DT Research’s new military-grade tablet has RTK GNSS

DT Research has released the DT301T rugged RTK tablet (DT301T-RTK), a lightweight military-grade tablet purpose-built for GIS mapping applications. It features real-time kinematic (RTK) satellite navigation to enhance the precision of GNSS position data.

The tablet enables 3D point cloud creation with centimeter-level accuracy, meeting the high standards required for scientific-grade evidence in court.

The DT301T-RTK is a rugged tablet with scientific-grade GNSS. (Photo: DT Research)

The DT301T Rugged RTK tablet is military-grade with an IP65 rating. Because it’s lightweight, the DT301T can be used in the field, office and vehicles, the company said.

A dual-frequency GNSS module is built into the tablet, which uses real-time reference points within 1–2-centimeter accuracy to position 3D point clouds created from aerial photogrammetry, using GPS, GLONASS and Galileo receivers. Users can measure with the RTK GNSS positioning directly using a foldable antenna or connect to an external antenna for more robust receiving and survey-grade precision.

“We’ve seen a dramatic uptick in the need for rugged tablets to be purpose-built for a range of mapping uses across industries,” said Daw Tsai Sc.D., president of DT Research. “In designing the DT301T with RTK satellite navigation, we also took into consideration the other features and capabilities necessary within a rugged tablet to quickly and easily conduct forensic mapping, land surveying, e-construction, building information modeling (BIM) and other mapping scenarios.”

The DT301T is compatible with existing GIS software for mapping applications and brings together the advanced workflow for GIS data capture, accurate positioning and data transmitting.

Uses

According to DT Research, the tablet can be used in a variety of scenarios.

Forensic mapping. Public safety teams, investigators and crash reconstructionists can use the DT301T Rugged RTK tablet to accurately collect measurements that are scientifically defensible by using the real-time centimeter reference points to position 3D point clouds created from aerial photogrammetry or take stand-alone measurements.

DT301T-RTK tablet during forensic mapping training. (Photo: DT Research)

The results will have the precision necessary to stand up as evidence in court, said Andrew S. Klane, a former Massachusetts State Police Lieutenant who teaches Forensic Mapping and is now the chief operating officer at Forensic Mapping Solutions Inc.

“As more drones are being used for mapping, there is a growing need for ground-control positioning devices,” Klane said. “By using a DT301T Rugged RTK Tablet in combination with a drone, users can more quickly and cost-effectively create a 3D model to deliver an accurate representation of the scene with scientific-grade tolerance that will hold up in a court of law.”

It could also help clear crash scenes faster, restoring the normal flow of traffic on congested roadways, reducing secondary crashes and lowering the chance of first responders and other workers getting hurt while clearing the scene.

Land surveying. Surveyors can use the DT301T tablet to measure the altitudes, angles and distances on the land surface so that they can be accurately plotted on a map to determine property boundaries, construction layout and mapmaking.

E-construction. Construction workers can manage the collection, review, approval and distribution of highway construction contract documents in a paperless environment using the DT301 tablet.

Building information modeling (BIM).  Architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) professionals can use the tablet to create 3D models to efficiently plan, design, construct and manage buildings and infrastructure.

FEATURES

The DT301T Rugged RTK tablet has been purpose-built for precision mapping in a variety of environments and includes the following features and capabilities:

• Dual-frequency GNSS module: GNSS L1 and L2 RTK that receives GPS, GLONASS and Galileo signals up to 372 channels with RMS 10 mm + 1 ppm accuracy.
• High-performance CPU and Windows OS: Intel 6th-generation core i5 or i7 processor with Microsoft Windows 7 Professional or Windows 10 IoT Enterprise. Units come with either 8 GB or 16 GB of RAM.
• Sunlight-readable display: A 10.1 inch LED-backlight, sunlight-readable screen with capacitive touch and 1920 x 1200 resolution.
• Wireless connectivity: Long-range Class 1 Bluetooth powers connectivity up to 1,000 feet and 4G mobile broadband for LTE, HESPA+, GMS/GPRS/EDGE, EV-DO, Rev A and 1xRTT.
• Storage: For field data collecting, the tablet can store up to 1 terabyte of data.
• Military standards: The tablet is fully ruggedized to meet the highest durability standards with an IP65 rating, MIL-STD-810G for vibration and shock resistance, and MIL-STD-461F for EMI and EMC tolerance.
• Battery pack: High-capacity hot-swappable battery pack delivers 60 or 90 watts for up to 15 hours of continuous mobile communications.
• Accessories: Those available include external antennas, pole mount cradles, detachable keyboards, battery charging kits and digital pens.