A S (quasi-zenith satellite), which was anticipated to be the original Japanese positioning satellite, was launched in September, 2010. As an augmentation system of GNSS, two MTSATs had already been put into orbit and their main purpose is to broadcast the correction data for wide-area DGPS. This has actually improved the accuracy of wide area DGPS as a result of reception of the correction data from MSAS (MTSAT Satellite-based Augmentation System). The QZS also enhances the ranging function and it already has signal characteristics for the GNSS that are expected in the near future.

There is a general consensus among the land administration professionals and different players of the economy in the developed countries and more and more in the developing world as well, that the Land Administration is one of the most important infrastructure for the economic growth and the implementation of sustainable development. This fact is proved by statistical data.

The idea of National GIS (NGIS) has been driven by the needs of the Planning Commission, Government of India. The Planning Commission looks for lot of information which helps them in the process of planning. The need has been felt to integrate many of these information so that they can utilized effectively for various planning processes and applications.

I think this is the right time for a National GIS. There are 2 major reasons why I think so. First, see how as a nation we are tremendously progressing and growing and this will grow manifold in the coming 5-10 years.

July 2011: Esa International Summer School on Navigation Satellite Systems 2011, 20 – 30 July, Berchtesgaden, Germany, Berchtesgaden, Germany, www.munich-satellie-navigation-summerschool.org

iMapWeather radio application: Weather Decision Technologies, Inc. has announced the full suite of Location-Based Service features on the iMapWeather Radio App. The app sends alerts only to a user in a geo-referenced polygon of dangerous weather, reducing false alarms and keeping alerts focused on exact areas of impact.

SOUTH releases new products: In an event held in New Delhi on June 2, 2011, South Precision instrument Pvt.,Ltd, India, launched and introduced the latest and upgraded portfolio of its products – MINI WINDOWS Total station NTS370R, GPS RKT S86T, S82T and Static GPS H66 to Indian customers in a.

INDUSTRY | LBS | GPS | GIS | REMOTE SENSING | GALILEO UPDATE

Software improves forests management
New software developed by the Polytechnic University of Valencia (UPV), Spain can generate maps of forest areas with information on timber volume, biomass or height of the trees, among other variables. The development of this software by the Group …

EC furthers GMES operations: The European Commission (EC) signed an agreement with European Space Agency (ESA) to provide EUR 104 million fund for the initial operations of the Global Monitoring for Environment and Security programme (GMES). GMES will provide decision-makers with access to accurate and timely information services to manage the environment, understand and mitigate the effects of climate change, and ensure civil security.

Galileo ‘can deploy 24 satellites with existing funding’: European Commission (EC) Vice President Antonio Tajani has announced that sufficient savings have been found in Europe’s Galileo sat-nav project for at least six additional spacecraft to be bought for the system before 2014.The EC says it has about 500m euros (£440m) “in its pocket” which it will use to make the extra purchase. It would take Europe’s version of GPS from 18 operational satellites in the next few years to 24.