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Transitioning to a Commercial Business Model
How Navsys Leverages Military Expertise for Business

The financial landscape is changing in a number of ways for a lot of GNSS businesses due to the U.S. government sequester and to a larger extent due to the U.S. reduction in military spending. The larger multinationals and prime contractors may have achieved pretty well diversified scope for their operations, and most have existing commercial products or operations where they can pump up resources and investment to improve their commercial market and product positioning. But a number of small businesses have discovered that their military and government clients of the past no longer have the same level of funding available for key projects. So their search is on for commercial opportunities, and the transition to a commercial business model may present a significant change in the way they operate.

Navsys Corporation in Colorado Springs is located just outside the gates of the U.S. Air Force Academy, so it’s not unusual that its customer base reflects a close association with the U.S. military and its prime contractors.

When someone in the military had a challenging GNSS or related technology problem in the past, it was often Navsys who was able to offer an innovative solution, through a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) proposal — and the company was actually awarded nine SBIR Phase II contracts over the last five years. Phase II SBIR contracts are designed to transition mil technology into commercial products either via government organizations or commercial outfits. Often in the past, prime contractors responding to a larger mil-spec requirement would also roll Navsys into their response when part of the requirement involved a GNSS navigation or related solution. So since 1989, the development of GNSS technology and products, and the publication of papers describing those technologies and products, have been pretty continuous at NAVSYS:
- Extended wide area differential GPS
- WAAS bent-pipe signal generator (SIGGEN)
- GPS/inertial video registration
- Digital beam-steering GPS receiver
- JLOC Jammer Detection and Location system
- Indoor location
- GPS phased sensor array
- Software-defined receiver
JLOC has been a long-term active government project for more than 10 years. SIGGEN technology has been part of Japan’s MSAS system for more than 10 years, and is an example of a successful product that has transitioned from government research into the commercial sector. And, of course, the first GPS-enabled cell phone, developed by Navsys Corporation, is now on display at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum’s Time and Navigation exhibition in Washington, D.C. Developed for the Colorado Department of Transportation’s Emergency Vehicle Location System Mayday platform in 1995, this important step in GPS history paved the way for positioning to become an integral component of today’s communications technology.

The complement of professionals on staff at Navsys has changed throughout the years, driven largely by how many projects were contracted at any one time, but the group has always had a very high standard of qualifications and experience and has inevitably exhibited a large degree of flexibility and creativity. Nowadays, moving to better align with commercial opportunities, Navsys helps companies solve challenging problems relating to GNSS, inertial, and simulation/testing. Cultivating business-to-business partnerships allows the company’s technical expertise to compliment and strengthen end-user products or applications. So companies are able to use Navsys as a technical resource for product development at a lower cost than developing their own in-house navigation solutions. And many of the technologies and core capabilities that they turn to stem from prior research and development into government and military applications. As projects mature, they transition into industry-leading products and services. Navsys’ industry partners and customers then go on to customize these capabilities into commercial applications in the marketplace.

One of the key technology/products that Navsys is pursuing includes InterNav modular GPS/inertial embedded software. It provides a real-time tightly coupled GPS/inertial solution that can be precisely aligned with additional sensors, including digital video products and laser rangefinders.

InterNav software provides geo-registration for SAFIRE. Photo: NAVSYS

InterNav software may be embedded into OEM applications including commercial-off-the-shelf GPS/INS systems, unmanned platform navigation and stabilization systems, and remote sensing geo-registration. The above graphic shows how InterNav provides highly accurate geo-registration for FLIR’s Star SAFIRE electro-optic imaging system.

With other key customers such as KVH also using InterNav in some of its integrated inertial products, Navsys appears to be well on its way to penetrating a market segment that has previously been a space occupied by companies such as Applanix, Teledyne, and iMAR.

Another area where Navsys has had some success is GNSS simulation and test. The GNSS Signal Architect product suite includes Simulation and Toolbox software and test-set hardware.

Photo: NAVSYS

Simulations of GPS or GLONASS are created based on static or dynamic scenarios. Users specify a complete set of simulation parameters, including receiver/satellite profiles and delay/noise error modeling. Playing back the simulation as an RF signal provides accurate and repeatable signals for GNSS receiver testing.

Signal architect user. Photo: NAVSYS

Toolbox includes a number of GNSS MATLAB utilities, including geographical, satellite geometry and receiver design/analysis tools. Test set is made up of a signal control unit computer and a software-defined radio and includes a wideband transceiver daughterboard.

