4 December 2009
Manhole Navigation Concept Is Taking Over?
The Map Hole is a pretty simple urban navigation tool that places bearings and travel times to popular destinations on manhole covers. I suppose the thinking goes that manhole covers are an existing template that could easily be used to provide a second function. Of course, as several Yanko commentors point out, manhole covers tend to be in the middle of the street where you probably shouldn't be standing around figuring out which way to walk. And then there's the issue of what happens when the cover is removed and placed back completely at random, rendering the directions more harm than good.
To find out more click HERE!
10 November 2009
New Garmin GPS Accessory Taps Engine Data, Encourages Green Driving
So long as the vehicle has an OBD-II diagnostics port (and most vehicles from the mid-'90s onward do), Garmin's ESP module can parlay vehicle information into a display on the GPS unit's screen. The device monitors acceleration, braking, speed, and fuel consumption, and gives drivers an overall "green" score.
To find out more click HERE!
8 November 2009
It is all in the mind anyway!
In recent years, working mostly with laboratory rats, they have discovered additional types of neurons in or near the hippocampus known as grid cells, head-direction cells and border cells.
Taken together, "these cells form a map of the environment," said Edvard Moser, a leading expert on brain mapping at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Trondheim, Norway.
To find out more click HERE!
28 October 2009
Google Does It Again?
As reported on the official Google Mobile Blog. Please read on.
Since 2005, millions of people have relied on Google Maps for mobile to get directions on the go. However, there's always been one problem: Once you're behind the wheel, a list of driving directions just isn't that easy to use. It doesn't tell you when your turn is coming up. And if you miss a turn? Forget it, you're on your own.
Today we're excited to announce the next step for Google Maps for mobile: Google Maps Navigation (Beta) for Android 2.0 devices.
This new feature comes with everything you'd expect to find in a GPS navigation system, like 3D views, turn-by-turn voice guidance and automatic rerouting. But unlike most navigation systems, Google Maps Navigation was built from the ground up to take advantage of your phone's Internet connection.
To find out more click HERE!
5 September 2009
It is what is in the mind that matters!
As a registered offender, Garrido was required to wear an electronic ankle bracelet to track his movements. But East Palo Alto Police Chief Ron Davis said that proved to have no value in deterring him from his alleged crime.
To find out more click HERE!
7 August 2009
This is how they do it.
The three-wheeler is a sight with its long pole holding nine cameras, a GPS, a computer and a generator. But the contraption tooling around the French capital needs all that gear to do its job - adding three-dimensional images to Google's Street View Maps.
To find out more click HERE!
17 July 2009
Talk about getting your own back!
Two men and a 17-year-old girl are in custody after Sevier County deputies tracked the GPS in a stolen TV to south Knoxville.
To find out more click HERE!
25 June 2009
GPS satellites need replacement?
The timely replacement of aging GPS satellites was a major concern of the U.S. Government Accounting Office (GAO) in a May report and testimony before U.S. House subcommittee
To find out more click HERE!
27 May 2009
Garmin saves you money?
The ecoRoute software update just released by Garmin for its current and upcoming units lets drivers select the most fuel-efficient route to save petrol and thereby reduce their vehicle's carbon footprint.
To find out more click HERE!
20 April 2009
An alternative.
GPS Visualizer is a free, easy-to-use online utility that creates maps and profiles from GPS data (tracks and waypoints, including GPX files), street addresses, or simple coordinates. Use it to see where you've been, plan where you're going, or visualize geographic data (business locations, scientific observations, events, customers, real estate, geotagged photos, "GPS drawing," etc.).
To find out more click HERE!
6 March 2009
Do you know where you're going too?
OpenStreetMap (OSM) is a collaborative project to create a free editable map of the world. The maps are created using data from portable GPS devices, aerial photography and other free sources. Both rendered images and the vector dataset are available for download under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 licence.
To find out more click HERE!
9 February 2009
Time in a bottle?
But why go to so much trouble to build ever more precise clocks? Does it make a difference if a clock drifts by 1 second in a billion years or in 10 billion? Yes, says Gill. For one thing, a clock accurate to a second over the age of the cosmos would allow tests of whether physical laws and constants have varied over the universe's history (see "An inconstant constant"). "If they have, that would be pretty Earth-shattering," says Gill.
