TopNET Live Website For Your High Quality GPS and GLONASS Correction Data

Topcon launched the TopNET Live Website!

Q. What is TopNET live?
A. TopNET live is a subscription based RTK service, which delivers high quality modelled GNSS corrections to all users working inside the network boundary. A variety of applications can use the service, such as, land surveying, construction, cadastre, machine control, precision agriculture and much more.

Managed by the Topcon Network team and its distributors, TopNET live reference networks deliver high quality, accurate, real-time GNSS data, through a variety of real-time data products and formats to all makes of network-capable rovers.

The new web site www.topnetlive.com is available for users in both the North American and European markets, with equipment guides, videos, news, FAQs, mobile data and much more. Users can register and subscribe to the networks of their choice by following the country links, which will offer additional detail and value-added services for each individual network.

Topcon Positioning Systems, Inc. (TPS) designs and manufactures precise positioning products and solutions for the global surveying, construction, agriculture, civil engineering, mapping and GIS, asset management and mobile control markets. TPS’ parent company, Topcon Corporation (Tokyo Stock Exchange – 7732), was founded in 1932.

Visit TopNet Live here.

SOURCE Press Release

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Topcon Unveiled Magnet Cloud-Based Software

The Topcon Group announces a unique cloud-based enterprise solution and cloud-enabled family of software applications – Magnet – for all precise positioning projects. The new software solution makes it possible for real-time collaboration between project manager, field crews, office personnel, engineers, or consultants.

Magnet was unveiled at Intergeo in Nuremberg, Germany. Intergeo is the world’s largest trade show for the geodesy, geoinformation and land management industries.

Ray O’Connor, president and CEO of Topcon Positioning Systems, said, “For the first time, there’s a software solution that combines every facet of managing a company’s projects, data, and assets. Management, communication and collaboration across multiple projects and teams have never been easier.”

Jason Hallett, senior product manager for software applications, said, “Magnet considers everything from data collection, to CAD, data manipulation and reporting, to data exchange, and cloud-based project management in an enterprise environment. Our team has created a software system that brings productivity improvements to every part of a surveying or construction organization, and we made it simple and affordable.”

The Magnet family includes four basic products: Field, Tools, Office, and Enterprise. The Field, Tools, and Office products can be purchased outright, or can simply be activated as a subscription by picking from one of the Magnet Solution packages.

O’Connor said, “The heart of Magnet is a cloud-based web environment that connects every user within a company to each other, within the productivity application you use, or by simply logging in using your web browser.”

He said, “We looked at all types of survey and construction firms and listened to end-users about what they wanted from their positioning and project management application and services. We had a singular goal, which was to make our customers more productive across all of the tools we offer, and let them control the environment to fit their needs… and that is the genesis of Magnet. You can visualize all of your company’s projects, job files, equipment assets, and even plot job points, lines, and areas on a familiar map interface.”

Hallett said, “Magnet Enterprise is an individual company cloud. From initial planning stage, throughout every phase of every project, Magnet puts the control in your hands, where it belongs, and where it will maximize time-savings and profits for the company.”

Key features of Magnet include:

-- Enterprise: Magnet makes it easy to store and access all company and project data from a cloud environment. Track assets, manage projects, exchange data, and communicate in real-time.

-- Field: Magnet connects field users to the cloud, and enables real-time communication, cloud storage and data exchange, and includes powerful field software for topo, staking, roads, and calculations.

-- Tools: Magnet can process and exchange data between the enterprise cloud and favorite desktop applications, i.e., Autodesk Civil 3D.

-- Office: Magnet exchanges design files, survey jobs, and surfaces through the enterprise cloud for simple project revisions and real-time survey data from the field.

-- Cloud: Magnet provides cloud storage plans that are secure and safe with enough room to keep all your data in one location.

-- Store: Magnet provides access to the online store, with secure credit card transactions, to take advantage of every application Magnet has to offer.

Hallett said that Magnet will be available by the end of the year.

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Join Topcon Video Contest

"How do you Topcon?" is the theme for Topcon Positioning Systems (TPS) new video contest aimed at showing how customers put TPS instruments to work.

The contest will run August 1 through October 31, 2011.

Participants will upload a short video (maximum 120 seconds) showing how they use Topcon products and services. Any use of Topcon equipment across all business segments – construction, survey, emerging business and agriculture – will be eligible.

