The X900+ is proposed in various bundled packages to fit end users’ need with a choice of various data collection software (CHC’s Landstar and Carlson’s SurvCE) and handheld controllers (CHC’s LT30 and Getac PS236).

Spirent Communications has launched new simulation software that combines inertial MEMS sensor with multi-GNSS (GPS, GLONASS, etc.) testing. SimSENSOR includes trajectories that embed representative human motion gestures, such as arm movements. In additon MEMS noise models and errors such as bias and drift are also available under user control. The software can test fusion algorithms that take inputs from a large variety of sensors, including accelerometers, gyroscope, magnetometer, digital compass and barometric height sensors.

European Commission vice president Antonio Tajanihas unveiled a new service intended to make satellite data more reliable. The European Data Access Service (EDAS) will make data from the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS) available on the Internet. As a result, people will be able to access this GPS data from hand-held devices, Tajanisaid, improving the accuracy of things like high-precision fertiliser spraying, automatic road-tolling, fl eet management, inland waterway navigation, dangerous goods transportation or accurate area measurement.

Esri has joined the ocean business alliance World Ocean Council (WOC) and will support its international initiatives for sustainable development and conservation of the ocean. Esrichief scientist Dawn Wright will share her geospatial expertise with WOC’s Coastal and Marine Spatial Planning (CMSP) and Ocean Science working groups. WOC members are oil and gas, seafl oor mining, shipping, fisheries, aquaculture, tourism, and offshore renewables companies.

DigitalGlobe and GeoEye have announced that the boards of directors of both companies have unanimously approved a defi nitive merger agreement under which the companies will combine in a stock and cash transaction valued at approximately $900 million. The combination of DigitalGlobe and GeoEye will create a global leader in earth imagery and geospatial analysis with a more diversifi ed revenue base, a superior fi nancial foundation and signifi cant growth potential.

Researchers at Anna University of Technology in Tamil Nadu, India have developed a technology that not only jams cell phone calls while a vehicle is in motion, but can report a driver’s attempt to use their mobile communication devices to the authorities. The technology, based on RFIDs, is aimed at preventing truck drivers and other road users from using their cell phones while driving and could also be integrated with police traffi c monitoring.

LONDON Sports fans attending the London Olympics were told to avoid non-urgent text messages and tweets during events because overloading of data networks was affecting television coverage. Commentators on men’s cycling road race were unable to tell viewers how far the leaders were ahead of the chasing pack because data could not get through from the GPS satellite navigation system travelling with the cyclists.

With Visual Stakeout (VSO) the virtual location of the point to be staked can be seen by a “fl ag” shown on the Triumph- VS camera image. This visual aid helps to navigate quickly to the point and makes stakeout jobs fast and fun. The VSO precision is better when closer to the target point and also better when the point is close to the crosshair.

Gothenburg, the second largest city in Sweden, launches a unique 3D web service engaging citizens to contribute with ideas and suggestions for the development of the city. Citizens can explore the city in 3D on the web and interactively propose projects based on the latest gaming technology. Suggestions are shared on Facebook and rated by the community using common social media features. Users can easily navigate in the virtual 3D model of the city and make changes to the model with user friendly tools.

The Satellite Industry Association (SIA) released its 2012 State of the Satellite Industry Report. Globally, 2011 revenues for the satellite industry totalled USD 177.3 billion, a growth of 5 percent. This is the fi fteenth year that SIA has commissioned the Futron Corporation to conduct this annual survey.