And it is not just fundamental physics that could benefit. Upgrading GPS to optical-clock accuracy could track moving objects in real time to an accuracy of substantially better than a metre, rather than the tens of metres now possible. That is precise enough to moot technologies such as automated motorway driving, or landing aircraft without human intervention.
To find out more click HERE!
9 January 2009
About time too.
A Russian Proton-M rocket was launched into space on Thursday with three new satellites for Moscow's Glonass navigation system, aimed at competing with US and European systems, a report said.
To find out more click HERE!
14 December 2008
Strong stuff
The solar superstorm of 1859 was the fiercest ever recorded. Auroras filled the sky as far south as the Caribbean, magnetic compasses went haywire and telegraph systems failed.
Ice cores suggest that such a blast of solar particles happens only once every 500 years, but even the storms every 50 years could fry satellites (including GPS), jam radios and cause coast-to-coast blackouts.
To find out more click HERE!
10 November 2008
Why you need not bother.
I want to leave one (ordinary consumer type) GPS receiver at home at a fixed position and recording position and take the other identical GPS receiver out to the field and record position. Then, when I get back home, I will compare the two recorded position outputs from the two receivers and subtract out the SA and other errors.
With thanks to the GPSInformation team.
To find out more click HERE!
24 October 2008
Just forged ahead anyway!
A Polish driver who was too sure of his GPS road navigation device ended up neck-deep in a lake after ignoring road signs warning of a dead-end ahead, Polish police said on Friday.
To find out more click HERE!
15 September 2008
Want to go Geocaching?
Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunting game played throughout the world by adventure seekers equipped with GPS devices. The basic idea is to locate hidden containers, called geocaches, outdoors and then share your experiences online. Geocaching is enjoyed by people from all age groups, with a strong sense of community and support for the environment.
To find out more click HERE!
10 August 2008
The Outlook for GPS Manufacturers Looks Good
The market for GPS devices is showing signs of renewed momentum. GPS companies are making themselves increasingly visible; for example, the world’s two largest GPS manufacturers, Garmin and TomTom, have both placed advertisements on prime time television in the United States.
To find out more click HERE!
1 July 2008
Procurement Begins!
The European Commission - with the support of ESA - is launching the procurement of Galileo, a global navigation system composed of 30 dedicated navigation satellites and a ground infrastructure with the main control centres in Europe and a network of dedicated stations deployed around the world.
To find out more click HERE!
6 June 2008
Ever Wondered How Garmin Got it's Start?
Garmin Ltd, incorporated in George Town, Cayman Islands, is the parent company of a group of companies founded in 1989 by Gary Burrell and Min Kao (hence the name GarMin), that develops consumer, aviation, and marine technologies for the Global Positioning System.
To find out more click HERE!
19 May 2008
Need Directions or Coordinates?
Perhaps you do not have a gps and all you need are directions to a place. Or all you need are the co-ordinates of a place in South Africa. There are a number of online mapping websites available that can accomodate these requests and some that will also work out a route for you. Have a look at the list below:
Brabys maps (includes getting coordinates) click here
Easymap click here
Mapme click here
11 April 2008
An agency just for GPS jobs.
Fancy a job with a GPS company? Well here is a website that caters for that exactly. This shows how big the industry has become.
To find out more click HERE!
11 March 2008
Be careful of just pressing buttons!
A woman on her way from Germany to Denmark had to change her plans after keying in the wrong destination on her car's GPS system, police said on Monday.
To find out more click HERE!
11 February 2008
Chinese independent satellite navigation system.
Unlike the GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo systems, which use medium Earth orbit satellites, Beidou 1 uses satellites in geostationary orbit. This means that the system does not require a large constellation of satellites
To find out more click HERE!
4 January 2008
Look before you turn.
A computer consultant driving a rental car drove onto train tracks on Wednesday using the instructions his GPS unit gave him. A train was barreling toward him, but he escaped in time and no one was injured.
To find out more click HERE!
21 December 2007
Things are spicing up in the GPS world.
