GPS World

Author: Tracy Cozzens

  • FAA warns pilots to ‘exercise caution’ over Pacific, Latin America

    FAA warns pilots to ‘exercise caution’ over Pacific, Latin America

    The Federal Aviation Administration on Jan. 16 issued a warning to pilots to “exercise caution” when flying over the Pacific Ocean in parts of Latin America due to potential military activities. Areas cited include the eastern Pacific Ocean near Mexico, Central America and parts of South America.

    A series of Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) issued by the FAA state, “Potential risks exist for aircraft at all altitudes, including during overflight and the arrival and departure phases of flight.” The alerts are in effect for 60 days. NOTAMs are issued routinely in any region where there are hostilities nearby.

  • Garmin unveils Xero L60i laser rangefinder with GPS and onboard mapping

    Garmin unveils Xero L60i laser rangefinder with GPS and onboard mapping

    Garmin has released the Xero L60i, a GNSS-enabled rangefinding monocular. The rangefinder’s optics providea sharp, bright view through augmented reality technology that overlays graphics in full color, including distance, maps and navigation and more — all while ranging targets out to 3600 meters through 7X magnification.

    Integrated navigation features include Laser Locate, Sensor Locate and Visual Recall, giving wildlife enthusiasts, researchers, search-and-rescue teams tools they can depend on, the company said.

    Xero L60i features

    • Digital mapping. View current and ranged locations marked on topographic mapping and use the Xero L60i to navigate to them.
    • Smart Integration. Waypoints can be shared to the Garmin Explore App on a compatible smartphone, then shared to a compatible Garmin handheld or wearable device using the Garmin Share functionality.
    • Laser Locate. Leverage the range taken, along with compass heading and GPS coordinates, to project a waypoint on the display, then navigate to the waypoint through directional cues.
    • Sensor Locate. When the desired object is too far to range, built-in GPS, compass, inclinometer and mapping can calculate and project a waypoint of the intended target, allowing estimated ranges to targets several miles away.
    • Visual Recall. When moving to a new vantage point after ranging, on-screen cues steer the visual field back to a previously marked waypoint.

    The rangefinder features fully multicoated, low-dispersion glass, which provides sharp optics with a flat field of view, accurate color fidelity, and superior light transmission. During dawn or dusk use, an ambient light sensor automatically controls display brightness, ensuring the visual scene remains clear.

    Range animals to 2,775 meters and trees to 3,600. In optimal low-light conditions, the Xero L60i makes it possible to reach as far as 7,000 meters to retro reflective objects while achieving accuracy of +/- .25 meters under 1,000 meters and +/- 1 meter out to maximum laser-ranged distances.

  • CHC Navigation releases Apache 6 USV for high-resolution marine surveying

    CHC Navigation releases Apache 6 USV for high-resolution marine surveying

    CHC Navigation (CHCNAV) has released the Apache 6–2026 Edition, an integrated unmanned surface vessel (USV) designed for high-resolution bathymetric and 3D mapping applications. Built to accommodate NORBIT multibeam echosounders, the Apache 6 delivers a comprehensive solution for underwater surveying, object positioning, and offshore construction support in varying aquatic conditions.

    The Apache 6 – 2026 Edition is optimized for seamless integration with the NORBIT iWBMS and WINGHEAD series of multibeam echosounders. An optional NORBIT iLiDAR can also be integrated, allowing for the simultaneous collection of marine and terrestrial 3D data in a single pass. This capability is particularly efficient for projects that require mapping both underwater topography and overhead structures, such as bridges and power lines, making it a comprehensive tool for harbor, river and infrastructure surveys.

    Automated Sound Velocity Profiling
    Accurate sound velocity measurement is fundamental to high-quality bathymetric data. The Apache 6 – 2026 Edition addresses this with an optional automated sound velocity profiler (SVP) kit. This system can be controlled directly from the remote controller, allowing the operator to perform SVP casts on-demand without interrupting the survey workflow. The kit is designed for rapid deployment — attachable or detachable in under a minute — ensuring that the multibeam echosounder data is continuously corrected with the most accurate sound speed information, which is critical for meeting stringent survey specifications.