Navsys has in the past provided extremely accurate GPS scenario generation software for end-user GPS simulator products, and the SatGen GNSS signal generator has also been released by Racelogic using Navsys Signal Architect Signal Simulation software.

Other technology/products currently in the works include Precision Geo-Registration and Remote Sensing, Geo-Referenced Imagery, Video-Aided Inertial Navigation and GNSS/Inertial Simulation.
- GPS/inertial InterNav technology has been used to develop Precision Geo-Registration and Remote Sensing, which extracts precise coordinates from video imagery without requiring any known data points. The key technology advantage is a precision GPS/inertial alignment technique that enables accurate camera alignment and aiming (<1 mrad attitude) using only low‐grade inertial sensors.
- Video-Aided Inertial Navigation uses an algorithm update technique that leverages image aiding from tracking ground points to further refine alignment accuracy. When combined with the GPS/inertial alignment algorithm, significantly improved alignment accuracy can be achieved over current GPS/inertial integration approaches.
Photo: NAVSYS

So, as defense spending continues to contract, Navsys and other similar companies with an existing “treasure chest” of technology created for previous military programs are successfully adapting. Not only are skillfully modified, repackaged or even further advanced technologies and products being brought to the commercial marketplace, but their approach to business development, marketing and sales is beginning to take on the face of commercial operations. Business plans, carefully chosen projects and internal investment are beginning to replace responses to Commerce Business Daily (CBD) and Federal Business Opportunities (FedBizOpps) as a way to conduct business. It’s a brave new commercial world out there and Navsys amongst others is ready, prepared and able to adapt and succeed.

Tony Murfin
GNSS Aerospace
June 18, 2013
A New MobileGIS Workflow: Trimble Goes Device-Agnostic

Earlier this week, I stepped outside of the box I’ve resided in for many years when I wrote a GPS World article about a specific product. It was unusual because for the more than seven years I’ve been writing for GPS World, I’ve never written specifically about a certain product. No, I’m not caving into advertiser (or potential advertiser) pressure or influence. I don’t play that game. I’ve chosen to write about specific products or services when I feel they represent significant industry changes.

Now, for Geospatial Solutions this week, I’m in the same predicament. So, for the second time in a week, I’m stepping outside of my box.

Since its incorporation, Trimble Navigation’s name has been synonymous with GPS devices. Its mission, at least to me, was to build GPS receivers and software solutions to sell its GPS receivers. Historically, the company has made it difficult for other companies to utilize their technology. I recall back in the 1990s when I was in charge of GPS mapping hardware/software for one of Trimble’s competitors. Trimble submeter GPS base stations blanketed the U.S. (and many parts of the world) and the company kept the data in the proprietary SSF format so that none of its competitors could use its base-station data. Trimble’s GPS/GIS ecosystem was closed to their competitors and their market share for GPS mapping devices (such as GeoExplorer or GeoXT/XH) dominated the GPS/GIS mapping industry. Trimble’s distribution channel thrived, which further contributed to its market dominance.

For a long time, the device-centric marketing strategy worked well for Trimble employees and shareholders. However, every party must come to an end, and this case is no exception.

In Trimble’s latest financial release (April 30, 2013), the company reported that GIS revenues declined in its third quarter and that “Non-GAAP operating margin was down primarily due to product mix in GIS sales.”

The days of high-end GNSS receivers dominating the GIS data-collection market are coming to an end. Yes, there will be some innovative new features like inertial positioning, MEMS and other positioning technologies that will allow manufacturers to command a higher price, but the cost of mainstream, high-precision GNSS devices is declining and will continue to decline. Furthermore, tablets and mobile phones muddy the waters as they are increasingly more powerful devices that can run powerful data-collection software.

What is Trimble doing about this?

This week, the company introduced the Trimble TerraFlex software ecosystem.

I saw a sneak preview of the concept a couple of months ago. When I saw it, I knew it was a paradigm shift from the classic Trimble device-centric ecosystem to a device-agnostic, workflow-centric ecosystem.

Translated: You can use any mobile device and/or GPS receiver of your choosing within Trimble’s TerraFlex ecosystem.

Perhaps the coolest feature of the software is that you can run it on an Apple (iOS 5 or later), Android (4.x or later), or Windows Mobile (6.5 or later) device. In these days of BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) to work, that’s a powerful feature. Support for Windows Phone devices is missing, but that’s understandable because of the lack of traction for those devices to this point.