The Indian Regional Navigational Satellite System (IRNSS) is a proposed autonomous regional satellite navigation system to be constructed and controlled by the Indian government. It is intended to provide an absolute position accuracy of better than 20 meters throughout India and within a region extending approximately 1,500 to 2,000 km around it. A goal of complete Indian control has been stated, with the space segment, ground segment and user receivers all being built in India. The government approved the project in May 2006, with the intention it be implemented within six to seven years.
It is unclear if recent dealings with the Russian government to restore their GLONASS system will supersede the IRNSS project or feed additional technical support to enable its completion.
To find out more click HERE!
Germans ensured role in Galileo
23 November 2007
Dis is good ja!
Germany has obtained European Commission guarantees regarding participation by German groups in the satellite navigation system Galileo, a press report said on Friday.
To find out more click HERE!
3 November 2007
That's what you get...
A Czech lorry driver was stranded for three nights in south-west England after his satellite navigation system directed him down a narrow country lane, British newspapers reported on Friday.
To find out more click HERE!
4 October 2007
Get the best of both worlds
With auto-routable, turn-by-turn, voice prompted navigation and automatic off-route and detour calculation, the Quest 2 will ensure that you are never lost, on the road or off it. The unit is also waterproof IEC 60529 IPX7 standards (submersible in one meter of still water for up to 30 minutes.)
The brilliant 256-colour backlit TFT display makes the Quest 2 easy to read in any light, and the rechargeable lithium-ion battery provides up to 20 hours of use between charges. The Quest 2 comes preloaded with European City Navigator mapping software and also includes Garmap SA Streetmaps which features full coverage of South Africa including Points of Interest like petrol stations, ATMs, hotels, restaurants and local attractions. The Quest 2 also accepts optional MapSource cartography such as Topo & Rec and BlueChart®.
To find out more click HERE!
24 September 2007
Galileo in the news again!
The struggling European navigation system Galileo faces yet another delay with a three-month postponement of its second satellite launch, a press report said on Monday.
"The forecast launch of the second satellite in December will now be held in March 2008," a spokesperson for the launch company Arianespace was quoted by the Financial Times Deutschland as saying.
To find out more click HERE!
30 June 2007
Without a trace
Motorists with satellite navigation (sat-nav) systems are to be handed dusters in a bit to thwart the rocketing number of thefts. Police in Gloucestershire are handing out 2,500 yellow dusters to drivers with sat-navs and shops which sell the systems. They want drivers to use the dusters to wipe off the tell tale sat-nav sucker marks from their windscreens.
To find out more click HERE!
British motorists face spy in sky monitoring
2 May 2007
Spy or Pie?
London - Spies in the sky may track motorists in Britain within a decade if the government goes ahead with controversial plans to introduce road user charging schemes, scientists said on Tuesday.
The plans were unveiled in a report on future transport policy in November as a way of cutting congestion and prompted 1,8 million people to sign an electronic protest petition.
Monitoring would be via a combination of static cameras to capture licence plate details, electronic tags in vehicles that would be read by roadside monitoring stations and global positioning system satellites to read on-board transponders.
To find out more click HERE!
China launches navigational satellite
14 April 2007
Howz this?
Beijing - China launched a navigation satellite on Saturday to be used for everything from tracking forest fires to public security, Xinhua news agency said.
To find out more click HERE!
27 October 2006
Get the best at the best price
Are you afraid of been lost in a strange place? Well, the Garmin nuvi 300 is your constant companion in any new situation. Let's imagine that you are on the way to your new destination. You can blissfully listen to your favourite music or even have a book read to you. Imagine picking a restuarant from the Travel Guide, and knowing the menu type, price range and type of payment they accept. Then at the touch of a button you ask your nuvi to direct you there with voice prompts - great if you have a hire car - even better for scaring the tar out of the taxi driver that wants to take you on a tour of the suburbs first! When you get to the place, no more gesturing with your hands to be understood. Just get your nuvi to translate the sentence into your host's language. What if the menu speaks of a 17 ounce steak. Well the measurement converter will display 500 grams - forget about that diet ;-). Then when the check arrives use the currency convertor to convert the amount into understandable Rands. Then, command your nuvi to navigate you to where your fancy takes you. That's confidence, that's freedom!
To find out more click HERE!
