
Trimble Applanix provided its POS MV WaveMasters, combined with POSPac MMS software, to deliver highly accurate data for VRT Finland Ltd’s underwater surveys.
POS MV integrates GNSS data with angular rate and acceleration readings from an IMU, along with heading information from GAMS, to deliver a robust and precise positioning solution. POSPac Mobile Mapping Suite is a leading software solution for direct georeferencing of mobile mapping sensors using GNSS and inertial technology.
Operational Overview
VRT specializes in 3D survey solutions and the use of 3D data through multibeam sonar, laser, and drone inspections. The company conducts high-resolution structural inspections for various applications, including bridges, ports, pipelines, oil terminals, offshore wind farms, and hydro-power plants.
VRT utilizes multibeam sonar for subsurface inspections and laser scanners and photogrammetry for above-surface structures. Operating in harsh GNSS environments, VRT required a reliable solution to ensure accurate positioning and orientation during underwater inspections.
Solution
VRT partnered with Trimble Applanix to develop an optimal solution. The company operates two survey vessels equipped with Applanix POS MV to deliver precise position and orientation data.
POSPac post-processing software is used to further enhance data quality, employing IN-Fusion SmartBase and IN-Fusion SingleBase processing methods. These techniques improve positioning and orientation, simplifying noise filtering and manual cleaning processes.
When survey areas are accessible to the vessels, VRT is reportedly confident in the ability of POSPac to deliver the required high-quality data. Even in challenging GNSS environments, such as urban canyons or under bridges where GNSS signals are temporarily unavailable, POSPac consistently ensures the data is preserved.
Ville Mäkeläinen, Chief Business Development Officer at VRT, commented, “Using POSPac is easy and straightforward! The workflow is very similar in most projects. We are also very pleased with Applanix’ immediate customer support that has helped us out of trouble several times. The improved data quality helps inspectors to make better observations and to be more confident about the information.”