“Seen & Heard” is a monthly feature of GPS World magazine, traveling the world to capture interesting and unusual news stories involving the GNSS/PNT industry.
Smarter self-driving cars
Photo: hoi dongsu / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Researchers at Drexel University have developed a testing method to enhance the robustness of autonomous driving systems. Their approach uses dynamic visual patterns to evaluate object detection capabilities in self-driving cars, focusing on critical objects such as traffic signs. A “Screen Image Transformation Network” (SIT-Net) simulates real-world image capture scenarios affected by environmental factors. By identifying weaknesses in autonomous vehicle perception systems, the researchers aim to improve safety and reliability in future self-driving technologies.
Robo-dog gets an upgrade
Photo: Boston Dynamics / Leica Geosystem
The Leica BLK ARC autonomous laser scanning module has become the first certified reality capture device capable of being fitted to Boston Dynamics’ robotic dog, Spot. The BLK ARC, when mounted on Spot, is designed for fully autonomous and repeatable scan missions. Users can plan scan paths remotely using existing drawings or BIM models, allowing the robot to navigate and capture data with minimal human intervention. Spot features a 360° vertical and 270° horizontal field of view, with a scan range of up to 25m.
USGS aids recovery after Hurricane Helene
Photo: Logan Combs, USGS
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is actively aiding recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene by collecting flood data, repairing damaged stream gages and analyzing new flood records. The agency has deployed its landslide event team to assess and document landslide impacts, conduct aerial surveys and map affected areas. By collaborating with local, state and federal agencies, the USGS is providing critical data and expertise to support disaster response and recovery efforts.
Antarctic Peninsula turns green
Photo: Tom Roland
Satellite imagery revealed that the Antarctic Peninsula is experiencing a dramatic increase in vegetation, with plant coverage expanding from less than 1 km² in 1986 to nearly 12 km² by 2021. This trend has accelerated significantly, coinciding with extreme heat events and record glacier melting linked to climate change. The study, conducted by researchers from the Universities of Exeter and Hertfordshire and the British Antarctic Survey, indicates that warmer temperatures and increased precipitation create favorable conditions for mosses, which dominate the newly vegetated areas.
<p>The post Seen & Heard: Self-driving cars get smarter, Antarctic Peninsula turns green and more first appeared on GPS World.</p>