|
Trimble's New MediaMapper
Software; An Easy Way to Geo Reference Your
Digital Photos
Get the Picture. Get the Point.
Trimble is pleased to announce the availability of the MediaMapper software, an exciting new addition to the Mapping and GIS product family. Combining
GPS data with digital photographs, this one-of-a-kind software creates image layers that are easily merged into your GIS database.
With the rich data provided by photographs you have the capability to understand what is really
happening in the world-a powerful tool for timely, accurate decision-making.
Why use the MediaMapper software?
Working with your existing Trimble GPS data collection system, the MediaMapper software makes
your field operations even more productive. With it, you can quickly record exactly what you
see-perfect for asset inventory, utility assessment, and environmental monitoring. MediaMapper
software gets the picture and the point.
How do you use the MediaMapper software?
It's as simple as taking a picture of the event or asset while recording GPS data. Back in the office the MediaMapper software works by matching the time
the photo was taken with the time that the GPS position was recorded-then it assigns a GPS position for each image. Using the MediaMapper software you
can preview your map and images, along with background data from your GIS. Then simply export the digital images to your GIS ... or even the Internet.
Visit www.trimble.com/mediamapper
for more information, including FAQ's and Technical Notes.
Where can I get the MediaMapper software?
To find out more about how this inexpensive software package can improve your field
productivity and enhance your GIS, contact your local jim@elecdata.com
Trimble representative.
January 5, 2004-
U.S.
Air Force Awards Lockheed Martin Team $20 Million Contract for Development
of Next Generation Global Positioning System
SUNNYVALE,
Calif., Jan. 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The U.S. Air Force today awarded
Lockheed Martin one of two industry contracts valued at approximately $20
million each to enter the next development phase of an advanced Global
Positioning System, to be known as GPS III.
Today's awards are for the Phase A element of the program during which two teams
will conduct studies culminating in a Systems Requirements Review in fourth
quarter 2004. Phase B, the GPS III development program, is expected to be
awarded by the U.S. Air Force Navstar Joint Program Office in fourth quarter
2005.
"The next-generation global positioning system will bring unrivaled
capabilities to the warfighter, as well as civil, scientific, and commercial
users around the globe," said John Sundquist, vice president, Lockheed
Martin Navigation Systems. "GPS III will deliver major improvements in
accuracy, assured service delivery, integrity and flexibility and we look
forward to providing our customer the best value GPS solution available."
Today's Global Positioning System allows any properly equipped user to determine
precise time and velocity and worldwide latitude, longitude and altitude to
within a few meters. Although originally designed as a guidance and navigational
tool for the military, GPS has proven beneficial in the commercial and civil
markets for transportation, surveying and rescue operations.
GPS III will address the challenging military transformational and civil needs
across the globe, including advanced anti-jam capabilities, improved
system security and accuracy, and reliability. The new satellite-based system
will enhance space-based navigation and performance and set a new world standard
for positioning and timing services.
The GPSIII team ultimately selected will provide system and sustaining
engineering, satellite development and production, Control Segment upgrades, and
continuous research and development for this evolutionary system. Lockheed
Martin has assembled a team that brings together industry expertise in all
elements of the GPS III system, which includes Spectrum Astro, ITT, Raytheon and
General Dynamics.
January 6, 2004-
Trimble
Unveils Small, Battery-Powered Automobile Location Device
LAS VEGAS, Jan. 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --
Trimble introduced today the world's most practical and affordable location
device for consumer-oriented automotive applications -- the TrimTrac™™
locator. With its low cost, small size and battery-powered operation, the TrimTrac™
locator is a complete end-user device that allows location-based service
providers and system integrators to provide personal vehicle monitoring services
to a broader range of subscribers.
The TrimTrac™ locator will be showcased at International CES, the world's
largest consumer technology show.
Priced at two to five times lower than other comparable devices on the market
today, the TrimTrac™ locator enables cost-effective automatic position
reporting for personal vehicle monitoring, security and theft recovery. The
device can also support select roadside assistance and concierge services with
application server and call center capabilities provided by third-party service
providers.
Trimble also announced a marketing and distribution agreement with Topp Data
Solutions, headquartered in Miami, Fla., to offer the TrimTrac™ locator as
part of its location-based services product line. "Topp is very
excited to work with Trimble to take this innovative location device to our mass
market distribution partners," said Jaime R. Topp, Topp Group president and
COO. "Adding TrimTrac™ to our SkyPatrol Asset Location Service offering
will expand our presence in the commercial and consumer markets with its
aggressive pricing. We see this relationship as the first step in bringing
affordable peace of mind and asset tracking services to the mass market in the
U.S. and abroad."