At the close of the contest, social media users (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube) will vote on their favorite videos, based on contest rules, which will be posted on the contest page website.

From points received, the finalists will move to the last stage – an independent panel of judges. Points will be awarded for creativity/originality of the concept of the video and also of the final product.

Winners will be notified after December 1. Prizes include: Grand prize, choice of a Topcon product from a selection of products, or iPad 2, or $750 American Express (AMEX) gift card.

The four runners up will get one of either a $500, $250, $100 or $50 AMEX gift card.

“Video of the Week” winners will also receive a $25 AMEX gift card or a “How do you Topcon?” hat and t-shirt.

Winners will be featured in a special edition of Topcon Today, as well as in a national news release and on the TPS website.

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Topcon High-Precision Robotic Total Stations Released

Topcon Positioning Systems (TPS) announces the release of the MS Series of high-precision robotic total stations in North and South America. “The MS ‘measuring station’ opens a new era in ultra-precision measurements,” said Denny Welch, senior vice president of the TPS Survey Business Unit.

The series includes the MS05AX with the industry’s highest 0.5” angle accuracy and the MS1AX for 1” angle accuracy.

“The MS05AX provides ultra-precision while the MS1AX provides long-range and versatility,” Welch said.

The series can be used for large-scale 3D measurement applications and also has a 2D monitoring function for real-time two-dimensional projects.

“The MS series ensures enhanced precision and productivity in a wide-range of applications,” Welch said. “Department of Transportations (DOTS), high-end civil engineering firms, high-accuracy land surveying firms, universities, anyone with monitoring, tunneling and 3D industrial measurement needs will realize benefits from the MS Series.”

The series can be used with a prism, reflective sheets or reflectorless, creating options and efficiencies for even the largest monitoring fields. With a pre-scan search function used to ‘teach’ the instrument where the targets are in the monitoring field, the accuracies and range of the series is “impressive by any standards,” Welch said.

“High speed is one of the key advantages for long distance measurement and tracking,” Welch said. With the MS series robotics, an operator has up to 1000m (3280ft) auto pointing range and up to a 400m (1312ft) non-prism range.

“This tracking can be achieved with fast turning speed and the incredible accuracy of the series which adds up to make the system ideal for the most precise topographic survey work such as high-precision control establishment or super accurate stakeout or as-built construction tasks,” Welch said.

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Topcon IP-S2 Mobile Survey System in China

The Foundation Geographical Information Institute (FGII) of Shanxi Province, China, recently introduced new technology - Topcon IP-S2 Mobile Survey System - in the region.

Mr. Wu Boyi, deputy director of Shanxi FGII, said, "To my knowledge, we are the first entity to introduce a vehicle-mounted mobile survey system in our country. As an exclusive publisher of maps, cityscape models and other geographical information of Shanxi province, we needed to utilize this new technology to revolutionize our workflow in order to meet the exploding demand for our products."

Incorporating around-the-corner sensing technologies such as high-precision GNSS receivers, IMU (inertial measurement unit), vehicle wheel encoders, 360° digital video camera and laser scanners, "the IP-S2 offers high-speed, cost-effective 3D spatial data collection solutions," said Mr. Osamu Hoshida, Topcon Corporation's special adviser for the mobile surveying and mapping technologies.

Mr. Wu said, "Most of the detailed maps in our region (specified maps and analyzers) are available to licensed surveyors only, and the maps for general public often have incomplete information. We have an ambitious plan to create new web-based digital maps that provide the general citizen with additional values. For these goals, we were looking for the most effective surveying technologies and the IP-S2 was exactly the one we needed."

Mr. Hoshida said, "The IP-S2 will provide an ideal solution to increase the data collection efficiency. It is our pleasure to be able to support the creator of new digital maps and geographical information databases that will certainly benefit the Chinese society."

The IP-S2 system was delivered to Shanxi FGII in January 2010. A number of government officers attended the delivery ceremony held at their premises. Mr. Niu Laiyou, director general of Shanxi Bureau of Surveying and Mapping, and Mr. Qin Yanping, director of Shanxi FGII, welcomed Topcon executives including Mr. Norio Uchida, director and managing executive officer of Topcon Corporation, and Mr. Zou Xiguang, representative of Topcon Beijing office.

