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.

Google Street view hits roadblock in India: Commissioner of Police of Bangalore in India has asked Google to stop photographing streets of Bangalore. However, before Street View cars started operating, Google claimed it took permission from the traffic department of Bangalore police. The police have reservations regarding legality of Google’s Street View in India.

Venezuela to use Chinese technology in RS satellite:
Venezuela signed manufacturing contract with China for the development of its remote sensing (RS) satellite. The satellite will be launched in October 2012. This remote sensing satellite will be used for monitoring of natural phenomena, such as earthquakes, floods and heavy rains. The life of satellite will be five to six years.

SatNav in JV with AND:
SatNav Technologies has announced plans to set up a Joint Venture based on shared vision and complementary business opportunities. From an India perspective, the deal will give SatNav access to the best mapping technologies in the world and upgrade their Indian map IP in line with the standards followed worldwide.

Spatial energy continues global expansion with announcement of European subsidiary:
Spatial Energy has announced the opening of a European subsidiary at the 2011 EAGE (European Association of Geoscientists and Engineers) Conference & Exhibition in Vienna, Austria. With increased interest in oil and gas exploration and production, including activity in Africa, as well as in shale gas plays in Eastern and Western Europe, Spatial Energy made the strategic decision to focus on building and strengthening relationships with key EAME energy companies.

India’s GSAT-8 satellite to help GAGAN:
India’s advanced communication satellite GSAT-8 successfully launched into its geosynchronous transfer orbit by Arianespace’s launch vehicle Ariane-5 from Kourou in French Guyana. Weighing about 3100 Kg, GSAT-8 is configured to carry 24 high-power transponders and a two channel GPS-aided GEO Augmented Navigation (GAGAN) payload.

ArcLogistics update gives drivers a break:
ArcLogistics, Esri’s web-based vehicle routing and scheduling solution, has new options to route drivers more efficiently. New settings allow dispatchers to account for drivers’ daily break times, such as 15-minute and 1-hour lunch breaks. These improvements will help dispatchers better account for the actual time it takes to complete a route when creating the day’s plan.

Galileo prepares for October launch:
The European Space Agency (ESA), Arianespace and the European Commission announced that the first two satellites of Europe’s global navigation satellite system, Galileo, will be launched on October 20, 2011. This will be the first of a series of Galileo satellite launches by Arianespace from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana.

Trimble’s LaserAce™ 1000 rangefinder
Trimble has introduced the new Trimble® LaserAce™ 1000 rangefinder, an easy-to-use handheld measurement tool combining a laser distance meter, digital inclinometer, sighting scope and Bluetooth® wireless technology. The new rangefinder expands Trimble’s portfolio by seamlessly integrating with its Geographic Information System (GIS) data collection solutions.
www.trimble.com/laserace.