"The TrimTrac™ locator represents a tight integration of GPS and GSM
technology to drive down size, power consumption and cost while providing
application appropriate functionality," said, William Dussell, director of
integrated products of Trimble's Component Technologies Division. "We chose
GSM since it has the most extensive global coverage of any wireless air
interface and we believe the TrimTrac™ locator is an ideal solution for the
vehicle security and monitoring markets."
Compact and Affordable
The TrimTrac™ locator is a compact end-user device about the size of a white
board eraser, which operates on 4 AA alkaline batteries. It is packaged in a
durable, water-resistant housing that weighs only 3.6 ounces without batteries.
Inside, a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver and tri-band Global System
for Mobile Communications (GSM) modem are integrated onto a single board
and controlled by a common microprocessor. This high level of integration
enables the device's small footprint, low cost and enhanced functionality. The TrimTrac™
locator periodically transmits position reports while the device is in motion,
typically at 15-minute intervals, and then reports its last position once the
vehicle has stopped. This promotes power efficiency and also reduces recurring
communications costs. In addition, the device can be signaled to change the
reporting frequency according to the application or end-user requirements.
The TrimTrac™ locator can be placed almost anywhere inside a vehicle passenger
compartment-in a glove box or under the seat. The battery-powered device
requires no external antennas or connections, unless the optional vehicle
adapter module is used to connect to vehicle power. This flexibility greatly
reduces or eliminates the need for expensive installations. The enhanced GPS
sensitivity of the TrimTrac™ locator permits placement of the device in areas
where conventional GPS may not work. It can be easily concealed inside a vehicle
to prevent tampering or unauthorized removal, but still can be removed quickly.
Broad Coverage with GPS and GSM Technology
The TrimTrac™ locator uses GPS and GSM, the leading wireless communications
technology with the largest geographical coverage and greatest number of
subscribers. The locator device offers not only world-class, automotive-grade
GPS performance, but features an enhanced GPS sensitivity mode that allows it to
operate in some indoor environments and other places where traditional GPS
receivers may not work. TrimTrac™ supports three major GSM frequency bands:
900, 1800 MHz (DCS) worldwide and 1900 MHz (PCS) in the U.S. where GSM coverage
is comparable to other leading digital wireless standards. To optimize the TrimTrac™
locator's battery life and provide secure low-cost data transmission, periodic
position and status reports are sent as SMS (short messaging service) text
messages over the GSM network.
The TrimTrac™ locator incorporates GSM Protocol Stack software from TTPCom
Ltd. Headquartered in Cambridge, England, TTPCom is one of the world's leading
independent suppliers of digital wireless technology. The company's Protocol
Stack software has approvals with over 70 major network operators across Europe,
Asia, America and Australia.
Extended Performance with Power Options
Trimble's TrimTrac™ locator can operate for up to 90 days on 4 AA alkaline
batteries during normal use with up to ten reports per day. A removable battery
pack provides easy, low-cost maintenance and operation with the device
automatically reporting battery levels. For applications that require position
reports more frequently than what the batteries can support, the TrimTrac™
locator can be connected to external power by using the optional Vehicle Adapter
Module. This plug-in module replaces the standard battery pack. The TrimTrac™
locator provides an extra measure of protection by quickly sending a status
message and continuing to report position.
In addition, the Vehicle Adapter Module will allow the TrimTrac™ locator to
monitor up to two external binary switch inputs to expand the number of
applications that service providers can offer. For instance, TrimTrac™ can
monitor other on-board systems and devices, such as car alarms and
driver-operated switches, to report status and modify its operation. Additional
security measures can be added, such as automatic notification and frequent
position reporting in the event that a car alarm is armed or triggered, vehicle
power is disconnected, or the driver activates a switch.
Availability
The TrimTrac™ locator is expected to be
GCF (Global Certification Forum) and PTCRB (PCS Type Certification Review Board)
approved and available in the first quarter of 2004.
April 9, 2004-
ActSoft Releases New GPS Tracking Software With Integrated Order Entry and
Dispatch
Comet Tracker Utilizes GPS-Enabled Mobile
Phones for Time, Task, and Worker Location Tracking
TAMPA, Fla., April 6 /PRNewswire/ -- ActSoft, Inc., a leading developer of
transportation management software, today announced a new version of Comet
Tracker, its workforce automation and mobile tracking solution. Comet Tracker
uses Global Positioning System (GPS) technology available on Java™
technology-enabled handsets to instantly track the locations, tasks, and hours
of mobile employees, dispatch jobs efficiently, and monitor delivery progress.
