GPS World

Category: Applications

  • Applanix Conducts Successful Test Flight of Professional Mapping UAS

    Applanix Conducts Successful Test Flight of Professional Mapping UAS

    Applanix_UAV3

    Applanix Corporation and American Aerospace Advisors have completed a successful series of test flights of AAAI’s RS-16 platform equipped with Applanix’ DMS-UAV aerial photogrammetry payload. This is the first successful mission for a long-endurance UAS (unmanned aerial system) capable of producing professional-grade, directly georeferenced mapping imagery for civilian applications such as pipeline monitoring, power line and emergency response mapping.

    The RS-16 Unmanned Aircraft System equipped with the Applanix Direct Mapping Solution (DMS).
    The RS-16 Unmanned Aircraft System equipped with the Applanix Direct Mapping Solution (DMS).

    Tests were conducted over restricted airspace in the state of New Jersey. A joint team from Applanix and AAAI planned and flew a sequence of missions to evaluate the capabilities of the UAS. These include, critically, the ability to provide highly accurate, directly georeferenced and orthorectified aerial imagery without the need for ground control points or aerial triangulation calculations. The system, consisting of the airframe, its avionics, mobile ground control station and the digital mapping payload, performed according to expectations and successfully produced high-quality imagery.

    “Performing safe and successful missions with long endurance unmanned aircraft in civilian airspace are a challenge that goes far beyond selecting the right aircraft and payload,” said David Yoel, CEO of American Aerospace Advisors. “Working with Applanix, we have produced an integrated system that is designed from the ground up with civilian mapping operations in mind. We believe this system has the capability to transform the aerial mapping industry.”

    The Applanix R16 in flight.
    The Applanix RS-16 in flight.

    The RS-16 DMS is a complete, operational system capable of conducting large area operations within the National Airspace System in the United States, and in other jurisdictions as local regulations allow. Within the USA, AAAI is engaged with several of the recently announced UAS research and test sites, which operate under the auspices of the FAA to develop the certification and operational requirements necessary to safely integrate UAS into the national airspace.

    The GNSS-Inertial systems at the core of Applanix’ DMS-UAV aerial mapping payload uses commercial inertial technologies that are offered globally.

    “The market for airborne imaging systems is in a state of rapid change,” said Joe Hutton, director of Inertial Technology and Airborne Products at Applanix. “Developments in imaging technology, in processing capability, and in the nature of inertial sensors, make a directly georeferenced UAS a reality today, where it would have been inconceivable even a few years ago. Our ability to take our established market-leading manned solutions, and integrate the technology successfully into an unmanned platform, speaks  volumes for the engineering expertise of Applanix and AAAI.”

  • u-blox Launches 8th-Generation GNSS Modules

    The u-blox Lea module.
    The u-blox Lea module.

    u‑blox has introduced its MAX, NEO and LEA GNSS modules in its next-generation, multi-constellation positioning platform u‑blox M8.

    The new module series satisfies a wide range of requirements by providing a scalable range of features including antenna management, integrated filters, data logging, crystal or TCXO, and rich set of interfaces, u-blox said.

    The modules can acquire and track all visible GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, QZSS and SBAS satellites and can track any two GNSS systems simultaneously for increased reliability, accuracy and faster acquisition time. For an overview of all modules, click here to download u-blox’ GNSS module selector guide.

    “Our advanced u-blox M8 modules are the result of u-blox’ in-house GNSS chip design expertise and end-to-end ownership of the entire IC and module manufacturing processes. This gives us full control over features, quality and production allowing us to react quickly to customer requirements,” said Thomas Seiler, u-blox CEO. “Being independent of third-party GNSS chip suppliers means we offer our customers exactly the right feature set, chip and module options, smooth upgrade path and a clearly defined product roadmap extending years into the future.”

    u-blox’ online assisted-GNSS service, AssistNow, has also been radically improved to support an unbeatable level of global positioning performance. The free service is available in online and offline versions and supports both assisted GPS and GLONASS.

