What a week

Been a long week since my last post. Major issues during processing of some M4 data. When I first submitted a job to the master database it found 400 errors. Most turned out to be a snapping issue caused by the software not quite snapping on the correct point. Its been a major headache to make minuscule geometry changes to the data.

However, finally got it sorted today and accepted by the database checking system. Phew! Also finished another job so gradually catching up with the surveys.

Mind you, started another stretch on the M4 on Monday. I know 3 jobs going at once. No wonder my mind is slightly fried. The new job is 18km long each side so I guess that ties me up for the next couple of weeks.

This job is going to be mixed in with surveying on the M5 and M4 as construction jobs get completed. This job certainly involves multitasking at a new level.

Looking forward to the Brits tonight so happy viewing everyone.

Lack of Posts

Apologies for the lack of posts last week. Was stuck in the TravelLodge in Taunton and the internet connection was extremely poor. Plus, they charged £20 for the week too. Yet another rip off from a corporate I am afraid.

When I did get on, I did a speed check and it was less than 1Mb. Disgusting for the price. Hopefully won't stay there again.

More posts tomorrow as I best give my wife some loving this evening!

Topcon GRS-1 versus ProMark 200

I took a GRS-1 and ProMark 200 to a job on the M5 yesterday for a test. The reason for the test was a colleague had visited the area the day before and found mobile phone signal to be an issue. Both devices were using Vodafone and all I needed to do was capture x,y,z coordinates. I was using Digiterra software to allow us to capture additional attribute data if required. Should not be a problem but for the ProMark 200 it was a difficult day.

The PM200 struggled all day to maintain a signal. This resulted in us seeing errors of 10-12m at times. Obviously not what we wanted. In addition to this, the device seemed to get stuck in an auto-dial loop that resulted in the only option being to turn the unit off. Most annoying!

The GRS-1 performed outstanding all day and only once lost its signal which was a huge surprise given the other device problems. The GRS-1 even allowed me to still operate under bridges which again was a surprise.

Having sold both of these solutions over the last few years I would say the GRS-1 is worth the extra money. The major benefit is the device having Glonass but from yesterday's test, it also boasts a very strong modem for maintaining the all important OS-NET corrections. I have to say I was disappointed with the PM200 as I have previously said it was one of the best devices I had used. I am hoping for a firmware update soon to resolve the loss of connection issues.