Comet Tracker provides businesses with a practical and affordable way to
leverage GPS technology to improve productivity and reduce operating costs.
The new release of Comet Tracker, designed specifically to meet the needs of
large-sized customers, wirelessly transmits location information for workers,
drivers, routes and vehicles to the home office. Additionally, businesses can
enter orders, dispatch tasks to mobile workers via their phones, and obtain
status reporting with GPS data in real time. New features available in the
latest release of Comet Tracker include the ability to import and export
business process information, such as orders, jobs or deliveries, using XML or
.cvs data exchange. Comet Tracker, priced from $17.00 per month, per phone, also
offers integrated bar code scanning.
"Comet Tracker provides a total solution for our customers," said Jim
Wilson, CEO of ActSoft. "Businesses can track order progress from the
moment the phone rings and a new order is entered, to when a worker arrives at
the customer's doorstep, right through the successful completion of the job. In
addition to the peace of mind that our customers get from knowing where all
their workers are, Comet Tracker also provides them with incredible ROI."
April 20, 2004-
CSI Wireless Introduces New GPS Receiver Incorporating Bluetooth® Wireless
Technology
Newest member of CSI's family of DGPS
receivers has attracted several initial purchase orders
CALGARY, April 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - (TSX:CSY): CSI Wireless Inc., a
designer and manufacturer of advanced wireless and GPS products used in more
than 40 countries, today announced the introduction of PowerMAX, a Differential
GPS (DGPS) receiver with built-in Bluetooth® wireless technology. Thanks to
Bluetooth(R), the PowerMAX communicates wirelessly with the user's computer or
hand-held computing device - eliminating the need for a hard-wired data link
between the devices.
The PowerMAX, which CSI unveiled today in Nashville, Tennessee during the annual
American Congress on Surveying and Mapping (ACSM), is primarily aimed at the
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) & Mapping market. However, the
product's wireless technology may be used in any industry to simplify
communication between devices.
In GIS & Mapping, the PowerMAX improves system ergonomics for surveyors,
utilities and forestry personnel, field engineers and other professionals by
reducing their cable connection requirements.
The PowerMAX is the world's first affordable, professional mapping-grade
receiver featuring Bluetooth(R) wireless technology. It features the same
dependability and value for which other members of CSI's MAX family of DGPS
receivers - the DGPS MAX and the mini MAX - are renowned.
"PowerMAX is the next generation in our family of DGPS receivers, and an
ideal marriage of our expertise in both Differential GPS and wireless
technology, said Stephen Verhoeff, CSI's President and CEO. "We have
already received several purchase orders for the PowerMAX - including one from
3D Marketing, a leading U.S. government supplier - and we will begin shipping
our first units later this quarter."
The PowerMAX's DGPS capability means that in addition to standard GPS signals,
it receives accuracy-enhancing Differential signals to achieve sub-metre
positioning accuracy. The PowerMAX can receive DGPS signals from ground-based
beacon stations, and from space-based augmentation systems - including the U.S.
Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS), Europe's EGNOS, and Japan's MSAS.
The PowerMAX also features CSI's exclusive COAST™ technology that enables a
receiver during signal outages to use old location data for a half hour or
longer without significant deterioration of positioning accuracy.
April 20, 2004-
Trimble R7 Tracks New Block IIR-M GPS Satellite Before Launch
Trimble R-7 RTK GPS System Confirms Block
IIR-M Signals Works With Current and L2C-Ready Survey Equipment
NASHVILLE, Tenn., April 20//PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Trimble today announced
that the Company's next generation R-Track technology was used to verify the
interoperability of the new Block IIR-M Global Positioning System (GPS)
satellite payload with current and modernized survey equipment. The Trimble R7
RTK GPS system is the only L2C-ready survey equipment currently available to
test the new satellite signal by the Joint Program Office (JPO), which manages
the Navstar GPS system. The Trimble R7 system, which can take advantage of
today's GPS satellite and future L2C signal, successfully showed that the Block
IIR-M satellite's data can be acquired, tracked and logged.
The announcement was made today at the American Congress of Surveying and
Mapping/Tennessee Association of Professional Surveyors (ACSM/TAPS) Conference
and Technology Exhibition.
The Block IIR-M GPS satellites are part of the Department of Defense's (DOD) GPS
Modernization Program. GPS Modernization will add two new signals and increased
signal power for civilian users over several years -- as well as advanced
features and new signals for military use. Built earlier, the IIR-M satellites
have been 'modernized' with the new civilian L2C code as well as two new
military codes; the DOD plans to modernize up to 12 Block IIR satellites
currently in storage.
