GPS World

Author: Maddie Saines

  • Celebrating GPS: An evening with the father of GPS

    Celebrating GPS: An evening with the father of GPS

    Artist's depiction of a GPS IIA satellite in orbit. (Image: USAF)
    Image: USAF

    GPS turns 50 this year, marking five decades of transforming the world in ways that have profoundly impacted society. Since its approval as a program on December 17th, 1973, GPS has revolutionized the way we navigate and comprehend our world, often in ways few realize.

    To honor this achievement, a special event will be held at the South Shore Harbor Resort and Conference Center in Houston, Texas, on December 5, at 6:00PM. This event aims to be a historic tribute to GPS’s journey and its impact on the global community.

    At the special event, Matteo Luccio, editor in chief of GPS World, will lead an engaging discussion with Brad Parkinson, the original chief architect of GPS, shedding light on the system’s early days, its far-reaching impacts on humanity, and exciting prospects for the future.

    Members of the press, federal employees, Resilient Navigation Timing Foundation members, PNT Advisory Board members, and presenters may attend the event for free. Others can secure their attendance for $75, which includes an optional one-year membership in the RNT Foundation.

    To reserve your spot, RSVP at [email protected] no later than November 27.

    The President’s National Space-based Positioning, Navigation, and Timing Advisory Board, which advises the government on GPS and related issues, will meet the following two days in the same location. Members of the public are welcome and encouraged to attend. Click here for more information on that event.

    Check back to watch a recording of the interview!

  • Seen & heard: BeiDou birds and spoofing target airlines

    Seen & heard: BeiDou birds and spoofing target airlines

    “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.

    galitskaya/iStock/Getty Images Plus/Getty Images
    Image: galitskaya/iStock/Getty Images Plus/Getty Images

    The scooter burglar

    By using location data and a username from a Lime rental scooter, police have identified a man caught on video scootering around a Denver, Colorado, neighborhood loading up on stolen goods from surrounding homes, reported 9 News. Police obtained a search warrant for the scooter’s location data and account information. The suspect appears to have used his real name when renting the scooter to conduct the burglaries. 9 News is not naming the man identified as the scooter user as he hasn’t been arrested or charged. However, a background check on his name revealed he’s currently wanted on two theft cases that occurred in 2022, also in Denver.

    Doordashing goes wrong

    Image: ProjectB/E+/Getty Images
    Image: ProjectB/E+/Getty Images

    A DoorDash driver followed his navigation system into a wooded area and then into a body of water while attempting to deliver an order to a residential neighborhood in Middleton, Massachusetts, reported the Daily Caller. After following the navigation system straight into water, the driver called police. The Middleton Police Department is now charging the DoorDash driver for “negligent operation of a motor vehicle” and has put in a request to suspend the driver’s license.

    BeiDou birds

    Image: Paola Iamunno/iStock/Getty Images Plus/Getty Images
    Image: Paola Iamunno/iStock/Getty Images Plus/Getty Images

    Researchers at the Jiangxi Nanfengmian National Nature Reserve in China are utilizing BeiDou during bird banding to monitor their migration period from September to October. Bird banding involves attaching customized tags to birds’ legs or wings to track their movements and patterns. Out of 614 birds, 36 are being equipped with specially designed positioning devices that will continuously transmit data for researchers to analyze migration routes, stopping places, and migration time, according to a nature reserve official.

    Spoofing targets airlines

    Image: Chalabala/iStock/Getty Images Plus/Getty Images
    Image: Chalabala/iStock/Getty Images Plus/Getty Images

    More than 20 airline and corporate jets flying over Iran overnight on October 1, were targeted by spoofed GPS signals. The spoofed signals were sent from the ground, infiltrated the navigation systems of the jets, and steered them off course, reported The Times of India. According to the Ops Group, which runs a flight data intelligence crowdsourcing website, a majority of the GPS spoofing occurred in airway UM688 in Iran’s airspace. In response, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration issued this warning to airlines: “Iraq/Azerbaijan — GPS jamming and spoofing poses safety risk.”

  • VectorNav releases two INS

    VectorNav releases two INS

    VectorNav Technologies has released two products, the VN-210-S and VN-310-S, which expand its tactical series of GNSS-aided inertial navigation systems (INS).

