GPS World

Author: GPS World Staff

  • GLONASS-K1 to Replace an Existing GLONASS-M in Six Months

    News courtesy of CANSPACE Listserv.

    According to the December 10 issue of Sibirskii Sputnik (Siberian Satellite), the internal newspaper of ISS Reshetnev, the GLONASS-K1 No. 12 satellite (GLONASS 702K) will be brought into service after a six-month test period and replace an existing GLONASS-M satellite, which will subsequently become a reserve satellite.

    In news reported by the Russian magazine Vestnik GLONASS, Information Satellite Systems Reshetnev, the manufacturer of the GLONASS satellites, will now produce nine GLONASS-K1 satellites.

    “For a smooth transition to a multi-functional group and due to issues with the very complex GLONASS-K2 satellites, we decided to continue with the GLONASS-K1 intermediate range of satellites and we are preparing for the launch of nine units of this series,” said Nikolai Testoyedov, CEO of Information Satellite Systems Reshetnev.

    Testoyedov recalled that the original plan was to launch only two GLONASS-K1 satellites and then move on to the GLONASS-K2 satellites. “In the beginning, really, we wanted after the two GLONASS-K1 satellites No. 11 and 12, to go for the launch of more advanced GLONASS-K2 devices. But, unfortunately, the plans had to be adjusted somewhat because of the sanctions restricting the delivery of radiation-resistant electronic components from the West. We have to put a hold on the in-depth development of technical and technological documentation and that delays us in terms of moving ahead by at least a year or two.”

  • GSA Kicks Off EGNOS GEO Transponder Service Contracts

    On November 25, the European GNSS Agency (GSA) kicked off the contracts for two new EGNOS GEO transponder services provided by SES.

    The kick-off was done with the support of the European Space Agency (ESA) and the EGNOS service provider ESSP. Initially awarded and signed by the European Commission, in line with a new delegation agreement  between the commission and the GSA, responsibility for the oversight of the contracts has been assigned to ESA.

    The contracts regard the provision of signals from two EGNOS transponders embarked on-board the SES-5 and ASTRA-5B geostationary satellites, both operated by Luxembourg-based SES. The ground-based signals are generated via redundant uplink stations located in Betzdorf, Luxembourg and Redu, Belgium.

    The signals include the navigation messages computed by the EGNOS Mission Control Centers. Both satellites are capable of transmitting dual-frequency signals compliant with GPS L1/L5 and Galileo E1/E5 signal specifications. The signals will be introduced into the EGNOS service provision (L1-only signals) between 2015 and 2016.

     

  • Aussies Consider GPS for Tracking Footballs — Is NFL Next?

    An Australian company is proposing putting GPS tracking devices in footballs as early as 2015, according to a report by News Corp Australia. Both the National Rugby League (NRL) and the Australian Football League (AFL) are considering using the trackers in footballs as early as next year. The AFL and several National Football League (NFL) teams in the United States already use trackers for player monitoring.

    The battery-operated devices, the size of a 10-cent coin, are made by Melbourne-based company Catapult. The devices have the capacity to influence score decisions and analytics, Catapult said. They can track the ball’s speed and time held in possession by a player, and help provide deeper analysis of the game. Spectators also would get a glimpse, with more details of the game made available to them.

    Catapult already manufactures and sells GPS devices worn by players in various sports including the AFL, and also makes indoor stadium tracking systems for athletes and elite sports teams. The NRL is aware of the technology, but has not yet decided to implement it.

    For the current football season, this year the NFL began using RFID chips for in-game player tracking at 17 stadiums, just over half. The RFID chips, manufactured by MotionWorks, allow the NFL to measure player orientation and capture location information, which is then shared with fans. The data is also used by broadcasters to show plays.

    A quarter of NFL teams and 10 major U.S. college programs are using GPS trackers, mostly for training and injury prevention.

    “The number one goal of this system right now is trying to help prevent injury as well as help us with the rehab process. There are a lot of different things that goes in to it, but the biggest thing is ‘how can we monitor guys on the field to help us get the information’?” said Eric Ciano, strength and conditioning coordinator of the Buffalo Bills.