    The USV combines a detachable triple-hull vessel design with smart rotating propeller technology to deliver both stability and agility in varied conditions. The robust hull configuration ensures reliable performance in strong currents, while removable side floats enable safe operations in shallow waters. Intelligent propeller control adjusts water flow direction to achieve a turning radius of approximately two meters, supporting effective navigation in confined or winding channels.

    Android-Based Control
    Survey operations are streamlined through an intelligent Android remote controller, which provides real-time access to vessel status and data without the need for a separate field computer.

    The interface allows for straightforward management of the survey workflow, while a multi-link communication system ensures reliable data transmission over long distances. This setup enables surveyors to maintain seamless control over the Apache 6 and monitor mission progress effectively from the shore.

  • Arazim Navigation Systems secures new defense order for HPLS-2G navigation units

    Arazim Navigation Systems secures new defense order for HPLS-2G navigation units

    The nearly $1 million contract covers delivery of approximately 100 dual-antenna GPS/GNSS compasses for land-based applications.

    Arazim Navigation Systems, an Israeli manufacturer of inertial navigation systems, has received a new order valued at nearly $1 million from an Israeli defense customer. The order includes 100 units of the HPLS-2G GPS/GNSS compass, designed to provide heading and attitude information for static land-based systems using dual-antenna GPS technology.

    According to Arazim, the HPLS-2G NFS system is a rugged, MIL-STD-compliant device built to operate in harsh environmental conditions and hostile operational environments.

    “This continued trust represents more than another contract; it reflects confidence in the reliability, performance, and ongoing development of our navigation solutions,” Sason Noama, CEO and founder of Arazim Navigation Systems, said. “For years, our technology has supported critical operations where precision and resilience are essential. This order further underscores Arazim’s role as a trusted provider of advanced navigation and situational awareness systems for defense and security organizations.”

  • Trust Automation secures $490M contract from U.S. Air Force for counter-drone tech

    Trust Automation secures $490M contract from U.S. Air Force for counter-drone tech

    The U.S. Air Force has awarded Trust Automation a $490-million indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract for the rapid research, development, prototyping, demonstration, evaluation, production and transition of unmanned and counterunmanned aircraft system (CUAS) capabilities.

    As Trust Automation looks ahead to 2026 and beyond, this program represents a pivotal step in addressing the evolving challenges of modern warfare. Work will be performed at Trust’s facility in San Luis Obispo, California, and is expected to be completed by Aug. 20, 2030.

    Image: Trust Automation
    Image: Trust Automation

    “We’re incredibly proud to have been selected for this critical C-UAS project,” said Ty Safreno, Trust’s chief executive officer. “This contract underscores our commitment to developing cutting-edge anti-drone technologies that address our most pressing security challenges, protect our armed forces and contribute to the safety of our nation.”

    Trust is a field-proven leader in defense and counter-small unmanned aircraft system (C-SUAS) technologies to directly counter UAS activity in C2 and GNSS bands. At the core of its product suite is the Small-Unmanned Air Defense System (SUADS), which delivers fixed-site, such as Air Force base defense operations centers (BDOC), and rapidly deployable protection for key facilities and units in combat zones. These systems provide layered defense with adaptable modular solutions to detect, track and defeat Group 1, 2 and 2+ aircraft threats.

    Complementing SUADS is the weapons-mountable GAT UAS Jammer, which enables personnel to directly counter UAS activity in GNSS bands. Together with a broader suite of radio frequency products, Trust equipes warfighters with scalable options to secure critical operations against evolving UAS threats.

    As Trust Automation rolls into 2026, the company remains dedicated to its mission to deliver innovative, reliable and mission-critical technologies that empower the U.S. Air Force and other defense partners to stay ahead of emerging threats.