TerraFlex supports iOS (5 or later), Android (4.x or later), and Windows Mobile (6.5 or later)

Of course, it’s still an ecosystem, so although the mobile apps are free, you must subscribe to Trimble’s cloud service ($250/year per user), much like using the free ArcGIS for Android/iOS/WindowsMobile apps requires an Esri cloud subscription. However, at $21/month it’s very affordable and flexible. Use any GPS/GNSS receiver you like and use the mobile device you are comfortable with.

With the desktop software, you can build the data-collection form for the mobile device, complete with attributing.

TerraFlex Form Editor for designing mobile device data-collection forms

In speaking with the Trimble marketing folks about the ecosystem, their intent is not only to reach the traditional people involved in GIS data collection, but also those who aren’t, such as a city public works crew, a utility worker, a construction worker or others who are already comfortable with the mobile device they carry. Will it work? Perhaps, but it will take someone at the enterprise level to assume the lead in designing the forms. Either way, it’s probably got the best potential to reach the non-GIS market that I’ve seen so far.

However, building a better mousetrap doesn’t always work. In 1960, Jerome McCarthy published Basic Marketing: A Managerial Approach, which discussed the four Ps of marketing: product, price, promotion, place (distribution). With geospatial technologies, especially geospatial hardware, place (distribution) has played an important role. In fact, dealer support can make or break a new product or deny a company access to the market. In thinking about Trimble, its mapping and GIS division (in its various forms) has built a strong dealer network over the past 20+ years, and salespeople in its distribution channel have been selling device-centric products since the beginning. This is going to be a serious issue in promoting Trimble’s TerraFlex software. Trimble dealer salespeople are accustomed to selling hardware, not services. Furthermore, Trimble dealers are accustomed to receiving 20 percent margin on GPS receivers that sell for thousands of dollars, and sales of those devices has been pretty easy due to Trimble’s market dominance. That won’t be the case with TerraFlex. It’s a new concept that will require the salesperson to sell the concept, not a device that one can hold in one’s hand. How seriously will salespeople promote a service that sells for $250/year per device? How can one convince and transform a dealer salesforce from being device-centric to workflow-centric? That task may be more difficult to accomplish than the effort it took to design and write the TerraFlex software.

Thanks, and see you next time.

Follow me on Twitter at https://twitter.com/GPSGIS_Eric

Webinar This Thursday

Nightmare on GIS Street: GNSS Accuracy, Datums and Geospatial Data

Date: Thursday, June 20, 2013
Time: 10 a.m. PDT / 1 p.m. EDT / 6 p.m. GMT

Summary: A look at the challenge of dealing with horizontal datums in your GIS. We are moving into a new era in dealing with datum transformations. Geodata 2.0 is coming, and it can create big headaches when attempting to combine disparate geospatial databases. Sensors such as GPS receivers, remote sensing imagery, and 3D scanning provide much more accurate data, setting up a collision with outdated and mismatched legacy horizontal datums.

Speakers:

Kevin Kelly, Geodesist, ESRI, Inc.
Kevin Kelly is a Geodesist with ESRI in Redlands, California where he researches and implements geodetic algorithms and applications for the ArcGIS software. His experience spans over 35 years in hydrography, geodesy, surveying and most recently, geographic information systems. He has held the posts of Manager of Geodetic Services for the Province of Ontario, Chief Geodesist for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Military Survey Department and Senior Project Surveyor for The Keith Companies (now Stantec, Inc.). Mr. Kelly received a Master of Applied Science in Geodesy at the University of Toronto, Canada and holds an Honors Diploma in Hydrographic Surveying Technology from Humber College in Toronto. He is also a licensed Geodetic Surveyor in the Province of Ontario, Canada.

Craig Greenwald, Technical Director, GeoMobile Innovations
Craig Greenwald is the Technical Director and a principal at GeoMobile Innovations Inc. He has worked in the GPS and Mobile GIS industry for over 13 years, including seven years for GIS software leader, ESRI and is well known for his work on the ESRI ArcPad team. Craig leads the GeoMobile software development and consulting team specializing in Mobile GIS and field data collection applications and technology providing Mobile GIS software, consulting, and training services to GeoMobile Innovations? clients. Craig has real world experience designing, implementing, and consulting on all sizes of projects, ranging from local campground trash mapping to the U.S. national census, and has been a key developer in GeoMobile?s commercial applications such as LaserGIS for ArcPad and Geo-Photo Inventory Tool for Garmin GPS solutions.

