Ashtech Supports Underwater Utility Mapping System

The Ashtech ProFlex 500 receiver has been selected to provide GNSS position data to the recently introduced Optimal Ranging Inc.’s FieldSens underwater utility mapping system.

FieldSens is a faster and more accurate means of locating underwater utilities than conventional methods because the FieldSens towed unit only needs to be in the general vicinity of the utility line to provide accurate 3-D mapping of the line. The FieldSens technology is based on the optimisation of data from many sensors, including ProFlex 500 GNSS data, a pressure sensor, 3-axis digital compass and pitch and roll, against a physical model of the magnetic field expected from the utility line. The FieldSens method eliminates the need to bring the measurement equipment to specific points along the utility cable or pipe in order to validate position.

The underwater towed FieldSens calculates position including bottom depth, utility depth and depth of cover measurements.

The towed rig, which can also be fixed-mounted to the vessel for shallow water applications, receives the ProFlex 500 positioning data stream via Bluetooth. Additional Bluetooth streamed data includes data from the vessel’s depth sounder and length of the automated tow cable.