Tag: mobile app

GrabMaps in Singapore tests high-accuracy GPS system
Grab Singapore has launched a pilot program that uses high-accuracy lane-level GPS positioning to enhance the navigation experience for its driver and delivery partners in Singapore.

The pilot — rolled out in collaboration with Oppo, Qualcomm Technologies and Swift Navigation — also marks the first deployment of high-accuracy GPS positioning on mobile phones and app integration in Southeast Asia, delivering unprecedented outdoor location accuracy for Grab’s partners.

Grab is a leading app in Southeast Asia, operating across the deliveries, mobility and digital financial services sectors. It enables location-based services in more than 800 cities in eight Southeast Asian countries: Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

As part of its ongoing efforts to enhance the GrabMaps navigation experience, Grab continually explores new technologies to help improve accuracy and reliability for its driver and delivery partners. In dense urban environments such as Singapore’s high-rise buildings, multi-level roads, and underground networks can degrade standard GPS accuracy above 20 m, complicating navigation between pick-ups and drop-offs, and reducing ETA accuracy.

By bringing together leading technology partners to create an advanced navigation system, Grab’s driver- and delivery-partners can now pinpoint their location with higher accuracy, improving navigation efficiency in GPS-challenging environments, while enabling smoother pick-ups and reduced cancellations.

The pilot taps on the individual expertise of the following partners:
- OPPO, which provides its Find N5 foldable phone with dual-frequency GNSS capable of supporting the latest positioning technology.
- Qualcomm Technologies, which activates the Meter-Level Positioning for Mobile featured in the Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform that powers the OPPO Find N5, enabling real-time GPS correction signals.
- Swift Navigation, which provides its cloud-based Skylark Precise Positioning Service that uses advanced atmospheric modeling to correct GPS signal errors and deliver 10x greater positioning accuracy. Skylark is built on top of a network of ground reference stations operated in partnership with network operators around the world, including Singapore Land Authority (SLA). SLA operates the Singapore Satellite Positioning Reference Network (SiReNT) which provides Skylark with accurate GNSS data to enable precise positioning for last mile ride hailing and logistics in Singapore.
Together, these technologies power the pilot, with OPPO’s Find N5 foldable phone, Qualcomm Technologies’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform, and Swift Navigation’s Skylark working in concert to deliver precision navigation experiences.

With results of the pilot, Grab plans to extend the enhanced positioning capability to its proprietary Karta devices in the near future — broadening access to precise navigation technology and ensuring more driver and delivery partners can benefit from it over time.
November 11, 2025
Hexagon releases platform for defense mobile apps

Image: Hexagon

Hexagon’s Safety, Infrastructure & Geospatial division has released for Android defense applications. The platform is designed for the development of mobile applications for dismounted soldiers in the field.

With LuciadCPillar, developers can build applications with 2D and 3D views. It features military symbology and supports many geospatial data types including vector data, raster data, elevation data, point clouds and 3D meshes. It has the same capabilities found in desktops, in-vehicle and browser applications built with LuciadLightspeed, LuciadCPillar and LuciadRIA.

The platform offers capabilities to match high-resolution screens, graphic processing units and multi-core processors including the ability to display 3D data in mobile applications. LuciadCPillar supports ARM processors and an application programming interface, which aligns with the Android developer experience.

Impact, a French system integrator, partnered with Hexagon to test LuciadCPillar and will integrate it into its Delta Suite product, which is used by the French Special Operations Command.

LuciadCPillar is part of Luciad 2022.1, which is available now globally.

February 13, 2023
Global Mapper Mobile expands GNSS device communication

Global Mapper Mobile version 2.3 with the Pro Module expands GNSS compatibility with TCP/IP communication and includes new field analysis tools

Photo: Blue Marble Geographics

Blue Marble Geographics has announced that Global Mapper Mobile version 2.3 provides additional options for connecting with GNSS receivers.

The Global Mapper Mobile Pro Module has always included the ability to connect to external GPS devices, but version 2.3 expands this to include support for any GNSS device that uses TCP/IP communication. Additionally, this mobile update provides Global Mapper analysis tools for volume calculation and viewshed for terrain data.

The mobile application of Global Mapper allows users to take the desktop functionality and existing data into the field for easy and accurate data collection and light processing. Since 2016, Global Mapper Mobile has been a user-friendly tool for capturing field data with portable iOS and Android mobile devices.

Version 2.3, available in both the free and Pro versions, adds many updates and improvements to the application, including the option to record and save voice memos to vector features and add multiple field-captured images to a feature. Autosave now prevents the loss of changes made to a map.