Michael L. Dennis, RLS, PE, Geodesist, NOAA
Michael L. Dennis, RLS, PE, is a geodesist at NOAA’s National Geodetic Survey (NGS) where his duties include analysis of geometric (“horizontal”) and vertical datums; evaluation of data processing and survey network adjustment procedures; development and promotion of standards and guidelines; integration of NGS products and services with GIS; and public outreach. Mr. Dennis is also a registered professional engineer and surveyor with private sector experience, including ownership of a consulting and surveying firm. Mr. Dennis is an officer of the American Association for Geodetic Surveying (AAGS), an American Congress on Surveying and Mapping (ACSM) Fellow, and a member of the Arizona Professional Land Surveyors Association and the Geomatics Division of the American Society of Civil Engineers.

Moderator:

Eric Gakstatter, Editor of Geospatial Solutions Monthly and Survey Scene
Eric Gakstatter has been involved in the GPS/GNSS industry for more than 20 years. For 10 years, he held several product management positions in the GPS/GNSS industry, managing the development of several medium- and high-precision GNSS products along with associated data-collection and post-processing software.

REGISTER TODAY!

June 18, 2013
Tallysman Wireless Wideband Dual-Feed GPS L1/GLONASS/ Galileo Antennas

Photo: Tallysman

Tallysman Wireless announces the TW4421 and TW1421 antennas, which offer a step forward in performance for small GNSS antennas, the company said.

The TW4421 is a low-cost dual-feed magnetic mount antenna covering the GPS L1, GLONASS L1, Galileo and SBAS (WAAS, EGNOS & MSAS) frequency band (1574 to 1606 MHz). The TW4421 features a 25-millimeter dual-feed wideband patch element that provides excellent multipath rejection with a more linear carrier phase response, by virtue of a low axial ratio across the full frequency bandwidth, Tallysman said. It is especially suitable for high accuracy applications, and also offers high out-of-band signal rejection.

The TW4421 is housed in a compact IP67 magnetic mount enclosure and is available with a wide range of connector options.

The TW1421 embedded antenna is lightweight (30 gm) and features a very small footprint (35 mm diameter x 7.25 mm). The TW1421 is suited for use in applications where performance and small size are of paramount importance, such as extreme-sport-wearable tracking devices and UAVs.

“Most small low-cost GPS/GLONASS/Galileo antennas are narrow-band devices with an elliptically polarized response at the GPS and GLONASS frequencies,” said Gyles Panther CEO of Tallysman Wireless. “The TW4421/1421 antennas feature a 40-percent wider bandwidth patch, with a dual-feed structure, which provides unparalleled multipath rejection previously only available in much larger, more expensive antennas.”

June 18, 2013
Trimble Announces TerraFlex Software, Cloud Services for GIS

Trimble has introduced TerraFlex, a new software and services platform to manage data collection activities for everyday geospatial projects. Trimble TerraFlex helps managers maintain control of the flow of geo-enabled field data, the company said.

According to the announcement, two essential components comprise the TerraFlex platform — cloud services and a mobile app. With an online data repository and streamlined toolset for creating custom form templates, TerraFlex Cloud services provide managers and team leaders with a centralized system to configure and manage the data collection process. In the field, the TerraFlex Mobile app provides a common interface for users of a range of common mobile and smart devices. The result is more flexibility in the field and streamlined integration of data into the office environment.

Trimble reports that regardless of the type of mobile device preferred — iOS, Android or Windows Mobile — the TerraFlex interface provides a consistent experience. For dedicated data collection activities, a user can choose a professional field device such as a Trimble Juno GPS handheld. For ad-hoc fieldwork, the user can also use a standard smartphone to access the same flexible form templates. Managers responsible for integrating field data can now be confident that all users, regardless of field hardware platform are following trusted field workflows.

With the evolution of smartphones, more field workers now have access to basic positioning technologies and can contribute to the geospatial initiative. Trimble TerraFlex provides an intuitive interface for capturing data in the field, standardizing workflows and streamlining integration of data with the office.

