xyHt in print, November 2015 Archives
1,500+ Flights
Can an owner/operator sustain a thriving business using only UAS? It’s happening in New Zealand with orthophotography of farmland. After little more than four years in the orthophotographic business, Chris McFadzean, owner/operator of Epiphany Mapping in New Zealand, has logged more than 1,500 UAS flights. This makes him one of the most experienced UAS pilots […]
SHS 2015 Rendezvous
This past September, surveyors gathered to learn about and participate in the history of the Washington/Canadian border and the San Juan Islands. It was a fun and exciting time this year at the Surveyors’ Historical Society’s (SHS) annual rendezvous. Amidst the beautiful scenery of Washington State, surveyors from all around the country gathered for a […]
123D Catch for the Masses
How to Make A 3D Model of Your Sleeping Cat Stereoscopic imaging, better known as 3D, is not new. In the 16th century, “binocular” images were viewed cross-eyed. In 1838, Sir Charles Wheatstone invented the stereoscope to give depth to images. It presented two offset 2D images separately to the left and right eye of […]
RTCM
Real-time correction messages: Why this is important and where it’s going Most professional users of GNSS equipment are familiar with the term RTCM. You likely understand that RTCM is a language that is used for delivering real-time corrections to rovers. But that’s usually where the understanding of RTCM stops. This article outlines what RTCM is, […]
Hydro Insights, Part 2
Reviving Interest in the Seas Pictured: The adventures of Jacques Cousteau, his research vessel the Calypso, and his soucoupe plongeante (diving saucer, aka “Denise”) that he co-designed in 1959 captured the imaginations of generations. Editor’s Note: xyHt is honored to feature insights from these two distinguished scientists in the fields of hydrography, marine surveying, and […]
Wizardly 3D
Above: This hologram of a church in Texas was built from a combination of airborne and terrestrial lidar scans. More than just illusions, hologram technology is booming. Every once in a while a new product or technology comes out that makes you do a double take and think, “Wait, what is that?” This happened to me […]