The new Catalyst platform opens up accurate positioning for GIS and surveying.
Positioning technology experts Trimble have just introduced the Trimble Catalyst, a software-defined Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver that works with select Android mobile handhelds, smartphones and tablets.
When combined with a small, lightweight, plug-and-play digital antenna and subscription to the Catalyst service, the receiver provides on-demand GNSS from multiple positioning constellations to enable higher accuracy and reliability.
Significantly, the platform also supports real-time kinematic or CORS corrections powered by Trimble RT technology and the Trimble VRS Now network- meaning it is possible to achieve 2cm accuracy using the solution in areas of coverage.
Trimble’s VRS Now Australia network.
The announcement was made at the recent Trimble Dimensions event, where Ron Bisio, vice president of Trimble’s Geospatial Division, said Catalyst aims to Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) strategy.
“We are providing a simple, innovative solution to enable a new era of capabilities for a much broader base of field workers to collect high-accuracy geospatial data,” Bisio said “Our focus is to provide a variety of options and flexibility when it comes to mobile device deployment and data collection to increase productivity and improve operations.”
Trimble Catalyst puts high-accuracy, low-cost, on-demand services in the palm of anyone’s hand—it’s revolutionary.”
The Trimble Catalyst software receiver is designed to collect data and inspect or manage assets using smart devices. The mobile device receives dual-frequency signals from the plug-and-play Trimble DA1 digital antenna. The small size and light weight of the antenna makes it ideal to store in a car glove box or backpack, available for use on demand.
By adding a Trimble Catalyst subscription, users have the flexibility to choose the level of accuracy to suit their application needs from meter level or, Trimble claim, even down to centimeters.
Users can download applications to suit their business needs, purchase the low-cost DA1 digital antenna and subscribe to the level of service required for the application. For GNSS corrections, the solution automatically selects the best available correction service based on the user’s location and subscription level.
Trimble RTX corrections can be received either via IP/cellular connection or L-band satellite. The subscription cost is based on usage, allowing users to scale up/down for projects with minimal capital expense.