“With Trimble TerraFlex, organizations can deploy a common workflow to collect or inspect their assets,” said Daniel Wallace, general manager of Trimble’s GIS Data Collection Division. “Designed for simplicity in a mobile environment, Trimble TerraFlex can enable a new generation of field workers to contribute to geospatial initiatives.”

Regardless of whether mobile workers are using Trimble devices or smartphones, virtually everyone can be both a producer and consumer of geospatial data. With minimal or no training required for field crews, managers and project leaders can get diverse teams working together fast. All field data is captured via the cloud for integration into a GIS, database or mapping application.

Trimble TerraFlex is available online now. The Mobile apps are available in Apple’s App Store and Google’s Play store. TerraFlex is also available through Trimble’s authorized GIS and Survey distribution channels. To learn more about Trimble TerraFlex and register for a free 30-day trial of the system, visit www.trimble-terraflex.com.

June 18, 2013
NavCom Introduces StarFire Rapid Recovery

NavCom Technology, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Deere & Company, announced the release of new software for its Sapphire-based receivers, including the SF-3050, SF-3040, and LAND-PAK. The multi-frequency GNSS (GPS+GLONASS) receivers are now capable of supporting NavCom’s new StarFire Rapid Recovery feature, which allows users to quickly regain StarFire accuracy after short GNSS signal blockages caused by shading, bridges or other similar constraints. Other new features include support for proprietary GLONASS RTK correction messages from third party base stations and a new web server interface for the SF-3050.

“The functionality and capabilities gained from these new features allow our customers improved productivity in the field,” said Steve Ault, NavCom’s Product Manager. “Previously, users would have to wait out the traditional 45-minute pull-in delay when they lost the GNSS signal, but now, StarFire Rapid Recovery helps users ride through short GNSS signal outages of up to three minutes and regains 5cm StarFire accuracy within two minutes after entering StarFire mode. Our customers are now up and running within five minutes with StarFire Rapid Recovery, thereby increasing the maximum possible uptime.”

NavCom’s StarFire Network, a Global Satellite Based Augmentation System, provides five centimeter horizontal accuracy worldwide and the freedom and flexibility that a DGPS solution offers, NavCom said. Starfire offers 99.999% uptime, a seven-satellite constellation, and StarFire over IP (SFoIP) delivery for redundancy to ensure system availability and position accuracy.

StarFire Rapid Recovery and third-party GLONASS RTK are options available via a software update for all current StarFire receivers offered by NavCom’s global dealer network.

June 17, 2013
FCC Order Enables NextNav to Commence Commercial Operations

Photo: NextNav

On June 6, the FCC, following a unanimous vote of the commission, issued an order enabling NextNav, LLC to begin commercial operation of its advanced positioning network, which is designed to support 911 emergency first responders. NextNav is deploying its nationwide network using Part 90 Multilateration Location and Monitoring Service licenses that are held by its affiliate, Progeny LMS, LLC. NextNav has been operating a fully-deployed location network for trial, testing and other non-commercial purposes in the San Francisco Bay Area for more than three years.

“We are pleased that the Commission has unanimously approved our ability to enter into commercial service,” said Gary Parsons, CEO of NextNav. “The commission conducted an extremely thoughtful review of the technical characteristics of our innovative system, and this order will allow us to offer location services that have the potential to significantly enhance 911 and public safety applications.”

NextNav’s high-performance terrestrial positioning network is designed to complement GPS in urban areas and inside structures, places where GPS is significantly degraded or denied due to blockage of the fainter, satellite-based GPS signal. The FCC-chartered Communications Security, Reliability and Interoperability Council Working Group III found that NextNav’s system delivered 90 percent smaller search rings then existing technologies in challenging indoor urban environments, and was the only technology tested capable of providing floor-level height accuracy.

The operation of this system is significantly enhanced by its use of Part 90 M-LMS spectrum licenses, which are designated for the location of mobile devices. The spectrum licenses used by NextNav cover nearly all major U.S. urban centers and over 93 percent of the U.S. population.

June 17, 2013
Trimble Launches Unmanned Aircraft System for Photogrammetric Aerial Mapping

The Trimble UX5. Photo: Trimble

Trimble has introduced its next-generation Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) — the Trimble UX5 aerial imaging rover with the Trimble Access aerial imaging application. The new solution builds upon the strengths of its predecessor, the Trimble Gatewing X100, to offer enhanced image quality and intuitive workflows. Combined with the Trimble Business Center photogrammetry office software module, the Trimble UX5 is the a complete UAS photogrammetric mapping solution specifically designed for surveyors and geospatial professionals.

