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  • Geneq Introduces Palm-Sized GPS/GLONASS Receiver that Uses OmniSTAR’s 10-cm Service

    Geneq Inc. has introduced the SXBlue III-L GNSS, a palm-sized L1/L2/GLONASS GNSS receiver that is designed to use OmniSTAR’s G2 or HP service to attain realtime 10-cm accuracy in all regions of the world, including North/South America, Australia, Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. The SXBlue III-L GNSS connects wirelessly to smartphones, handhelds, tablet or notebook computer that are bluetooth-compliant. Optionally, the SXBlue III-L GNSS receiver is fully RTK capable (1cm real-time accuracy) when using an RTK network or other RTK reference station.

    Photo: Geneq
    Photo: Geneq

     

    According to the announcement,  the SXBlue III-L GNSS is designed to use OmniSTAR’s G2 service, which supports GPS and GLONASS satellites, to provide 10cm accuracy in real-time in most parts of the world. The ability to track both GPS (31 satellites) and GLONASS (24 satellites) significantly increases the number of satellites in view, making the SXBlue III-L GNSS more productive in areas where trees, terrain or buildings block satellite visibility. It also outputs raw observation data that can be used for post-processing using free, online processing software services such as OPUS.

    “We’ve set a new standard for world-wide, real-time high-precision mapping using OmniSTAR’s G2 service,” said product engineer Jean-Yves Lauture. “The affordable price and flexibility of the SXBlue III-L GNSS makes worldwide, dual frequency, dual constellation 10cm real-time accuracy available to a wide number of users.”

    In addition to the OmniSTAR service, the SXBlue III-L GNSS also supports RTK GNSS. “If you want 1cm real-time accuracy, the RTK option lets the user connect to an RTK Network or a single RTK base station using standard RTCM and common industry formats,” said Lauture. “And, in that case, the RTK network or RTK reference station doesn’t need to support GLONASS for the SXBlue III-L GNSS to fully utilize the benefits of GLONASS.”

    The company reports the SXBlue III-L GNSS measures 14.cm (5.57”) x 8.0cm (3.15”) x 5.6cm (2.22”) and weighs slightly over a pound (1.14lbs, 517g) including battery. The SXBlue III-L GNSS is the smallest and lightest GNSS L1/L2 OmniSTAR receiver being produced in the world today.

    The SXBlue III-L GNSS is compact and rugged for optimal field use, requiring no backpack or external batteries. It was designed to meet the IP-67 rating, and can survive accidental immersion in water. The SXBlue III-L GNSS comes with a small, hermetically-sealed antenna that receives GPS, GLONASS, SBAS and OmniSTAR signals.

    The SXBlue III-L GNSS is targeted at high-precision users in industries such as surveying, GIS, utilities, construction, agriculture, engineering and other natural resource industries in addition to local, state and federal government users.

  • Topcon Unveils B110 GNSS Receiver Board

     

    Topcon Positioning Systems announces the light, ultra-compact dual-frequency positioning engine, the B110 GNSS receiver board. The B110 is the first GNSS board with Topcon’s new Vanguard ASIC, supporting 226 universal channels for GPS, GLONASS and Galileo tracking and scalable positioning from sub-meter DGPS to sub-centimeter RTK.

    The B110 board’s small size, low power consumption and flexible communication interfaces make it easy to integrate into any precise positioning application, reducing the time-to-market for OEM customers.

    Features that facilitate easy integration include:

    • Compact 40 x 55mm footprint with low power consumption
    • 226 universal channels with GPS + GLONASS L1/L2, Galileo E1 and SBAS “all in view” tracking
    • High performance RTK engine
    • Industry-leading position update rate of 100Hz
    • SD/MMC card interfaces for quick and easy support for data logging – just add a memory card holder
    • Serial, USB, CAN, I2C, PPS and EVENTIN.

  • Galileo Launch Goes off Without a Hitch

    The Soyuz ST-B launcher carrying the next two Galileo In-Orbit Validation satellites took off as scheduled on 18:15:00 GMT (11:15 PDT) October 12. Deployment of its twin satellites into orbit took place 3 hours 44 minutes after take-off. All the stages of the Soyuz vehicle performed as planned and the
    Fregat-MT upper stage released the Galileo satellites into their targeted orbit at close to 23 200 km altitude.