4 October 2006
Flatten the Tower
GPSBabel converts waypoints, tracks, and routes from one format to another, whether that format is a common mapping format like Delorme, Streets and Trips, or even a serial upload or download to a GPS unit such as those from Garmin and Magellan. By flattening the Tower of Babel that the authors of various programs for manipulating GPS data have imposed upon us, it returns to us the ability to freely move our own waypoint data between the programs and hardware we choose to use.
To find out more click HERE!
12 September 2006
Bottleneck capacity?
There are several processes that cause congestion to seemingly appear out of nowhere only to slowly vanish as you drive through it. Flow on a freeway is constrained by a small number of critical locations, referred to as bottlenecks. When demand exceeds the capacity of a given bottleneck it becomes active, and it is not able to serve all drivers exactly when they arrive. These drivers thus have to wait in a queue until there is space for them to pass through the bottleneck, and the delay is manifest as reduced speeds in the lineup.
To find out more click HERE!
Convert DMS to Decimal (and vice versa) in Excel
10 July 2006
This is what Microsoft say about this Excel function: Angular measurements are commonly expressed in units of degrees, minutes, and seconds (DMS). One degree equals 60 minutes, and one minute equals 60 seconds. To simplify some mathematical calculations you may want to express angular measurements in degrees and decimal fractions of degrees. This article contains a sample custom function you can use to convert a degree value stored in decimal format, to DMS stored in text format, and a sample function that converts DMS to a degree value stored in decimal format.
To find out more click HERE!
26 JUNE 2006
Garmin C310 on Special for a Limited Period
In-car navigation has never been easier—or more affordable. The Garmin StreetPilot C310 GPS navigator features a simple touchscreen interface, with automatic route calculation to any destination and turn-by-turn voice-prompted directions along the way. Selecting a destination is straightforward and requires only a limited amount of input from the user. Plus, the StreetPilot c310 allows you to choose between a three-dimensional navigation view or the more traditional “bird’s eye” overhead view.
The StreetPilot c310 features an SD card slot, a 128MB SD card, and GARMAP SA on CD-ROM. The user simply selects the specific area of interest and the data is transferred from a PC via a fast USB connection. The centerpiece of the unit is a bright, 3.5-inch diagonal, 16-bit color display that makes navigation a snap. The StreetPilot c310 features dual integrated speakers for high-quality voice prompts, and an internal lithium-ion battery for out-of-car route planning. The new StreetPilot c-series boasts distinctive and sleek styling—the only buttons are a rotary volume knob and an on/off switch.
The device is secured by a suction-mount cradle that fastens to the windshield for easy portability between vehicles.
To find out more click HERE!
23 June 2006
Bike Tracks - New Category on GPSWaypoints
A wonderful gentleman called Peter Charter suggested that we start a new category of tracks on GPSWaypoints. If you look on the main page of GPSWaypoints, you will see the link on the right-hand side under the heading TRACKS AND ROUTES.
The first set of tracks have been contributed for publication by Peter. I have been assured that he has driven every km of track. If you wish to read the article that he wrote on his adventures, feel free to purchase the current June copy of BikeSA.
The tracks are there for you to download and enjoy!
To go to the tracks click HERE!
17 May 2006
Workshop on tools and facilities for Galileo receivers
Applications for the Galileo program include; Transport, Energy, People with disabilities, Road, Telecom / LBS, Civil Protection, Rail, Finance, Insurance, Time reference, Aviation, Civil Engineering, Science, Public Transport , Agriculture ,Leisure Maritime, Fisheries, Safety, Environment, Pilot projects... Enjoy the reading.
For a more detailed explanation click HERE!
16 April 2006
BATTERY DRAIN (Average Alkaline Values with Backlight Off)
As reported earlier on this news page, there are very smart people out there that do battery drain measurements on some popular GPS equipment. The information is supplied below with the kind permission of Dale De Priest.
BATTERY DRAIN (Average Alkaline Values with Backlight Off)
30 Sep. 2004 (Add Vista C)
24 Nov. 2004 (Add GPSmap 60CS)
20 Feb. 2006 (Add GPSmap 76Cx)
6 Apr. 2006 (Add Vista Cx)
[NOTE]: Divide battery-drain measurements into 1800mah for
battery-life estimate. Tests were made in the NORMAL mode.