    “I think us being able to manage practice and how we do it with the GPS system, how we train with that thing year-round, [has] allowed us to take a lot of the guesswork out of how tired your team is, where your pulls, your tears are,” said Jimbo Fisher, head coach of Florida State University football. “Our soft tissue injuries are down 88 percent in the last two years because we’ve been able to apply that. And we use it full-time to gain that information. It’s on my desk, the first thing when we walk in every day.”

  • Trimble Acquires Nexala to Expand Rail Transport Role

    On Dec. 1, Trimble acquired privately held Nexala, a provider of enterprise solutions for the rail transport industry, headquartered in Dublin, Ireland. Financial terms were not disclosed.

    Nexala’s enterprise solutions manage the lifecycle of rail transport vehicles from operation through maintenance and repair. The Nexala enterprise solutions complement Trimble’s existing portfolio of rail solutions, enabling Trimble to address the broader railway workflow — from initial greenfield track alignment planning to managing the maintenance of locomotives in a repair depot.

    Trimble’s existing railway solutions leverage the spectrum of Trimble technology for track and structure construction and maintenance — including construction machine control systems, Building Information Modeling (BIM) software and highly precise track measurement systems — to enable high-quality railway construction on time and budget. On the operations side, Trimble’s fleet mobility solutions, RFID reading technology and Positive Train Control (PTC) mapping systems enable productive and safe operation of passenger and freight railroads. The addition of Nexala will accelerate Trimble’s ability to deliver more complete solutions for both railway infrastructure managers and transport operators.

    Nexala provides an integrated suite of on premise and software as a service (SaaS) solutions for large transport operators and global train and component manufacturers. The solutions include:

    Engineering Maintenance Management (E2M):  The Nexala E2M system is an enterprise-wide engineering, asset and maintenance management system. E2M is designed to control assets, manage stock, streamline procurement, schedule workshop operations and plan maintenance in order to achieve optimum asset availability and labor utilization.

    Real-time Remote Diagnostic Monitoring (R2M):  The Nexala R2M system combines shore-based software and on-train equipment to deliver fault alerts as they occur for effective condition-based maintenance. Communicating with the maintenance depots in real-time, the system allows for efficient fault diagnostics and work scheduling by the maintenance team. In addition, by analyzing irregularities of individual components and their behaviors across the entire fleet, the R2M system allows maintenance actions to be performed to avoid future failures.

    In-Service Performance Planning and Management (P2M):  The Nexala P2M system uses timetable, actual vehicle location and real-time diagnostics information to help identify the root cause of delays and plan journeys for optimum timetable adherence. Through a combination of journey planning and improved driver awareness, it also is used to maximize energy/fuel efficiency and manage driver behavior. The P2M system also provides the operations teams with in-service recommendations when fleet failures occur to reduce delays and penalties. P2M is also available as an on-board cab advisory system for drivers.

    Component Condition Monitoring (C2M):  Nexala’s C2M suite combines trackside and handheld measuring devices with software analytics to proactively monitor wheels, brakes, pantographs and key components for wear and defects. By detecting and analyzing anomalies, it provides predictive advice of maintenance requirements and automates maintenance planning.

    “Many of the largest railways in the world rely on Trimble solutions to plan, build and maintain their track and structures. With the addition of Nexala, we also offer rail vehicle lifecycle management solutions for passenger and freight train operators. Trimble can now provide innovative solutions for both the track infrastructure and the train assets that ride on it,” said Ron Bisio, general manager of Trimble’s Railway Solutions Business. “Our fundamental focus is to provide solutions that drive agility, improve efficiency and provide better visibility into railway operations to maximize productivity.”

    “We are very excited to join Trimble. I believe the addition of Nexala’s solutions to Trimble’s portfolio extends our collective ability to deliver more powerful and robust rail solutions,” said Karl O’Connell, CEO of Nexala. “In addition, Nexala can leverage Trimble’s international footprint to extend our company’s global reach with a team that shares our passion for innovation in the rail transport industry. As part of Trimble, our commitment to our customers remains unchanged as we continue to deliver best-in-class solutions and services.”

    The Nexala business will be reported in Trimble’s Engineering and Construction Segment.