    The VN-210-S GNSS/INS combines a tactical-grade inertial measurement unit (IMU) comprised of a 3-axis gyroscope, accelerometer, and magnetometer with a triple-frequency GNSS receiver. The integrated 448-channel GNSS receiver from Septentrio adds several capabilities, including L5 frequencies, moving baseline real-time kinematic with centimeter-level accuracy, support for Galileo OSNMA and robust interference mitigation.

    These capabilities and high-quality hardware offer improved positioning performance in radio frequency-congested and GNSS-denied environments.

    Image: VectorNav
    Image: VectorNav

    The VN-310-S dual GNSS/INS leverages VectorNav’s tactical-grade IMU and integrates two 448-channel GNSS receivers to enable GNSS-compassing for accurate heading estimations in stationary and low-dynamic operations. The VN-310-S also gains support for OSNMA and robust interference mitigation, offering reliable position data across a variety of applications and environments. 

    The VN-210-S and VN-310-S are packaged in a precision milled, anodized aluminum enclosure designed to MIL standards and are IP68-rated. For ultra-low SWaP applications, VectorNav has introduced L5 capabilities to the VN-210E (embedded) when using an externally integrated L5-band GNSS receiver.  

    Image: VectorNav
    Image: VectorNav
  • Launchpad: New GNSS receivers, antennas and PPK software

    Launchpad: New GNSS receivers, antennas and PPK software

    A roundup of recent products in the GNSS and inertial positioning industry from the November 2023 issue of GPS World magazine.

    SURVEYING & MAPPING

    Photo:

    MEMS IMU
    Suitable for rugged environments

    The TAC-440 MEMS inertial measurement unit (IMU) is designed for demanding, mission-critical, rugged environments in a wide variety of defense, commercial, industrial, and marine applications. The TAC-440 features 1°/hr gyro bias and 1 mg accelerometer bias stability with 0.05°/√hr angle random walk over a wide temperature range. The solid-state quartz sensors and hermetically sealed IMU construction provide reliable MTBF and storage life, EMCORE stated. The TAC-440 supports four data message synchronization methods with either input synchronization pulse capability or an output time of validity capability. The user can choose whether the synchronization pulse is internally generated and output as a time of validity of the output data or whether the TAC-440 software will identify the synchronization pulse input and synchronize the output data to the input pulse.
    EMCORE Corporation, emcore.com

    Image: CHCNAV

    RTK GNSS Tablet
    A rugged device designed for geospatial and mapping operations in the field

    The LT800H offers users robust outdoor performance, data security and centimeter-level accuracy for a variety of applications, including construction, environmental surveying and any industry in which Android tablets are used. Featuring a high-performance 1,408-channel GPS, GLONASS, Galileo and BeiDou module and a tracking GNSS helix antenna, the LT800H RTK Android tablet offers centimeter-to-decimeter positioning accuracy in challenging environments. It also comes equipped with a 4G modem to simplify connectivity to GNSS RTK network corrections. The technology also offers an eight-hour battery life, allowing users to collect data in the field uninterrupted.
    CHC Navigation, chcnav.comPhoto:

    PPK Software
    For land surveying, hydrography, airborne surveys, construction, and applications that require precise positioning

    The Qinertia 4 contains an enhanced geodesy engine that has an extensive selection of preconfigured coordinate reference systems (CRS) and transformations, making it a suitable solution for applications that use diverse geodetic data. To tackle the challenges of variable ionospheric activity, Qinertia 4 features an Ionoshield post-processed kinematic (PPK) mode. This feature compensates for ionospheric conditions and baseline distances, enabling users to perform PPK even for long baselines and/or harsh ionospheric conditions. This ensures surveyors can achieve centimeter accuracy even in regions with unpredictable ionospheric disturbances. Another addition to the Qinertia 4 is an extended network support for continuously operating reference stations (CORS). This feature gives users access to a network of 5,000 SmartNet CORS for reliable GNSS data processing. These base stations add to the network of base stations directly available in Qinertia, bringing the total to more than 10,000 bases in 164 countries.

