GPS World

Tag: speed cameras

  • Seen & Heard: Speed traps and rescuing koalas

    Seen & Heard: Speed traps and rescuing koalas

    “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. 

    Photo: Drazen Zigic/iStock/Getty Images/Getty Images Plus
    Photo: Drazen Zigic/iStock/Getty Images/Getty Images Plus

    Where’s the Beef?

    A new mapping app is helping Los Angeles County residents find more than 2,000 food resources, during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Sponsored by the non-profit 211 LA County, the LA FoodFinder is powered by Slingshot Earth, which aggregates food resources and service data from multiple public and private sources. The app enables residents to find resources for child nutrition, meal services, groceries/food pantries, senior food needs and government food benefits programs. Since the COVID-19 outbreak, 211 LA County has experienced a 10-fold increase in website traffic for food needs.

    Photo: Symbiont/iStock/Getty Images Plus
    Photo: Symbiont/iStock/Getty Images Plus

    Use that app in Germany? No Waze!

    The German government has amended its road traffic regulations to outlaw apps that alert drivers to speed cameras. The law makes it clear that any app used for traffic-monitoring alerts is forbidden, whether it runs on a phone, tablet or a GPS navigation system. Violating the traffic laws and using speed camera apps inside a car could result in a fine of up to €75 (about $83). Both Garmin and TomTom have emailed registered users alerting them to the news.

    Photo: Geoffrey Blewitt/Debra Vigil
    Photo: Geoffrey Blewitt/Debra Vigil

    Making the most of GPS data

    University of Nevada 2020 Outstanding Researcher Geoffrey Blewitt has made the most of GPS data to study changes in Earth’s crust, from the Ice Age to today. Nevada Today outlines his significant discoveries, including that GPS data may hold a key to detecting dark matter. Other discoveries: Nevada is the fastest growing state, geologically speaking, as it spreads apart. Drought in the western U.S. is causing the Sierra Nevada to lift, and the melting of ice sheets in Greenland is changing the shape of Earth.

    Photo: iStock/Getty Images Plus/Getty Images
    Photo: iStock/Getty Images Plus/Getty Images

    Koala care

    Drones equipped with FLIR thermal-imaging cameras helped save koalas injured in this summer’s Australia bushfires. In a search-and-rescue operation, Victoria wildlife experts and police used DJI Mavic 2 Enterprise Dual drones to scan the forest for injured koalas, many found clinging to scorched eucalyptus trees. The images were relayed to a ground station in a nearby van for closer inspection. When a koala was located, the experts stepped in to assess the animal, and if needed, provide healthcare and relocate it. The team used cherry pickers to retrieve the little animals.

  • TomTom’s New Devices Have Lifetime Maps, Speed Cameras

    TomTom’s New Devices Have Lifetime Maps, Speed Cameras

    TomTom is introducing Lifetime World Maps and Lifetime Speed Cameras to drivers with the launch of four new TomTom navigation devices.
    TomTom is introducing Lifetime World Maps and Lifetime Speed Cameras to drivers with the launch of four new TomTom navigation devices.

    TomTom is introducing Lifetime World Maps and Lifetime Speed Cameras to drivers with the launch of new TomTom navigation devices. Lifetime World Maps allow people to drive with maps from around the world at no extra cost, for the lifetime of their TomTom GO device2. Lifetime Speed Cameras let drivers know the locations of all speed cameras — both fixed and mobile, also for the lifetime of the device.

    The TomTom GO 510, 610, 5100 and 6100 feature a fully interactive screen to pinch, zoom and swipe — as well as a rich user interface, simplified user interaction, 3D Maps and a Click & Go mount. Drivers can also choose between a 5-inch or a 6-inch screen size, TomTom said. The new TomTom GO devices also include “Drive Home” and “Drive to Work” buttons in the main menu, for faster, simpler navigation.

    TomTom GO devices combine real-time traffic information with routing technology, to always offer drivers the fastest route available. TomTom Traffic covers all mapped roads and combines data from millions of data sources, from all over the world, to deliver traffic information so accurate that, with each new update, it can pinpoint the start and end of a traffic jam, precisely, down to 10 meters.

    “With the addition of Lifetime World Maps and Lifetime Speed Cameras to our new TomTom GO devices, we’re offering the most comprehensive package to drivers that we’ve ever launched,” said Corinne Vigreux, co-founder and managing director, TomTom Consumer. “Our aim is to help you avoid the jams, getting to your destination faster, wherever in the world you might be.”

    Lifetime TomTom Traffic is available via a smartphone connection on the TomTom GO 510 and 610. The TomTom GO 5100 and 6100 offer Lifetime TomTom Traffic via a built-in SIM with unlimited data and roaming at no extra cost.

    The new TomTom navigation devices are compatible with TomTom MyDrive4. For the first time, drivers can use their smartphone, tablet or PC to review real-time traffic information, plan routes, and send destinations to their TomTom GO, before they get in the car. Previously launched TomTom GO devices5 are also compatible with MyDrive though a simple software update. Find out more about TomTom MyDrive here.

    The new TomTom GO devices are now available online and in-store from €199.95.

  • TomTom Launches Speed Cameras Service in Brazil

    TomTom has today announced its speed cameras service is now available in Brazil. Drivers will benefit from up-to-date warnings of nearby fixed and red light cameras, as well as speed enforcement zones.

    Car manufacturers can integrate the service in their in-dash and mobile navigation systems, TomTom said. Backed by OpenLR* technology, TomTom is able to pinpoint more than 17,000 speed cameras across Brazil.

    “Drivers in Brazil are now better equipped to make smarter decisions on every journey, keeping to the designated speed limit and avoiding costly fines,” commented Ralf-Peter Schaefer, VP of Traffic at TomTom. “The launch of this service adds to the real-time information available to Brazilian drivers; TomTom recently launched its world-class traffic information in Brazil, helping drivers avoid frustrating traffic jams and reach their destination faster.”