Trimble’s UAS for photogrammetric aerial mapping allows surveyors and geospatial professionals to collect data with an unmanned aircraft for large projects. A wide variety of traditional surveying applications such as topographic surveying, site and route planning, progress monitoring, volume calculations, disaster analysis and as-builts in industries such as surveying, oil and gas, mining, environmental services, and agriculture can now benefit from aerial imaging by allowing professionals to safely collect large amounts of accurate data in a short time.

“With the recent introduction of the Trimble Business Center photogrammetry module and now the Trimble UX5 and Trimble Access aerial imaging application, Trimble continues to pioneer the development of UAS photogrammetry data collection and integration for geospatial professionals,” said Erik Arvesen, vice president of Trimble’s Survey Division. “The complete solution represents a significant leap in efficiency, transforming traditional workflows with faster data collection, easier processing and enhanced deliverables.”

The new Trimble Access aerial imaging application is field software for planning UAS missions, performing flight checks and monitoring flights — all with intuitive workflows. The imaging application is used to define the project area, avoidance zones, and flight parameters as well as take-off and landing locations. In the field, it is used to perform pre- and post-flight checks and download the flight data and images after landing. The new wizard-like digital checklists give the operator a complete “to-do list” so critical steps are not bypassed or missed in the field that can enhance reliable and safe flights. The software also includes fixed post-flight procedures to ensure that operators do not leave the field with a dataset that is incomplete or inconsistent.

The Trimble UX5 can provide a safer method to collect data compared to traditional surveying methods, Trimble said. Flights are fully automated, from launch to landing, and require no piloting skills. The operator facilitates the aircraft’s operation and built-in safety procedures can ensure safe and successful launches. Data collection can be performed remotely without exposing individuals to hazardous terrain, environmental contaminants or heavy equipment and machinery.

The Trimble UX5 unmanned system in use at a construction site. Photo: Trimble

The Trimble UX5 aerial imaging rover has been designed to follow the latest developments in the “prosumer” camera market, providing optimal image quality along with maximum photogrammetric accuracy.

Incorporating a mirrorless 16-megapixel camera with a fixed focal-length external lens, the Trimble UX5 provides high-resolution imagery and accurate deliverables. The large field of view from the camera allows the UX5 to cover 50-75 percent more area to enhance efficiency and reduce operational costs. In addition to the increase in flight efficiency, the Trimble UX5 is capable of producing 3D surface deliverables with a ground sampling distance of approximately 2.4 centimeters (approximately 1.0 inch).

Designed to operate in real-world conditions, the Trimble UX5 is capable of flights between 75 and 750 meters (approximately 246 and 2,460 feet) above ground level and can be flown in light rain and windy conditions, up to 65 kph (approximately 40 mph).

The Trimble UX5 airframe is comprised of a carbon frame inside expanded polypropylene. Impact-resistant plastics and composite fibers are used for the aircraft components, including winglets and belly plate. This design and choice of materials results in a rigid aircraft with strong torsional stability and the ability to withstand rough landings.

Performance enhancements also include the ability to execute steep landing approaches and thrust reversal for accurate and repeatable landings. The landing procedure starts 300 meters (approximately 984 feet) from the landing location allowing the UX5 to be used for jobs that have site restrictions such as buildings, towers or trees.

Orthophotos, contour maps, point clouds, digital surface models (DSMs) and feature maps can easily be created from aerial images using the Trimble Business Center photogrammetry module. Single-click processing for stitching images streamlines the office process for generating powerful deliverables, Trimble said.

The Trimble Business Center allows surveyors and other geospatial professionals to combine aerial photography with data collected from GNSS receivers, total stations, 3D laser scanners and more. By combining imagery from the Trimble UX5 and any Trimble VISION instruments, users can visualize their project from both aerial and terrestrial perspectives, measure points within the images and create 3D models of the infrastructure and terrain.

June 17, 2013
GPS CNAV Civil Capabilities Now Being Tested
U.S. Air Force Space Command is now testing CNAV capabilities on the GPS L2 and L5 signals. The initial CNAV Live-Sky Broadcast began June 15 and will take place until June 29. Civil users and manufacturers are invited to participate.
The GPS Directorate (SMC/GP) is implementing the CNAV (Civil Navigation) Test Program, conducting Live-Sky CNAV testing before deployment of the Next Generation Operational Control System (OCX). CNAV is a capability to be provided by Civil Navigation message types for the purpose of improved GPS navigation through the use of signals L2C and L5.

