Post Process Topcon TPS Files with OPUS

The Online Positioning User Service (OPUS) provides simplified access to high-accuracy National Spatial Reference System (NSRS) coordinates. Upload a GPS data file collected with a survey-grade receiver and obtain an NSRS position via email.

For Static Data Collection Reference: Collecting Static Data with the Topcon GRS-1

For Downloading TPS Log Files Reference: Downloading Topcon Static Files With TRU

OPUS requires minimal user input and uses software which computes coordinates for NGS' Continuously Operating Reference Station (CORS) network. The resulting positions are accurate and consistent with other National Spatial Reference System users.

Your computed NSRS position is sent privately via email, and, if you choose, can also be shared publicly via the NGS website. To use properly, please familiarize yourself with the information below.

Uploading

Using OPUS requires just five simple steps:

1. EMAIL
Enter the email address (e.g., your.email@domain.com) where you want OPUS to send your solution report.

2. DATA FILE
Provide OPUS a GPS observables data file in any format (for automatic conversion to RINEX format by UNAVCO's teqc converter) or convert it to RINEX yourself first. OPUS also recognizes compressed (UNIX or Hatanaka.yyd) or zipped (gzip or pkzip) files, including multiple data files in a single zip archive. For Topcon users the raw TPS file is accepted.

OPUS accepts receiver epoch rates of 1,2,3,5,10,15 or 30 seconds, all of which are decimated to 30 seconds for processing. Note: Though your data file may already contain survey metadata, including antenna type, height, and mark information; these are IGNORED as NGS has found they are inconsistently formatted.

3. ANTENNA TYPE
Select the antenna brand and model you used. This allows OPUS to determine the appropriate antenna calibration model for processing. Take care! Selection of an incorrect or default antenna may result in a height error as large as 10 cm. See Topcon antenna calibration to help find an exact match.

4. ANTENNA HEIGHT
Enter the vertical height in meters of your Antenna Reference Point (ARP) above the mark you are positioning, as shown in the image below. The ARP for your antenna type, usually the center of the base or tripod mount, is illustrated at Topcon antenna calibration. If you enter a 0.0 antenna height, OPUS will return the position of your ARP.

5. OPTIONS
Press OPTIONS to customize the way your solution is performed and/or reported. Your selections will override the optimized OPUS defaults and should therefore only be employed by experienced users.

PROCESSOR

OPUS currently provides two distinct processing softwares optimized for different data types:

1. STATIC (Best Solution): For OPUS static processing, your data file must contain at least 2 hours but not more than 48 hours of data.
2. RAPID-STATIC: For OPUS rapid-static processing, your data file must contain at least 15 minutes but not more than 2 hours of data, with all four observation types (L1,L2, P1 (or C1), and P2) present at each epoch used.

Downloading Topcon Static Files With TRU

After completing a static survey you will need to download data files to a computer for storage, post-processing or backup. Also, the receiver memory holds a finite amount of files and information, so downloading data prevents files from being lost. The new Topcon Receiver Utility (TRU) can be used to download files from the receiver to your computer, and to delete files from the receiver using a serial or Bluetooth connection.

Connecting the Receiver and a Computer

Make sure the computer has TRU installed. A current version of TRU can be found at www.topconpositioning.com on the user secure site.

Or download at this link

Downloading Files via TRU

Topcon Receiver Utility (TRU) is Topcon's hardware configuration software available for installation on desktop computers and hand-held controllers.

TRU is primarily designed for advanced users who need to configure their receiver hardware, or peripheral devices (internal and external modems, Bluetooth boards, etc.).

The application currently has two modes, Terminal and Receiver Managing, which include the following functionality:

• Receiver Information Dialogue
• GNSS Receiver Authorization Options Management
• Upload of Option Authorization Files (OAF) to a Topcon GNSS receiver
• Upload / update of component Firmware (such as Power Board, GNSS Receiver Board, internal Bluetooth, Radios, and / or Modems)
• Sending of utility commands such as Clear NVRAM or Reset Receiver

Before you can download files, you must connect your receiver and computer.