  • Xsens IMUs deliver sub-5 cm heave accuracy for maritime wave motion

    Xsens IMUs deliver sub-5 cm heave accuracy for maritime wave motion

    Firmware upgrade available for Xsens Sirius and Xsens Avior motion sensors delivers centimeter-level vertical displacement measurement for marine stabilization and control systems

    Xsens has announced a major capability upgrade for its industrial-grade Xsens Sirius and Xsens Avior inertial measurement units (IMUs). The new Heave feature delivers centimeter-level vertical displacement measurement, enabling real-time stabilization and wave compensation in a wide range of marine applications. 

    Marine engineers can now access comprehensive motion data — roll, pitch, yaw and Heave — from a single compact sensor. This eliminates the need for external processing or for oversized tactical-grade systems while maintaining the precision required for offshore platforms, vessels, docking systems, marine robots, buoys and surveying equipment.

    The Heave output operates at up to 100Hz, providing the real-time response needed in active stabilization and wave compensation systems. All processing happens on-device, simplifying system integration and reducing latency.

    Xsens motion reference units (MRUs) — IMUs with Heave capability — deliver real-time Heave accuracy better than 5 cm for wave periods up to 29 s. This covers most marine applications. For longer wave periods up to 40 s, accuracy is approximately 6cm, twice the range supported by comparable industrial-grade MRUs.

    “Engineers now get vertical displacement data directly onboard, alongside roll, pitch and yaw,” said Ayush Sharma, Algorithms Engineer at Movella. “This gives marine customers the complete motion reference they need for stabilization and compensation systems, without the size or certification overhead of tactical MRUs.”

    The algorithm uses proprietary phase correction and bias estimation to mitigate the effect of drift over extended operating periods. Users can also define offset points — center of rotation (COR) and point of interest (POI) — ensuring that Heave values reflect the true motion of the vessel or payload, even when the MRU is installed away from the POI.

    The Heave algorithm is available for download immediately as a firmware update for existing Xsens Sirius and Xsens Avior units in the field, with no hardware modifications required. All new units ship with the feature integrated. Heave output is enabled with a single setting in the MT Manager software or the Xsens software development kit (SDK). 

    Designed for straightforward integration

    Xsens Avior is a compact OEM module for embedded system designs.

    Xsens Sirius is a standalone MRU in a rugged IP68 housing for harsh environments. It meets MIL-STD-202 requirements.

    Both products support RS-422, CAN, and UART interfaces. Development kits are available for prototyping, with free SDKs for C/C++, Python, ROS1, ROS2, and MATLAB. All units meet CE, FCC, and RoHS regulatory requirements, and are ITAR-free.

    Xsens Avior and Xsens Sirius MRUs are available globally from Movella and authorized partners. For specifications, datasheets, and ordering information, visit www.movella.com/products/sensor-modules or contact a Movella sales representative.

  • CHC Navigation brings PointX and StellaX positioning to smart lawn mowing

    CHC Navigation brings PointX and StellaX positioning to smart lawn mowing

    CHC Navigation announced at CES 2026 that MOVA has integrated CHCNAV PointX integrated satellite ground service and the StellaX high-precision positioning chip into its NAVAX 5000 AWD intelligent robotic lawn mower, unveiled at the show in Las Vegas last week.

    The integrated positioning solution is designed to support centimeter-level accuracy for wire-free mowing, without requiring users to install a local RTK base station or subscribe to cellular data plans.

    Wire-free robotic mowers are accelerating adoption of virtual boundaries and automated coverage. Many systems rely on local RTK reference stations, network RTK, or cloud connectivity, which can increase installation complexity and introduce ongoing service costs. CHCNAV and MOVA developed a positioning architecture designed to address these limitations through satellite delivered corrections combined with onboard sensor fusion.

    Wire-free mowing without local base stations

    NAVAX 5000 AWD uses CHCNAV PointX integrated satellite ground service to deliver GNSS enhancement signals via satellite. With the StellaX high-precision positioning chip, the mower can achieve centimeter-level positioning across supported regions without requiring users to deploy and maintain an RTK base station at home. This can reduce setup time, remove routine base station maintenance, and avoid recurring cellular data fees for positioning corrections.

