Leica Geosystems Introduces Version 4.2 of Spider Software Suite for GNSS

Leica Geosystems has released version 4.2 of its Leica Spider software suite for GNSS RTK networks and reference stations. Leica Spider software is an integrated suite of programs for GNSS networks, consisting of Leica GNSS Spider, Leica SpiderWeb and Leica SpiderQC. With its scalability and modularity, it can be tailored to suit various GNSS surveying, machine control, GIS, seismic and structural monitoring applications, Leica Geosystems said.

One of the major enhancements is the added support for the Leica GR25 reference server. The newest member of Leica Geosystems’ GNSS Spider family is designed for numerous permanent and semi-permanent GNSS network installations and monitoring applications, which include RTK and static networks, single base station, field campaigns, structural monitoring, atmospheric and seismic studies and offshore positioning.

“The suite of Leica Spider software programs now perfectly complements this new device for use in RTK networks with comprehensive remote control and advanced data quality analysis,” said Frank Pache, senior product manager at Leica Geosystems.

Leica Geosystems has enhanced the SpiderNET processing strategies and algorithms to best cope with the current significantly increasing solar activity,” Pache said. “Within the 11-year cycle of solar activity we are currently approaching, the next sunspot maximum is expected in early 2013. During these times, reliable fixing of ambiguities becomes more difficult due to the increasing impact of the ionosphere on the signal propagation. This is particularly relevant to GNSS networks that typically have large station separations of up to 70 km. Therefore, an optimum handling of the ionosphere effects is required. With this new version of GNSS Spider, we are now minimizing the impact of the ionosphere disturbance to the data processing and optimizing the quality, availability and reliability of network correction information provided to the rover.”

In addition, the updated Leica SpiderQC features an improved version of the Leica Geosystems patented Network Online Visualisation of Accuracy (NOVA).  “This unique feature allows visualization of the spatial and temporal quality of single base and network RTK positioning across a customer’s network.  Real time maps show the distribution of residual ionosphere and troposphere/orbit error, enabling our customers and their clients to monitor the network status and identify problem areas in the network, or get an indication of expected field performance,” Pache said.