“Expanding user functionality in the field was the main focus of this release. Users of the base version of the application can utilize voice memos and the ability to save multiple photos to features for a more complete recording of field data,“ said Jeffrey Hatzel, Global Mapper Mobile product manager. “The Pro Module adds TCP/IP communication for external GNSS devices, expanding the list of compatible third-party devices. The addition of tools for volume calculation, viewshed analysis, and expanded projection support allows for even more workflows to be completed within the app.”

August 26, 2022
Orbit Logic adds augmented reality to SpyMeSat

Photo: Orbit Logic

Orbit Logic’s SpyMeSat mobile app (available via the Apple App Store and Google Play) now includes an augmented reality (AR) interface for better awareness of overflying imaging satellites. The AR view overlays the orbit and position of satellites that can image your location, providing a better understanding of satellite viewing geometry and potential obstructions. For example, it makes it possible to know if an image taken by that satellite of your position would be obscured by a tree or a building. The AR interface also displays relevant information about the satellite and its capabilities, including the timing and dynamic geometry of the pass as well as the resolution achievable by satellite sensors.

In addition to real-time imaging satellite awareness, SpyMeSat provides on-demand access to recent archive satellite imagery and the ability to request new tasking directly from a mobile device. Multi-phenomenology data (optical, infrared, synthetic aperture radar, and more) is available through an in-app process of preview, select, payment, and delivery that can be completed in seconds, providing archived satellite imagery for any location on demand. When archive imagery is insufficient and new data is required, users can review available satellites, better understand the data collection environment through the AR interface, and purchase tasking based on cost, responsiveness, and capability.

While the standard SpyMeSat enables marketplace interactions between the public and commercial satellite imagery providers, Orbit Logic also develops custom mobile applications for better situational awareness and easier data-access/tasking supporting specific missions. The new AR interface will enhance these users’ mission effectiveness by facilitating better understanding of how data collection might be impacted by surrounding terrain or other spatial factors. Examples of bespoke SpyMeSat deployments include government versions for government assets and versions for awareness of satellite communications opportunities for contact scheduling, data transfer, and command uplink.

Orbit Logic specializes in mission planning and scheduling solutions for aerospace and geospatial intelligence. Its COTS products create better plans faster with fewer resources for all mission phases. Orbit Logic services are available to configure, customize, and integrate its mobile, web-based, desktop, and flight software applications to provide turn-key operational solutions that leverage the latest available technologies to meet customer goals and exceed their expectations.

September 7, 2021
GMV creates mobile app to for safe return to work

Technology multinational GMV has launched Covclear, a mobile app to ensure a safer and more efficient return to work after the COVID-19 lockdown.

The application helps to make sure offices will be a safe workplace while minimizing the risk posed to the health of employees or other persons who are working in open workplaces in an environment of maximum safety and protection.

The app is collaborative and relies on a principle of co-responsibility between the company and its employees to protect their own health and the health of their relatives and workmates.

Covclear integrates all the following in a single platform: a daily medical health check of all employees; recording of trips to restricted sites; contact tracing within the firm; control of office access by means of temperature readings; quarantine management; and control of site occupancy. It also publishes the company’s healthcare crisis rules.

First and foremost, it offers a self-check prepared by clinicians to assess the state of people and pinpoint any contagion risk before they commute to work. On the basis of employees’ daily responses, the app determines their risk level on their own phone, generating a workplace accessing QR color code.

A red code would trigger automatic three-day contract tracing, giving all these contacts instant and anonymous warning so they can act accordingly. All this is conducive to the ongoing safety of all work colleagues.

Covclear also allows for management of site occupancy, assigning days of on-site working to employees and thereby ensuring maintenance of optimum occupancy levels in places with a large number of workstations.

The app developed by GMV has been designed to protect information at source, thereby guaranteeing data-protection compliance at all times. The company will have access only to the QR code color for carrying out the corresponding access control and to gain an overview of the company’s state of health.

Covclear, which is already successfully up and running in some company offices, springs from the company’s own safety needs. It has been set up in only a few weeks thanks to the company’s wealth of expertise in the development of technology and mobile apps.

At the same time, and mindful that it could be useful for third parties, GMV is also making this app available to its clients and suppliers and to any other firm that might be in need of such safe going-back-to-work services.

Covclear includes four applications: iOS and Android user apps, an Android personnel access control app, and an administration web tool for the company. The data is kept in totally dependable, GDPR-compliant cloud servers.