Shanxi Bureau of Surveying and Mapping recently established the first and only training center in Asia specialized for the 3D mobile surveying and mapping technologies, in cooperation with Beijing Topcon Business & Trading Limited (BTBT), a Topcon distributor. At the opening ceremony of this facility, Mr. Wu Boyi and Mr. Ni Han, vice president of BTBT, confirmed their common goal to revolutionize the surveying and mapping industry in China by implementing next generation mobile data collection technology.

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Topcon GRS-1 -- mobile GIS mapping

Topcon Positioning Systems' (TPS) released GRS-1, a modular, all-in-one, dual-constellation mapping system that incorporates high-accuracy capabilities into a single, small hand-held device. The GRS-1 has a high-speed processor, increased memory, built-in compass and an integrated digital camera and cell phone modem that provides flexibility for the user in the field.

The GRS-1 addresses mobile GIS applications as it incorporates an optional internal GSM or CDMA modem used to dial up to a reference station network for real-time correction data. An extra cell phone modem to make the connection is no longer required. Wireless connectivity via wireless LAN and Bluetooth technology enable a user to access a GIS server to download maps and other GIS data to use in the field.

The new receiver has sub-meter DGPS capability with an internal L1 antenna. One can add an external antenna at any time, to increase accuracy. Add a single frequency PG-A5 antenna and connect to a GNSS network via the internal cellular modem for sub-foot accuracy. Add a dual-frequency, PGA-1 external antenna and a high-accuracy software module and the receiver moves to dual-frequency, dual-constellation GNSS for GIS RTK (<5cm) accuracy. The GRS-1 is designed as a modular solution – the user can choose from a variety of accuracy levels for a myriad of projects. The GRS-1 uses the Windows Mobile operating system to run TopSURV-GIS, Topcon's field mapping software. Visit TopCon.

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Topcon for Chinese Crustal Movement Observation Network

Topcon provides receivers for China's Crustal Movement Observation Network. Topcon Positioning Systems (TPS) has been selected to supply GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite Systems) receivers for the Crustal Movement Observation Network of China (CMONOC). Topcon will supply 132 campaign-mode (portable) GNSS CORS receivers and GNSS choke ring antennas for CMONOC.

The CMONOC project was established by the China Earthquake Administration (CEA) of the People’s Republic of China, to monitor crustal deformation and to predict earthquakes using GNSS technology. In the context of the devastating Wenchuan Earthquake (8.0 on Richter scale) last year, the Chinese government hopes to use state-of-the-art technologies to enhance disaster-relief capability. CEA is planning to use the equipment to re-measure more than 2,000 ground monuments throughout China in 2009.

Crustal deformation is measured by tracking the movement of points on the Earth's surface, ground tilt and strain, as well as fault slip. The Topcon Net-G3 family of receivers will be used to record geodetic data for the CMONOC in campaign mode, also known as portable, episodic or survey mode. At the contract signing ceremony held on March 27, Li Qiang, director of Crustal Movement Monitoring Research Center of CEA, said, "The cooperation with Topcon on CMONOC project is just the starting point for both sides, we look forward to further strengthening communication and cooperation with Topcon in the future." Eduardo Falcon, senior vice president and general manager of TPS’ Emerging Business unit, said, "The accuracy and preservation of data are paramount to the CMONOC project and Topcon is honored to have been selected to assist in this scientific endeavor critical to earthquake prediction in China. “By better understanding the Earth’s natural processes through monitoring and tracking the deformation, the devastating effects of earthquakes can hopefully be reduced and avoided. The CMONOC project is an exemplary use of GNSS technology in geophysical research."

The Topcon Net-G3 family of receivers that will be used for CMONOC incorporate Topcon G3 technology, which allows for universal signal tracking compatible with all existing and planned satellite navigation systems.

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Topcon SurveyMaster version 1.1

Topcon Positioning Systems (TPS) has released a new version of its CAD-based survey software, SurveyMaster version 1.1. SurveyMaster is claimed to be a complete survey software solution to manage job site and surveying data efficiently while providing a deliverable print or plot. Designed by surveyors, it provides the user with survey specific routines, traverse adjustment and CAD drafting tools in one product.