The test took place at ITT Industries in New Jersey where the Block IIR-M
satellites are being tested before launch. The first Block IIR-M satellite,
scheduled for launch within the next 12 months, will send a new civil GPS code
on the L2 signal, referred to as the L2C signal. L2C-ready civilian GPS
receivers will be able to track the new signal code directly, yielding improved
reception compared with previous indirect reception techniques.
Various tests were run with the Trimble R7 survey system. JPO used a commercial
simulator to imitate the GPS constellation and generate current signals. The
simulated constellation was then coupled with the output from an IIR-M
satellite; this made it possible to track and use the current signals together
with a Block IIR-M satellite and produce a solution.
April 26, 2004-
Trimble and u-Nav Forge Alliance to Take GPS Solutions to the Next Level for
Portable Electronics
SUNNYVALE and IRVINE, Calif., April 26, 2004
-- Trimble and u-Nav Microelectronics Corp. today announced that the companies
have forged an alliance to jointly develop and market integrated Global
Positioning System (GPS) chipsets and software solutions. The new solutions will
incorporate Trimble's proven core GPS software and u-Nav's ultra low-power GPS
chipsets.
The combined solutions are expected to be the
lowest power, smallest size, highest performance and most cost-effective
chipsets on the market for portable electronic manufacturers. As part of this
alliance, Trimble will be licensing GPS software and providing technical support
and training to customers using the combined chipset and software solutions.
Trimble's core GPS software has been under continuous refinement in actual field
use for more than 10 years. The software is currently shipping in embedded,
automotive and timing products. Trimble core GPS software provides both
stand-alone and assisted GPS (A-GPS) operation. The software includes Trimble's
tightly integrated Kalman Filter that supports Trimble's optional sensor
assisted (dead reckoning) algorithms. The parties expect to finalize a
definitive agreement within the next three months.
u-Nav's patented semiconductor platform is
based on an all CMOS design and features a powerful matched filter search
(acquisition) engine, combined with an advanced tracking engine. This permits an
extremely small, low-cost GPS architecture for devices with outstanding
performance. This proven, low power, GPS chipset targets cellular handsets,
PDAs, watches and other portable consumer and enterprise electronics
products.
The u-Nav chipset is utilized by a variety of
companies including two of the highest volume electronics manufacturers in Korea
and Japan. In the last two years, u-Nav has experienced more than 300 percent
growth, partially fueled by the high demand for affordable, low power and very
compact GPS solutions. The u-Nav GPS reference design can be implemented on the
single side of a 12x12mm printed circuit board area, which is smaller than a
dime. Consuming less than 55mW (one-third of the power of competing chipsets) in
a continuous GPS tracking mode, the u-Nav chipset is presently enabling a new
generation of
battery powered GPS products.
"We believe that u-Nav has a one to two
year lead in GPS silicon architecture," said Dennis Workman, vice president
and general manager of Trimble's Component Technologies Division. "We will
be porting our core code to the u-Nav silicon and measurement engine firmware to
produce, what we believe will be the best GPS solution available on the market
relative to cost, power consumption, performance and size."
"Trimble's proven leadership in GPS
software has continued to drive the GPS industry for over a decade, setting the
standard for functionality and performance. The integration of their
leading-edge core GPS software, and our advanced chipset architecture, will
enable customers a higher level of differentiation and the capability to
introduce new location based products and services," said Russ Garcia,
President and CEO of u-Nav. "With Trimble, we are continuing to drive rapid
improvements in GPS products by reducing cost and power while improving
performance."
About u-Nav
Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., u-Nav is a
privately held, fabless semiconductor company that develops GPS chipsets and
software for the emerging mobile location based services market. u-Nav's 10 plus
year GPS legacy and its experienced semiconductor management team has produced
the industry's leading chipset combination of ultra low power, small form
factor, high performance, and low cost. u-Nav's products support both
conventional and high sensitivity, network assisted AGPS and deliver
state-of-the-art performance, enabling operation indoors and in dense urban
canyons. The company's easy-to-integrate GPS chipset is targeted for battery
powered mobile applications, including wireless handsets and personal precision
navigation and tracking devices. In addition to the U.S. headquarters, u-Nav has
offices in Europe and Asia and distributes its products worldwide.
April 27, 2004-
Red Hen Systems Expands GPS/Video Collection and Mapping Capabilities
FORT COLLINS, Colo., April 27 /PRNewswire/ --
Red Hen Systems, Inc., announces the release of its latest spatial video
collection solution, VMS-X, which fully integrates global positioning system
(GPS) with digital video cameras. This introduction is a breakthrough in field
data collection, which offers unrivaled ease-to-use, portability, reliability.