Internally Powered with Fresh Alkaline Batteries
------------------------------------
(Test Mode) Antenna Connected
Model Version Sim Searching GA27C or GA26C
-------------------------------------------------------------------
UNITS WITH FOUR AA BATTERIES
G-II+ 2.04 28ma 81ma NA 118ma
G-12XL 3.02 32ma 128ma NA 141ma
G-12XL 3.51 30ma 76ma 89ma NA
G-12XL 4.00 15ma 88ma 101ma NA
G-12 3.50 32ma 75ma @ @
G-12 4.54 NA 83ma @ @
G-III+ 2.01 34ma 82ma NA 95ma
G-V 2.01 58ma 90ma (175ma with backlight max)
UNITS WITH TWO AA BATTERIES
eMap 2.04 60ma 120ma 130ma NA
Legend 2.30 50ma 120ma @ @
Vista 2.16 50ma 120ma* @ @
*165ma with compass ON
Vista C 2.10 52ma 62ma* @ @
*100ma with compass ON
Vista Cx 2.20 50ma 65ma* @ @
*75ma with compass ON
GPSMap 60CS 3.50 38ma 71ma# Gilsson: 82ma
#Backlight low: add 23ma
#Backlight med: add 44ma
#Backlight max: add 100ma
#Compass ON: add 40ma
GPSmap 76 2.04 62ma 120ma 130ma NA
GPSmap 76S 1.06 100ma 125ma* 185ma NA
*Compass ON: add 50ma
GPSmap 76C 3.43 52ma 62ma* 70ma NA
*With backlight full: add 100ma
GPSmap 76CS 55ma 62ma*
*With backlight: 20% add 25ma, 30% 33ma, 50% 53ma, 100% 103ma
*Compass ON: add 35ma, Tone: add 70ma (Approx)
GPSmap 76Cx 2.40 40ma 100ma*
*With backlight full: add 100ma
UNITS WITH SIX AA BATTERIES
Street Pilot 1.00 105ma 120ma NA 133ma
* Searching
° On Garmin models, the lower the battery voltage,
the higher the current drain.
[MAGELLANS with two batteries]
M-315 1.03 NA 145ma @ @
M-330M 2.03 NA 145ma @ @
Meridian GOLD 2.09 NA 145ma @ @
SporTrak Color 4.06 NA 120ma* @ @
*160ma with backlight on full
@Has no external powered antenna capability
Tests were made with the units in the search or simulator modes.
Sim=Simulator Mode
NA=Not Available for testing
[LOWRANCE]
EEx2 3.00 110ma 110ma @ @ 6.00
EEx2 3.00 Power-Save mode=40ma to 110ma in three-second cycles
GM100 1.20 180ma 180ma @ @ 6.00
GM100 1.20 Power-Save mode=84ma to 180ma in three-second cycles
@Has no external powered antenna capability
BACK LIGHTS:
Garmin G-12with full battery gauge:
Light ON Low Add 4ma
Light ON Med Add 9ma
Light ON Max Add 16ma
Garmin G-III:
Light ON Low Add 16ma
Light ON Med Add 32ma
Light ON Max Add 64ma
Street Pilot with full battery gauge:
Light ON normal: Add 120ma
Light ON max: Add 210ma
Eagle Expedition II with full battery gauge:
Light ON max: Add 80ma
GM100 with full battery gauge:
Light ON max: Add 60ma
The above submitted by Ron Henderson, Jose Camara,
Jeff Thieleke, and Frederick Hiltz
-------------------------
Pierre Morin did some interesting measurements of the current consumption
of his Garmin GPS12 indicating that with low battery voltages, turning on
the backlighr REDUCES the current!
VOLTAGE BACKLIGHT BACKLIGHT BACKLIGHT BACKLIGHT
OFF LOW MEDIUM BRIGHT
4.3v 129ma 110ma 119ma 121ma
5.0v 114ma 93ma 100ma 107ma
6.0v 86ma 86ma 90ma 93ma
--------------------------------------
Dave Martindale, using a regulated 5 vdc power supply, made the
following antenna current measurements:
Garmin GA-26 12.7 ma @6vdc
Garmin GA-27C 10.0 ma @3vdc
Trimble hardmount 18.6 ma
old Lowe 22.0 ma
new Lowe 22.8 ma
Trimble mini OEM 29.0 ma
Tri-M Mighty Mouse 12.1 ma
5 April 2006
Application Galore for Galileo
Since the last workshop on receivers, held in April 2005, development of the Galileo system has made considerable progress. The first satellite has been launched and Galileo signals from space are available for the first time. The European satellite navigation programme is moving forward but the signals transmitted by GIOVE A are just the beginning.
