The GeoExplorer 3 handheld global positioning system from Trimble Navigation is the most convenient and compact system available for productive geographic information systems data collection and data maintenance. Its small size, portability, and powerful features make it an ideal tool for creating and maintaining asset databases. With Trimble’s Beacon-on-a-Belt wireless differential receiver, it’s a rugged, easy-to-use tool for real-time DGPS mapping. The GPS Pathfinder Office Software that comes bundled with the system aids in data dictionary creation, data processing, and GIS data export and import.

New TerraSync software gives you the convenience and economy of using your preferred handheld or pocket PC to collect and maintain GIS data in the field. Running on the Windows CE operating system, the software controls the GPS receiver (Trimble GPS Pathfinder Pro XR/XRS) and records accurate GPS positions. You can also collect or update features and attributes for your GIS database. Usable with a variety of real-time DGPS correction sources, TerraSync software offers powerful, time-saving navigation and data collection/maintenance tools, unlimited memory via PC data cards, and even lets you e-mail your data back to the office or other recipients.

And new Trimble Survey Controller software V7.60, operating on the Trimble TSC1 data collector, is interoperable with optical survey instruments from most major manufacturers as well as robotic total stations, laser rangefinders, and (naturally) Trimble GPS survey-grade receivers. The software gives you a single, easy interface for every part of the job. Seamlessly switch between GPS and optical surveying, as needed. Use digital cellular phones in lieu of radio modems for real-time kinetic data links. And do it all in your own language — the software is available in seven, including Japanese, Korean, and Chinese.

Easy-to-use, with intuitive and efficient data processing and reduction, Trimble Geomatics Office software integrates all common survey and related tasks into one unified package. It provides a seamless link between field-collected data and third-party design, CAD, and GIS packages. The software integrates data collected with Trimble GPS and optical surveying instruments, as well as optical instruments from other leading manufacturers, and features extensive QA/QC, hyperlinked HTML, format reports, WAVE baseline processing, and network adjustment.

And, finally, the SiteVision GPS system is an earthmoving grade control system that allows bulldozer and motor grader operators to see design surfaces, grades, and alignments from inside the cab. The system combines advanced GPS, computing, and RTK technologies to provide simple blade and machine guidance indications to the operator. With multiple real-time position computations per second accurate to within 2 to 3 cm (0.1 ft.), the system lets operators work in a stakeless environment and build the site to precise grade faster and more efficiently. The system quickly pays for itself through increased productivity and faster project completion, the company says.

When a tough, all-purpose measuring wheel is needed, Rolatape Corporation says nothing fills the order like the Rolatape 400 Series, shown left. Its 4-ft. circumference handles the toughest measuring needs for heavy construction, utility companies, land surveying, and other critical measuring applications. It’s the professional’s choice for use by highway agencies, counties, municipalities, and contractors for roadway applications, a company spokesman says. Features include all-steel construction, wheel stand, wheel brake, and dual-counter availability.

Nikon has totally redesigned its DTM-500 series of total stations, providing longer battery life, improved measuring time, more accurate and stable angle measurement, and expanded onboard operation, in a family of three lightweight and easy-to-use instruments.

The series has all-new features that include a redesigned electronic distance meter that allows the instrument to take 1.2-in. distance readings in its precise measurement mode with +/- (2mm+2ppm) accuracy, and a new zero tolerance nitriding central axis to provide improved angle accuracy and stability (1-, 2-, and 3-in. models available).

The DTM-500 features an extended battery life of up to 10.5 hours in continuous angle and distance measuring, and the IPX4 water-resistant design makes it an ideal tool for field surveying. Nikon says it is the first manufacturer to adopt the new LLV Green color for its DTM-500 total station, and the brilliance of the color helps prevent on-site accidental damage and theft of valuable instruments. And the enhanced Lumi-Guide — a beam of red light projected from the instrument that guides the rodman to his desired point of measurement — now indicates distance relative to the stake-out point, allowing the rodman to judge his position without the necessity for two-way radios or easily misunderstood hand signals to the operator.

Pentax Corporation’s Survey Instrument Division has the new Pentax DistAngular DA-020F, an angle and distance instrument for the construction industry. It combines an electronic theodolite with a built-in coaxial distance meter, making construction site measurements easy to do and take less time.

Simple operation is the major design feature. The universal display and keyboard use icons in place of a specific language. Complicated and multiple button pushing is eliminated. The inclined handle allows the telescope to be positioned for observations straight up.

The DistAngular is compact and easy to handle. The 24x telescope has bright optics and a wide field of view to get on target quickly. Angle accuracy is the same as the company’s most popular electronic theodolite and distance can be measured to 1,000 ft. with only a single prism. Waterproof construction keeps it on the job in most any conditions, too.