Using any Sony video camera equipped with an
intelligent accessory shoe (1), a Garmin Geko GPS receiver (2), and miniaturized
VMS logic by Red Hen Systems, VMS-X (3) attaches to the top of the camera in
seconds and enables the recording of video, audio, and location data to a single
medium (tape or DVD). After data collection, customers can easily process the
data for rapid playback in Red Hen's flagship multimedia mapping application,
MediaMapper® version 5.1, or ESRI's ArcGIS environment.
"From collection to mapping, VMS-X dramatically simplifies and accelerates
the video mapping process," said Norton Ewart, vice president of sales and
marketing at Red Hen Systems. "Demand continues to grow considerably not
only for the must-have need of knowing 'where' video has been collected, but
also for a compact, COTS-friendly data collection solution."
VMS-X, the second cable-less GPS/video collection solution offered by Red Hen
Systems, provides customers with flexibility for collecting data from vehicles,
watercraft, or on foot. It comes standard with a built-in feature trigger to
mark areas of interest during recording and a microphone for adding audio
commentary. The supported Garmin Geko GPS receivers (models 201 and 301) are
WAAS-enabled (Wide Area Augmentation System) for greater location accuracy, with
the 301 providing continuous azimuth data.
For additional VMS-X product information,
visit http://www.redhensystems.com
May 24, 2004-
Make Your Laptop a Street Navigator with the Garmin® GPS 18™
OLATHE, Kan., May 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --
Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. today announced the GPS 18 -- a
GPS sensor bundled with nRoute™ software that lets users turn their laptop PC
into a powerful street navigation tool.
"Many travelers are looking for an easy
and inexpensive way to get more out of their laptops, and the GPS 18
delivers," said Gary Kelley, Garmin's director of marketing. "The
system includes a powerful GPS receiver, street- level mapping software of North
America, and an easy-to-use interface -- all signature features of Garmin
products."
The nRoute™ software is bundled with
detailed MapSource® City Select® map data of the entire United States and
metropolitan areas in Canada. The system offers turn-by-turn auto-routing and
voice prompt navigation to virtually any address, and features more than five
million points of interest including gas stations, restaurants, hotels, and
attractions. The 12-parallel channel, WAAS-enabled GPS 18 receiver is available
in either a serial or USB connection. The receiver includes an integrated
magnetic base and is less than three inches in diameter.
The GPS 18 is available in either a USB or
serial configuration and both versions have an MSRP of $162.49. Both versions
will be available in June 2004 and include a GPS 18 sensor, nRoute™ software
with City Select North American data, automotive windshield mount, owners
manual, and a quick start guide.
September 23,
2005- U.S. Air Force Set to Launch First Modernized GPS Satellite Built by
Lockheed Martin
CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, Fla.,
Sept. 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The U.S. Air Force is preparing to launch the
first modernized Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite built by Lockheed
Martin (NYSE: LMT)
aboard a Delta II rocket on Sept. 25, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station,
Fla. The satellite is the most technologically advanced GPS satellite ever
developed and will provide significantly improved navigation performance for
U.S. military and civilian users worldwide.
The satellite, designated GPS IIR-14 (M), is
the first in a series of eight GPS IIR satellites that Lockheed Martin is
modernizing for its customer at the Navstar GPS Joint Program Office, Space and
Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif.
The modernized series will offer a variety of
enhanced features for GPS users, such as a modernized antenna panel that
provides increased signal power to receivers on the ground, two new military
signals for improved accuracy, enhanced encryption and anti-jamming capabilities
for the military, and a second civil signal that will provide civil users with
an open access signal on a different frequency.
The current GPS constellation of 28 spacecraft
includes 12 fully operational Block IIR satellites, which were developed to
improve global coverage and increase the overall performance of the global
positioning system.
The Global Positioning System enables properly
equipped users to determine precise time and velocity and worldwide latitude,
longitude and altitude to within a few meters. Air Force Space Command's
2nd Space Operations Squadron (2SOPS), based at Schriever Air Force Base, Colo.,
manages and operates the GPS constellation for both civil and military users.
GPS IIR-M production occurs at Lockheed Martin facilities in Valley Forge, Pa.
The modernized navigation payload is provided by ITT Industries in Clifton, N.J.
Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed
Martin employs about 130,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the
research, design, development, manufacture and integration of advanced
technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2004 sales
of $35.5 billion.
|
