Livermore, Calif. – February 21, 2013 – Topcon Positioning Systems (TPS) and Professional Pavement Products (PPP) have formed a partnership to create a custom mapping solution for specialized asset management projects.
 
The collaboration includes retroreflectivity readings along with the capability of documenting other attributes to update or create asset management programs. Using this process enables users to implement and or update programs from mapping signs using the Topcon Tesla or GRS-1 to documenting the condition of the signs using PPP’s RoadVista 922 retroreflectometer. The data can then be brought together with one simple step.
 
The RoadVista 922 is used to measure the retroreflectivity of the sign itself and the Tesla or GRS-1 collects location, attributes and pictures of the asset. The use of this multi-tool method will help agencies or anyone with a sign inventory program more easily meet regulated minimum reflectivity standards.
 
Jason Hooten, GIS sales manager for TPS, said, “In many situations, these types of asset management projects are time sensitive. Additionally, the locations and data required is immense and can be repetitive, leaving the project subject to large amounts of human error.
 
“Topcon and PPP have partnered to develop a solution to increase the accuracy of the data collected, speed up and automate parts of the collection process and basically streamline the overall workflow.”
 
Topcon is a “world leader in the manufacture of GNSS precise positioning products (notably Tesla and GRS-1) that run simple data collection software (eGIS),” Hooten said.

“The combination of technologically advanced hardware and software makes it easy for users to collect position and attribute information in a wide variety of asset management projects.”

Steve Norkus, PPP retroreflective technical manager, said, “Our partnership with Topcon was simple; we had the same customers trying to do the same things and offered complementary technologies. Why not combine them and offer a total solution? It’s been great.”

He said, “The patented measurement technology and intuitive touch screen display on the RoadVista 922 enables users to know the retroreflectivity values of the sign which helps ensure compliance with regulated minimum reflectivity requirements.”

The collaboration between Topcon and PPP enables eGIS mapping software on a Topcon Telsa or GRS-1 device to communicate via Bluetooth® to the RoadVista 922, Hooten said. “The data from the 922 is automatically stored in the appropriate data fields in eGIS such as the barcode, background and legend reflectivity readings.”
 
He said, “Due to the advanced integration within eGIS, the resulting field data is stored into the shapefile with no additional data manipulation required. This allows the data to be utilized in GIS queries immediately once the data is received in the office.”
 
Hooten said, “The integration of the RoadVista 922 with Topcon’s eGIS field software makes perfect sense. eGIS is all about making field data collection easy, and the 922 allows for quick and accurate reflectivity readings. So putting the two together was ideal to best meet the needs of sign inventory field crews.
 
“Topcon’s GNSS systems provide data security, high accuracy positioning, and additional attribute collection possibilities to complement the data compiled by the RoadVista 922.”
 
For more information on the Topcon Tesla, GRS-1 and eGIS software, go to: http://www.topconpositioning.com/products/hand-held-devices/gnssgis-devices
 
For more information on the PPP RoadVista 922, please go to: http://www.pppcatalog.com/store/
 
About Professional Pavement Products:
Professional Pavement Products designs, develops and distributes the highest quality products available in the pavement maintenance, pavement markings and traffic safety industries. Since opening its doors in 1996 PPP has been a leader, and currently offers an ever-growing catalog of more than 700 products. PPP isn’t just an international materials and equipment supplier...they’re your partner for success!
 
About Topcon Positioning Systems:
Topcon Positioning Systems, Inc. (TPS) designs and manufactures precise positioning products and solutions for the global surveying, construction, agriculture, civil engineering, mapping and GIS, asset management and mobile control markets. TPS’ parent company, Topcon Corporation (Tokyo Stock Exchange – 7732), was founded in 1932.