Land surveyors needed for yacht measurement

ORCi is a rating system that has evolved from IMS and is partly dependent on accurate hull data so that a boat’s potential performance can be calculated.

The hull file is a 3D model collected using a reflector-less total station; the model is used in the ORC Manager 2 software in conjunction with data from in water tests of the boat’s righting moment and measurement of the rig and sails to produce a detailed rating.

Measurement of a boat’s hull typically takes one day on the hardstand, but needs some preparation and follow up data editing to complete the entire hull measurement process.

Ian Souter, land surveyor and Sydney-based sailor, is currently assisting Yachting Australia with measurement.

“The measurement process is pretty simple for someone who has the gear, can operate a theodolite, and has an understanding of either dinghy class measurement, or rating systems,” he said. “Now that we’ve done a couple of complete hull measurements, and with my background as an International 420 class measurer, it’s an easy enough task for us.”

In-water testing, such as inclining and measurement of the freeboards, rig and sails required by ORCi, are a separate process undertaken by a Yachting Australia appointed Measurer and can be done at any other time.

So that it can maintain its capacity to service this area of the sport, Yachting Australia is looking to increase its network of people who have the appropriate skills and experience to measure hulls for ORCi.

Land surveyors with access to a reflector-less total station and sundry surveying equipment, who also have a strong background in ocean racing, rating systems or class measurement, can contact Glen Stanaway at Yachting Australia by emailing glen.stanaway@yachting.org.au or by phoning 02 8424 7408.

Priority areas for Yachting Australia are Adelaide, Melbourne and Perth, with boats currently awaiting opportunity to be measured. Yachting Australia would like to hear from interested land surveyors in these cities as soon as possible.

Details about ORCi can be found at: www.yachting.org.au/orc and www.orc.org/

Hunter Research and Technology is pleased to show Theodolite app for iPad 2

1. Hunter Research and Technology today is pleased to announce that its popular Theodolite app series is now available in a special new version for iPad 2. Theodolite HD is a viewfinder-based compass, GPS, map, zoom camera, rangefinder, and two-axis inclinometer. The app looks to repeat the success it has had on iPhone, becoming the #1 selling paid navigation app in the US iTunes store in December 2009 and September 2010. Theodolite has been featured numerous times in iTunes, including “Rewind 2010: Hot Trends in Apps” and “Augmented Reality: The World Around You”.

Theodolite HD overlays real-time information about position, altitude, bearing, range, and horizontal/vertical inclination on the iPad’s live camera image, turning iPad 2 into a sophisticated electronic viewfinder. Theodolite HD lets users take geo-stamped and geo-tagged camera images and screenshots directly from the app with 2X and 4X digital zoom options, and has a fast photography engine with buffered background image saves. Uses are endless, and the app is great for navigation, outdoor sports, home projects, and photography. Theodolite has a strong professional customer base, and is used in the field by surveyors, geologists, architects, engineers, military personnel, competitive sportsmen, and search and rescue workers around the world.
The new flagship of the Theodolite series, Theodolite HD includes features for serious users such as a zero reference angle mode, an A-B calculator for height, distance, heading, position, triangulation, and relative angles, a built-in map with standard, satellite, and hybrid views, two mil-based rangefinders, colored lens filters to improve use in dark conditions and preserve night vision, e-mail export with KML data, system-wide clipboard integration, percent grade display, optical rangefinders, military grid reference system (MGRS) coordinates, universal transverse Mercator (UTM) coordinates, and four latitude/longitude formats.
The software implements an advanced “fusion” algorithm that combines gyro and magnetometer data to provide a more accurate, more responsive, and more robust compass measurement. Theodolite is able to provide stable compass bearing to any landmarks visible in the camera viewfinder, regardless of how the user holds or points the device. This provides a significant increase in utility over traditional palm held compasses and compass apps.
Device Requirements:
* iPad 2 Wi-Fi and iPad 2 Wi-Fi + 3G
* Requires iOS 4.3 or later
* 3.8 MB
Pricing and Availability:
Theodolite HD 2.4 is available for $3.99 on the iTunes App Store and works on all versions of the iPad 2. Users with iPhones and 4th-generation iPod touch devices can check out the Theodolite Free, Basic, and Pro apps for free, $1.99, and $3.99, respectively. More information, including screenshots, is available on the Hunter Research and Technology website. Media professionals interested in reviewing Theodolite HD can request a promotional code to download the app from iTunes at no cost.