According to the GPS Directorate, the CNAV Live-Sky testing program will span several years and will evolve to support GPS enterprise and modernized civil navigation performance objectives. Objectives include:
1. Verify and validate the CNAV requirements specified IS-GPS-200F and IS-GPS-705B.
2. Facilitate the development of robust IS-compliant L2C and L5 civil receivers.
Below is the latest Notice Advisory about the upcoming test issued to NAVSTAR users. More information can be found in the NAVCEN test plan PDF.

NOTICE ADVISORY TO NAVSTAR USERS (NANU) 2013034 NANU TYPE: GENERAL

*** GENERAL MESSAGE TO ALL GPS USERS ***

The purpose of this notification is to inform users of an upcoming event related to the GPS satellite constellation. Air Force Space Command will be
testing CNAV capabilities on the GPS L2C and L5 signals on Jdays 2013/166-2013/182. There are no planned GPS satellite outages or degradations for this activity. L2C and L5 CNAV message testing should be transparent to GPS receivers that do not process L2C or L5 CNAV. These test events will provide an opportunity for civil users and manufacturers to participate in L2C and L5 evaluation. Details on the test plan are located at the NAVCEN web page. Any military or civil users who encounter user equipment problems during or after testing should contact the applicable POCs identified below as soon as possible. Aviation users should file reports consistent with FAA-approved procedures. Users are cautioned that L2C and L5 signals are not operational.

*** GENERAL MESSAGE TO ALL GPS USERS ***

POC: CIVILIAN – NAVCEN AT 703-313-5900, HTTP://WWW.NAVCEN.USCG.GOV
MILITARY – GPS OPERATIONS CENTER at
HTTPS://GPS.AFSPC.AF.MIL/GPSOC, DSN 560-2541,
COMM 719-567-2541, [email protected],
HTTPS://GPS.AFSPC.AF.MIL
MILITARY ALTERNATE – JOINT SPACE OPERATIONS CENTER, DSN 276-3514,
COMM 805-606-3514, [email protected]
June 17, 2013
Google Announces Maps Engine API

Google announces the Google Maps Engine API, allowing developers to bring the power of Maps Engine into their own applications. With a single map, an organization can locate underground pipelines, decide on the best place to build their next store, or inform customers about cell phone coverage areas.

According to the announcement, Maps Engine lets organizations use Google’s fast and reliable cloud infrastructure to layer their data on top of a Google Map and share their custom-made Google Maps with employees, customers or the public-at-large. At the push of a button an organization can share their maps internally or publish them on the web, making it easy to access their data from anywhere.

The API provides direct access to Maps Engine for reading and editing spatial data hosted in the cloud. With the API, organizations can develop on any platform – web, Android, iOS and server-to-server – and build applications like store locators, crowdsourced maps or crisis-response maps. For example, FedEx.com uses the API to query its more than 50,000 retail locations and IRIS creates applications for utilities to track underground pipelines.

June 14, 2013
Google Acquires Waze for $1 Billion

Google, on its official blog, reported that it has acquired Waze:

Google Maps and Waze, outsmarting traffic together

We’ve all been there: stuck in traffic, frustrated that you chose the wrong route on the drive to work. But imagine if you could see real-time traffic updates from friends and fellow travelers ahead of you, calling out “fender bender…totally stuck in left lane!” and showing faster routes that others are taking.

To help you outsmart traffic, today we’re excited to announce we’ve closed the acquisition of Waze. This fast-growing community of traffic-obsessed drivers is working together to find the best routes from home to work, every day.

The Waze product development team will remain in Israel and operate separately for now. We’re excited about the prospect of enhancing Google Maps with some of the traffic update features provided by Waze and enhancing Waze with Google’s search capabilities.

We’ll also work closely with the vibrant Waze community, who are the DNA of this app, to ensure they have what’s needed to grow and prosper.

The Waze community and its dedicated team have created a great source of timely road corrections and updates. We welcome them to Google and look forward to working with them in our ongoing effort to make a comprehensive, accurate and useful map of the world.

Posted by Brian McClendon, Vice President, Geo (Google)

On the same day, Waze CEO Noam Bardin blogged about the acquisition:

Waze Joins Google!