SurveyMaster offers the user many options for office configurations. It can handle critical data efficiently and the application can be taken with the surveyor anywhere he goes. The program is contained and runs on a single USB key making it easily transportable from computer to computer. An optional Network version and/or PC installation are also available.

SurveyMaster can be synchronised with Topcon TopSURV 7 field controller software. According to company’s official SurveyMaster and TopSURV 7 synchronise automatically making data upload and download seamless. He added that Version 1.1 is designed to give TopSURV 7.2 users an advantage in the office but also supports data input from many third-party programmes. It provides all the drafting and surveying tools for any surveyor to complete their project on time and under budget.

In addition, SurveyMaster acts as an extension to field software for TopSURV users. Directly open and save TopSURV jobs, export points, linework and road design data to TopSURV from any open SurveyMaster project. Users can optionally configure SurveyMaster to synchronise with TopSURV every time a connection is made.

Features of SurveyMaster version 1.1 include:

-- Improved TopSURV 7.2 compatibility;
-- Improved synchronization utility;
-- Network least squares adjustment;
-- Pointless creation mode;
-- Floating network license installation;
-- AutoDesk Real DWG technology;
-- Creation and deletion of points from entities;
-- Show entities with attached images;
-- Hayes Cogo import; and
-- Improved trim/extend and other drafting functions.

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Topcon GMS-2 Pro: GIS high-accuracy data collection kit

Topcon Positioning Systems announces a GIS data collection kit for the new Topcon GMS-2 Pro.

GMS-2 Pro is the handheld GIS mapping solution that provides technological advancements like an integrated laser rangefinder to the GMS-2, the industry's first GIS-GPS hand-held receiver with 50-channel dual constellation tracking, an integrated digital camera and electronic compass.

The kit can be ordered with a GMS-2 Pro and choice of software to create a complete GIS high accuracy system.

The GMS-2 Pro kit includes:

* PG-A5 external antenna with GMS-2 Pro cable;
* GMS-2 Pro pole bracket; and
* 2 meter pole.

GMS-2 Pro Features:

* Integrated 2.0 megapixel digital camera
* Integrated Distance Measuring Device
* Integrated Barcode Reader
* Easy Access USB Memory Expansion
* Replaceable, Rechargeable All-day Battery
* Dual constellation satellite tracking

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Topcon GMS-2 Pro, with laser measurement technology

GMS-2 Pro, the new handheld GIS mapping solution with integrated auto-focus digital camera and laser distance meter, has been released by Topcon Positioning Systems.

The GMS-2 Pro provides technological advancements to the GMS-2 that “raise the bar” on what a hand-held GPS device can do for GIS professionals.

When Topcon introduced the GMS-2 hand-held mobile GPS GNSS receiver, the rugged, compact unit was the industry’s first GIS-GPS product with 50-channel dual-constellation tracking, and an integrated digital camera and electronic compass.

The GMS-2 Pro offers an integrated laser distance meter that can be used in conjunction with the internal compass for offset measurements. Just shoot the obstructed feature with the laser from a wide open, convenient location and your offset position is calculated. Even use the laser to obtain height and width measurements of a feature. Use the stylus to tap two points on the associated image, and the distance, width and height will be instantly calculated and stored as an attribute to the feature. Select the option to geotag your image with date/time and position information for further detail. The internal camera can also be used as a barcode reader. Take a picture of the barcode and the barcode information can be read directly into the attribute field for that feature.

GMS-2 Pro applications include:
-- High Accuracy Mapping;
-- Asset management;
-- City development mapping;
-- Environmental research;
-- Utility management;
-- Agriculture field data collection;
-- Oil drilling investigation;
-- Forestry;
-- Disaster management investigation;
-- Crime scene investigation;
-- Public property management; and
-- Archeological research.

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Topcon GIS Business Partner program creates opportunities

Topcon Positioning Systems (TPS), through its Emerging Business Unit, has established a Topcon GIS Business Partner program.

The Topcon GIS program is available to companies involved in GIS business applications that create a solution or provide a service that complements Topcon’s mapping and GIS data collection products.

There are two categories for Topcon GIS Business Partners:

1. OEM partners – for third party software and application developers; and
2. GIS solution partners – for firms providing GIS services.

“There are several key benefits to being a Topcon GIS business partner,” Richard Rybka, Topcon’s GIS partner development manager, said.