    Nexala is a leader in rail transport vehicle lifecycle management solutions. Nexala’s solutions allow companies to plan for the future, improve operational efficiencies, manage their service levels, and to reduce their costs while at the same time ensuring that the service they provide is maintained to the highest level. Nexala has operations in Ireland, United Kingdom, France, Belgium and North America. Nexala’s customers include Southwest Trains, Eurostar, SNCF, Irish Rail, the Go-Ahead group, Abellio, Siemens Transportation, Alstom and Greater Anglia among others.

  • FAA Grants UAS Exemption to Trimble Navigation

    FAA Grants UAS Exemption to Trimble Navigation

    The Trimble UX5. Photo: Trimble
    The Trimble UX5. Photo: Trimble

    The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) today granted five regulatory exemptions for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) operations to four companies representing several industries that promise to benefit from UAS technology, including Trimble Navigation Ltd.

    The four companies that received exemptions want to fly UAS to perform operations for aerial surveying, construction site monitoring and oil rig flare stack inspections.

    “Unmanned aircraft offer a tremendous opportunity to spur innovation and economic activity by enabling many businesses to develop better products and services for their customers and the American public,” Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx said. “We want to foster commercial uses of this exciting technology while taking a responsible approach to the safety of America’s airspace.”

    The commercial entities that received exemptions today are Trimble Navigation, VDOS Global, Clayco, and Woolpert (two exemptions). The FAA earlier granted exemptions to seven film and video production companies. This is the first exemption granted to a leading GNSS firm.

    Secretary Foxx found that the UAS in the proposed operations do not need an FAA-issued certificate of airworthiness because they do not pose a threat to national airspace users or national security. Those findings are permitted under Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012.

    The firms also asked the FAA to grant exemptions from regulations that address general flight rules, pilot certificate requirements, manuals, maintenance and equipment mandates. In their petitions, the firms said they will operate UAS weighing less than 55 pounds and keep the UAS within line of sight at all times.

    The exemption will allow Trimble to conduct commercial operation of its UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution. The UX5 is an unmanned fixed-wing aircraft targeted at the surveying, agriculture, oil and gas, mining, construction, environmental industries. The system autonomously captures a series of high-resolution images during flight, which is typically up to 50 minutes covering as much as 2.3 square kilometers (approximately 1 square mile) when flying 120 meters (approximately 400 feet) above the ground. Using Trimble Business Center Aerial Photogrammetry software, images are used to easily generate 2D and 3D deliverables such as orthomosaic images, three-dimensional point clouds and contour maps. The Trimble UX5 enables the collection of large amounts of data, often faster than traditional surveying or mapping technologies.

    The Trimble UX5 surveys a construction site. Photo: Trimble
    The Trimble UX5 surveys a construction site. Photo: Trimble

    “We are pleased to be among the first companies to receive an exemption from the FAA authorizing commercial operation of UAS,” said Erik Arvesen, vice president of Trimble’s Geospatial Division. “This decision reflects Trimble’s efforts to responsibly operate its UAS business in the U.S. while the FAA addresses air safety issues in opening the NAS for commercial UAS operations on a broader scale. Trimble will continue its efforts to support the FAA’s decision-making process and to provide opportunities for our customers to safely use the UX5 to capture accurate geospatial data for a wide range of applications such as surveying, oil and gas, mining, construction and many more.”

    “In the agriculture market, the FAA exemption moves Trimble one step further with the opportunity to provide a solution for safe and legal UAS operations that can benefit growers, ranchers, water management contractors, agronomists and other ag service providers,” said Joe Denniston, vice president of Trimble’s Agriculture Division. “High-speed aerial imaging is a powerful tool that can quickly and easily capture aerial images for scouting and monitoring crop health, locating cattle and their available forage over large areas, measuring crop height, and generating topographic maps and models for land leveling and drainage applications. As a result, the system can be a powerful data collection tool that can aid with recommendations to improve farming operations.”

    In granting the exemptions, the FAA considered the operating environments and required certain conditions and limitations to assure the safe operation of these UAS in the National Airspace System. The agency also will issue Certificates of Waiver or Authorization (COAs) that mandate flight rules and timely reports of any accident or incidents..

    “The FAA’s first priority is the safety of our nation’s aviation system,” said FAA Administrator Michael Huerta. “Today’s exemptions are a step toward integrating UAS operations safely.”