    The MAX-M8, NEO-M8 and LEA-M8 modules provide cutting edge positioning performance and -167 dBm tracking sensitivity for a wide range of applications including vehicle and asset tracking, eCall / ERA-GLONASS emergency call systems, vehicle telematics for insurance, road pricing and anti-theft devices, navigation, security, and point-of-sales terminals.

    u-blox continues to offer u-blox 7 based modules MAX, NEO and LEA-7 which remain optimal for low-power, cost-efficient, single-GNSS designs. The new u-blox M8 modules maintain hardware and software compatibility with u-blox 7 modules to allow easy upgrade or product variants utilizing the same PCB layout.

    u‑blox’ capability of delivering u-blox 7 and u-blox M8 GNSS technologies in both module and integrated circuit form-factors provides maximum design flexibility and protects customers’ development investments over successive product generations.

    First samples and evaluation kits for u-blox M8 modules are available for customer evaluation.

  • Nine GNSS Frequencies Available through New JAVAD Receiver

    JAVAD_TRE-3
    photo: JAVAD GNSS

    The 864-channel TRE-3 receiver, just announced by JAVAD GNSS, can simultaneously access all current GNSS signals, with room to spare for multiple-channel tracking of select signals, according to the company.  The new product offers many features, including:

    • Three ultra wide-band (100 MHz) fast sampling and processing, programmable digital filters and superior dynamic range. After 12-bit digital conversion, nine separate digital filters are shaped for each of the nine GPS L1/Galileo  E1, GPS L2, GPS L5/Galileo E5A, GLONASS L1, GLONASS L2, Galileo E5B/BeiDou B2/GLONASS L3, Galileo altBoc, Galilee E6/BeiDouB3/QZSS LEX, and BeiDou B1 bands.
    • Each band consists of a combination of a digital cascaded integrator-comb (CIC) filter and a digital finite impulse response (FIR) filter (up to 60-th order) where signal selection is performed.
    • Two types of digital  in-band  anti-jamming  filters  (automatic  80-th  order  and  “user selectable” 256-th order).
    • Multiple channels to acquire and track each satellite signal. For example, 20 channels can be assigned to acquire the GPS L1 signal, each spaced one millisecond apart. Up to 5 channels can be assigned to track each signal, each with different filter parameters and tracking strategies. This supports acquiring and tracking weaker signals in difficult conditions, especially under trees and canopy — potentially using up to the 864 channels available in the receiver! Several patents are pending.
    • 80 dB out-of-band interference  rejections: high dynamic range of wide RF bands and highly rectangular  digital filters make the receiver  much more resistant  to out-of-band jamming.
    • High-speed high-dynamic   automatic   gain  control  (AGC)  to  respond  to interferences and signal variations.
    • Programmable filter width (by commands).
    • Highly stable digital filters (band characteristics do not change with age, input voltages, or temperature).
    • Improved GLONASS  inter-channel  bias performance  (due to a flat digital filter shape).
    • New multipath rejection technique.
    • 60-MHZ-wide Galileo altBoc band takes advantage of the full benefit of this signal. Its multipath resistance is improved even beyond that of the company’s new multipath reduction technique, it asserts.
    • 864 GNSS channels allow tracking all current and future satellite signals.
    • Three wide-band RF sections enable monitoring spectrums and interferences in three 100-MHz-wide bands.
    • TRE-3 can track and decode the QZSS LEX signal messages, making it a unique product on the market in this regard, according to the company.
    • Features for time -transfer applications:  In time sources where the zero crossing of the input frequency defines the exact moment of the time second, the receiver monitors zero  crossings and accurately defines  the  moment  of the  time second. An external time interval measurement  unit is not required to measure zero crossing and 1-PPS offset.
    • Embedded calibrator measures phase and code delays of each of the nine bands in timing applications. External calibration is not required.