...Using Bluetooth

Perform the following to download files using Bluetooth:

1. Power on Topcon GPS Receiver and PC with Bluetooth enabled. (pairing is not required)

2. Launch TRU.

3. Set the Application Mode to Receiver Managing

4. From the Device pull-down Menu select Connect.

5. Select Bluetooth for the connection setting.

6. Click on the button next to Device Name to search for the Receiver Bluetooth port.

7. Select the receiver port and click

8. Click Connect.

9. Click on File Explorer

10. To down right-click on the log file in the File tab and select Download.

11. Browse to the directory on your PC where you want to save the TPS file and click

12. Delete files on the receiver by right-clicking and selecting Delete.

13. Disconnect from the device upon completion of downloads and file maintenance and Exit TRU.

Creating a Localization in TopSURV

 

Localization

To set up a survey with localization, tap the Localization button found in the Setup menu:

 

Localization is used for transforming coordinates between a local system and a WGS84 system. The basic approach of calculating the mathematical conversion is to provide pairs of coordinates for each point used for localization in the job.

The Localization screen contains a list of points used for localization, called control points. Their coordinates are known in both systems: Known (Local), hand entered or imported ground coordinates, and Meas Pt (WGS84), points measured with GPS. Each point has a level of reliability specified with the values of the residuals along the horizontal (rH) and the vertical axes (rV) and the Control parameters that shows the status of the point. The horizontal and vertical use of any of the control points can be changed by selecting the line and then tapping on the header of the H Control or V Control. This toggles the display between "used" (yes) and "not used" (no).

Adding Localization Points

To perform a localization in TopSURV, there are three simple steps:

1. You Must have the Known (local) coordinates in the TopSURV field job. These known coordinates are usually keyed in or imported from a text file.

If you are going to import or hand enter new points that are on a local coordinate grid it is important to first have the projection set to NONE (this can be done in the Coordinate System Configuration:

It is also important to set the Coordinate Type to GROUND in the Display Configuration:

Also, be sure that the UNITS are set properly for the coordinates in the Units Configuration:

To enter points by manual input use the Edit Points menu. Enter coordinate values by selecting

2. Physically occupy and measure the existing control points (brass caps, rebar, nails, etc) in the field with your GPS receiver. These control points must have “known” coordinates. It is recommended that these points be collected with an increased epoch count.

3. Pair up the Known coordinates (Local) and the points of the Measured control (WGS84) in the localization menu.

The Add Localization Point screen contains the coordinates of the control points:

• The Known (Local) Point Field contains the name and coordinates of the point in the known coordinate system.

Select the first Known (local) point using the list icon .

Use Horizontal: set if the point should be used for horizontal

Use Vertical: set if the point should be used for vertical localization.

• The Measured Point (WGS84) field contains the name and global coordinates of the control points.

Select the first Measured (WGS84) point using the list icon .

• OK saves the point and opens the Localization screen to display a new point.

Since the WGS84 points were previously measured there is no need to take a new measurement or use the measure button .

Continue to Add control points until you are satisfied with your residuals.

• Remember a general rule of thumb: Always Use 1, 4, or more good control points for a localization.

1 point - is generally good for small projects (1 mile radius or less)

4 points or more - it is always best have your controlling points surround or envelope the worksite. Many surveyors will run a differential level loop through the control points prior to the localization, ensuring a good vertical control.

• Always try to leave a known control point or two out of the localization to use for checks when possible.

Exporting Files From Topcon Tools

To export  points from Topcon Tools to a Coordinate file do the following:

1. From the Job pull-down menu select Export

2. Select Format name: Name, N,E,Z,Code – Coordinates (*.csv):

3. Enter the File Name and check the Advanced options for the the export format:

.

Example: If you wanted to export to UTM Zone 12 you would select the Zone from the Projection pull-down under USA; UTM-North: Zone_12:

4. Click Save

To export  points from Topcon Tools to a ESRI Shapefile do the following:

1. From the Job pull-down menu select Export

2. Select Format name: ESRI Shape (*.shp):

3. Enter a Folder Name (all components of the shapefile will be saved in this folder) and check the Advanced options for the the export format:

.

Example: If you wanted to export to Arizona State Plane (Central Zone) you would select the Zone from the Projection pull-down under USA; SPC83: Arizona Central:

It is also recommended that you check the Export additional fields box.

Note: Only points, lines, and areas with assigned Codes will export to a shapefile.

4. Click Save