June 23, 2020
Mapping tool helps LA County residents find food resources

Screenshot: FoodFinder

The non-profit 211 LA County and Slingshot Aerospace have unveiled an online mapping tool that allows users to quickly identify and locate more than 2,000 food resources within the county during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

211 LA County is a non-profit organization providing the official information and referral source for health and human services in LA County. Slingshot Aerospace is a situational intelligence platform company,

The customized tool, called 211 LA FoodFinder, is powered by Slingshot Earth and is the biggest and only food map that allows LA residents to search for resources by location and view services specific to seniors, children and others, enabling individuals to find aid near them faster. Resources within the FoodFinder are free, with the exception of those with suggested donations or delivery service fees.

LA County residents will be able to identify different types of available food resources, such as child nutrition, meal services, groceries/food pantries, senior food needs and government food benefits programs.

The platform also provides location details, hours of operation and contact information for each of the services. 211 LA County is currently experiencing a tenfold increase in website traffic related to food resources compared to pre-COVID timeframes.

The organization anticipates the robust application to service nearly 30,000 LA County constituents over the next quarter, many of which may not have prior experience with food assistance.

“Food resources are the biggest need people are contacting us about since the COVID-19 pandemic hit LA County,” said Maribel Marin, executive director, 211 LA County. “With so many people out of work, the need for food is going to get progressively more intense, but people shouldn’t worry because there are lots of resources and ways to access them. Our custom Slingshot Earth food locator provides our community with a one-stop-shop for food resource information, helping to provide peace of mind to those who need food assistance during this unprecedented time.”

211 LA County’s customized Slingshot Earth mapping tool aggregates food resources and service data from multiple public and private sources so that individuals have the right information, at the right time, all in one place. The data is verified and updated regularly to ensure that Los Angeles County residents have the most up to date information as guidelines and offerings continue to evolve.

“This work to help 211 LA County provide critical food service information in our community is so meaningful to us because we are driven by a vision to create a safer, more sustainable world,” said Mel Stricklan, Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer, Slingshot Aerospace. “Our business was founded on the idea that information is power, especially in complex situations. The COVID-19 pandemic is uncharted territory for all of us, and we are happy to do our small part in navigating these tough times by providing essential information to those who need it most.”

June 11, 2020
WHO Health Alert brings COVID-19 facts to billions via WhatsApp

Image: wildpixel/iStock/Getty Images Plus/Getty Images

The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a messaging service with partners WhatsApp and Facebook to keep people safe from coronavirus.

The messaging service has the potential to reach 2 billion people and enables WHO to get information directly into the hands of the people that need it.

From government leaders to health workers and family and friends, this messaging service will provide the latest news and information on coronavirus including details on symptoms and how people can protect themselves and others. It also provides the latest situation reports and numbers in real time to help government decision-makers protect the health of their populations.

The service can be accessed through a link that opens a conversation on WhatsApp. Users can type “hi” to activate the conversation, prompting a menu of options that can help answer their questions about COVID-19.

The WHO Health Alert was developed in collaboration with Praekelt.Org, using Turn machine learning technology.

Check out more of GPS World‘s coverage of coronavirus here.

March 21, 2020
MGISS launches web app for visualization of buried assets

Image: MGISS

MGISS, a U.K. geospatial specialist, has released a new version of its web app TopoGrafi that allows for the display of 3D data in real-world models. With enhanced 3D data processing capabilities, TopoGrafi is an end-to-end platform for capturing buried asset data and processing it for augmented reality visualizations.

Aimed at the utility and infrastructure sectors, TopoGrafi is helping organizations in water and highway sectors enhance asset location data, improve on-site safety and reduce construction and maintenance costs.

Designed to be used alongside apps such as Esri Collector for ArcGIS, the TopoGrafi platform uses GNSS data.

It applies near-real-time conversions, transforming the recorded positions to local reference systems and aligning it with high-accuracy mapping including Ordnance Survey MasterMap.

The TopoGrafi toolkit also includes functionality to “snap” 3D features to each other and to other spatially referenced data, in order to create a true 3D model that can then be used to create Augmented Reality visualizations accessible from the desktop or in the field.

March 4, 2020
Skyward InFlight adds operations planning, LAANC to UAV app

Skyward has updated its InFlight mobile ground control system app. It now offers operation planning and mobile LAANC requests.

In October, Skyward released a major update to its airspace intelligence map on both web and mobile platforms. The update included a new airspace design, clear LAANC grids, and a redesigned user experience.

It also integrated essential ground intelligence, including information on transmission lines, pedestrian walking paths, and 1 million vertical obstacles, as well as 3D views of key structures.

The new features announced this month include the ability to create and plan flights from mobile device. Users can now plan flight areas, check airspace and deploy without leaving InFlight, directly from the airspace intelligence map.

Users can now also make LAANC requests in the field to give users faster, greater access to controlled airspace. With LAANC, users can request access to airspace around airports and receive authorizations in near real time.