Navigation signals alone are not useful – they must be translated into services. This is where the user segment plays its part and why a gathering like this workshop is important, providing an open forum where those involved in receiver development can share their experience.
Indeed, some 60 projects, with a total worth of around € 170 million and involving 300 companies, have been implemented. Two main areas are being addressed: core technology for the satellite navigation user segment and initial versions of commercially oriented applications.
For a more detailed explanation click HERE!
13 February 2006
Travel South Africa Virtually - A Must See Site!
Through Caves, Coves, Beaches and Valleys; between Tribal Dancers and into Kraals, onto Dams and into Canyons; to the tops of Towers, Bridges and Mountains; as well as into Sunflower Fields, through Namaqualand in bloom and up to the highest South African pubs as well as the most unusual bars (inside a Baobab Tree), Skiing South Africa's Snow and landing the South African Flag Parachute on Nelson Mandela Bridge... taking only photos and leaving only footprints...
This visually informative and interactive website makes use of full 360x360 degree images enabling the internet browser to "step inside" the image as if they were there and to look in any direction at various points around South Africa
For a more detailed explanation click HERE!
12 January 2006
Galileo Would Have Been Proud of This
The GIOVE-A satellite is in good health and started transmitting the first Galileo signals from medium Earth orbit on 12 January. GIOVE-A was placed in orbit (altitude 23,260 km) by a Soyuz-Fregat rocket operated by Starsem on 28 December last from the Baikonur cosmodrome. The prime contractor, Surrey Satellite Technology Limited, then successfully deployed the 7-metre solar array panels, commissioned the satellite platform and prepared the payload for tests from its Mission Control Centre. These activities on GIOVE-A drew on the joint efforts of ground stations deployed at RAL (UK), Bangalore (India) and Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) for uploading of the onboard computer software, deployment of the two solar panels and placing of the satellite in sun-acquisition mode.
For a more detailed explanation click HERE!
20 December 2005
Highest-precision international civilian GPS community
The International GNSS Service (IGS), formerly the International GPS Service, is a voluntary federation of more than 200 worldwide agencies that pool resources and permanent GPS & GLONASS station data to generate precise GPS & GLONASS products. The IGS is committed to providing the highest quality data and products as the standard for Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) in support of Earth science research, multi disciplinary applications, and education. Currently the IGS includes two GNSS, GPS and the Russian GLONASS, and intends to incorporate future GNSS. You can think of the IGS as the highest-precision international civilian GPS community.
For a more detailed explanation click HERE!
30 November 2005
OH-boy what a good idea!
NavCom"s implementation of Solid Earth Tide Corrections into their GPS software algorithm was instrumental in providing real-time, accurate water elevation data from the buoy system and essential in meeting NAVOCEANO"s requirements. The TRIAXYS GPS buoys equipped with NavCom GPS receivers are able to measure water levels for hydrographic surveys providing up to 30 centimeters of improved vertical accuracy depending on latitude and solar and lunar cycles. In addition to increased accuracies, these buoys will reduce the need of installing land referenced tide gauges.
For a more detailed explanation click HERE!
1 November 2005
This VW Touareg is going places
The Stanford Vehicle (nicknamed "Stanley") is based on a stock, Diesel-powered Volkswagen Touareg R5, modified with full body skid plates and a reinforced front bumper. Stanley is actuated via a drive-by-wire system developed by Volkswagen of America's Electronic Research Lab. All processing takes place on seven Pentium M computers, powered by a battery-backed, electronically-controlled power system. The vehicle incorporates measurements from GPS, a 6DOF inertial measurement unit, and wheel speed for pose estimation
For a more detailed explanation click HERE!
26 October 2005
Who is to blame in this case?
