Guidance

GPS Positioning & RTK

Multi-channel GPS across the whole spread, built-in NTRIP RTK corrections, and a full offset model down to the bucket tip.

ClamVision integrates with GPS and GNSS receivers across your entire dredge spread and uses those positions to guide equipment to the exact coordinates of each planned dig.

Multi-channel GPS integration

A modern dredge spread may have GPS antennas on the barge hull, on the crane or boom, on a rover for verification, and on auxiliary equipment. ClamVision supports all of these simultaneously:

  • Barge GPS — primary vessel position and heading
  • Boom-tip or bucket GPS — direct positioning of the digging point for the highest possible accuracy
  • Auxiliary GPS — secondary vessels, survey boats, or pipeline lay equipment
  • Rover GPS — handheld or pole-mounted verification point
  • NTRIP RTK corrections — ClamVision connects directly to any NTRIP caster to deliver centimeter-level RTK corrections to connected receivers without additional software

Positioning accuracy and calibration

Raw GPS position of the antenna is only the starting point. ClamVision applies a full sensor offset model to compute the true position of the bucket or cutter head:

  • Lever-arm offsets from antenna to machine reference point
  • Boom geometry and cable counter data to compute tip position
  • Excavator stick and bucket angle to compute dig point
  • Inclinometer corrections for barge pitch and roll
  • Heading alignment to project coordinate system

The result is a bucket position that is accurate in all three dimensions — not just latitude/longitude but also depth — continuously updated as the machine moves.

Coordinate systems supported

ClamVision works in the coordinate system your project requires:

  • UTM zones (any hemisphere)
  • Local grid with user-defined origin and rotation
  • Latitude/Longitude (WGS84 and other datums)
  • Custom projections via GDAL/PROJ

Put ClamVision on your next job

Every dredge spread is different. Tell us about your equipment and your project, and we'll spec a system, quote it, and get your crew trained.