The benefits include:

--Direct purchase of GIS products from TPS;
--Obtain marketing/advertising/trade show support, and cost sharing;
--Access to Topcon developer resources;
--Network with other Topcon business partners;
--Presence on the TPS web site; and
--Special offers with Topcon products.

Rybka said, “This program is the perfect platform for companies to join with Topcon to build end-to-end solutions geared toward any specific GIS application. As a result, the customer gets a GIS mobile data collection and management solution with an easy workflow and acquires the tools to solve their specific business challenges. The opportunities available through this program provide a new revenue stream for the partner. Their customers receive the benefits of TPS technology.”

Information on the new program is now available on the Topcon Positioning Systems website.

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SOKKIA TOPCON Releases GSR2700 ISX Firmware V3.500-2.120, GSR Family Config Tool V8.4.2

SOKKIA TOPCON, the leading provider of advanced solutions in the surveying, mapping, industrial measurement and construction industries, proudly announces the release of the GSR2700 IS firmware V3.500/2.120 and the GSR Family Config Tool V8.4.2 for the Allegro CX data collector.

GSR2700 ISX firmware V3.500/2.120 update features improved network RTK support for third-party reference networks and advanced ambiguity resolution under multipath. It also provides additional languages for audible notifications, now including Dutch, German, Hungarian, Italian, Lithuanian, Portuguese and Russian.

SOKKIA’s GSR2700 ISX is a rugged, high-performance multi-frequency receiver that provides GPS and GLONASS satellite tracking capabilities to maximize surveying accuracy. The GSR2700 ISX, the leading multi-frequency GNSS receiver in the industry, features RTK network support, multiple Bluetooth connections and support for GPS L2C and L5 signals. The cable-free, easy to set up system provides effortless operation in both base and rover modes. The receiver also offers audible status notification in the field. Originally with nine languages, the GSR2700 ISX now supports 16 languages and tones.

The GSR Family Config Tool V8.4.2 update now offers increased support for the GSR1700 CSX, enables use/upload of different user applications for the GSR2700 ISX and includes embedded help in the application. SOKKIA’s Config Tool software program enables users to customize operational settings on GSR Family receivers via the Allegro CX data collector.

SOKKIA routine updates receiver firmware and Config Tools to continually enhance and improve the overall performance of the GSR Family receivers.

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Topcon X-TRAC 7 technology

A new advanced technology for robotic total stations – X-TRAC 7 – is now available from Topcon Positioning Systems (TPS).

X-TRAC 7 enhances robotic tracking, RC-3 “Quick Lock” remote control, radio, and data collector performance.

X-TRAC 7 technology is now included on all new Topcon 9 Series and Imaging Station (IS) robotic family total station systems. Users with 9 Series and IS systems – GTS-900, GPT-9000, and IS – purchased prior to the release of X-TRAC 7 may contact their Topcon authorized dealer for the X-TRAC 7 update.

Scott Langbein, TPS senior manager – product management, said, “Topcon wants our robotic users to feel the full return of our continued research and development in robotics technology. X-TRAC 7 is a firmware and software advancement that provides them with the latest and most reliable tracking technology available.”

Prism Tracking. “The new X-TRAC 7 prism-tracking strength and allowable prism movement speed is increased,” Langbein said. “X-TRAC 7 uses a tracking beam sequence that keeps the instrument cross hairs focused on the moving prism pole. Internal firmware and advanced calculations are performed to determine and track the prism better than ever before.”

Remote Control. The X-TRAC 7 firmware enhances the performance of Topcon’s Quick Lock robotic remote control. “The RC-3 remote firmware and command logic has been redesigned to take full advantage of X-TRAC 7 technology,” Langbein said. “The RC-3’s Quick Lock speed and accuracy have increased dramatically.

“X-TRAC 7 firmware updates the RC-3 handle as well as the total station instrument, with automatic power regulation and special sensor windows that determine the location of the prism pole and Quick Lock sensor,” Langbein said. “The X-TRAC 7 enhancement to the RC-3 handle precisely measures the center of the signal return. Quick Lock times are reduced and pointing of the instrument toward the prism is very reliable.”

Software. Topcon’s new release of TopSURV 7.2 software includes the X-TRAC 7 advanced technology. Langbein said, “TopSURV 7.2 is the user interface to control all of the advanced features of X-TRAC 7. It is the central hub of this enhanced X-TRAC 7 robotic system.

