Look at some of the new features available in TerraSync Professional 3.20.  Here's what you can do:

  1. Set the data capture position maximum for a point feature and an averaged vertex and the unit will STOP collecting data! 
  2. Set the “in field” or “post processed” accuracy.  If set to “in field,” then the number displayed in the upper right margin (above the double-arrow icon), is showing real time accuracy.  If you choose “post processing,” then that number is showing post processed accuracy.  This is a good change, because in previous versions, it would only show PPA (post processed accuracy) when using H-Star logging (GeoXH or ProXH).
  3. By tapping the double-arrow in the status bar, a dialog appears that tells what both the real time and post processed accuracy is.  It displays post processed accuracy only if a data file is open and logging is taking place (when choosing to display real time accuracy).  Very nice!
  4. You can now specify what vertical accuracy you want. 
  5. I’m not sure how you would know your post processed baseline distance, although if you worked in the same place all the time, I guess you would.  TS Pro is clearly using this specification to help determine what the predicted accuracy is in post processed accuracy estimates.
  6. You can now use “accuracy-based logging.”  I presume this to mean that you can now ONLY collect the positions (or carrier data) that meets the specifications you’ve selected in this dialog.  That is very nice.  This means that you can only collect data that will meet your specification.  This would also have to be tested to see if it’s accurate.
  7. You can apply that accuracy-based logging to all features, or just certain feature types.
  8. You can also specify required accuracy for all features.  This is something that GPS Analyst does when validating features, but only AFTER post processing.  This is a great feature.
  9. Trimble has replaced the “H-Star Logging” feature with “Log Carrier Data; Auto, Yes, No.”  This is pretty nice because it accurately describes what H-Star data really is, and allows the user to “force” it to log only carrier data by using “Yes,” or select “Auto” and collect it if you can, and code data when you can’t or set it to No.
  10. When you specify the type of real time corrections, you can also see, or in some cases CHOOSE, the datum that system is using.  This will force users to confront the datum issues so they actually will have to choose what that system is using.  It also reminds users that WAAS is using WGS-84. 

This list is partial and was composed after reviewing the new software as used in a 2005 Series Trimble GeoXH.   I will do field testing of these new features on a control point and see if the estimated accuracy values, both real time and post processed turn out to be valid.  In my personal experience, "accuracy estimates" are just that; estimates.  But, I believe they are actually revealing precisions.

Jim Lahm
3-25-2008

 

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