Wellington - Two Australian tourists who relied on a rental car's satellite navigation system to direct them on a journey in New Zealand's South Island were taken to dangerous heights - one of the country's highest mountain passes and a dirt road normally closed to the public, it was reported on Thursday. The couple picked up the car after midnight when they flew into Christchurch airport, entered the destination - Nelson, 460km to the north - on the system and ended up driving for 10 hours in fog, crossing rivers and unable to turn round on a narrow track, Radio New Zealand reported.They ended up at a locked gate on a remote sheep station where a farm worker rescued them.
For a more detailed explanation click HERE!
20 October 2005
Using GPS to catch a thief?
Varna, Bulgaria - A customs officer who stole a gadget-packed cellphone was caught when its owner, the United States ambassador to Bulgaria, activated the phone's Global Positioning System program. The GPS program of ambassador John Beyrle's cellphone helped him locate his phone in the officer's pocket. He was on his way from Varna to Hungary when his cellphone went missing...
For a more detailed explanation click HERE!
26 September 2005
Does GPS Prove Einstein's Theory of Relativity?
At the time of launch of the first NTS-2 satellite (June 1977), which contained the first Cesium clock to be placed in orbit, there were some who doubted that relativistic effects were real. A frequency synthesizer was built into the satellite clock system so that after launch, if in fact the rate of the clock in its final orbit was that predicted by GR, then the synthesizer could be turned on bringing the clock to the coordinate rate necessary for operation. The atomic clock was first operated for about 20 days to measure its clock rate before turning on the synthesizer. The frequency measured during that interval was parts in faster than clocks on the ground; if left uncorrected this would have resulted in timing errors of about 38,000 nanoseconds per day. The difference between predicted and measured values of the frequency shift was only parts in , well, within the accuracy capabilities of the orbiting clock. This then gave about a validation of the combined motional and gravitational shifts for a clock at earth radii.
For a more detailed explanation click HERE!
2 September 2005
ESA Tests EGNOS During German Rally
EGNOS makes the difference. This is what was demonstrated at the German round of the World Rally Championship, where some competitors had their paths through the rally stages tracked using satellite navigation. Data from both conventional GPS and from GPS enhanced using the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service were recorded to demonstrate the improvement in positioning accuracy offered by the enhancement system.
To find out more about the EGNOS test click HERE!
23 August 2005
One of South Africa's best kept GPS secrets
The Space Geodesy Programme participates in global networks which uses applications of Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) and the Global Positioning System (GPS) to do research in geodesy. HartRAO operates an SLR (Satellite Laser Ranging) system in collaboration with GSFC, Washington. Having three main space geodesy techniques located on the same site positions HartRAO to play an important role in international space geodesy networks. This collocation makes HartRAO a true fiducial site.
To find out more about the Space Geodesy Programme click HERE!
8 August 2005
Free database of about 200 tours focusing mainly on Italy
Giscover.com is an up and coming community portal for travel and adventure enthusiasts who use GPS technology to exchange and download tracks, waypoints, and tour information. They currently have a free database of about 200 tours focusing mainly on Italy. Everyone is welcome to upload new tracks.
To find out more about Giscover click HERE!
14 July 2005
Quick and easy plotting of points in AutoCAD
Plot GPS Waypoints in AutoCAD and View them on Terraserver-USA Maps! GPS2CAD enables design professionals to use recreational-grade GPS units to collect field information and plot it in their CAD program. While professional survey-grade systems are more accurate, most recreational GPS units are well-suited for many site layout and "topo-plotting" requirements. Viewing the imported points on actual public-domain aerial photos or topographic maps is an important part of GPS2CAD. These maps are obtained automatically when the user clicks the "View Points" button, and then displayed in a separate window with the map, points and id clearly plotted. GPS2CAD translates the GPS points from their "satellite based" coordinate system into more than 40 world wide coordinate systems, including the extremely popular NAD 27, NAD 83, and the State Plane Coordinate systems (used in the United States). The program is designed to work with AutoCAD, versions 14.01 through 2006. In addition, it will export the point data to text files, Access 2000
To find out more about GPS2CAD click HERE!
24 June 2005
The CD:SM in PRETORIA!!
