A handheld device, ikeGPS, is finding new fans in the U.S. as it performs the work of a digital compass, a camera, a laptop and a laser range-finder. Created by Surveylab, Wellington, New Zealand, it is saving utility companies hours of data collection and entry work and appears to have the potential to do even more.
"We're seeing a 30% reduction in time spent collecting data," says Ed Gray, director of program development for CN Utility Consulting, Sebastopol, Calif. "I've never seen anything like this." The device has been out for years, but Altus Positioning Systems, Torrence, Calif., recently began distributing it in North America with the option of a GNSS receiver-antenna for more accuracy.