Trimble has announced that the company was selected to provide GPS surveying systems for the French Military. Operational forces in support roles from the Services des Programmes d’Observation, de Telecommunication et d’Information (SPOTI), part of the Delegation Generale pour l’Armement (DGA), are using the surveying systems.
The French Military purchased 40 Trimble GPS Total Station 5700 GPS surveying systems. The systems include dual-frequency 5700 GPS receivers, ruggedized handheld TSCE controllers, Trimble Geomatics Office processing software, radios, antennas and customized military accessories which include back packs, tripods, transit cases and batteries.
Each system can be deployed as either a precision mobile survey unit or as a reference station to provide Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) data signals to the mobile unit.
“After extensive evaluation, Trimble GPS surveying equipment had been chosen based on a number of criteria,” said Lieutenant-Colonel Auboin of the 28eme Groupe Geographique. “The system met our specifications for ruggedness, ease of use, quality, reliability, and most importantly precision performance.”
The survey systems are designed to operate in extreme military environments as well as peacetime survey missions. Surveyors can collect data for topographic maps, geodetic control, artillery, and boundary surveys. The systems are also designed for easy deployment, safe storage and accurate survey operations.
5700 RTK GPS Surveying System
The GPS Total Station 5700 is an easy-to-use modular system. It provides surveyors with total flexibility, using different set-up configurations for all types of surveying tasks. The receiver can be configured with all the components and mounted on a lightweight range pole or worn with a belt pouch. The system can also be mounted on a tripod, vehicle, boat, ATV or placed in a backpack.
At the heart of the system is a low-power GPS receiver, which provides higher speed, longer battery life, better satellite tracking and higher precision in extreme environments. The GPS receiver also includes an internal radio modem and the extended Real-time Kinematic (eRTKTM) technology, which can cover areas up to four times larger than conventional RTK.
The 5700 receiver is housed in an extremely rugged, space-age magnesium alloy case which is lighter than aluminum, yet 30% stronger. The receiver weighs less than 1.4kgs. (3 lbs), including batteries for a full day’s work, internal radio, radio antenna and internal charger.
In addition, the GPS system works with the Zephyr and Zephyr Geodetic antennas, both using the patented Trimble 4-point antenna feed technology. The Zephyr Geodetic antenna features the patented Trimble Stealth ground plane technology. This revolutionary design mitigates multipath signals using technology similar to that used by Stealth aircraft to hide from radar.