TopSURV 7.2 with X-TRAC 7 is also available for Topcon controllers FC-200, FC-2200 and FC-2500.

Langbein said, “X-TRAC 7 technology supports software on the IS imaging stations with Topcon IS live video broadcast. With X-TRAC 7, the live video supports WiFi broadcasts of images from the IS instrument to the TopSURV field controller. It gives the surveyor complete control of the IS from their field controller.”

Radio. “By updating the robotic instrument firmware as well as radio module settings, users will find better re-establishment of radio performance at far distances,” Langbein said.

Features of the X-TRAC 7 technology include:

* Fast, strong tracking of a prism even when exposed to other reflective objects;
* Fast and accurate turning of the instrument when performing a RC-3 remote Quick Lock cycle;

* Automatic power regulation of the RC-3 remote;

* TopSURV 7.2 software support for instrument enhancements; and

* TopSURV 7.2 software live video support for IS systems. The enhancement through X-TRAC 7 now supports WiFi broadcasts of images from the IS instrument to the TopSURV field controller.

Langbein said, “X-TRAC 7 is a true system wide enhancement touching all elements of the robotic system from the instruments, remote control functions, field controllers and software.”

Information on X-TRAC 7 is also available here.

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Dave Henderson as Topcon GIS national sales manager

Topcon Positioning Systems (TPS) announces Dave Henderson is the company’s new GIS national sales manager. Henderson is responsible for GIS sales activities for Topcon’s GIS dealer network in the United States and Canada.

Eduardo Falcon, TPS senior vice president of business development, said, “Henderson’s past sales and technical experience with the manufacturing and distribution business provides the necessary skills to further develop and expand Topcon’s current GIS dealer network.”

Prior to joining Topcon, Henderson was the director of geospatial solutions at Midwest Architects & Engineers Supply Inc. (Midwest A&E), a Topcon distributor for Texas and Oklahoma. He was responsible for sales of GIS hardware, software and GPS networks.

Henderson also previously worked for Topcon America Corporation as a regional manager prior to joining Midwest A&E.

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Topcon Acquires Voxis, Inc.

Topcon Corporation of Tokyo has announced the acquisition of Voxis, Inc., a United States-based company acknowledged as a global leader in laser scanner technology and high resolution motion systems.

The acquisition of Voxis of Point Richmond, California, culminates a development relationship with Topcon of more than two years, which resulted in the recent announcement of the company’s GLS-1000 laser scanner.

Topcon developed Precise Scan Technology for the GLS-1000. The new technology not only uses “time of flight” measurement but also combines the innovative phase-based analysis technology, which results in unparalleled stable and precision accuracy measurement. The technological innovation also allows measurement over a wide area (up to 150 meters).

Norio (Nick) Uchida, General Manager of Topcon Corporation’s Positioning Business Unit, said, “The Voxis agreement will strengthen the extremely positive working relationship we have had with the company for the past three years. Jerry Dimsdale (president) and Joe West (vice president of engineering) have assembled a great team of research and development engineers.

“Combining the resources of Voxis with the expertise and experience of Topcon’s global engineering teams will enhance Topcon’s position in the marketplace,” Uchida said.

“The expertise of the Voxis team and its innovative laser scanning technology is a perfect combination for Topcon. Joining forces with Voxis is the right move with the right company at the right time. It’s an agreement that maximizes the strengths of both companies,” he said.

About Voxis joining Topcon, Dimsdale said, “For more than two years our engineers have been working with Topcon to develop an exciting new laser scanner – Topcon’s GLS-1000. The technology developed by our engineers perfectly meshes with Topcon’s goal to provide the best precise positioning systems in the marketplace.

“The working relationship between our engineering team (which has more than 180 years in engineering experience) and the Topcon design teams could not have been better.”

Dimsdale said, “Our company’s focus is in industrial and commercial metrology (measurement) and control in a wide range of applications. We have focused a lot of our efforts into developing and improving laser scanning technology.

“Combining the two companies will only enhance the ability to work together in discovering the next generation of laser scanning and motion sensor technologies,” he said. “There are massive changes coming in what we call ‘reality capture’ and we’re proud and excited to be a part of this technological revolution by assisting in accelerating Topcon’s product line.”

