NovAtel's SPAN Technology

NovAtel's SPAN™ (Synchronized Position Attitude Navigation) Technology combines GPS and inertial functionality to provide uninterrupted operation with highly accurate position and attitude measurements.

Precise Position and Attitude

With RT-2® corrections, SPAN Technology offers centimeter-level positioning accuracy. For dynamic applications requiring more than position alone, the system also provides precise velocity, acceleration, and rotational measurements. All position and attitude data is available at rates up to 100 Hertz for exceptional responsiveness.

Continuous Operation

By complementing GPS with inertial capabilities, SPAN Technology continues to provide an accurate position in challenging conditions where GPS alone is less reliable. During short periods when GPS signals are unavailable or less than four satellites are in sight, SPAN Technology offers uninterrupted position output. This ensures the positioning system works reliably, regardless of the environment. The addition of inertial technology also assists with fast satellite reacquisition and RTK initialization.

Seamless Integration

SPAN Technology combines your choice of GPS receiver and inertial measurement unit (IMU). In the case of the DL-4plus and ProPak-G2plus, a single cable is all that is needed to provide power and an interface to the IMU. The two components are integrated through receiver firmware that combines the GPS and inertial data to provide a highly accurate solution and efficient operation.

Quick Conversion to Stand-Alone GPS Operation

In conditions where GPS alone meets your needs, the receiver can be operated independently to provide stand-alone GPS positioning. As a result, SPAN Technology provides a robust GPS and inertial solution as well as a portable, high performance GPS receiver in one system. In addition, this reduces equipment costs, as a single IMU can be rotated between multiple receiver installations.

Features

Uninterrupted operation during reduced satellite coverage
Choice of interchangeable GPS receivers and IMUs
Retains full, independent GPS functionality

Benefits

Increases productivity and efficiency in all environments
Allows integrators to select the GPS and inertial components that meet their requirements without sacrificing ease of integration
Eliminates the need for a separate, portable GPS receiver