    Residential yards often include trees, walls, fences and buildings that degrade satellite visibility and create multipath effects. NAVAX 5000 AWD combines satellite-based RTK positioning with binocular vision and lidar to strengthen navigation performance in these environments.

    With PointX and StellaX, the system is designed to deliver stable positioning and consistent path tracking in obstructed areas where traditional GPS RTK-only approaches can be difficult to sustain.

    PointX-integrated satellite ground services support rapid RTK initialization to reduce waiting time at startup. This enables power on and go operation for typical mowing sessions and supports repeated runs with minimal user intervention.

  • Trimble and Volatus improve precision and safety in BVLOS drone deliveries in Canada

    Trimble and Volatus improve precision and safety in BVLOS drone deliveries in Canada

    Volatus Aerospace has integrated the Trimble PX-1 RTX solution into its commercial delivery drone service to achieve accurate and robust positioning and heading.

    The Trimble module provides Volatus’ clients with a turnkey solution for highly-accurate aerial data acquisition and fully-remote drone operations in real-world missions, including beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS).

    The Trimble PX-1 RTX uses Trimble’s CenterPoint RTX corrections along with compact, high-performance GNSS-inertial hardware to deliver real-time, centimeter-level positioning and highly precise inertial-derived true heading measurements. This technology reduces operational risks associated with poor sensor performance or magnetic interference by providing enhanced positioning redundancy.

    Volatus must meet strict guidelines addressing airspace entry and exit, altitude and speed, and communication and remote identification when taking off from and landing at the Edmonton International Airport in Alberta, Canada. The flight corridor approved by Transport Canada and Nav Canada requires them to land and takeoff with precision, while staying at 50-feet altitude when crossing airplane arrival routes.

    Trimble PX-1 RTX’s precise positioning capabilities address crucial accuracy challenges for takeoff and landing, while supporting an exact flight altitude and positioning within the flight corridor. This capability enaables Volatus to remain compliant with the controlled airspace authorization from Nav Canada, a non-profit that operates the country’s civil air navigation system.

    The Trimble PX-1 RTX solution is available through Trimble sales channels.

  • etherWhere and AsiaRF display new GNSS modules at CES 2026

    etherWhere has partnered with AsiaRF to offer two new GNSS modules based on its EW6181, a module that offers low power consumption with fast acquisition time.

    AsiaRF is offering two module designs (10.1 × 9.7 × 2.3 mm and 18 × 18 × 6.2 mm). The modules are targeted for wireless solutions, including Wi-Fi 7 access points, body-worn cameras, and asset tracking solutions.

    etherWhere specializes in low-power GNSS chipset solutions, and Asia RF is a leader in wireless connectivity. Both companies are attending CES 2026 (visit etherWhere at LVCC – North Hall Booth No. 10763; see the modules on display at the nearby Asia RF booth, No. 10676.)

    For customers with challenging applications, etherWhere offers performance improvement through the use of accuWhere cloud. accuWhere’s multi-modal operation can reduce power consumption for battery operated devices or improve accuracy for demanding applications.

    “We’re thrilled to work with AsiaRF, a leader in wireless connectivity solutions, targeting the enterprise, IoT, and public safety markets. Location awareness is becoming a key requirement across the industry, and we’re excited to be partnering with AsiaRF to bring solutions to the market,” said Michael Raam, CEO of etherWhere.

    “Our partnership with etherWhere marks a significant milestone in AsiaRF’s mission to push the boundaries of wireless innovation,” said Paul Lai, CEO of AsiaRF. “The new GNSS modules address critical market demand for high precision and ultra-low power consumption in compact form factors. We are excited to showcase these solutions at CES 2026, offering our clients the perfect synergy of Wi-Fi 7 connectivity and state-of-the-art geolocation.”