November 25, 2019
Seen & Heard: Animals crossing, Tesla, search and rescue

“Seen & Heard” is a monthly feature of GPS World magazine, traveling the world to capture interesting and unusual news stories involving the GNSS/PNT industry.

Photo: i viewfinder/Shutterstock.com

It’s their land, too

Animal tracking is helping biologists see how many animals rely on wildlife crossings over or under highways. In the United States, specially designed crossings protect pronghorn antelope (Wyoming), panthers (Florida), mule deer (Nevada), moose (Utah) and grizzly and black bears (Montana), while crossings in Asia benefit rhinos, tigers and elephants. With crossings, mortality drop as much as 90%, says The Washington Post. In New Mexico, state agencies and tribes are tagging animals with GPS collars to identify roads that hinder migration. Meanwhile, engineers in Southern California are designing the world’s largest animal crossing, an $87 million overpass that will span a 10-lane Los Angeles freeway for the region’s mountain lions.

Tesla, come to me

Photo: Tesla

The new Tesla Smart Summon feature in Autopilot v10 autonomously drives the car to meet its owner, such as in a parking lot. Smart Summon has been used more than 550,000 times, Tesla CEO Elon Musk said on Twitter. But it has a few glitches: Owner tests have resulted in fender-benders, near crashes, ignored stop signs and a police run-in. And don’t test it with another Tesla nearby — the cars get confused.

Help, I’m shark bait!

Photo: European GNSS Agency

The Galileo Search and Rescue (SAR) service was demonstrated Sept. 26 off the coast of Belgium. In Operation Shark Bait, a volunteer “victim” — Australian broadcaster Tara Foster — operated her Galileo-enabled SAR beacon from a life raft off the port of Ostend. The service quickly triggered, with the rescue initiated in under four minutes.

Wheelchair navigation

A new app launched in Portsmouth, England, helps people with limited mobility plan their travel routes. The Route4U pavement navigation app benefits both wheelchair and pram (stroller) users, allowing them to discover safer, more accessible routes across the city. The app indicates pavement obstacles, surface quality, curb heights and widths, inclines and travel distances.

November 19, 2019
Did the chicken you’re eating live a happy life?

Portlandia Prediction: Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein have a few questions about their chicken dinner. (Screenshot: IFC)

In 2011, the first-ever episode of a TV comedy called “Portlandia” debuted. In one sketch, concerned diners played by series stars Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein question their waitress about the origins of their chicken dinner.

The waitress shows the couple the chicken’s papers and photo — Colin the Chicken lived a free-range life on a four-acre woodland farm only 30 miles away, dining on sheep’s milk, soy and hazelnuts, in the company of his chicken friends. Unconvinced even by these details, the couple decides to drive to the farm to see it for themselves.

Enter GoGo Chicken

In a case of comedy becoming reality, Chinese insurance company ZhongAn Online has outfitted more than a 100,000 chickens with GPS trackers. People who buy a chicken with a tracker strapped to its leg will know every step that that chicken has taken. Using a smartphone app called GoGo Chicken, customers can monitor the animal’s diet, exercise and environment.

The company says its technology will be on 2,500 farms in China by next year. It is also working on facial-recognition technology so that consumers can make sure the organic chicken they saw on the farm is the same one that ends up on their plate.

While this all sounds a bit much for many of us who grew up on Chicken McNuggets, there is a practical side. The company hopes GPS tracking will help prevent food safety problems, such as a 2014 crisis in China in which a supplier was caught selling rotting and expired meats to fast-food chains. In the event an issue does arise, the data tracked by the devices could help find the source of the problem.

April 4, 2019
FAA partners with Kittyhawk to improve drone app B4UFLY

New app will improve the safety and reliability of drone flights across the United States.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has partnered with Kittyhawk to redevelop B4UFLY to further its safety mission and create a new and improved mobile application to help recreational drone operators learn where they can and can’t fly.

The project is being done at no cost to the FAA.

Photo: FAA

The B4UFLY app will continue to be available to the public until the new app is deployed. The data will continue to be updated, but no new features will be added.

“We want to provide drone pilots with the best tools possible so they fly safely and responsibly,” said Acting FAA Administrator Dan Elwell. “As drone sales increase and our nation’s airspace becomes busier and more complex, it’s vital that we work smarter and partner with the private sector to develop innovative products that advance safety.”

The FAA and Kittyhawk’s Feb. 13 agreement will provide the public with a simple, easy-to-understand mobile application that provides situational awareness for recreational drone pilots. The FAA and Kittyhawk plan to launch the new app later this year.

Kittyhawk is an enterprise drone operations software company and has been an FAA Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) UAS service supplier since October 2018.

February 27, 2019