EU’s satellite system to fi ne-tune GPS
The European Union launched a free satellite navigation network that could help pilots, drivers and blind people by fi ne-tuning the accuracy of the US GPS to around 2 meters. The EGNOS system will use three satellites and 34 ground stations to narrow the horizontal accuracy of GPS from around 7 meters previously and improve its vertical accuracy to help pilots during landings. Farmers could also benefi t from improved precision for spraying fertilizers, and new applications could emerge on roads, such as automatic tolling and pay-per-use car insurance. The system was pioneered by the Commission, the European Space Agency and aviation safety authority Eurocontrol. www.reuters.com

JAXA and DLR co-operation
JAXA and the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) signed a letter of intent concerning mutual cooperation for satellite disaster monitoring. Both parties confi rmed a mutual intention to use JAXA’s ALOS and DLR’s TerraSAR-X – both of which carry a SAR instrument – to improve response to disasters. They will exchange data as required on requests for emergency observations. They also agreed that will start collaborative research related to disaster monitoring. www.jaxa.jp

PCTEL GPS antennas in GAGAN
PCTEL will deploy its WAAS ground station GPS antennas in India’s GPS-Aided Geosynchronous Augmented Navigation (GAGAN) system. These antennas are currently deployed for the North American WAAS system and Japan’s MSAS. The land-based WAAS antennas enable highly precise navigation and tracking of aircraft and covers L1, L2, and L5 GPS frequencies.http://investor.pctel.com

Magellan RoadMate 1700
Magellan unveiled the new Magellan RoadMate 1700. It is designed to better meet the needs of consumers who are seeking larger-sized displays and easyto- use electronics. The 7-inch WVGA full-colour display provides 4 times the standard screen resolution for better readability and increased safety on the roads. www.magellangps.com

Leica ScanStation C10, builder total stations
Leica Geosystems announced the new Leica ScanStation C10, a laser scanner for as-built and topographic surveys. It provides users with a combination of greater versatility, reduced cost of ownership, and even higher productivity for scanning. With the Leica Builder, Leica has designed a tailored measuring tool for anybody on or around a construction site who needs a simple, intuitive yet innovative and powerful measuring tool. From simple tasks to professional all-day use, it offers a scalable product family that meets the needs for almost any construction job. www.leica-geosystems.com

286 cities in China will complete digital surveying and mapping to facilitate planning and management by the end of 2015, the State Bureau of Surveying and Mapping said. The digital database will serve as the sole authoritative geographical information source for each city. All the databases will be nationally networked so governments at national, provincial and municipal levels can share information

Testing Galileo applications for rail transportation
In the future, trains are to be equipped with systems that work with positioning information that is provided by satellite. This will be made possible by “Galileo”, which is to be simulated from 2010 onwards at the rolling stock Test and Validation Centre operated by Siemens Mobility in Wegberg- Wildenrath, Germany. A test area for satellitebased navigation for rail systems is already being set up there which will enable tests to be carried out under real conditions before the Galileo system actually goes into operation. By doing so, Siemens is supporting the futureoriented “railGATE” project that is being conducted by RWTH Aachen University and sponsored by the space agency of the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) with funds provided by the Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology (BMWi). With testing slated to begin in 2010, Galileo is due to enter operation in 2013. www.siemens.com

Beijing plans Earth Resource III
According to the State Bureau of Surveying and Mapping in Beijing, China shall launch a satellite carrying the country’s first stereo mapping camera. Earth Resource III will be launched in the first half of 2011. http://en.sbsm.gov.cn

China to regulate its GI industry
Authorities in Guangdong are cracking down on illegal surveying and mapping to better regulate the geographic information industry in the southern province. Foreign organizations, businesses and individuals have been told that they must apply to the central government’s surveying and mapping authority for approval to gather geographic information in the southern province. www.chinadaily.com.cn

ISRO to develop Indian satellite security cover
ISRO will develop its own version of the US GPS and Russian Glonass system, albeit with a limited, regional capability, with the added advantage of providing the country’s defence establishment round-the-clock security cover. The constellation of seven satellites will keep an eye on a wide swath of territory – 2,000km – in and around the Indian sub-continent. According to ISRO chief, G Madhavan Nair, the Indian Regional Navigational Satellite System (IRNSS) was being developed “considering security related issues”. www.domain-b.com