    For data that cannot be processed using PPK, Qinertia 4 offers an alternative solution with its tightly coupled precise point positioning algorithm. This new processing mode, available for all users with active Qinertia maintenance, provides post-processing anywhere in the world without a base station, with a horizontal accuracy of 4 cm and a vertical accuracy of 8 cm.
    SBG Systems, sbg-systems.com

    Image: CHCNAV

    Airborne Lidar + RGB System
    Designed to enhance the details of aerial mapping operations

    The AlphaAir 10 (AA10) features a high-precision navigation algorithm that provides 5 mm repeated range accuracy and achieves absolute precision in the 2 cm to 5 cm range, even in complex environments. The AA10 is capable of long-range measurements of up to 800 m, rapid scanning at 500,000 points per second, and features a continuously rotating mirror that enables scanning speeds of 250 scans per second. The AA10 enables the creation of mesh models by generating high-quality point clouds. It is powered by a 45 MP orthographic internal camera that provides high-resolution image mapping textures for 3D model reconstruction with realistic point cloud colorization. The AA10 also supports automated reality capture and real-time data visualization accessible directly from the UAV controller. The AA10 lidar system is lightweight and compact, weighing 1.55 kg, and provides a 30 min operating time when integrated with UAVs such as the DJI M350. The system is also IP64-rated.
    CHC Navigation, chcnav.com

    Image: Emlid

    GNSS Receiver
    Designed for survey projects

    The Reach RS3 is a GNSS receiver that features inertial measurement unit (IMU) tilt compensation and a dual-band radio for enhanced compatibility with third-party receivers. The Reach RS3 enables users to survey at large tilt angles while maintaining survey-grade accuracy. The multi-band receiver works both as a base and a rover and comes factory calibrated. The receiver offers versatile options to get corrections from continuously operating reference stations (CORS), another Reach device, or a third-party base, so users can mix and match real-time-kinematic (RTK) receivers in a fleet. Its NTRIP connectivity enables corrections from CORS, NTRIP service, or a GNSS receiver using Emlid NTRIP Caster. When connected over NTRIP, Reach works on a baseline of more than 60 km in RTK and 100 km in post-processed kinematic.
    Emlid, emlid.com

    GNSS Receiver
    Includes Trimble ProPoint and delivers survey precision and productivity in the field

    The R580 GNSS receiver enables professionals in surveying, mapping and GIS, civil construction, and utilities to capture centimeter-level positioning. With the Trimble ProPoint GNSS engine embedded, users can measure points in challenging environments, such as under tree canopy or near buildings, while EVEREST Plus technology can identify and remove unwanted multipath signals for improved accuracy and data confidence. Using the Maxwell 7 chipset technology, the receiver provides fast processing, anti-spoofing capability and the ability to track all available GNSS constellations. The R580 supports Trimble RTX correction services for RTK-level precision without the use of a local base station or VRS network wherever correction sources are available. The receiver can be paired with all current mobile devices on a variety of operating systems and platforms —from a Trimble handheld or controller to a modern smartphone or tablet. It can also be mounted on a pole, vehicle or backpack.
    Trimble, trimble.com

    OEM

    Image: u-blox

    GNSS Module
    Supports L1/L5 GNSS bands from multiple constellations, including NavIC

    The NEO-F10N positioning module is based on the u-blox NEO form factor and is equipped with u-blox F10 dual-band GNSS technology. The NEO-F10N supports L1/L5 GNSS bands from multiple constellations — including NavIC — to provide meter-level position accuracy in urban areas. Its firmware is upgradeable and configurable to support several applications such as the vehicle telematics and micromobility markets or industrial applications requiring meter-level position accuracy. The NEO-F10N improves position accuracy in urban environments with its enhanced resilience against multipath interference. By leveraging signals from both the L1 and L5 bands, this module achieves better accuracy than using the L1 band alone. Users currently employing receivers based on modules such as the u-blox NEO-M8 and NEO-M9, can migrate to the new NEO-F10N generation. The module enhances accuracy, reduces power consumption, and offers an alternative solution to users who do not want to deploy dead reckoning set-ups.
    u-blox, u-blox.com

    Photo:

    Multi-Band GNSS Antenna
    Designed to enhance meter-level positioning solutions

    The ANN-MB5 is a multi-band (L1/L5/E5a/B2a) GNSS antenna that is optimized for the u-blox F10 platform and enables precise, reliable, and robust positioning, even in challenging environments. The antenna features concurrent reception of multiple navigation systems, including NavIC. The ANN-MB5 has a compact design with a magnetic base.
    u-blox, u-blox.com

