GPS World

Author: GPS World Staff

  • Geneq Bluetooth GNSS Receiver Uses both GPS and GLONASS with SBAS

    Geneq Inc. has announced the SXBlue II GNSS, a GNSS receiver that uses both GPS and GLONASS with SBAS (WAAS/EGNOS/MSAS/GAGAN) to attain 30-cm/1-foot (RMS) accuracy in real-time using free SBAS corrections. It connects wirelessly to any smartphone, handheld, tablet computer, or notebook computer that is Bluetooth-compliant.

    For years, the SXBlue GPS product line has lead the market in squeezing the most out of SBAS for high-precision mapping and surveying users. New technology used in the SXBlue II GNSS allows it to utilize both GPS and GLONASS with SBAS, enabling it to track and use nearly twice as many satellites compared to typical SBAS receiver technology.

    “More satellites means more accurate positioning in tougher environments, such as under tree canopy and near buildings,” said Jean-Yves Lauture, product engineer. “GLONASS has proven itself valuable for RTK, and now we are bringing GLONASS to SBAS, with impressive accuracy and tracking results.”

    The SXBlue II GNSS builds on the success of the proven SXBlue II GPS that was designed to optimize SBAS performance under tree canopy and in rugged terrain. With the ability to track 55 satellites (31 operational GPS, 24 operational GLONASS), the SXBlue II GNSS uses between 12 and 19 satellites in view at any time, providing superior performance when working under and around tree canopy, buildings, and rugged terrain, Geneq said.

    The next-generation SXBlue II GNSS is the same, small, palm-sized unit as the SXBlue II GPS and uses a small 2.7-inch diameter GNSS antenna. The unit is completely waterproof (submersible), dustproof, and ruggedized, with an IP-67 rating. Its Class 1 long-range Bluetooth 2.0 has a typical range of 250 meters. The internal, rechargeable, field replaceable Li-Ion battery has on-board LEDs let the user know how much battery life is left. The operating temperature range of the SXBlue II GNSS is -40°C (-40°F) to 85°C (185°F).

    In addition to the built-in long-range Bluetooth transceiver, the SXBlue II GNSS has a standard DE-9 RS-232 port and a USB Type B port with outputs fully programmable up to 10-Hz standard, with a 20-Hz option. Other optional features are L1 RTK for <2-cm real-time accuracy and base station RTCM output.

    There is no need for post-processing or other sources of differential corrections as the SXBlue II GNSS uses WAAS (North America), EGNOS (Europe), MSAS (Japan), and GAGAN (India) satellite corrections. Users receive real-time, 30-cm/1-foot positioning all day long, Geneq said.

    The SXBlue II GNSS is targeted at GPS/GIS mapping professionals in industries such as forestry, utility, agriculture, and other natural resource industries in addition to local, state, and federal government users.

    Geneq will be showing the SXBlue II GNSS at the Esri International User Conference July 24-26 in San Diego, California, booth #1203.

  • Safe Software Adds Support For ArcGIS 10.1 and AutoCAD Map 3D 2013

    Safe Software announced the release of FME 2012 Service Pack 3 (SP3), which features compatibility with Esri’s newly released ArcGIS 10.1 and support of Autodesk’s 2013 version of AutoCAD Map 3D. FME 2012 SP3’s timely support of the latest versions of these industry-leading programs ensures that FME users can upgrade without issues or delays.

     

    According to the announcement, FME 2012 SP3 allows users dependent on both FME and ArcGIS to upgrade to the newest version of Esri’s software without having to worry about losing functionality of either program. The update will also provide access to several new features including Windows 64bit support for more Geodatabase formats and the ability to write out LAS files produced in FME for use within ArcGIS.

    Safe says it continues to assist AutoCAD Map 3D users through its support of the newly released FDO 3.7 in FME 2012 SP3. This allows the AutoCAD Map 3D 2013 user to directly read and display dozens of FME-supported formats.

