Photonics Valeport Instruments Tritech released the Micron Gemi- Linden Photonics said it supplied Valeport introduced several new the critical ? ber optic link transmitting ni, which the company claims

  • MT Mar-22#53 USV as a survey platform proving par-
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    March 2022 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 53

    USV as a survey platform proving par- ticularly popular.” RTsys: RUBHY Buoy Since becoming independent at the end of 2020, GeoAocustics has continued Designed for automated and up to Sea State 5 conditions. The buoy to develop its global partner network, intuitive operations, the RUBHY buoy can be

  • MT Sep-20#41 this type of work, it’s not about the length of deployment)
    September 2020 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 41

    this type of work, it’s not about the length of deployment, it’s about what it can do while it’s there, he says. That’s why Gemini has been designed for month-long deployments, with some signi? cant advances around tooling and automation (as well as having two manipulators as standard). An ROV with a