Altus Positioning Systems has announced the introduction of the new APS-T GNSS survey receiver, which provides global real-time 10-cm positioning using the TERRASTAR-D Precise Point Positioning (PPP) augmentation service.

The new APS-T contains a Septentrio GNSS receiver with an embedded L-band modem for receiving TERRASTAR-D data for computing positions with the PPP technique. It is designed to provide a low-cost, real-time decimeter-level GNSS surveying solution without the need for a local reference station with UHF radios or cellular coverage from Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) networks.

"The APS-T with embedded TERRASTAR-D L-band capability will provide a low-cost alternative for GNSS surveying in agriculture, forestry, oil/gas, mining and construction sites in remote regions and harsh environments," said Neil Vancans, CEO and president of Altus Positioning Systems.

"It is also fully upgradeable to a GNSS RTK rover should the need for higher accuracy be required."

The APS-T is ready to use direct from the shipping case. The unit can be configured from the data collector through a Bluetooth or serial cable connection. With Altus' open-architecture philosophy, the user has the choice of data collector software from leading providers, including MicroSurvey FIELDGenius and Carlson SurvCE.

TERRASTAR-D is a subscription-based satellite PPP augmentation service introduced in 2012 by TERRASTAR for land-based surveying applications. TERRASTAR-D provides position accuracy at better than 10-cm (95 percent), with robust performance even in areas of high ionospheric interference.

The TERRASTAR-D network broadcasts on seven independent satellites with overlapping coverage, so that a minimum of two geostationary satellites are visible at most locations in the world.

The APS-T is the latest evolution in Altus' product line of surveying instruments based on the proven APS-3 platform that utilizes Septentrio's 136-channel GNSS receiver technology.

Standard APS-T features include Bluetooth, integrated UHF radio, integrated GSM modem, hot-swappable Lithium-Ion batteries and a removable 2GB SD card.