    TRE-3 is form, pin-out, and command compatible with the company’s earlier TRE-G3T receiver. It uses 8-Watts of power, compared to 4-Watts of the TRE-G3T

     

     

     

     

  • Looking for a Few Good Professional Land Surveyors

    JAVAD GNSS has published an invitation to professional land surveyors in the United States to submit resumés for consideration. The company says it seeks “talented” surveyors to advise on its customer support and to participate in evaluating product features and ideas.

    Interested parties should send their resumés to [email protected].

     

  • Veripos Picked for Offshore Fleet Positioning

    Singapore-based Miclyn Express Offshore (MEO), a provider of offshore support vessels across South East Asia, Australia and the Middle East, has awarded Veripos a five-year contract for provision of high-precision GNSS positioning services in support of its fleet of 27 ships.

    Under the terms of the contract, Veripos will provide MEO’s fleet with Veripos Ultra Precise Point Positioning (PPP) service designed to deliver decimeter-level accuracies globally along with associated integrated mobile receivers. Among the first vessels assigned to utilize the service and equipment are MEO’s new 2,000 dwt platform supply vessels, MEO Ranger and MEO Resolution, both of which have been equipped with LD5-GG2 receivers. Meanwhile, four older MEO vessels have been similarly configured to receive Veripos Ultra service.

    Commenting on the latest contract award, Walter Steedman, Veripos chief executive officer, said it further consolidated the company’s continuing leadership for provision of precise GNSS positioning services for offshore applications throughout the region and beyond.

    Miclyn Express Offshore employs more than 1,400 shore-based personnel and seafarers.

  • Arcturus UAV and Urban Robotics Fly 3D Imager

    Arcturus T-20 unmanned aerial vehicle with 3D imaging pods on a recent test flight at a Southern California test range. (PRNewsFoto/Arcturus UAV)
    Arcturus T-20 unmanned aerial vehicle with 3D imaging pods on a recent test flight at a Southern California test range. (PRNewsFoto/Arcturus UAV)

    The GeoDragon sensor system by Urban Robotics has been integrated and flown on an Arcturus UAV T-20 Tier II unmanned aerial vehicle. The sensor system is enclosed in a wing-mounted pod and is capable of high-resolution 2D and 3D image capture.

    GeoDragon adds significant 3D imaging and mapping capabilities to the T-20 UAV. The GeoDragon system can create 3D reconstructions in near-real time and output high-resolution digital elevation models, LIDAR-like datasets, and wide area maps. The system will be released in mid-2014.

    The sensor was designed by Urban Robotics in Portland, Oregon. The aircraft was built by Arcturus UAV in Rohnert Park, California.

    According to Arcturus, the unique aspects of the system are low weight (equating to longer endurance and loiter time,) small operational footprint on the ground (1 or 2 full size pick-up trucks,) a quick mount/dismount pod, quiet operation (the T-20 utilizes a modified four-stroke engine), and the ability to fly simultaneously with other payloads on the T-20, such as EO/IR.

    GeoDragon imagery is post-processed using automated 3D algorithms to rapidly generate large mapping and modeling datasets. Urban Robotics develops software and hardware solutions for 3D ISR, remote sensing and geospatial applications, including collection, post-processing, and data management.

    The T-20 is a runway independent, Tier II class, small tactical unmanned aerial vehicle with a technical readiness level (TRL) 9.  The primary mission of the Arcturus UAV is intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. Typical missions include aerial mapping, drug interdiction, fire-fighting, border patrol, force protection, search and rescue, as well as military ISR. Payloads include full motion video from daylight and infrared cameras. Video is then transmitted by secure data link to mission commanders on the ground. An onboard GPS autopilot with waypoint navigation accepts multiple flight plans from the Ground Control Station, allowing the T-20 to return to a specified location autonomously after up to 16 hours of flight.