    “As with every new version, this latest release of FME demonstrates our commitment to supporting the latest technologies as quickly as possible so that our customers always have access to the most advanced spatial data applications,” says Dale Lutz, Vice President of Development at Safe Software.

    Safe reports that it maintains comprehensive format compatibility and FME remains backwards compatible for users of earlier versions of ArcGIS and FDO. To download FME 2012 SP3 visit www.safe.com/downloads. 

  • New Version of NMEA 0183 Released

    The National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA) has released a significantly updated version of NMEA 0183, its well-known standard that enables the interfacing of marine electronics, reports the Martime Executive. Version 4.10 will improve boating safety and navigation through updates and expansions of various electronic communications “sentences” pertaining to a number of navigation and communications devices, including Galileo satellite receivers and Automatic Identification Systems (AIS).

    NMEA 0183 defines electrical requirements, data transmission protocol and timing, and specific sentence formats for a 4800-baud serial data bus. Version 4.10 affects shipboard, non-shipboard, and land-based equipment as well as networks for maritime and other industry use. The standard has been expanded to include Galileo. Many of the existing GNSS sentences have been extended to accommodate Galileo and future GNSS improvements.

    Version 4.10 replaces V 4.00, created in 2008. The new version is backward-compatible to V 2.00.

    Read more about the changes here.

  • Trimble Expands Its Positions Software to Streamline Esri Workflows for Mapping and GIS Applications

    Trimble introduced today the Trimble Positions Mobile extension — a new streamlined choice for integrating Trimble’s GNSS professional field solutions and data verification into the Esri ArcGIS for Windows Mobile environment.

    The Trimble Positions software was first introduced as a development kit to Trimble’s GIS developer community in late 2011. Today, the software suite has expanded to provide a streamlined option for users who wish to work directly with Esri’s ArcGIS for Windows Mobile technology.

    “Now, common Trimble and Esri users have a streamlined workflow between their Trimble devices and the Esri mobile software environment,” said Daniel Wallace, general manager of Trimble’s GIS Data Collection Division. “Because all data is verified and validated before it reaches Esri’s Enterprise GIS, each update adds value, making the geodatabase more reliable and more useful.”

    Using Trimble GNSS receivers, field workers can collect reliable GNSS data for all feature geometries while leveraging the high performance features of Trimble handhelds such as Trimble Floodlight for better productivity in tough GNSS environments. Data can be automatically posted to the enterprise server from the field where Trimble Positions Desktop add-in is used to process and validate the data coming in from field crews. Office administrators can easily check for new sessions, differentially correct the data, and verify that the data meets accuracy requirements before updating the enterprise database at the touch of button, Trimble said.

    This release adds real time and postprocessed corrections support for Trimble’s market-leading GNSS receivers, including the Trimble GeoExplorer, Juno, Nomad and Pro series receivers and is available to order now through authorized Trimble Mapping and GIS resellers. For more information, visit www.trimble.com/positions.

  • Telogis Acquires Fleet Management Company Navtrak

    Telogis, Inc., a platform for location intelligence, has acquired Navtrak, a mobile resource and fleet management company. This latest acquisition, along with the company’s strong organic growth rate, further positions Telogis as a fast-growing enterprise Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) provider of location-based intelligence solutions, the company said.

    “This acquisition broadens our customer portfolio with greater reach into small- and mid-sized markets, and complements our strong organic growth with large enterprises and OEM channels,” said Dave Cozzens, CEO of Telogis. “Our robust, scalable platform allows us to quickly integrate acquisitions, and we continue to pursue opportunities such as this that are advantageous for our business and customers.”

    Telogis provides enterprise SaaS applications to manage mobile workers and assets. The company’s strength is built upon an open platform approach that provides advanced solutions to manage every aspect of the mobile workforce, the company said.

    “Navtrak’s customers will now experience the benefits of a powerful location platform of SaaS applications, including Telogis Fleet, Telogis Route, Telogis Progression, Telogis Mobile, and Telogis Navigation,” said Cozzens. “This acquisition further accelerates our aggressive expansion plans for 2012. There is a large global market to address with our platform of SaaS applications, and we look forward to continuing to drive its innovation and growth.”

