Topcon`s IP-S2: Combining GNSS positioning capabilities, inertial sensors

LIVERMORE, Calif.--(Business Wire)--
Topcon Positioning Systems (TPS) recently unveiled the IP-S2, a vehicle-mounted,
mobile 3D precision mapping and survey system. The IP-S2 combines dual-frequency
GNSS signal tracking and positioning and inertial measurement to integrate laser
scanning and digital imaging.

Using 3D laser scanners, LIDAR, and/or cameras, the data collected is
integrated, time-stamped and geo-referenced. The customer can then quickly and
accurately combine LIDAR "point cloud" and digital imaging data to build 3D
models of the areas driven.

Industry-leading sensor integration creates unlimited applications for the
technology in GIS, construction, agriculture, mapping, and machine control --
all areas where Topcon has market leadership.

Ray O`Connor, TPS president and CEO, said, Topcon`s Inertial Positioning System
(IPS) "makes it possible to track motion through 3D space, creating an instant
solution to myriad asset management and data collection applications."

With its high accuracy scanning and inertial measurement capabilities, its
ability to support a variety of sensors and its 360-degree hemispherical digital
video camera system, O`Connor said, "The IP-S2 can gather accurate measurement
data in extremely difficult conditions, such as tunnels, under bridges, in
heavily wooded areas or urban canyons.

"The applications for the IP-S2 are limitless," he said. "Whatever you can
conceive of in the areas of asset management, data collection on precise
location of virtually any subject, using digital photography capabilities, as
well as laser scanning options, with its onboard tools the IP-S2 can do the
job."

Collecting field data for GIS applications has always been a time-consuming
task, usually taking several years to fully accomplish. As a result, many
databases are incomplete, preventing managers from utilizing their full
potential. Safety has also been an issue, requiring personnel to stand in highly
traveled road corridors where most assets are located.

Eduardo Falcon, senior vice president and general manager of Topcon`s Emerging
Business Unit, said, "The IP-S2 revolutionizes the way in which GIS field data
can be collected. One pass of an area at normal vehicular travel speeds provides
a complete dataset of highly accurate position information and high resolution
imagery."

He added "Using new software tools, GIS operators can easily identify features,
assign attributes, and then export them to geospatial applications. The
reduction in cost and improvement in safety are exponential compared to
traditional ground survey methods."

The IP-S2 standard system includes three high-resolution LiDAR scanners that
cover the vehicle path at ground level and sweep the adjacent areas to a
distance of 30 meters. The technology can provide location and geo-referencing
with survey accuracy of visible utilities, traffic signals and roadways,
modeling GIS maps, examining tunnels, taking inventory of and collecting
360-degree digital images (at a rate of 15 frames per second) to catalog
surroundings in real time.

The IP-S2 software and hardware were designed and constructed in a modular
format so that an array of present and future sensors can be easily integrated
to the existing scanner ports. The IP-S2 also works in coordination with an
online data post-processing service to provide data sets with the highest
possible accuracy. You obtain the information, you store the information safely
and you can retrieve it effortlessly.

Falcon said the IP-S2 was designed "from the beginning with the goal to be
easier to install, learn and use than any other existing mobile positioning
solution."

There are more than 400 of the units currently in use worldwide.

IP-S2 information is available at
www.topconpositioning.com/products/mapping-and-gis/mobile-mapping/ip-s2.html

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.

Link to news release:

http://www.topconpositioning.com/news-events/single/item/topcons-ip-s2-combining-gnss-positioning-capabilities-inertial-sensors/

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Topcon Positioning Systems
George Smith, Director of Communications Services
925-245-8603
news@topcon.com

Copyright Business Wire 2009