Leica Geosystems has released a new, ultra-precise, 72-channel Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) engine, which is being incorporated into the System 1200 family of integrated survey systems.

The GNSS engine is being offered in the new Leica GX1230 GG and ATX1230 GG GPS sensors, as well as the GRX1200 GG Pro sensor for reference station networks.

The Leica GNSS-compatible systems accept signals from United States GPS satellites, including the L2C frequency, and the Russian GLONASS satellite network. They also are designed to support future GNSS signals, including GPS L5 and the European Galileo system.

“We believe that the GLONASS satellite system has now demonstrated sufficient levels of robustness and reliability, so that we can incorporate it into our family of System 1200 survey solutions for our customers,” said Bob Williams, president of Leica’s Surveying & Engineering Division of the Americas. “There are now 17 GLONASS satellites in orbit, and the Russian government has made a commitment to continue expanding the system with additional satellites.

“The ability to track and use the GLONASS satellites together with GPS will enable surveyors to increase productivity on the job, especially in difficult environments where GPS signals are blocked or attenuated,” Williams added.

The GNSS-capable GX1230 GG and ATX1230 GG use Leica Geosystems’ SmartTrack+ and SmartCheck+ technology. SmartCheck+ provides automatic solution checking for optimum reliability.

The GRX1200 GG Pro with SmartTrack+ is designed for a wide range of reference station applications and networks. Features include secure and reliable Internet connectivity via HTTPS, onboard generation of RINEX files and the prompt FTP push of high quality, raw and RINEX data. It is configurable using a Web interface or GPS Spider software. Its power consumption is low, reducing infrastructure requirements, according to the manufacturer.

The System 1200, introduced in 2004 blends GPS and total station functionality into a single integrated solution. By combining both technologies, the System 1200 guarantees seamless data transfer between GPS and total station instruments, with uniform software, identical controls and a common database, in addition to shared hardware components, according to Leica.