    As of today, the agency has received 167 requests for exemptions from commercial entities.

    You can view the FAA’s exemption grants here. Also, read more about the exemptions in Eric Gakstatter’s Geospatial Solutions column. Below is the Trimble exception document.

    Trimble_Navigation_Limited_11110.pdf

  • UAV Creates 3D Model of Largest Mosque in Turkey

    UAV Creates 3D Model of Largest Mosque in Turkey

    Turkey-mosque_adana_W
    Photo: Leica

    The Sabancı Merkez Mosque in Adana, Turkey, has been inspected and mapped by an unmanned aircraft system and a detailed 3D model created. The work was carried out by SISTEM A.S. (the Turkish distributor of Leica Geosystems), NRJ Engineering and Aibotix.

    Sabancı Merkez Mosque is the largest in Turkey, with six minarets, four of which are 99 meters high. The largest of its five domes is 32 meters in diameter and 54 meters high, so determining the actual state of the building using conventional methods would be time consuming and costly. Instead, the authorities commissioned a UAV inspection.

    “We needed only three flights to cover all relevant areas and generate comprehensive data,” said SISTEM A.S. employee Bora Yavuz, who has been working with terrestrial laser scanning systems for the past five years. “Compared to laser scanning, collecting the data from the top sections of this huge building by UAV was extremely easy, since nobody had to climb up to the minarets or dangerous places on the domes and wait for the machine to scan. Furthermore, alongside the data registration the generation of point clouds runs automatically.”

    During the flight over the roof of the mosque, the UAV followed a defined route that had been planned on the computer beforehand. The pilot then steered the UAV manually in two more flights around the building.

    The Aibot X6 was carrying a Nikon Coolpix A digital camera and created high-resolution photos with an 80 percent overlap. Using live images from the UAV’s perspective that were sent directly to the screen of a ground station, the pilot could make sure that all relevant areas were captured, and achieve the best possible results by adjusting the camera to the optimum angle during the flight.

    The data was subsequently processed to create an accurate 3D model of the mosque with a precision down to 1-2 centimeters. The high-resolution photos are linked to the model so that damage can be located accurately, with GPS information synchronized with the images for fast post-processing. The images and the model will now be used as the basis for maintenance and repairs.

    Turkey-mosque_adana_2-W Photo: Leica
    Photo: Leica
    Turkey-mosque_adana_3-W
    Photo: Leica

  • OriginGPS Nano Module Powers Tiny Zano Drone

    What flies, takes selfies and fits in the palm of your hand? The tiny Zano drone.

    Zano is a portable aerial photography and video platform designed for consumers that measures 65 x 65 millimeters and weighs 55 grams. Torquing Group, who is developing Zano with the help of a successful Kickstarter campaign, said that Zano’s ability to fly autonomously will provide new possibilities for users seeking to capture images and videos. The drones can even be programmed to swarm.

    Zano’s location capabilities are powered by OriginGPS’ Nano Hornet, a tiny GPS module with an integrated antenna. Measuring just 10 x 10 x 3.44 millimeters, the Nano Hornet delivers performance and sensitivity with low power consumption. It achieves a rapid time to first fix of less than one second, with approximately one meter accuracy and -163 dBm tracking sensitivity. Because it detects changes in context, temperature, and satellite signals, it achieves a state of near continuous availability, while consuming mere microwatts of battery power.

    The Zano connects directly with smart devices (iOS or Android) via onboard Wi-Fi to upload and share images or videos instantly. With the help of OriginGPS, Zano is able to know exactly where it is in relation to a smart device, even when powered off. Through a virtual tether, Zano will echo any movement made by the smart device it is synced to, with simple gesture control. A user will be able to control multiple Zanos from one device, enabling photographs and video of the same event from multiple vantage points.

    Zano is also able to function in a “free flight” mode, which uses on-screen joysticks for an experience similar to a regular RC-operated UAV. OriginGPS’ location capabilities allow Zano to know if it is getting too far from its corresponding smart device and automatically return. Likewise, it is able to recognize its distance from the smart device and maintain that distance in “follow me” mode.

    Since 2008, Torquing Group has developed small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for the military and defense industry.

