A navigation system for vehicles, such as rotorcraft, includes a directional gyroscope having a magnetic heading correction mode, a nonmagnetic manual heading correction mode and a nonmagnetic automatic heading correction mode. A magnetic field sensor is operably coupled to the directional gyroscope and is operable to generate magnetic north-based signals. A heading correction input is operably coupled to the directional gyroscope and is operable to generate manual signals upon actuation thereof. A global positioning system sensor is operably coupled to the directional gyroscope and is operable to generate track-based signals. In the magnetic heading correction mode, the directional gyroscope receives the magnetic north-based signals for heading corrections. In the nonmagnetic manual heading correction mode, the directional gyroscope receives the manual signals for heading corrections. In the nonmagnetic automatic heading correction mode, the directional gyroscope periodically receives the track-based signals for heading corrections.

Orienteering using a smart device. The smart device is operative to identify a position within a building and use fine-grain location monitoring to guide a user to a desired location. Upon reaching the desired location, the user can point the smart device at a wall or component and learn, query, or supplement technical details and other information about the wall or component. Technical details and other information are stored in an augmented virtual model of the building. Movement of the smart device, combined with fine-grain location monitoring, establishes a vector that is used as a directional query of the augmented virtual model. This allows easy contextual data entry into complex data structures with minimal user training. Additionally, an agent external to a building may receive information related to the building based upon a position and indicated direction of interest.

Orienteering using a smart device. The smart device is operative to identify a position within a building and use fine-grain location monitoring to guide a user to a desired location. Upon reaching the desired location, the user can point the smart device at a wall or component and learn, query, or supplement technical details and other information about the wall or component. Technical details and other information are stored in an augmented virtual model of the building. Movement of the smart device, combined with fine-grain location monitoring, establishes a vector that is used as a directional query of the augmented virtual model. This allows easy contextual data entry into complex data structures with minimal user training. Additionally, an agent external to a building may receive information related to the building based upon a position and indicated direction of interest.

A navigation system for vehicles, such as rotorcraft, includes a directional gyroscope having a magnetic heading correction mode, a nonmagnetic manual heading correction mode and a nonmagnetic automatic heading correction mode. A magnetic field sensor is operably coupled to the directional gyroscope and is operable to generate magnetic north-based signals. A heading correction input is operably coupled to the directional gyroscope and is operable to generate manual signals upon actuation thereof. A global positioning system sensor is operably coupled to the directional gyroscope and is operable to generate track-based signals. In the magnetic heading correction mode, the directional gyroscope receives the magnetic north-based signals for heading corrections. In the nonmagnetic manual heading correction mode, the directional gyroscope receives the manual signals for heading corrections. In the nonmagnetic automatic heading correction mode, the directional gyroscope periodically receives the track-based signals for heading corrections.

Methods and apparatus for indicating a direction based upon unique automated generation of a vector. Systems for determining a direction of interest are based upon orientation of an apparatus. In combination with a geospatial position, the direction of interest may be referenced in the provision of content via a user interface. Content in the user interface is based upon the direction of interest and may include one or more of: creating models including virtual design and operation of a facility; instruction for travel; and capturing actual build details and performance of a facility modeled.

Methods and apparatus for indicating a direction based upon unique automated generation of a vector. Systems for determining a direction of interest are based upon orientation of an apparatus. In combination with a geospatial position, the direction of interest may be referenced in the provision of content via a user interface. Content in the user interface is based upon the direction of interest and may include one or more of: creating models including virtual design and operation of a facility; instruction for travel; and capturing actual build details and performance of a facility modeled.

A geodetic levelling staff, a method for measuring a height with the geodetic levelling staff and a system including the geodetic levelling staff and a level are provided. The geodetic levelling staff includes a circular level that indicates whether the geodetic levelling staff is in a vertical position, a level detection unit for detecting a bubble position of the circular level, a control circuit that receives detected data performed by the level detection unit and transmits the detected data to a near field communication tool, the near field communication tool for performing a communication from the geodetic levelling staff to the level according to the detected data received from the control circuit, wherein the level operates according to the detected data received from the near field communication tool.

A method and system for compensating for soft iron magnetic disturbances in multiple heading reference systems, such as aircraft heading reference systems, integrated standby units; or vehicle inertial systems, detects and provides a heading correction signal to the error prone heading reference system when a detected difference in value between a gyro heading relative to magnetic north and a magnetometer reading during a defined measurement period exceeds a predetermined acceptable threshold value of change, such as one based on the expected gyro drift over that period. Upon receipt of the heading correction signal, the gyro heading is adjusted to maintain an accurate heading relative to true magnetic north. If this threshold value is not exceeded, then the magnetometer reading is used for the heading value. This method is periodically repeated in order to continually maintain an accurate heading and may be employed for each heading measurement axis.

A method and system for compensating for soft iron magnetic disturbances in multiple heading reference systems, such as aircraft heading reference systems, integrated standby units; or vehicle inertial systems, detects and provides a heading correction signal to the error prone heading reference system when a detected difference in value between a gyro heading relative to magnetic north and a magnetometer reading during a defined measurement period exceeds a predetermined acceptable threshold value of change, such as one based on the expected gyro drift over that period. Upon receipt of the heading correction signal, the gyro heading is adjusted to maintain an accurate heading relative to true magnetic north. If this threshold value is not exceeded, then the magnetometer reading is used for the heading value. This method is periodically repeated in order to continually maintain an accurate heading and may be employed for each heading measurement axis.

A method and system for compensating for significant soft iron magnetic disturbances in a heading reference system, such as an aircraft heading reference system, such as an integrated standby unit; or a vehicle inertial system, provides a heading correction signal to the heading reference system when a detected difference in value between a gyro heading relative to magnetic north and a magnetometer reading during a defined measurement period exceeds a predetermined acceptable threshold value of change, such as one based on the expected gyro drift over that period. Upon receipt of the heading correction signal, the gyro heading is adjusted to maintain an accurate heading relative to true magnetic north. If this threshold value is not exceeded, then the magnetometer reading is used for the heading value. This method is iteratively repeated in order to continually maintain an accurate heading and may be employed for each heading measurement axis.