    Image: OxTS

    INS
    A product for mobile mapping, autonomy, and more

    The xRED3000 inertial navigation system (INS) offers quad-constellation GNSS support for multiple applications. The INS weighs 20 g, making it suitable for aerial payloads. At 53.6 mm x 50.6 mm x 9.5 mm in size, it can be incorporated without drastically changing a user’s design. When in a GNSS-denied area, the xRED3000 provides a position accuracy of 0.5 m even after 60 seconds. It features gx/ix tight-coupling algorithms, which improve accuracy in urban canyons and speed up real-time kinematic reacquisition after temporary GNSS outages. The xRED3000 features lidar inertial odometry, which takes data from lidar in post-processing to reduce inertial measurement unit drift and improve accuracy in areas with poor or no GNSS signal. Additionally, embedded NTRIP makes it easier to get GNSS corrections.
    OxTS, oxts.com

    Photo:

    Triple Frequency GNSS Receiver
    Complete with a compact design for mobile applications

    The BD990 supports triple frequency for the GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou and Galileo constellations. The receiver offers quick and reliable real-time kinematic (RTK) initializations for centimeter positioning. It features Trimble Maxwell 7 technology, which provides 336 tracking channels, Trimble Everest Plus multipath mitigation, and advanced RF spectrum monitoring and analysis. With the option of utilizing OmniSTAR or RTX services, the BD990 delivers varying levels of performance down to centimeter-level without the use of a base station. The BD992 also supports dual antenna GNSS heading while the BD992-INS supports position and orientation at high update rates.
    Trimble, oemgnss.trimble.com

    MACHINE CONTROL

    Photo:

    Automated Steering System
    Designed for precision agriculture applications

    The SAgro150 automated steering system aims to provide farmers with an easy way to get started with auto-steering. With full-constellation tracking capability, the SAgro150 realizes ±2.5 cm auto-steering accuracy to maximize land use and yield while saving resources such as water and fertilizer. When compared to the first-generation SAgro100 system, the SAgro150 auto-steering system uses a single-antenna solution instead of a dual-antenna solution. It also features simpler integration options, only requiring a strong magnetic chuck to securely attach the antenna to the top of the tractor for satellite signal tracking. The new system also adopts dual gyroscope mode, enhancing the heading data reliability and compatibility with different tractors. The new system aids in applications such as rotary tillage, ridging, sowing and harvesting in straight line, curve, U-turn and more.
    SingularXYZ, singularxyz.com

    Photo: Septentrio

    Positioning and Heading Receiver
    Designed for multiple applications

    AsteRx SB3 Pro+ is a housed multi-frequency GNSS receiver that uses triple-band GNSS technology for reliable centimeter-level real-time kinematic (RTK) positioning and sub-degree heading. With flexibility to be used as a rover or a base station, AsteRx SB3 Pro+ also has an ultra-high update rate and logging functionality. Enclosed in a ruggedized IP68 housing, the device is suitable for harsh environments. The AsteRx SB3 Pro+ has a high update rate and low latency for fast moving vehicles or machine parts.
    Septentrio, septentrio.com

    Image: KP Performance Antennas

    GPS Antennas
    Offers enhanced navigation and tracking for automotive applications

    The KP Performance vehicle GPS antennas come equipped with a gain of 28 dB to capture weak signals, even in the most challenging environments. The antennas also feature high out-of-band rejection. By minimizing signal interference and multipath effects, the antennas provide good signal quality and stability. The features of the antennas enable more precise navigation and enhanced user experiences for personal vehicles, commercial fleets, or autonomous systems. The antennas have a IPX6- or IP66-rated waterproof and dustproof design for reliable operation in harsh conditions.
    KP Performance, kpperformance.com

  • Mapping marvel: Mapping Earth’s wildfires

    Mapping marvel: Mapping Earth’s wildfires

    Image: FrankRamspott/E+/Getty Images
    Image: FrankRamspott/E+/Getty Images

    It is no secret that the world has been burning for months. Devastating wildfires have encompassed Greece, Canada, the United States, and other parts of the world. These wildfires have incinerated entire communities, taken lives, and has had disastrous environmental effects. This wildfire outbreak can be attributed to several factors, but mainly the global climate crisis.

    Why are these wildfires a monumental problem?  