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A7 prism: Topcon Positioning Systems

A new, lightweight, compact, robotic prism series and mounts have been announced by Topcon Positioning Systems (TPS).

The A7 prism series supports the ability to mount a GPS receiver on top of the A7 prism for an integrated robotic and GPS rover solution. Additional accessories, including a regular top mount and a side-mounting option for the RC-3R, are also now available.

Multiple configurations are now available with the A7 series including:

* The integrated GPS mount and A7 prism pole can be used in a GPS network for real-time GPS coordinates that a robotic instrument then uses for resection;

* With a full-size canister prism and RC-3R side-mount, the unit can take difficult prism shots through vegetation, wetland flag markers, and other obstructed views

* The A7 can also be mounted inverted on a prism pole. By having the ability to mount the prism closer to the ground, construction stakeout can be done with greater precision

* The RC-3R side-mount can be connected at several angles, allowing very high or very low vertical angles of transmission.

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Topcon FC-120 field controller: Compact, powerful and affordable

A powerful, compact and affordable field controller – the FC-120 – has been unveiled by Topcon Positioning Systems (TPS).

The FC-120 is available with TopSURV, Pocket Layout or Pocket 3D — Topcon's survey, layout and 3D site management software packages.

Mark Contino, vice president of survey sales, said, “The FC-120 has an innovative design that packs all the power of the FC-200 into a smaller data collector with a large array of capabilities. Its operating system, Windows® CE.NET 5.0, provides a field-proven operating environment that is well known and accepted in the surveying and construction industries. And with a 520MHz processor, the FC-120 provides the best balance of performance and power consumption.

“With the FC-120, Topcon has designed a compact instrument with advanced software functions that are easy to use such as a large key pop-up keyboard for data entry,” Contino said.

The FC-120 provides Compact Flash (CF) and Secure Digital (SD) card slots. “We can’t know what might be available in five years for a CF or SD card slot but the FC-120 is ready for it. The card access is a superior design element. It’s a simple, yet reliable access door allowing a user to quickly add or change memory cards.” Contino said.

“The FC-120 is a valuable job site tool available at an affordable price,” said Murray Lodge, vice president of construction sales. “It’s a rugged controller and with its advanced features, and the fact that it’s easy to learn to use and operate, the FC-120 fits the project needs for any operation.”

Features of the FC-120 include:

* 520 MHz XScale processor;
* Windows CE.NET 5.0 operating system;
* Compact Flash (CF) and Secure Digital (SD) media card slots for memory expansion and connectivity options;
* Built-in wireless Bluetooth connectivity;
* Removable, Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries;
* Ultra-bright TFT color touch screen display; and
* 64 MB SDRAM, 128 MB or 256 MB memory.

Please visit www.topconpositioning.com/products/field-controllers/fc-120.html for more information of the product.

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Topcon provides assistance for earthquake disaster relief and reconstruction

Topcon instruments will be used in disaster relief and reconstruction efforts in areas devastated by the Wenchuan earthquake in Sichuan province.

Topcon representatives recently met with officials at the China Earthquake Administration in Beijing to make a donation of instruments and training as well as a monetary donation separately given by Topcon Beijing, the Topcon (Beijing) Tech Co., Ltd and the Beijing Topcon Business and Trade Co., Ltd to the Red Cross Society of China to assist in the aftermath of the May 12 earthquake.

Topcon’s Steve Hirano, executive officer, said that the donation is also intended to help with earthquake prediction research.

Hirano said, “Topcon expresses profound condolences for the people who lost their lives in the Wenchuan earthquake, and hope the missing ones are found safe and sound. We are not only providing the donation for the disaster relief and reconstruction but also to assist in earthquake prediction, which is greatly needed in China.”

Topcon has donated Odyssey-RS GPS+ reference station receivers and CR-G3 (choke ring) triple-constellation antennas.

In addition, Topcon’s Zou Xi-Guang, chief representative of the Topcon Corporation Beijing Office said that the company will also donate Odyssey-RS GPS+ receivers to the State Bureau of Surveying and Mapping. Zou said, “The Odyssey receivers will also be helpful for the earthquake reconstruction.”