    CANSPACE Listserv reports, “NORAD/JSpOC are tracking three objects from the launch:

    1 38857U 12055A   12287.39028510 -.00000010  00000-0  00000+0 0    40
    2 38857 055.3417 239.5297 0002857 220.9108 309.5819 01.70229112    21

    1 38858U 12055B   12287.39028542 -.00000010  00000-0  00000+0 0    24
    2 38858 055.3421 239.5258 0011396 234.3183 295.7952 01.70006115    13

    1 38859U 12055C   12287.39161626 -.00000010  00000-0  00000+0 0    37
    2 38859 055.3444 239.5347 0072340 243.6619 284.3270 01.68014156    19

    “Presumably, the first two (A and B) are the Galileo satellites. They are drifting towards their designated orbits.”

    The European Space Agency (ESA) launched this second pair of Galileo IOV satellites from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana.

    This flight is designated VS03 in Arianespace‘s mission numbering system, and it was the Spaceport’s third launch since Soyuz was introduced at this near-equatorial facility one year ago. Arianespace is the launch contractor.

    The two Galileo satellites will join the first two spacecraft orbited by Arianespace’s historic VS01 flight on October 21, 2011, marking Soyuz’ introduction at the Spaceport. Once all four are operational in space, they will provide the minimum number of satellites required for navigational fixes — enabling system validation testing when all are visible in the sky.

    As a European initiative, the Galileo satellite navigation system is being developed in a collaborative effort of the European Union and the European
    Space Agency. The In-Orbit Validation (IOV) satellites weigh 700 kg. each and were built by a consortium led by the Astrium division of EADS — which
    produced the platforms and has responsibility for the payloads, while Thales Alenia Space handled the assembly and testing tasks.

  • GTX Corp Brings GPS Shoes for Alzheimer’s to UK, Ireland

    GTX Corp has announced today that its patented GPS tracking smart shoe will be commercially available in the U.K and Ireland this month. The Aetrex Navistar GPS shoes will be made under license by comfort footwear maker Aetrex Worldwide, Inc., and will be distributed by Tipp Toes, an Aetrex Worldwide distributor located  in Ireland.

    The Alzheimer’s Society in the U.K estimates there are 800,000 people in the UK and Ireland afflicted with Alzheimer’s and Dementia who are prone to wandering. Statistics show that if not found within the first 24 hours, more than half may be found seriously harmed. The GPS technology embedded inside comfortable walking shoes designed for seniors were first introduced in the U.S. and Australia. EE, the UK digital communications company, will be the wireless SIM provider for the GPS shoes after having recently signed a global contract with GTX Corp that will enable the shoes to work in more than 50 countries across the globe which utilize the GSM network.

    The shoe wearer can be monitored remotely, thereby helping to  ensure  their safety, providing peace of mind to their caregivers and  reducing the cost of remote oversight. The shoes are embedded with a miniaturized proprietary module that contains the locator’s integrated GPS/cellular chipset and the SIM card unique to each wearer. The GPS shoes communicate via EE’s cellular network and sends location coordinates via a wireless data connection, similar to sending SMS messages on a cell phone. If the wearer wanders outside of a pre-set location determined by the caregiver, an SMS or email message will alert the caregiver instantly.

    The GPS shoes have been heralded by healthcare and technology authorities around the world and is featured in the “100 Most Important Inventions of Mankind” Exhibit in the National Museum of Science and Technology in Sweden.

  • EU to Meet with China on Nav Dispute

    The European Union (EU) and China will be meeting in December in Paris to discuss overlapping radio frequencies both plan to use for their future encrypted government/military satellite navigation services, according to a joint statement from both parties, reports Space News.

    The December meeting will be conducted under what the Joint Statement on Space Technology Cooperation specifies as the ITU Framework. ITU is the International Telecommunication Union of Geneva, a United Nations affiliate that regulates satellite orbital slots and frequencies.

    The statement was signed as an annex to a broader EU-China summit held September 20 in Brussels. As Space News reports, the two sides are continuing collaboration on satellite navigation despite the signal conflict, which has been a subject of debate for at least two years. The 27-nation EU and China have agreed to continue the China-Europe GNSS Technology Training and Cooperation Center.

  • Istanbul to Host First INTERGEO Eurasia in 2014

    The new INTERGEO Eurasia conference trade fair, which will take place in Istanbul on the Bosphorus in spring 2014, will cater specifically to the needs of this economic area. It is aimed at Turkey, south-eastern Europe, the Middle East and the “stan” countries. INTERGEO Eurasia is a collaboration between HINTE Messe and Messe München International. One way in which the DVW is supporting this project is through the use of the INTERGEO brand.

    As Olaf Freier, CEO of HINTE Messe, explains, “This step is a response to the internationalization strategy of numerous INTERGEO partners. The aim is to firmly establish a concept geared specifically to the circumstances in this up-and-coming economic area. The collaboration with Messe München International provides additional expertise and structures for this step and will ensure INTERGEO Eurasia gets off to the best possible start.”