    The T-20 is powered by a 190cc an air-cooled, four-stroke, fuel injected engine. Carbon fiber composite construction used in the T-20 airframe allows for payloads up to 65 lbs.

  • Trimble Adds Unmanned Aircraft System to Ag Portfolio for Aerial Mapping

    Trimble UX5 Mapping UAS
    Trimble UX5 Mapping UAS

    Trimble has added its Trimble UX5 unmanned aircraft system (UAS) to its agriculture product portfolio for aerial imaging and mapping. The Trimble UX5 system can enable ag service providers to capture aerial images for scouting and monitoring crop health such as detecting pests, weeds and nitrogen deficiencies.

    The system also can locate cattle and their available forage over large areas, measure crop height, and generate topographic maps and models for land leveling and drainage applications.

    As a result, the system provides farmers’ advisors — agronomists, Trimble resellers, and other ag service providers — with a powerful data collection tool that can aid with recommendations to improve farming operations.

    The UX5 system flies at 80 kilometers/hour (50 mph) and is stable in significant crosswinds and light rain. In a single 50-minute flight, the system can cover a two square kilometer (0.8 square mile) area at five centimeter (two-inch) image resolution. It comes with a camera modified to capture the near-infrared spectrum, which helps in deducing vegetation indexes for crop health assessment. The UX5 system can capture a variety of images to be processed post flight. The output of a single flight provides geo-referenced precision images, a digital surface model (DSM) showing elevations as a color image, and a dense 3D point cloud that includes elevations.

    “The addition of the Trimble UX5 system strengthens our agriculture product portfolio and enables us to provide a solution that benefits a broad range of customers including 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 locate problem areas to be addressed. The faster a problem area is discovered, the better the chance it can be evaluated and resolved before crop yield is impacted.”

    Trimble provides training for system operators and their observers, which focuses on safety precautions and the application of the Trimble UX5 system for maximum success. The Trimble UX5 system is available from authorized agriculture distribution partners and is subject to regulations and restrictions defined by local civil aviation authorities. Unmanned aircraft systems are not allowed to be flown in some regions or for certain applications.

  • Garmin Golf Introduces Two Touchscreen Handhelds

    Garmin Golf Introduces Two Touchscreen Handhelds

    Garmin Approach G8,
    Garmin Approach G8,

    Garmin International has introduced two new handhelds geared for the golf aficionado, including a new top-of-the-line model, the Approach G8.

    The Approach G7 and G8 golf handhelds have color touchscreens, more than 30,000 preloaded international courses, a rechargeable battery capable of multiple rounds, and new measurement features such as PlaysLike Distance, which shows adjusted range for uphill and downhill shots.

    For golfers who prefer to leave their smartphones in their bags, the new Approach handhelds offer Smart Notification technology, which lets the user pair a compatible iPhone 4S or later to receive emails, texts, and call alerts on the device (Android compatibility is expected in the second quarter of this year). The devices are also compatible with Garmin Connect, so users can upload their scores and track their progress over time.

    Both the Approach G7 and G8 incorporate the new measurement feature PlaysLike Distance, which adjusts distances for uphill and downhill shots, so players get the most accurate yardage measurements. Both devices also offer Club Advice, which remembers how far users hit each club and makes recommendations based on shot distances.

    Another new feature in the G7 and G8 golf handhelds is the Big Numbers mode, so users can easily see the vital information they need without squinting or reading glasses.

    The Approach G7 and G8 handhelds come preloaded with more than 30,000 international courses, with no extra subscriptions or fees. Both devices give precise distance to the front, back and center of the green, as well as layup and dogleg distances. Both devices have a rechargeable battery that plays an entire weekend of golf (15 hours) on a single charge.

    The Approach G7 and G8 double as digital scorecards with scoring options for Stroke Play, Stableford, Skins and Match Play with adjustable handicaps. Users can save, review, share and print scores for up to four players. With the vibrant screen, the G7 and G8 offer colorful layup arcs at 100, 150, 200 and even 250 yards, so users know exactly how far to hit when laying up.