Dear Wazers,

I am excited to announce today that we have accepted an offer to join Google. I’d like to share some information about what this means for Waze.

Larry Page, Brian McClendon and the Google Maps teams have been following our progress closely and are excited about what we’ve accomplished. They share our vision of a global mapping service, updated in real time by local communities, and wish to help us accelerate. We are excited about the prospect of working with the Google Maps team to enhance our search capabilities and to join them in their ongoing efforts to build the best map of the world.

Nothing practical will change here at Waze. We will maintain our community, brand, service and organization – the community hierarchy, responsibilities and processes will remain the same. The same Waze people will continue to collaborate with you, and we will continue to innovate our product and services, making them more social, functional and helpful for everyday drivers. Our employees, managers, founders and I are all committed to our vision for many years to come.

Why not stay completely independent? We asked ourselves: “Will Waze still be a fun project to participate in, and a fun place to work, as a stand-alone public company?” Choosing the path of an IPO often shifts attention to bankers, lawyers and the happiness of Wall Street, and we decided we’d rather spend our time with you, the Waze community. Google is committed to help us achieve our common goal and provide us with the independence and resources we need to succeed. We evaluated many options and believe Google is the best partner for Waze, our map editors, area managers, champs and nearly 50 million Wazers globally.

Together, we can accelerate our mission to outsmart traffic. We will continue to make a real impact on drivers globally, helping them save time and money while making everyone’s daily commute a bit more efficient and fun.

So, it’s back to work for us with some great new colleagues and resources to enhance our project. Thank you for your participation in shaping Waze to what it is today, and we look forward to continuing to build out Waze together with you.

See you on the road,

Noam

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Waze Board member John Malloy is interviewed by Bloomberg TV about the acquisition:

June 13, 2013
OS-Agnostic Indoor Location Software Offered by Trusted Positioning

Trusted Positioning has released the Trusted Portable Navigator (T-PN) indoor location software. Available for any operating system, this mobile embedded software allows mobile users to navigate shopping centers, airports, and subway stations. No additional hardware or infrastructure required.

The T-PN combines the use of existing smartphone motion sensors with wireless updates (such as Wi-Fi and GNSS) for a complete solution with no extra hardware or infrastructure needed.

T-PN needs no additional infrastructure: This enables a consumer to navigate through an environment with no existing navigation technology. T-PN integrates with existing sensors such as Wi-Fi and GPS when available and utilizes significantly less power than either GPS or Wi-Fi positioning. The company reports that accurate positioning can be maintained while the phone is swinging in a hand, a call is answered, the phone is in a pocket or purse, or the consumer is texting.

June 13, 2013
Android Beats iOS, Microsoft Handily in Smartphones, Tablets

Three-fifths of all smartphones, tablets, and notebooks shipped worldwide during the first quarter of 2013 run Google’s Android mobile operating system, independent analyst firm Canalys reports.

Manufacturers shipped 308.7 million smart mobile devices between January and March, Canalys states. Android powers 59.5 percent of all shipments. Apple’s iOS ranks a distant second at 19.3 percent, fueled by its strength in the smartphone and tablet markets, followed by Microsoft at 18.1 percent, buoyed by its relative strength in the notebook segment. Rival platforms including BlackBerry account for the remaining 3.1 percent.

Among the three device categories under the microscope, the tablet market continues to experience the fastest growth: Worldwide tablet shipments grew 106.1 percent year-over-year to 41.9 million units. Apple continues to lead tablet shipments with a 46.4 percent share, but Android-based rivals narrowed the iPad’s lead for the third consecutive quarter.

“Spearheaded by Google and Amazon, the commoditization of the tablet market has happened far quicker than that of the wider PC market,” said Tim Coulling of Canalys. “Profit margins are being squeezed and vendors without a low cost structure will find it hard to compete. A solid range of must-have accessories and a software and services strategy are vital as vendors will increasingly need to make revenue around their devices.”

Smartphone shipments eclipsed 216.3 million during the first quarter, up 47.9 percent over year-ago totals. Android accounted for 75.6 percent of all smartphone shipments, led by Samsung Electronics, which increased its volume 64.3 percent year-over-year to capture 32 percent market share. Apple’s iPhone shipment volume grew just 6.7 percent over the first quarter of 2012, the smallest increase since the launch of the original iPhone back in mid-2007.

June 13, 2013