    Hartmut Rosengarten, chairman of the INTERGEO Exhibitor Advisory Board, adds: “INTERGEO has become the number one international platform for many global companies. In addition to further developing INTERGEO in Germany, it makes strategic sense to pursue a growth policy that is closely linked to the existing success concept in other economic areas, too.”

    The INTERGEO Eurasia programme is being planned in close consultation with international INTERGEO exhibitors and the relevant institutions and associations in Turkey.

    HINTE Messe is a partner of the DWV (German Association of Surveying) and has been responsible for organising INTERGEO since 1995. During this period, the conference trade fair has enjoyed continuous growth in Germany. INTERGEO East events aimed primarily at the south-eastern European market have already been held in Belgrade, Zagreb, Sofia and Istanbul.

    Messe München International is one of the world’s leading trade fair companies and has organised events in Asia, Russia, the Middle East and South America. It benefits from a global network, with six foreign subsidiaries and over 60 agencies serving more than 90 different countries.

  • Launch Tomorrow for Second Pair of Galileo IOV Satellites

    The European Space Agency (ESA) will be launching a second pair of Galileo IOV satellites tomorrow from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana.

    The satellites will ride a  Soyuz ST-B rocket from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana. Launch is scheduled for 18:15:00 GMT (20:15:00 CEST) October 12.  Live streaming will begin at 17:48 GMT (19:48 CEST) for about one hour.

    From launch to final deployment, when the dispenser releases the satellites sideways in opposite directions, takes three hours and 44 minutes. Live coverage resumes at 21:25 GMT (23:25 CEST).

    More details, including live streaming of the launch, are available at the ESA website.

    This flight is designated VS03 in Arianespace‘s mission numbering system, and it will be the Spaceport’s third launch since Soyuz was introduced at this near-equatorial facility one year ago. Arianespace is the launch contractor.

    The two Galileo satellites will join the first two spacecraft orbited by Arianespace’s historic VS01 flight on October 21, 2011, marking Soyuz’ introduction at the Spaceport.  Once all four are operational in space, they will provide the minimum number of satellites required for navigational fixes — enabling system validation testing when all are visible in the sky.

    As a European initiative, the Galileo satellite navigation system is being developed in a collaborative effort of the European Union and the European
    Space Agency.  The In-Orbit Validation (IOV) satellites weigh 700 kg. each and were built by a consortium led by the Astrium division of EADS — which
    produced the platforms and has responsibility for the payloads, while Thales Alenia Space handled the assembly and testing tasks.

  • Pacific Crest Offers Wide-Band Data Link for Field Communications

    Photo: Pacific Crest
    Photo: Pacific Crest

    Pacific Crest has introduced the XDL Rover, an advanced, high-speed, wireless data link built to withstand the rigors of GNSS/RTK surveying and precise positioning.

    The XDL Rover is a lightweight, ruggedized UHF receiver designed for digital radio communications between 403 and 473 MHz in either 12.5 or 25 kHz channels. It uses Pacific Crest’s latest generation XDL modem technology while remaining backward compatible with existing Pacific Crest products. Users can instantly communicate with GNSS precise positioning receivers that share the same protocols throughout the world.

    “The XDL Rover is an ideal high-speed radio receiver for products that require a one-way communications link,” said Dale Hermann, director of marketing and sales for Pacific Crest. “Its interoperability with existing equipment and greater functionality will allow customers to rapidly integrate and cost-effectively deploy the XDL Rover with their products and solutions.”

    The XDL Rover joins the rapidly growing line of XDL products that includes the XDL Micro, a transceiver OEM board. The XDL Micro is a 0.5 Watt UHF transceiver designed for integration into products that require either a one- or two-way radio communication link that is configurable for operation between 403 and 473 MHz. The XDL radio line is based upon the successful ADL products from Pacific Crest.

  • GPS World 2012 Leadership Dinner

    At the GPS World magazine’s annual Leadership Dinner, held during the ION-GNSS Conference, we gave the first GNSS Leadership Awards to four individuals for their respective work in the four fields of satellites, signals, services, and products. We asked each recipient to give us a vision of the future: upcoming work, whether that’s something they plan to undertake or they think someone else should get going on, new directions for the industry, and so on. We asked them to ruminate as speculatively and as far into the future as they wished to go. Here is what they said.

    Read the story here.

