ike GPS Tag Geo Surveying Applications
IKE GPS

Military Application
 
NATO codification update - August 2006
 
33kV Power pole inspection - July 2006
 
X-Ray vision with ike - July 2006
 
CWID - June 2006
 
New Zealand Army News - April 2006
 
Hurricane Katrina - August 2005
 
Joliet Army Ammunition Plant survey - October 2004
   
   
Simply smart technology to improve your GPS day
  Overcome satellite shadow issues with ike

ike overcomes satellite problems


ike gives the operator the ability to collect data in areas where it is otherwise impossible for a traditional GPS device to be used. An ike user can move to any position up to 1000m (depending on model) from the target and still capture its location.

Problem with Standard GPS:

One factor in controlling the quality of GPS signal reception is the number of satellite signals that are available, and where they are located. In tree cover, it will often be easier to receive signals from satellites that are "overhead", because the GPS receiver may be able to "see" up through the trees, but not horizontally through the forest. This is why there is better reception in clearings - because there is more exposure of the sky.

A GPS receiver needs to receive the signals "directly" (line of sight) from the satellites for it to be able to determine your position. Anything blocking the GPS satellite signals will reduce the chances of the GPS acquiring and maintaining a position fix. This includes your body, terrain such as hills and mountains, vegetation such as trees, and man-made obstacles such as buildings. Vegetation that is wet will block more signals, e.g. during a rain storm.

ike solution:

With ike you can find the best GPS fix in an area and capture data from a distance. With a line-of-sight to the target, trees or other intervening objects will not restrict ike's ability to work "under the canopy".
  Problem with Standard GPS:

Traditional GPS has limitations because satellite signals can be obstructed by buildings. This is called the urban canyon effect because it occurs primarily in cities. Traditional units work well outdoors, but when they enter an urban area, the increase in size and quantity of city structures can have a blocking effect, reducing positional accuracy of the GPS.

A second common issue is that the signal is present but weak. Satellite signals are subject to a phenomenon called multi-path interference which is caused by signals reflecting, bouncing and scattering off nearby obstructions and hard surfaces.

These conditions lead to a situation called satellite (or GPS) shadows. These are locations where it becomes difficult to obtain a good, long-lasting position fix from the necessary number of satellites required for proper operation of a GPS.

ike solution

ike allows an operator to move to a location of up to 1000m (depending on ike model) from the target and obtain a non-shadowed view of the GPS satellite constellation. This flexibility gives the operator the ability to collect data in areas where it is difficult for traditional GPS device to be used.
  Capture data from a distance and enjoy stand-off safety with ike

The demands of GIS data collection can present difficult challenges that may put personnel into unsafe situations. ike provides the ability to stand off from the target and gather not just relevant geospatial data, but also target photographs. This allows the mission to be completed, whilst enhancing operator safety.

Busy roads:

Walking into the middle of the intersection to collect sign or traffic light data with vehicles swiftly passing exposes the field user to unnecessary harm. However, this is exactly what is required of the user with traditional GIS tools.

ike solution:

ike's solution is to collect the needed data from the side of the road, out of the way of potential accidents.
  Road works:

Road workers have closed a busy intersection to replace broken pipes following a winter storm.

ike solution:

ike's solution is to capture geospatial data about the new pipe without approaching the trench edge.
  Train track inspection:

Traditional GIS data capture technology requires the user to walk onto the tracks to collect switch data or electrical data, exposing them to danger.

ike solution:

ike's solution is to capture the required data from the station platform or a safe distance away from the moving trains.
  Airports and Public Areas:

The ability to capture data remotely in areas such as airports, prevents alarm and unnecessary panic. Airport security, police, and first responders can remain in safe areas to capture data remotely. Traditional tools would put the field user in potential danger among moving vehicles and aircraft.

ike solution:

ike's solution in challenging situations such as airport security threats or runway inspections, keeps the operator at a safe distance.
  Natural Challenges:

Natural terrain, including mountains, wooded valleys and bodies of water, are difficult environments to work in.

ike solution:

ike's solution allows rapid data capture from distances up to 1000m away, meaning the user does not have to cross areas with minimal or difficult access, such as this dock along a river. The user can remain in a safe location and capture geospatial data without having to climb down a hillside and cross the river.

The unique stand off data capture capability of the ike offers the field user unparalleled safety of data capture.
  Error free data integration with ike

The world's only totally integrated GPS data capture device:

Traditional GPS remote data capture requires the operator to use a number of different held hand devices at the same time. Separating data capture into 5 or 6 different actions is time-consuming and prone to human error.

This results in:
  • problems holding and operating several independent devices;
  • the extended time needed to use them;
  • doubts over the reliability of the data integration.
There are documentation, cataloging, database and integration issues for every instrument and for every data point. In addition there is a separate instruction manual and power supply for every instrument.

ike solution:

ike represents an original level of simplicity because it combines all the required functions in one device. ike provides consistent results because the on-board instruments are pointed and focused on the same target point at the same time.
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