GPS

New satellite brings GLONASS’ accuracy to 5 metres

Russia’s GLONASS has been upgraded to a precision of up to 5 metres after the successful launch of the 24th GLONASS satellite on 3rd October 2011. The launch marked a turning point bringing the number of GLONASS satellites to a complete set, as planned by the designers. Previous versions of GLONASS had an accuracy within 50 metres. en.rian.ru/

Indian army could use Russian satellite navigation system

Moscow – India’s military is considering using Russia’s Glonass satellite system for navigation and targeting. Russian Defence Minister Anatoly Serdyukov offered Delhi access to the system during a recent meeting with his Indian counterpart. Russian army spokesmen have said that the Glonass system would allow guided missiles to strike targets anywhere on Earth with an error margin of less than one metre.

GPS Navigation and Tracking Market in India 2011

Netscribes (India) Pvt. Ltd., has recently released its ‘GPS Navigation and Tracking Market in India 2011 report. An analysis of the drivers explains growth factors, for each segment, such as the growth in logistics vertical, growth in radio cabs, increasing penetration of high end phones, demand from the BPO sector, entry of mapping portals, increasing sales of luxury cars and government initiatives. The key challenges identified include the lack of awareness and consumer perception, fragmented logistics sector and operational issues.

www.netscribes.com

MikroKopter captures precision photos and videos using u-blox GPS

HiSystems GmbH has introduced MikroKopter, a small, unmanned helicopter with autonomous navigation capabilities based on u-blox GPS technology. The device is optimized for capturing and transmitting photos and videos taken from precise GPS locations and altitudes.
www.u-blox.com

India NSG to have wearable GPS

India’s elite counter-terrorism force, the National Security Guard (NSG) has proposed that the ‘Black Cat’ commandos will have GPS attached to their body wearable computer along with other accessories like cameras, selfcare medication etc. The commander giving directions to a commando on the task would be able to see him in action. www.dnaindia.com

MoD halts GPS jamming after safety complaints

A huge naval exercise has been banned from using GPS jamming technology after safety complaints. A major naval exercise off the coast of Scotland has been ordered to stop using GPS jamming technology after complaints it is endangering the lives of fishermen and is disrupting mobile phones. The Nato exercise, dubbed ‘Joint Warrior’, involves the military forces from 14 countries and is taking place off the west coast of Scotland. As part of the operation, GPS services were jammed in a radius of 20 miles around the various warships. Apparently, the Royal Navy had issued warnings last month and in early October that GPS in parts of Scotland would be disrupted during the naval exercise.
But according to the BBC, Western Isles fishermen said the first they knew was when their equipment went offline. And it seems that the military’s GPS jamming also impacted mobile phones, Internet connectivity as well as satellite TV. Following the fisherman’s complaints, the jamming of GPS has been suspended, and the Royal Navy said the military would seek to address safety concerns. Yet it seems that the military could be right in feeling a tad aggrieved about the complaints, as the Joint Warrior is held twice a year, and its jamming of GPS back in April drew no complaints.