Niu Zhijun, general director of China’s Department of Development and Finance, said, “We’d like to extend our gratitude for Topcon’s kindness in regard to the Sichuan Wenchuan earthquake.

“Now we are investing a lot on the research of earthquake prediction. Taking this opportunity, we’d like to deepen the cooperation with Topcon.”

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Topcon SurveyMaster software

Topcon Positioning Systems (TPS) new SurveyMaster software is a complete survey software solution to manage job site and surveying data efficiently, while providing a deliverable print or plot. Designed by surveyors, it provides the user with legal, annotation, adjustment and CAD drafting tools in one product.

The SurveyMaster program is contained on a single USB (Universal Serial Bus) key making it easily transportable from computer to computer.

“The SurveyMaster packaging is the first of its kind for this type of application as the program runs on the USB key,” says Scott Langbein, product marketing manager. “The user can move the program from computer to computer without the hassle of time-consuming installations and registrations because the entire program resides on the key. The data is saved on the key so the data can be moved from computer to computer.”

Langbein said, “SurveyMaster offers the user many options for office configurations. It can handle critical data efficiently and the application can be taken anywhere they need to go – ‘field-to-finish.’”

Job site information can be imported, viewed, edited and exported as needed allowing for area contour, surface file creation and editing and export to field controllers or machine control systems.

SurveyMaster is CAD-based software that can be synchronized with TopSURV 7 field controller software. SurveyMaster and TopSURV 7 synchronize automatically, making data upload and download truly seamless. Langbein said, “Ultimately what matters is the deliverable, and SurveyMaster makes printing and plotting very easy. There is no struggle to get your project printed or plotted.”

Features include:
--Transportable USB key with password capability;
--Synchronization with TopSURV 7;
--3D viewer for 3D surface modeling;
--Finish plat printing;
--Land survey functions;
--Raw data editing;
--Contouring and surface file editing; and
--Volume analysis.

Langbein said, “SurveyMaster is a stand-alone software program that has no costly subscriptions, annual engine upgrades, or requirements to run additional CAD software. Whether the job is a simple project or a complicated multi-surface construction jobsite with roads, utilities, machine control and buildings, SurveyMaster provides a single, easy-to-use solution.”

Link to product information is here.

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Topcon wins world's largest total station bid

With more than 800 instruments to be delivered to the Polish Ministry of Education (MEN) by Topcon's exclusive Polish partner TPI, Topcon has set a new global record for the largest tender ever with its state-of-the-art technology.

The sale, valued at more than $2.5 million, includes 430 GPT-3107N total stations and 430 AT-G6 optical levels; making for a total of 860 instruments in one sale.

TPI and MEN agreed on the sale in early May. The equipment will be used for educational purposes in all Polish secondary technical schools that require surveying instruments in their educational processes.

Ray O’Connor, president and CEO of Topcon Positioning and chairman of Topcon Europe Positioning (TEP), called the agreement “a true partnership between Topcon, TEP and TPI, one of the key dealers in the company’s global dealer network. Topcon is involved in the education of the next generation of surveyors throughout the world and this agreement emphasizes that commitment.”

According to Przemyslaw Wilbik – operational deputy director for surveying products within TPI - the choice of MEN confirms the power of TPI's countrywide service and support network. “One of the key factors for the MEN to choose TPI is our network of branch offices around the country which provide local support to our clients. This nationwide service and support network makes us the right partners to offer a cost attractive and technologically reliable offer. We are very proud to supply instruments from the new generation of reflectorless total stations – instruments with a unique range. The GPT-3107N offers the best range for prismless measurements and a perfect mix of both safety and performance.”

Ewout Korpershoek, TEP director of marketing and sales, said. "We are very proud of this success for our Polish partner TPI. For the last ten years they have been a great and trusted partner for Topcon and this tender only proves they are on their way to an even more successful future. The Ministry of Education has made a wise long-term investment in Poland's future, by making sure that the surveyors of tomorrow get acquainted with state-of-the-art technology in an early phase of their lives."

He said, "The GPT-3100N total station uses multiple pulsed laser beams emitted at a constant frequency to measure distance. This way the total station offers increased measurement performance with a pin-point measurement beam, extended range, improved accuracy and lower power consumption. By investing in this new technology and having the back up of a solid service and support organization, the MEN can look to the future with confidence."

Source : http://www.topconpositioning.com/

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