    Widespread wildfires displace of thousands of people from their homes, raze entire communities and cities, wipe out farmland and other essential resources, create horrific air pollution — that causes inflammation of lung tissue and increases vulnerability to infections — and many other devastating effects. 

    Image: NASA
    Image: NASA

    As reported by NASA, July has been the hottest month on record since the 1880’s. This has caused extreme dry conditions that are ideal for wildfire outbreaks, among other natural disasters. 

    Image: Screenshot of BBC video
    Image: NASA

    Flames engulfed parts of Hawaii the morning of Wednesday, August 9, which destroyed a centuries-old town and killing at least 106 people as of August 16. The wildfires took natives and tourists on the island by surprise. Residents and tourists were forced to evacuate the area – including some who reportedly jumped into the ocean to escape the flames. The National Weather Service stated the combination of high winds and low humidity is what caused the dangerous fire conditions across the island. The devastating fire left behind burned-out cars on once busy streets and smoking piles of debris where historic buildings once stood.  

    Image: Screenshot of BBC video
    Image: Screenshot of BBC video

    The Greece wildfires swept across the island of Rhodes, Corfu and Evia in July, creating thick clouds of smoke and forcing thousands of people the evacuate. These fires were caused by several human imposed factors such as campfires, arson and sheer negligence. However, the deadly heatwave that scorched Europe this summer — caused by carbon emissions — has not helped prevent the start and spread of these wildfires.  

    Image: VichienPetchmai/iStock/Getty Images Plus/Getty Images
    Image: VichienPetchmai/iStock/Getty Images Plus/Getty Images

    The Air Quality Index (AQI) measures the density of five pollutants: ground-level ozone, particulates, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide. It was originally established by the Environmental Protection Agency to communicate the cleanliness of the air Americans are breathing every day. The index runs from zero to 500 — the higher the number the more polluted the air is. Effects of air pollution can range from mild symptoms, such as eye and throat irritation, to serious ones such as heart and respiratory issues. Pollution can cause inflammation of the lung tissue and increase the vulnerability to infections. 

    During wildfires, fine particles in the soot, ash and dust can fill the air. The AQI identifies the concentration of particles smaller in diameter than 2.5 μM. When these particles are inhaled, the tiny specks can increase the risk of heart attacks, cancer, and respiratory infections — especially in children and older adults. 

    Image: NASA
    Image: NASA

    Based on data from the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre, there are 1037 active fires in Canada: 652 are out of control, 161 are being held in place, and 224 are under control as of August 23. Many of these fires were caused by lightning; however, with above-average temperatures this year and dry conditions, wildfires have been breaking out in Canada since May.  

  • SSC’s 21 new mission assignments include final GPS III mission

    SSC’s 21 new mission assignments include final GPS III mission

    The ULA Vulcan Centaur launch vehicle. (Image: ULA)
    The ULA Vulcan Centaur launch vehicle. (Image: ULA)

    The United States Space Force’s Space Systems Command (SSC) has assigned 21 launch service mission assignments for the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Phase 2 Launch Service Procurement contract. This is the fifth and final order year in the Phase 2 contract.

    United Launch Alliance (ULA) received 11 mission assignments and SpaceX received 10. These missions are scheduled to launch over the next two to three years and focus on a variety of mission areas.

    The 11 missions assigned to ULA are:  GPS III-9, NROL-73, NROL-56, STP-5, SILENTBARKER 2/NROL-118, GPS IIIF-1, NROL-100, USSF-95, NROL-109, SDA T2TL-B and USSF-25.

    The 10 missions assigned to SpaceX are:  SDA T1TL-F, SDA T1TR-A, USSF-57, NROL-77, SDA T1TR-E, GPS III-10, USSF-75, SDA T2TL-A, SDA T2TL-C and USSF-70.

    NROL-77, NROL-73, NROL-56, NROL-109, and NROL-100 are missions being conducted in partnership with the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO).

    T1TL-F is the last mission of six Space Development Agency (SDA) Tranche 1 Transport Layer launches. T2TL-A, T2TL-B and T2TL-C are the first three Tranche 2 Transport Layer launches. SDA’s Transport Layer aims to provide assured, resilient, low-latency military data and connectivity worldwide to the full range of warfighter platforms.

    T1TR-A and T1TR-E are the last two SDA Tranche 1 Tracking Layer launches. The Tracking Layer aims to provide global indications, warning, tracking and targeting of advanced missile threats, including hypersonic missile systems.