  • Innoviz Technologies demos InnovizThree lidar at CES 2026

    Innoviz Technologies demos InnovizThree lidar at CES 2026

    Innoviz Technologies, a Tier-1 direct supplier of automotive-grade lidar sensor platforms and software stacks, is demonstrating its fully colored long-range lidar with camera at CES 2026 this week in Las Vegas.

    The InnovizThree creates a compact sensor-fusion module designed to significantly reduce OEM integration complexity. The solution combines lidar and RGB sensing in a single compact perception module, purpose-built for behind-the-windshield installations, drones, micro-robotics and humanoids.

    The consolidation of an RGB camera inside InnovizThree reinforces Innoviz’s commitment to scalable, OEM-friendly sensor-fusion perception solutions designed for series production and long-term deployment with the potential to enable faster deployment and cost saving.

    The RGB sensing capabilities are factory-aligned with the lidar, with an ability to ensure precise and consistent visual-to-lidar geometry across production units. This alignment, combined with hardware-synchronized capture, will enable reliable multi-modal sensor-fusion data correlation while reducing calibration effort during vehicle integration., the company said.

    Delivered through a single integration interface, the solution will minimize wiring, interfaces, and system complexity. This approach will reduce the overall integration burden for OEMs, which is expected to enable simpler validation processes, optimized engineering effort, lower cost and faster time-to-production.

  • TDK launches STRIDE positioning software for wearables

    TDK launches STRIDE positioning software for wearables

    TDK Corporation has announced Trusted Positioning STRIDE, an embedded pedestrian dead-reckoning (PDR) software solution engineered specifically for wearables — smart watches, head-mounted devices, glasses and compact sensors. STRIDE provides reliable positioning without the power and hardware demands traditionally required for GNSS-based tracking.

    STRIDE’s low-power, sensor-agnostic software engine fuses inertial data with GNSS and opportunistic wireless signals, delivering continuous location tracking both indoors and outdoors.

    STRIDE runs as embedded software, giving OEMs freedom to deploy positioning without redesigning hardware or relying on cloud connectivity, according to the company. STRIDE processes sensor data in real time, ensures low latency, and can be configured for on-device, companion-device, or cloud-assisted architectures. This flexibility helps manufacturers balance performance, power and form-factor constraints based on their device strategies.

    Main features and benefits

    • Low-power on-device mode: Enables continuous PDR in platforms constrained by power, memory or thermal limits.
    • Geofencing mode: Allows location-based alerts and boundaries for children’s wearables, personnel safety, or activity zones.
    • Tethering of sensors: Seamlessly uses GNSS and sensors from a companion phone, reducing hardware demand on the wearable.
    • Off-device processing: Supports computation on a smartphone or in the cloud for advanced analytics or battery saving.
    • GNSS duty-cycling: Dramatically extends battery life by activating GNSS only when necessary.
    • Flexible mounting support: Works across watches, smart glasses, helmets, chest-mounted devices and more.
    • Embedded and real-time: Runs directly on the device with low latency — no dedicated infrastructure, no specialized hardware
    • Hardware-independent and sensor-agnostic: Integrates easily with a broad range of IMUs and GNSS receivers.

    STRIDE is available immediately for trial evaluation, OEM integration, or companion-device implementations.

  • ESA celebrates 30 years of Galileo

    ESA celebrates 30 years of Galileo

    To celebrate 30 years of the Galileo global navigation system, the European Space Agency created the following video. Astronomer Galileo Galilei makes an appearance.

    “Three decades of challenges and triumphs that have shaped the navigation systems we rely on today: EGNOS and Galileo, and that serve as a legacy to building the satellite navigation systems of tomorrow,” states ESA.

     In October 1995, the ESA Council at Ministerial Level approved ARTES Element 9, initiating the studies and development of GNSS-1 (EGNOS) and GNSS-2 (Galileo). However, the first steps leading to this moment started as early as the 1980s, with pioneering research and studies conducted by ESA, national space agencies and European institutes.

    Learn more about the history of Galileo.