    To further push the boundaries of GPS modules designed to be small, agile and light weight, OriginGPS introduced the Nano Spider integrated GPS receiver in November. The Nano Spider module is designed to support ultra-compact applications where size is at a premium, such as smart watches, wearable devices, trackers and digital cameras. Like the Nano Hornet, it packs a wide range of functionality into its small form factor, including dual-stage LNA, RF LDO, SAW filter, TCXO, RTC crystal and RF shield with market-leading SiRFstarIV GPS SoC.

  • u-blox Inside Explosion-Proof Smartphone

    u-blox Inside Explosion-Proof Smartphone

    Impact-X-docked-with-helmet-O
    Photo: u-blox

    Bartec Pixavi has launched the “Impact X intrinsically safe smartphone” based on u-blox’ rugged 3G cellular module technology designed for devices used in tough industrial and outdoor environments. Bartec Pixavi is a manufacturer of mobile devices used in hazardous or explosive environments such as oil platforms, mines and chemical plants.

    “Our Impact X smartphone is designed with the most robust, reliable and safe components available to ensure security and provide reliable connectivity to workers in potentially dangerous locations,” said Christian Rokseth, CEO of Bartec Pixavi. “We chose u-blox’ cellular module technology because of its industry-leading performance, excellent environmental tolerance and reliability.”

    u-blox LISA u230 module. Photo: u-blox
    u-blox LISA u230 module. Photo: u-blox

    The Impact X is CSA Class 1, Zone 1, IECEx and ATEX Zone 1 certified, explosion proof, waterproof and extremely ruggedized. At the heart of the Impact X is u-blox’ professional-grade LISA-U230 six-band 3G cellular module with 2G fallback capability. LISA modules also provide fully integrated access to u-blox GNSS receivers to enable advanced location-aware applications. Antenna diversity permits LISA-U2 modules to provide the highest data speeds.

    “The Impact X is an excellent example of a high-performance mobile device that demands performance well beyond what is provided by standard mobile phones,” said Armin Boeshenz, General Manager of u‑blox sales EMEA. “We are extremely pleased to be a key module supplier to demanding customers such as Bartec Pixavi as proof of our industry-leading quality and reliability.”

    u-blox LISA-U2 modules are suited for networks worldwide. Features include data-rates of up to 21.1 Mb/s (downlink), a rich set of Internet protocols, very small footprint, very low power consumption and extended operating temperature range of -40 to +85 degrees C.

  • AgJunction Debuts LiteStar III Guidance System for Aerial Application

    AgJunction, a provider of hardware and software solutions for precision agriculture, today announced the release of its latest aerial guidance product, the LiteStar III from Satloc at the National Agricultural Aviation Association annual convention in Louisville, Kentucky.

    As the next generation of affordable GPS guidance system for aerial applicators, LiteStar III builds upon the features of the previous LiteStar II system with more attributes, including simplified navigation set-up and guidance options.

    “LiteStar III continues to represent the high-value, low-cost solution for entry level aerial applicators,” said T. J. Craig, director of sales for Satloc. “And now, the redesigned system features an all new ultra-bright L7 light bar that improves safety and minimizes fatigue.”

    The LiteStar series of aerial GPS systems have provided consistent market success for Satloc for more than a decade, accumulating a large installed base. “The new LiteStar III marks the beginning of a technology upgrade path for many of our customers,” added Craig.

    “One of the best features is the quick return on investment that operators can expect from the LiteStar III system,” Craig said. “It’s not only a low-cost reliable option for aircraft guidance, but the light bar provides the core information the operator needs for an aerial application, including on-swath indicators and spray on/off indicators.”

    The product is being showcased this week at Satloc booth #829 at the NAAA annual convention and is available through Satloc dealers.

  • Amazon to FAA: Loosen Laws or Moving Research Abroad

    Amazon.com is warning the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that it will move its drone research abroad if it doesn’t get permission soon to test-fly in the United States, reports The Wall Street Journal. Amazon has already begun researching drone flights in the United Kingdom.

    “Without the ability to test outdoors in the United States soon, we will have no choice but to divert even more of our [drone] research and development resources abroad,” wrote Amazon’s vice president of global public policy Paul Misener in a letter to the FAA, according to The Wall Street Journal. “I fear the FAA may be questioning the fundamental benefits of keeping [drone] technology innovation in the United States,” Misener wrote.