    The Touch Targeting feature lets users touch any point on the display, and will give the precise distance to that exact spot, no matter if it is on the fairway, a hazard, a landing area, or even the front, middle or back of the green.

    Like other Approach devices, the G7 and G8 have Green View, which allows users to zero in on a map of the green and manually position the pin in order to get the most accurate yardages. There is also an advanced Stat Tracking feature in the G7 and G8, which keeps track of fairways hit, greens in regulation and putts per round. These stats can be viewed during the round, or can be downloaded afterwards.

    The premium Approach G8 also provides blind shot assistance with the new PinPointer feature, which shows the user the exact center of the green even if it’s not visible, and points them in the right direction for more accurate blind shots. Additionally, it adds Wi-Fi, so the G8 will automatically update courses when connected to Wi-Fi at no additional cost. The G8 rounds out the Approach family as the top-of-the-line golf handheld from Garmin.

    New to the Garmin golf lineup, the Approach G7 and G8 will now be compatible with Garmin Connect. With the recent revamp of the online community, owners with Approach G7 and G8 will be able to upload, analyze and share their scorecards, as well as other data like fairways hit, greens in regulation, shot distance and number of putts. Users can keep track of whom they’ve played against, and who won each round. They can analyze course data, and see hole-by-hole details to understand their own trends and tendencies to improve their game. This is great to track users’ progress and improvements over time for every course they play.

    Rugged, and with a water rating of IPX7, the Approach G7 and G8 are durable enough to withstand a rainstorm, or users’ golf bags without fear of damage. The Approach G7 and G8 will be available in Q1 2014. The Approach G7 will retail for $299.99 and the Approach G8 will retail for $399.99, and will be available at specialty golf retailers, golf course pro-shops and on garmin.com.

  • Spirent Federal Offers Training Conference in March

    GNSS simulation expert Spirent Federal is inviting users to “a rigorous and thorough” one-and-a-half-day training conference, including a half-day of For Official Use Only (FOUO) sessions, set for March 26-27 in Salt Lake City.

    The 2014 Spirent Federal GNSS Training Conference features hands-on training led by Spirent engineers on its latest GNSS simulation equipment. FOUO sessions will be held on Thursday, March 27, for U.S. citizens only.

    Topics covered include:

    • SVN49 anomaly simulation
    • Utilizing remote control and motion
    • Advanced modeling and simulation techniques
    • Differential GPS and augmentation systems
    • Multi-GNSS constellation testing
    • Integrated GPS/inertial testing (FOUO Session)
    • M-code simulation (FOUO Session)
    • CRPA testing (FOUO Session)

    General sessions will be held Wednesday and Thursday, March 26-27. FOUO sessions will be held Thursday, March 27.

    For information and to register, visit the event website.

  • Canadian Army to Test NovAtel’s GAJT GPS Anti-Jam Antenna

    Canadian Army to Test NovAtel’s GAJT GPS Anti-Jam Antenna

    NovAtel-GAJT_antenna
    NovAtel’s GAJT-700ML anti-jamming antenna.

    Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC) has selected NovAtel’s GAJT-700ML antenna for testing on Canadian Army armored vehicles. The GAJT-700ML, developed in Calgary at NovAtel’s global headquarters, is a single-unit GPS anti-jam antenna system for land vehicles.

    The testing is being conducted through PWGSC’s Build in Canada Innovation Program (BCIP).

    NovAtel was selected to participate under the BCIP’s “safety and security” priority area. PWGSC will procure a number of GAJT-700MLs on behalf of the Department of National Defense (DND). The Directorate of Land Requirements (DLR) — with the assistance of the Quality Engineering Test Establishment (QETE) and the Land Force Trials and Evaluation Unit (LFTEU) — will oversee all testing on DND’s behalf.

