The International Terrestrial Reference Frame (ITRF) “yy” is a realization of the International Terrestrial Reference System (ITRS), where the “yy” represents the year of the solutions. Since its fi rst realization in 1988, there have been many variations and additions in use of data types and changes in computational strategy.
International Earth …
Leica bags big GPS Surveying Systems order
Leica Geosystems has supplied 84 GX1230 dual-frequency GPS survey receivers for RTK data and GeoOffi ce post-processing software for 11 locations. Technical support and service will be provided under a fi veyear service agreement. The GX1230 receivers are designed with Leica Geosystems’ new SmartTrack GPS measurement engine, and incorporate fast self-checking RTK algorithms and a comprehensive self-explanatory graphical user interface. The rugged GPS instruments, with magnesium alloy construction, are built to the toughest MIL specifi cations to withstand extreme fi eld conditions. The SmartTrack technology ensures reliable centimeteraccuracy solutions at distances of 30 km or more.
www.leica-geosystems.com
It took more than 55 years.
The greatest and most vibrant democracy of the …
Misdirecting GPS maps appear in Chinese markets
A number of people in China are having trouble with GPS navigation systems in their cars, because they are installed with counterfeit electronic maps, but authorities are doing nothing about the problem as there are no laws regulating the industry. Over the past six months, the Chinese Academy of Surveying and Mapping has granted eight companies across the country a certificate allowing them to produce electronic navigation maps.
Industry sources, however, say the number of fake maps on the market far exceed the number of genuine ones.. The electronic maps allow the system to tell drivers the best route to take to any destination. Legal maps cost more than 1,000 yuan (US$123) a piece, while counterfeits can sell for as little as 15 yuan.
www.shanghaidaily.com
The goal of developing any intelligent machine is to mimic human behaviors and achieve certain goals that can not be fulfi lled by adopting conventional methods [Cawsey, 1998].
Around the year 1840, Colonel George Everest, Surveyor General of India, got completed the Great Trigonometric Surveys (GTS) project against all odds and his own recurring sickness. During this survey, a peak was spotted in the Himalayan range area shining well above in height over all other peaks. Later, it was confirmed that it was indeed the Earth’s highest peak. In recognition of his special contribution to the GTS, this peak was named “Mount Everest” to honor him.
Israeli MATIMOP becomes a member of GJU
The Executive Director of the Galileo Joint Undertaking (GJU) Mr. Rainer Grohe and the Director of the Israeli MATIMOP Mr. Yair Amitay, signed the Agreement in Jerusalem, whereby MATIMOP becomes a member of the GJU. The signing ceremony was hosted by the Israeli Vice- Prime Minister, Mr. Ehud Olmert. Rainer Grohe: “I am very pleased that MATIMOP is now a member of the Galileo Joint Undertaking. Israel has performed great achievements in space technology. I am certain that the participation of Israeli entities will contribute signifi cantly to the overall success of the Galileo Programme. Israeli and European industries will mutually benefi t from their experiences.” MATIMOP is a non profi t organisation, under the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor, which promotes technological and R&D cooperation and technology transfer activities between Israeli and foreign industries.
The GJU was set up in 2002 by the European Union (EU) and the European Space Agency (ESA) to manage the development phase of Galileo – the European global satellite navigation programme. MATIMOP has committed to contribute EUR 18 million to the GJU, for activities in the development phase of the Galileo Program. The Israeli side will participate to the development phase with their own technical contribution.
http://europa.eu.int/comm/dgs/energy_transport/galileo
Forest cover change in Andaman and Nicobar islands
The damage from last December’s tsunami has been counted in the Andaman and Nicobar islands and it is huge. The islands’ forest cover has taken a big hit, marine life has been badly affected and some famous beaches have vanished. India’s Ministry of Environment and Forests report says the tsunami has badly devastated the islands’ ecosystem. Conducted post-tsunami by ISRO through satellite mapping and released recently, the study found forest depletion of up to 27 per cent in islands like Nancowry and Trinkat. In the Nicobar group of islands, 12,224 hectares of forest cover was lost. Comorta, Nancowry and Katchal saw major coral reef erosion. The report says in some places the entire coral reef area suffered. Satellite images showed that the mangrove trees facing the waves were the worst hit. Extensive areas have turned barren or have been totally eroded in the tsunami’s wake. Some major beaches — big tourist attractions — have almost disappeared. The Noncowry and Trinkat beaches in the Nicobar group of islands have vanished. What remains are just barren rocks. Offi cials say it will take years for new beaches to be carved out from the sea. Marine life, too, has been hit hard. The nesting beaches in the Nicobar group of islands have almost vanished as the islands have gone under the sea by one to three metres.
www.hindustantimes.com
Height of Mount Everest MUNEENDRA KUMAR
An alternative low cost MEMS IMU/GPS integration scheme incorporating artificial intelligence KAI-WEI CHIANG AND NASER EL-SHEIMY
Positional accuracy and integration of geographic data CARSTEN RÖNSDORF
The role of cadastral data modelling in e-Land administration KALANTARI M, RAJABIFARD A, WALLACE J AND WILLIAMSON
Malaysia precise geoid (MyGEOID) AHMAD FAUZI NORDIN, SAMAD HJ ABU, CHANG LENG HUA AND SOEB NORDIN
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