  • Applanix Introduces POS LV 120 for Improving Land Mobile Mapping Productivity

    Photo: Applanix
    Photo: Applanix

    Applanix has introduced the POS LV 120, the latest version of its positioning and orientation systems for land vehicles. Using commercial Micro-Electro-Mechanical (MEMS) inertial measurement unit (IMU) technology, the Applanix POS LV 120 is a small, lightweight system and provides an economical solution for any continuous positioning and orientation application.

    POS LV 120 is a fully integrated, turnkey position and orientation system, using integrated inertial technology to generate stable, reliable and repeatable positioning solutions for land-based vehicle applications, Applanix said. Redesigned to be smaller and lighter, it maintains identical data interfaces and software compatibility with the established POS LV line of products.

    “With a MEMS IMU and a 220 channel, dual-antenna GNSS receiver integrated into a single enclosure, the POS LV 120 is a cost-effective GNSS-Inertial solution designed to support many types of land-based mobile mapping projects,” said Kevin Andrews, product manager for Land Products at Applanix.  “The integrated system is smaller than the standard POS LV computer system (PCS), making it ideal for use in lightweight applications such as robotics, autonomous vehicles, centerline mapping, asset mapping and short-range direct georeferencing.”

    POS LV 120 is available now through the Applanix sales network.

  • Taxi Booking App Comes to U.S.

    myTaxi, a taxi booking smartphone application, today launched in Washington, D.C., its first introduction into the U.S. marketplace. The announcement was made during a live-streaming press conference given directly in a moving taxi.

    myTaxi was first launched in Germany in June 2009. It connects 2.3 million users to more than 18,000 taxis worldwide. Today marked the first time consumers in the U.S. will have access to the app. myTaxi’s services offer consumers a personal, transparent and convenient way to travel with features such as:

    • Peer-to-peer connection between driver and passenger, including driver photos, information and phone numbers.
    • A ratings system for selecting and reviewing your taxi driver and a favorites list to save your favorite drivers for future pickups.
    • Live tracking of taxi approach on display including arrival time, fare calculator, distance and automatic positioning via GPS.
    • View of every myTaxi in the area on the taxi radar.
    • myTaxi Payment – a direct billing process in the taxi via smartphone.

    “Americans took more than 10 billion trips on public transportation last year,” said Niclaus Mewes, co-founder and CEO, myTaxi. “Smartphones can have an immense impact on urban mobility. At myTaxi we want to rethink and reshape how taxi trips are taken. Passengers and drivers want something convenient, transparent and tailored to their needs. We want to deliver on that.”

    Every driver using myTaxi has the ability to become a contractor and build their own client base by consistently providing passengers with good service and earning high customer ratings. myTaxi offers a driver-side version of its app allowing taxi drivers to efficiently monitor the locations of customers and receive basic information on each customer once an order is placed.

    “The DC Taxicab Commission welcomes any electronic reservation company such as myTaxi, bringing technological advancements to the District of Columbia,” said Ron Linton, DC Taxicab Commission Chairperson. “We are delighted that passengers using DC public vehicles-for-hire will enjoy the enhanced quality of service.”

    During its press conference, myTaxi outlined a voucher system that will be provided to the app’s early adopters. The voucher campaign is one of the many programs and features myTaxi will continue to roll out in the D.C. marketplace. myTaxi will also bring new payment facility into the D.C. taxi market. The implemented feature “myTaxi Payment” provides users with the ability for cashless, card-less payments on all myTaxi rides by registering a credit card to their account. The myTaxi application is available in stores for free download to iOS and Android devices.

  • IGNSS Society 2013 Conference & Exhibition

    The IGNSS Society will be holding the 2013 conference & exhibition at the Outrigger Hotel, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia, July 16-18, 2013.

    The program will include keynote speakers, oral presentations, interactive poster sessions, panel sessions, open interactive forums, an informative trade exhibition, GNSS demonstrations and a field day.

    Topics will include:

    • Status of GNSS (GPS, Galileo, GLONASS,     Compass, QZSS)
    • Innovative GNSS Applications
    • Land Mobile Applications
    • Aviation and Aerospace Applications
    • Maritime Applications
    • Precise Timing
    • Machine Guidance and Automation
    • GNSS Interference and Signal Processing
    • Alternatives and Backups to GNSS
    • Multi-sensor Integration
    • GNSS Receiver Hardware Design
    • Software GNSS Receivers
    • Atmospheric Effects and Space Weather
    • Precise Carrier Phase-Based Positioning
    • Geodetic Infrastructure and Datums
    • Pedestrian and Indoor Navigation
    • GNSS Policy, Governance and Alternatives and Organisational Issues

    For more information, visit the website, or email [email protected].