    This acquisition represents a continuing growth trend for Telogis, which has appeared on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest growing private companies for five consecutive years and has been named to the Deloitte Technology Fast 500 for four consecutive years. The company has been honored as one of the best workplaces in the region, and forged a partnership in 2011 that made Telogis the exclusive SaaS solution for Ford Motor Company’s Crew Chief commercial vehicle telematics system.

  • Samsung Buys CSR’s Mobile Chip Technology

    Samsung Electronics Co. has acquired the mobile-technology business of U.K.-based Cambridge Silicon Radio PLC for $310 million. The agreement includes patents to the firm’s Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and GPS location innovations. Samsung said the move would allow its semiconductor unit to strengthen its line-up of mobile-device processors.

    Samsung competes for business from other handset makers against the chip-makers Qualcomm, Texas Instruments and Intel, reports BBC News. The firm’s chips are used in its Galaxy handsets as well as Apple’s iPhones and iPads.

    Joep van Buerden, CSR’s chief executive, said his firm offered important technologies, but was aware of a trend in which larger firms were acting to integrate many functions into a single chipset, reducing demand for specialist parts, BBC News reported.

    “I believe under Samsung’s ownership the handset operations will be in a better place to prosper in the global handset market,” Buerden said. “I would like to thank all our colleagues who will be transferring to Samsung for their outstanding service.”

    CCS Insight analyst Geoff Blaber pointed out in a Yahoo! article that Samsung’s move came soon after the acquisition of Nanoradio, a Swedish Wi-Fi chipset company, which happened June 1. “It underlines Samsung’s commitment to strengthening its vertical advantage by extending silicon capability most notably in Wi-Fi and GPS,” he said.

    About 310 members of CSR’s technology and handset team will move over to the South Korean firm.

    SiRF founder Kanwar Chadha, who had been with CSR for three years after its acquisition of SiRF in June 2009, left CSR earlier this summer and is rumored to be starting a new venture.

  • First Positioning Results Using Galileo Announced

    A team of Canadian and German researchers have obtained precise three-dimensional positions using measurements from the four prototype Galileo satellites now in orbit.

    The two In-Orbit Validation (IOV) satellites launched in October 2011 joined the two Galileo In-Orbit Validation Element (GIOVE) satellites launched in 2005 and 2008, forming a mini-constellation. For a few hours on certain days, signals from all four satellites could be received by state-of-the-art multi-frequency, multi-constellation GNSS receivers. The researchers used the GIOVE plus IOV satellite observations made by a Trimble Navigation NetR9 receiver operated at the University of New Brunswick in Fredericton, Canada, together with precise orbit and clock data derived from observations collected on the COoperative Network for GIOVE Observation (CONGO) to obtain receiver positions converging to an accuracy of a few centimeters.

    An article describing the researchers’ procedure and results obtained will appear in the September issue of GPS World.

  • First Positioning Results Using Galileo Announced

    A team of Canadian and German researchers have obtained precise three-dimensional positions using measurements from the four prototype Galileo satellites now in orbit.

    The two In-Orbit Validation (IOV) satellites launched in October 2011 joined the two Galileo In-Orbit Validation Element (GIOVE) satellites launched in 2005 and 2008, forming a mini-constellation. For a few hours on certain days, signals from all four satellites could be received by state-of-the-art multi-frequency, multi-constellation GNSS receivers. The researchers used the GIOVE plus IOV satellite observations made by a Trimble Navigation NetR9 receiver operated at the University of New Brunswick in Fredericton, Canada, together with precise orbit and clock data derived from observations collected on the COoperative Network for GIOVE Observation (CONGO) to obtain receiver positions converging to an accuracy of a few centimeters.

    An article describing the researchers’ procedure and results obtained will appear in the September issue of GPS World.

  • GeoEye Signs Two New Seven-Figure GeoEye-1 Imagery Contracts

    GeoEye, Inc. announced that it recently signed seven-figure agreements with two international partners in the Middle East and Asia for both the renewal and expanded use of GeoEye imagery products.