    Field testing, centered on battlefield days, is expected to take place in early March of 2014 at 4th Canadian Division Support Garrison Petawawa. The battlefield days will analyze the performance of GAJT on the Artillery Observation Post Variants (OPV) of the Light Armored Vehicle III (LAV III) in operational conditions to confirm the suitability and robustness of GAJT-700ML for this role. The process is expected to be completed by the end of March.

    “NovAtel has worked closely with Canadian and Allied defence agencies to test the resilience of the GAJT-700ML in challenging jamming environments,” said Jason Hamilton, vice president, Marketing and Product Management. “The BCIP program provides an opportunity to expand this testing to incorporate end user soldier feedback on the installation and operational effectiveness of GAJT during battlefield usage of the LAV OPV. This invaluable feedback will be used by NovAtel to further drive product innovation in support of Canada and its Allied partners.”

    “The Canadian Army requires accurate, secure and reliable access to Global Positioning Systems to conduct operations throughout the full spectrum of conflict in all potential theatres of operation,” said Colonel Andrew Jayne, Director Land Requirements. “With the ever-increasing demands on the electromagnetic spectrum and threat of harmful interference, technologies which contribute to the assurance of position and timing information are a critical enabler of Army and Canadian Armed Forces operations in today and tomorrow’s operating environment.”

    GAJT is a null-forming technology that negates jammers, ensuring the satellite signals necessary to compute position and time are always available. Three categories of GAJT are manufactured by NovAtel:

    • GAJT-700ML: for use with military land vehicles, networks and timing infrastructure
    • GAJT-700MS: for marine vessels, from small boats to capital ships
    • GAJT-AE: for use with an external antenna in size and weight constrained applications

    The BCIP was created by the Government of Canada to strengthen Canadian innovation. The program offers procurement and testing of pre-commercialized products and services, at a late stage of development. The BCIP:

    • Bridges the “pre-commercialization gap”
    • Supports Canadian suppliers by connecting innovators and government users and by testing innovations
    • Provides real-world evaluation of pre-commercial goods and services
    • Improves the efficiency and effectiveness of government operations

  • Hexagon Enters into Agreement with Topcon for TerraStar Network

    Hexagon AB and Topcon have announced an agreement for Hexagon to purchase Veripos, which operates a network of more than 80 GNSS reference stations through its subsidiary TerraStar.

    The regulatory announcement explains that Hexagon, Topcon Europe B.V. and Topcon Corporation have entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) related to Veripos, Inc. Hexagon Acquisition Ltd., an indirectly wholly owned subsidiary of Hexagon, has made an unconditional cash offer for all outstanding shares in Veripos not already owned by Hexagon Acquisition Ltd. Hexagon Acquisition Ltd. owns and has received acceptances and pre-acceptances for a total of 9,980,630 shares, representing 30.1 per cent of the outstanding shares in Veripos.

    Under the MoU, Hexagon would establish a customer agreement between Topcon and Veripos, under which Topcon will act as a reseller of the satellite broadcast correction signal offered by Veripos. This “TerraStar Agreement” between Veripos and Topcon is intended to be an agreement with TerraStar GNSS Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Veripos and the contractual partner for all resellers and customers of the on-shore services. Under the TerraStar Agreement, Topcon will be entitled to offer the signal to its customers and to make its products compatible with the signal.

    Also under the MoU, Hexagon and Topcon will establish a separate joint venture company on an equal partner basis for the purposes of pursuing joint efforts and cooperation in relation to the future development and direction of the services provided under the TerraStar Agreement.

    GNSS receiver manufacturers who are partners with TerraStar include NovAtel, Altus Positioning Systems, and Septentrio Satellite Navigation.

    The acceptance period for the unconditional cash offer expires on January 29, subject to further extensions but not beyond February 7.