    The GPS III-9 and GPS III-10 missions are the final projected GPS III missions. The GPS IIIF-1 is the first launch of the follow-on GPS III satellites. GPS Block IIIF introduces several improvements and novel capabilities compared to previous GPS satellite blocks.

    SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy launch vehicle. (Image: SpaceX)
    SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy launch vehicle. (Image: SpaceX)

    USSF-57 will launch the first of three next generation overhead persistent infrared GEO satellites. These satellites will deliver survivable, resilient missile warning, tracking, and defense in a highly contested and congested space domain.

    SILENTBARKER 2/NROL-118 is a joint NRO and SSC Space Domain Awareness mission to meet U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) and intelligence community space protection needs.

    USSF-25 will launch the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s Demonstration Rocket for Agile Cislunar Operations (DRACO). The goal of the DRACO program is to demonstrate nuclear thermal rocket in orbit.

    USSF-95 will be the first launch of a missile track custody (MTC) prototype satellite. The MTC prototype effort will evaluate the ability of various next generation overhead persistent infrared sensor designs to meet missile tracking requirements.

    STP-5 is the latest mission in support of SSC’s Space Test Program (STP). The STP performs mission design, payload-to-bus integration, space vehicle-to-launch vehicle integration, and on-orbit operations for science and technology payloads that exhibit potential military utility. STP-5 will launch two satellites in support of the DOD’s Strategic Capabilities Office.

     

  • Seen & heard: Catching crime and tracking songbirds

    Seen & heard: Catching crime and tracking songbirds

    “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.

    Tracking a songbird

    Image: YiBaoTY/iStock/Getty Images Plus/Getty Images
    Image: YiBaoTY/iStock/Getty Images Plus/Getty Images

    Researchers in Alaska tracked the migration patterns of olive-sided flycatcher birds by attaching tracking devices to them to discover why their population is declining. The songbirds travel more than 15,000 miles every year to South America and then back to Alaska. To survive the long trips, they require safe locations to rest during their journeys. The researchers believe the stopover sites may provide an answer to the declining population. During the five-year study, the researchers deployed 95 devices and recovered only 17. The data pointed to 13 stopover sites between Washington and Peru as well as their wintering areas in South America.

    Crime ring members caught

    Image: hdagli/E+/Getty Images
    Image: hdagli/E+/Getty Images

    Members of an organized crime ring in the Florida Keys who are accused of stealing more than $2.5 million in boating navigation devices have been arrested, reported Local 10.com and Fox 4. Eleven men have been accused of targeting multiple marinas throughout Florida and stealing navigation devices from boats, specifically Garmin devices. For example, a Garmin 8612 H16 Model can be sold for more than $5,000. Ten suspects are in custody and are facing more than 122 charges.

    Animals take advantage of COVID-19

    Image: DrDjJanek/iStock/Getty Images Plus/Getty Image
    Image: DrDjJanek/iStock/Getty Images Plus/Getty Image

    A new study published in Science used tracking devices on 43 animal species during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdowns to find that wild animals emerged from their natural habitats and ventured closer to the roads and cities that were empty. The study used several methods to analyze tracking data. Researchers examined how much animals moved on an hourly basis and during a 10-day period. Across species and countries, on average, hour-to-hour movement was 12% lower in the spring of 2020 compared to the same period in 2019. With the end of lockdowns, human activity returned to normal, and animals had to adapt again. The results of the study demonstrate how humans can change their own behavior to lessen their impact on animals.

    Navigation meets creativity

    Image: @vikas_ruparelia on Twitter
    Image: @vikas_ruparelia on Twitter

    A man from Bengaluru, India, Vikas Ruparelia, used the Strava navigation app to trace the country of India to celebrate its Independence Day. Ruparelia started and ended his journey at the Mahatma Gandhi statue near Orion Mall in Rajajinagar, India. He covered more than 73 km on foot in 17 hours. The Strava app enables users to track their running and hiking routes as well as join challenges. The route Ruparelia took was designed by another user of the app.

  • ComNav releases Z30 portable GNSS receiver

    ComNav releases Z30 portable GNSS receiver

    Image: ComNav Technology
    Image: ComNav Technology

    ComNav Technology has released the Z30, a portable high precision GNSS receiver. This device combines a host of advanced features into a compact, versatile design that makes it suitable for a wide range of industries such as personnel positioning, internet of things (IoT), railway patrols, vehicle tracking, and search and rescue missions.

