Kongsberg Discovery is celebrating the 30th anniversary of its inertial navigation product portfolio with the release of Seapath® 385, a system combining new hardware and advanced navigation algorithms to unlock optimal precision for hydrographic surveying.
Seapath 385 combines state-of-the-art inertial technology and processing algorithms with multi-frequency GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, Beidou, QZSS and geostationary satellite signals. The system integrates raw inertial sensor data either from Kongsberg Discovery’s high performance MGC® (Motion Gyro Compass) or MRU (Motion Reference Unit), together with GNSS data, and RTK, PPP or DGNSS corrections.
Integrated excellence
The result is an integrated, robust and highly accurate solution that, says Vidar Bjørkedal, VP Sales at Kongsberg Discovery, “delivers unique performance, every time.”
“Since 1994, Seapath has set the benchmark for excellence in hydrographic surveys across the entire ocean,” Bjørkedal comments. “The 385 pushes the bar higher than ever before.
“By uniting data from an array of critical sources, integrating our market leading inertial navigation technology, and then enhancing both the hardware – boosting processing power and upgrading interfaces – and refining our algorithms we’ve taken a new evolutionary step in this demanding technology niche.”
Ultimate accuracy
For surveyors demanding the ultimate in precision, the benefits of the 385 range are compelling. Thanks to the system’s inertial sensor and updated navigation algorithms, dead reckoning performance is second to none. In addition, another layer of robustness is added by the innovative utilisation of GNSS antennas for both positioning and heading determination.
A new post processing format contains all necessary data and system configuration in a single file, with the possibility of achieving centimetre position accuracy through downloaded satellite orbit and clock data, or data logged from base stations.
The modular system, with a processing unit running all critical computations independent from the user interface on the HMI Unit, offers easy installation and continuous, reliable operation. Measurements are highly precise, with a data rate of up to 200 Hz at multiple monitoring points, easily accommodating sensors or systems relying on motion or position data across the vessel.
A legacy of success
“For hydrographic surveying where high-precision heading, position, velocity, roll, pitch, heave and timing are critical, Seapath 385 stands alone,” Bjørkedal adds. “By building on the legacy of operational and technological expertise we’ve acquired over the last 30 years we can position ourselves to continually meet customer demand and solve challenges with this kind of breakthrough solution.
“It’s an exciting step forward, giving the market the means to facilitate next level seabed mapping for the most challenging applications and environments. It’ll be fascinating to see what results it achieves.”
Kongsberg Discovery, a market leader in underwater robotics and sensor technology, is launching Seapath 385 at Oceanology International in London. To experience the technology first hand, and learn more about Kongsberg Discovery innovations, please visit Stand D600.
For further details please see https://www.kongsberg.com/discovery/
About Kongsberg Discovery
In a constantly changing market environment, Kongsberg Discovery is serving the ocean space from the deepest sea to the outer space. We know and understand the challenges our customers and the world are facing in the security and sustainability area, as well as efficiency and safety at sea. In terms of security, monitoring critical infrastructure in the ocean space is a crucial activity involving systematic and continuous observation of key assets and facilities, including ports, harbours, bridges, dams, energy production assets and communication cables. Our solutions enable real-time monitoring and early detection and response to anomalies or disturbances underwater, on the surface, and in the air. Together our portfolio of strategically important products, our established global presence and decades of in-house experience make us a trusted technology partner for our customers, and we will continuously work to develop new solutions that are key to understanding the ocean ecosystem as well as solving operational challenges.
