The EU-funded HANDHELD project produced an important new prototype device for the surveying and mapping sector, while building crucial know-how among companies that are keeping Europe competitive in the global GNSS marketplace.
EU-funded GNSS research can deliver benefits on multiple levels, including the development of immediately marketable products and services. But while not every research initiative ends in direct market success, the experience and know-how gained by project partners, especially in the private sector, can be equally impactful.
Watch This: EGNOS for Mapping
The HANDHELD prototype is a portable, stand-alone system with an innovative GNSS antenna, says project coordinator Alain Suskind of Septentrio. But it is only one of a number of solutions developed in recent years in the fast-moving and highly innovative surveying sector. Completed in 2013, the HANDHELD device immediately found itself in competition with other new devices carrying out the same functions, such as ‘ruggedised’ tablets.
“A working prototype was developed during the project,” says Suskind. “The research and subsequent know-how that we obtained can and is being used in our further product developments.”
Research Objectives Met
The central objective of the HANDHELD project was to develop a multi-frequency surveying device that can be held in one hand, leaving the other hand free to carry out other tasks. This included developing a small GNSS L1-E5 antenna suitable for integration in the device. The project team also developed and test an RF integrated passive device in order to reduce the footprint and cost of the antenna front-end.
“A multi-frequency, handheld device was successfully developed,” Suskind says. “The main innovation is the small-size, dual-frequency GNSS antenna, which has proven to work well.”
In the project’s final report, the HANDHELD team concluded that the GNSS antenna is “on the large and heavy side for an integrated solution” and urged that other integration solutions be investigated, such as a standalone housing of the antenna and GNSS receiver that communicates with the mobile device, preferably wirelessly.
“The project and our partners learned a lot about the market and user aspects of handheld devices, especially the ergonomic aspects of such products,” says Suskind. Partners included IMEC, IPDiA and Blackroc Technology, all companies that are helping Europe make its mark in the fast-moving world of GNSS mobile devices.
Taking the Work Forward
HANDHELD pointed towards some specific areas for further research. For example, the final report suggested that the development of an independent hardware platform along with html-based application software could be very useful in the drive towards more portable GNSS-based surveying tools. Further research and development could focus on stand-alone housing shape and interfaces, wireless communication means, such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and application software.
According to the GSA’s 2015 GNSS Market Report, surveying represents the most demanding market segment in terms of accuracy. Furthermore, thanks to high purchasing power, it is an early adopter of technological innovation. Once new equipment costs decrease, other sectors tend to follow in adopting new features already tested in the surveying sector.
Projects such as HANDHELD demonstrate the ability of European companies to carry out successful, high-level GNSS research in this cutting-edge sector, building valuable experience and pointing the way towards new and potentially lucrative areas for further work.
More Information
Media note: This feature can be republished without charge provided the European GNSS Agency (GSA) is acknowledged as the source at the top or the bottom of the story. You must request permission before you use any of the photographs on the site. If you republish, we would be grateful if you could link back to the GSA website (http://www.gsa.europa.eu).