    Equipped with the SinoGNSS K8 platform, the Z30 can track full constellations and multiple frequencies, providing centimeter-level accuracy. With 965 channels, it is capable of tracking more than 60 satellites of GPS, BeiDou, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, IRNSS and SBAS.

    The Z30 features an integrated antenna for stable signal reception. The device is also equipped with two side buttons for power and one-click SOS alerts and three Indicator LEDs for power, satellite, and differential status checks.

    It supports NTRIP and TCP protocols, enabling various personnel positioning applications by uploading position data. The Z30 integrates with NaviCloud, offering functions such as real time location display, historical trajectory query, remote control and electric fence. In addition, it can be customized to meet specific customer requirements.

    With indoor and outdoor positioning capabilities, the Z30 is a suitable solution for various fields. It supports outdoor real-time kinematic positioning with centimeter-level accuracy and indoor Bluetooth positioning with sub-meter-level accuracy.

  • SpaceX to launch European satellites

    SpaceX to launch European satellites

    Photo:SpaceX has signed a deal to launch four of Europe’s flagship navigation and secure communications satellites into orbit, reported The Wall Street Journal. The European Commission and the European Union (EU) member states have yet to give a final approval for the deal, the report added.

    SpaceX and the European Space Agency recently signed an agreement for two launches next year, each carrying two Galileo satellites.

    The deal states the satellites will be launched from the U.S. on SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket.

    European space officials said last month they face crucial timing decisions in the coming weeks on the return to flight of Europe’s flagship space launchers following a series of delays.

  • Register for Geo Week 2024

    Register for Geo Week 2024

    Geo Week 2024 is set for Feb. 11-13 at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, Colorado. This event was created in response to the changing needs of  built world and geospatial professionals, and to acknowledge the current convergence of technology.  

    Geo Week’s conference program and tradeshow floor will feature commercial applications of 3D technologies, innovations and case studies in the built environment, advanced airborne and terrestrial remote sensing solutions, smart products for a full project team and more. 

    Attendees and exhibitors can register here. The conference schedule can be found here.  

  • Septentrio, SparkFun partner on positioning-based applications

    Septentrio, SparkFun partner on positioning-based applications

    Image: Septentrio
    Image: Septentrio

    Septentrio has partnered with SparkFun Electronics to broaden market reach and the availability of satellite-based positioning products for integrators in a variety of industrial and emerging sectors. As part of the partnership, SparkFun has released its first product, the mosaic-X5 Triband GNSS RTK Breakout board.  

    The mosaic-X5 Triband GNSS RTK Breakout features the mosaic-X5 receiver module from Septentrio.

    The mosaic module is a compact GNSS receiver that delivers high-accuracy tri-band positioning with built-in technology that is resilient to signal interference, including jamming and spoofing. The SparkFun breakout board enables users to log data as well as control and monitor the receiver via the web interface, without the need for additional code.  

    The mosaic-X5 Triband GNSS RTK Breakout is now available for purchase via the SparkFun website.  

  • TRX Systems DAPS GEN II system now shipping to U.S. Army

    TRX Systems DAPS GEN II system now shipping to U.S. Army

    Image: TRX Systems
    Image: TRX Systems

    TRX Systems has announced it is now shipping the Dismounted Assured Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) System Generation II (DAPS GEN II) solution to the United States Army. The device provides assured PNT to warfighters operating in GPS-denied environments. 

    In March, the U.S. Army Program Executive Office for Intelligence, Electronic Warfare and Sensors awarded TRX a seven-year, $402 million contract to deliver the DAPS GEN II systems.  

    TRX DAPS GEN II is a small, handheld device that features efficient power utilization algorithms that enable a continuous stream of assured PNT data for warfighters and their combat systems. To achieve this, the device fuses inputs from a diverse range of PNT sources including M-code GPS, a secure and higher-powered military GPS capability that is resilient against jamming and other threats, complementary sources of position and time data when GPS is degraded, and inertial sensors supporting integrity and positioning, independent of any satellite source. 

    The TRX DAPS II system is available for purchase by U.S. government entities. Distribution to U.S. allies is restricted to approved cases in the Foreign Military Sales Program.