    According to the announcement, the Middle East affiliate has signed a new agreement for access to GeoEye-1 sub half-meter imagery, which is the highest resolution commercial imagery available globally. This affiliate has had an ongoing agreement with GeoEye for IKONOS satellite imagery collection and distribution since 2000. The agreement with the government customer in Asia renewed their access to GeoEye-1’s highly precise imagery products. This customer has had an agreement in place for GeoEye-1 satellite imagery collection since 2009. Both partners have indicated they will integrate GeoEye-1’s high-resolution imagery with their own systems to support regional security and peace missions.

    “Both the Mideast Regional Affiliate and the Asian government customer have been trusted and valued partners for many years,” said Paolo Colombi, GeoEye’s vice president of International Sales. “We appreciate the extension of our partnerships and the expansion of our global footprint that these agreements represent. We look forward to supporting our partners’ mission critical requirements by delivering superior-quality location intelligence regarding these highly sensitive and dynamic regions of the world.”

  • Russian SBAS Satellite Begins Transmissions

    News courtesy of CANSPACE Listserv.

     

    Luch-5A, the Russian geostationary communications satellite that carries a System for Differential Correction and Monitoring (SDCM) transponder, has started transmitting GPS corrections according to Javad Ashjaee, CEO of Javad GNSS. He has reported that L1 signals using PRN code 140 have been received by Javad receivers today and used to compute code-differential positions. Only GPS corrections are being received currently, no GLONASS corrections.

    As previously reported through CANSPACE, Luch-5A was recently repositioned to 95 degrees east longitude in an apparent switch of positions with Luch-5B, scheduled for launch later this year. Now, it appears, Luch-5A is using the PRN code previously assigned by the Global Positioning Systems Directorate to Luch-5B.

  • Magellan and Canada’s CCI Entertainment Launch GeoFreakZ GeoTrails Program

    Magellan is partnering with CCI Entertainment, a family programming production and distribution company in Canada. Their first initiative together, in partnership with Groundspeak, Inc. (owners of www.Geocaching.com), is a Canadian geocaching program called GeoFreakZ Geo Trails.

    The GeoFreakZ GeoTrails program enables families visiting participating Parks Canada national parks and historic sites through October 13 to use a Magellan eXplorist GC handheld GPS device, designed exclusively for geocaching, to find hidden geocache containers. Rugged and waterproof with a sunlight-readable color screen, the eXplorist GC comes pre-loaded with a worldwide map and the most popular geocaches for a complete paperless geocaching experience, Magellan said. The Magellan eXplorist GC makes geocaching, an outdoor "treasure hunting" game with location-based technology, easy for families and people of all ages, the company said.

    Participants who take photos of themselves discovering the caches are entered into a drawing to win a Magellan eXplorist GC device. Participants can also log their finds and communicate with other geocachers through Groundspeak's geocaching website, www.geocaching.com.

  • SuperGeo Releases Super GIS Server 3.1 Value Edition

    SuperGeo released SuperGIS Server 3.1, a comprehensive and server-based GIS that enables organizations to create, manage, integrate and publish a variety of spatial data, images and GIS abilities over the Internet and apply to desktop, mobile and web applications. It allows enterprises to build ideal workflow and improve decision making and productivity.

    According to the announcement, the newly updated SuperGIS Server 3.1 Value Edition provides a new SuperGIS Server Manager so that administrators are allowed to publish and manage GIS services through web browsers. Additionally, SuperGIS Server 3.1 Value Edition adds Web Map Tile Service (WMTS).

    To improve the efficiency of spatial data management, SuperGIS Server 3.1 provides users with SuperGIS Server Map Cache Tool to produce cache maps and maintain map services. Meanwhile, SuperGIS Server 3.1 also improves the integration with open GIS resources and can combine the network analysis abilities of SuperGIS Network Server 3, allowing the administrators to have a more flexible server framework.