  • Eight Inches or Less: On the Road to High Accuracy for Automated Driving

    Eight Inches or Less: On the Road to High Accuracy for Automated Driving

    Janice Partyka
    Janice Partyka

    From CES to the Detroit Auto Show, it has been a big month for in-car connectivity that enables vehicle diagnostics, streaming entertainment, telematics and navigation. Ford, GM, Google and Audi unveiled new connected vehicle platforms and features, and AT&T stole the carrier limelight with LTE Connected Services.

    Plus, two industry giants announced that they are working to enable vehicles to continuously record road position at accuracies of eight inches or less. Shoppers are becoming more open to sharing their personal location with retailers. And the U.S. GAO issued a report on location privacy related to vehicle technology and applications. It has been a busy month.

    The first mass-marketed connected vehicle system was Ford Sync, which now boasts one million users and seems poised to grow rapidly with the release of an updated version. The Mustang will be the first of the company’s models with the new Ford Sync, which lets drivers use voice to activate iPhone and Android apps. New voice activated apps include Parkmobile, a parking space finder, and the Domino app, which lets me command my car to order a pizza, just the way I like it. GM announced its first LTE-enabled vehicles for about 10 of its models. Fast connectivity in vehicles will transform in-car experiences and hopefully not kill us.

    Carrier Ringmaster. AT&T wrangled itself into the center ring of car connectivity announcements. The carrier has won a multi-year exclusive agreement to enable Telsa with high speed connectivity. Despite Audi’s collaborative relationship with T-Mobile, AT&T was able to steal some work away from T-Mobile by getting a deal to supply connectivity for some Audi models. AT&T has also teamed up with Ericsson, Amdocs, Jasper Wireless and others to create AT&T Drive, a mobile platform for developing LTE connected vehicle services.

    Pathway to a Jetson Car. Two industry biggies, Continental and Here, are working together to create an end-to-end connected high-precision mapping and vehicle system offering for OEMs. The system will serve as the basis of highly automated driving functionality with the first objective of continuously determining road position to within three to eight inches. That’s quite a task. The maps will include road information that will feed vehicles with information to allow them to react to changing road conditions or speed limit changes, automatically. Continental was the first automotive supplier to be granted a test license for automated driving on public roads in Nevada.

    See Me Now. The percentage of consumers willing to share their current location via GPS with retailers nearly doubled year-over-year to 36 percent, according to a new IBM study of more than 300,000 global consumers. The study distinguished four distinct groups of consumers, differentiated by their interest in and use of social, location and mobile technologies while shopping. The largest group, 40 percent of shoppers, use social, location and mobile technologies, but don’t utilize them for buying products. The second largest group, almost 30 percent of shoppers, will use these technologies for making purchases. The rest of the shoppers sit on either pole of being tech laggards or hyper technology users.

    In-Car Privacy under the Microscope.  The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) has looked into privacy issues for in-car location-based services. The GAO examined how 10 companies are using location data and if they share it, and how the policies and practices of these companies align with industry recommended privacy practices. Each of the companies stated that they do not share personally identifiable location data with marketing companies or data brokers. The GAO found that not all of the companies were following industry recommended privacy policies. The report was prepared for the Senate Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology and the Law of the Judiciary Committee. The companies that the GAO chose to examine included TeleNav (ScoutGPS Navigation), Google Maps (Navigation), TomTom (LIVE Services), Garmin Traffic, Ford Sync, Chrysler UConnect, Honda AcuraLink, GM OnStar, Toyota (Lexus Enform and Toyota Entune), and Nissan Infiniti Connection and CARWINGS.

    Retailers are Getting Closer. Qualcomm has made its Gimbal proximity beacons commercially available, which are reportedly accurate to one foot and work indoors and outdoors. Gimbal is a proximity platform for brands to engage customers’ mobile devices with contextual communication, using a combination of physical location, activity, time and personal interests. The intent is to increase the relevance of content delivered to end users’ devices to allow retailers, content providers and developers to send personalized high-value content to mobile devices.