    Current laws restrict the commercial use of unmanned aircraft in the United States. Amazon announced its intention to develop a drone delivery service in 2013.

    The FAA is required by U.S. Congress to frame a “safe integration” plan for the commercial use of UAS by Sept. 30, 2015. Changes in the law could restrict users of commercial UAVs by requiring licenses, with licenses issued to users only after many hours in the cockpit of a manned aircraft, comparable to traditional pilot licenses. The new rules would also limit flights to under 400 feet and within sight of the person at the controls, which is the current rule for hobbyists.

    One of the FAA’s concerns is conflicts with manned aircraft. FAA data shows dozens of dangerous encounters around the country over the past six months, according to the Washington Post. Since June 1, commercial airlines, private pilots and air-traffic controllers have alerted the FAA to 25 episodes in which small drones came within a few seconds or a few feet of crashing into much larger aircraft. Many of the close calls occurred during takeoffs and landings at the nation’s busiest airports, presenting a new threat to aviation safety after decades of steady improvement in air travel.

    Read one blogger’s account of a close call using a drone, partly caused by loss of the GPS signal.

     

     

  • Roscosmos, Transport Ministry Sign GLONASS Agreement

    An interagency agreement for the maintenance, development and use of GLONASS was signed Dec. 5 between Russia’s Ministry of Transport and the Russian Space Agency, according to Roscosmos.

    The agreement seeks to increase the efficiency of the use of civilian infrastructure for the development of GLONASS coordinate-time and navigation for the Russian Federation, as well as international cooperation in the field of satellite navigation.

    Priority areas of cooperation will be:

    • integration of resources in departmental networks for tracking GNSS signals to improve the performance of coordinate-time and navigation in Russian Federation territory using GLONASS, and improving the safety and efficiency of different modes of transport;
    • implementation of a coordinated technical policy to support the functioning of terrestrial systems for the efficient use of GLONASS;
    • the creation of a center for collection, storage, use and provision of information to interested consumers on the state of GNSS;
    • implementation of Russian Federation policy to create conditions that promote domestic navigation technologies based on the GLONASS system abroad.

    The interagency agreement will further improve certain aspects of GLONASS, which will make the services of the Russian navigation system more attractive not only for the domestic market, but also the international market.

    The agreement was signed during Transport Week, an annual business event that is one of the largest Russian forums on issues of development and improvement of Russia’s transport system.

  • Azuga, Verizon Wireless to Provide Wireless M2M Services

    Azuga Fleet, a cloud-based, rewards-driven GPS fleet tracking and driver behavior solution, is collaborating with Verizon Wireless. Verizon will serve as the official wireless network provider for Azuga Fleet, providing reliable performance and real time updates to fleet managers from the field in order to further increase efficiencies in the fleet industry through machine-to-machine (M2M) technologies.

    “We chose Verizon Wireless to make Azuga Fleet’s technology even more accessible, simpler and reliable for fleet managers to utilize,” said Vice President and General Manager of Azuga Fleet, Ananth Rani. “Azuga will be expanding its roadmap to encompass products related to IoT (Internet of Things) 2015 and we look forward to working with Verizon as we develop these and bring them to market.”

    “By working together and combining our superior and most reliable network with Azuga Fleet’s unique driver behavior and rewards solution technology we will further increase fleet efficiencies and promote safer driving behaviors,” said Verizon Wireless Region President Lauren Love-Wright. “This new service is a simple and quick solution for any fleet manager to rapidly deploy GPS fleet tracking and driver behavior solutions.”

    The teamwork between Verizon Wireless and Azuga Fleet directly benefits customers, especially those who face limited network service in various parts of the country. The bundled solution will provide Verizon Wireless coverage to all existing and future Azuga Fleet customers, giving fleet managers the high-speed reliability they need for accurate, real-time reporting.

    Verizon Wireless’ M2M services, including secure mobility, device provisioning and troubleshooting, are designed to provide the highest level of customer support to Azuga’s customers. This, coupled with the cloud-based, rewards-driven, plug-and-play technology, will save Azuga Fleet customers money, increase overall productivity, enhance company cultures, and keep drivers safe at 70 cents per day per vehicle.