The Chief Directorate of Surveys and Mapping (CD:S&M) is responsible for the official, definitive, national topographic mapping and control network system of South Africa. The CD:S&M provides a range of maps, aerial photography, survey services and computer data products for government departments, commerce, planning, administrative, educational, management and leisure use. Well, The Chief Directorate: Surveys and Mapping of South Africa has opened an office in PRETORIA. The person to contact is Aubrey Matsego on 082 331 8114.
To find out more click HERE!
23 May 2005
I wonder what Rembrandt would think of this?
One of the most creative things I have seen done with a GPS receiver. These folks create drawings from gps waypoints by moving in deliberate patterns that represent ordinary things like cats and fish. They also have a method for displaying complex gps data in a compact fish-eye lens method. Definitely worth looking at.
To find out more about the drawings click HERE!
25 April 2005
WAAS is Trignet all about?
WAAS is a U.S. GPS signal correction system, that reduces errors due to satellite, atmospheric and receiver signal degradation. We here is sunny S.A. cannot use WAAS, but we would be able to use TrigNet instead to do the same thing! This is an initiative of the Chief Directorate: Surveys and Mapping, and we look forward to the day that is brought on-line in real-time. In the mean time you can read about what has been accomplished concerning Trignet thus far.
To find out more about WAAS click HERE!
To find out more about Trignet click HERE!
19 April 2005
Arcview users who want to import GARMIN data
I have been asked a number of times how to incorporate GARMIN data into ArcView for processing. Well, there are a number of options available, and what follows is only one way of doing so. The program below is available from ESRI as a download and what it does is:
AV Garmin was created so ArcView ® users could:
1) Create shapefiles from the data collected on your Garmin® GPS into ArcView®.
2) Append to an existing shapefile from the data collected on your Garmin® GPS.
3) Create shapefiles in any projection supported by ArcView.
To find out more click HERE!
5 April 2005
GARMIN C320 is a classy act to follow ;-)
In-car navigation has never been easier or more affordable. The StreetPilot "c-series" GPS navigators feature a simple touch screen interface, with automatic route calculation to any destination and turn-by-turn voice-prompted directions along the way. Selecting a destination is straightforward and requires only a limited amount of input from the user. Plus, the StreetPilot c320 allows you to choose between a three-dimensional navigation view or the more traditional “bird’s eye” overhead view.
The centerpiece of both units is a bright, 3.5-inch diagonal, 16-bit color display that makes navigation a snap. The StreetPilot c320 features dual integrated speakers for high-quality voice prompts, and an internal lithium-ion battery for out-of-car route planning. The new StreetPilot c-series boasts distinctive and sleek styling, the only buttons are a rotary volume knob and an on/off switch.
The device is secured by a suction-mount cradle that fastens to the windshield for easy portability between vehicles. Users can customize their unit’s appearance with an array of colored faceplates (sold separately).
To find out more click HERE!
26 March 2005
GARMIN get tough on grey imports
In a statement on grey imports AVNIC Trading, the official importers of GARMIN products have the following to say about the issue:
Warranty Policy – Garmin South Africa
Avnic have received a couple of slaps in the face recently from customers who have purchased units overseas which have gone faulty and have been supported by Avnic. We have picked up on GPS forums that it is being said that it is OK to purchase overseas and that Avnic are bound by an international warranty agreement to support Garmin product.
Avnic’s pricing does differ from wholesale internet sites in the USA for a number of reasons – one being the level of support that we offer customers who own a Garmin product. Should the unit go faulty in the first year then it is replaced with a brand new unit. The warranty on this unit is further extended by 1 year from the time it is replaced.
Furthermore, once out of warranty and for a fixed price, customers receive a brand new unit with a full year warranty.
Our current policy of supporting Grey imports is not only effecting sales through official local channels but it is also impacting on our support infrastructure as we are expected to provide warranty replacement and help line technical support to customers who have not bought into that level of support.
NEW WARRANTY POLICY
In future Avnic Trading CC will not support any Garmin product both technically and through our help lines where it has been imported into South Africa through a channel which is not one of Avnic’s official distribution channels.
We have got clarity from Garmin that they support our policy in South Africa as it is the same policies that are being utilised by other countries that are faced with the same problems.
WHY SHOULD CUSTOMERS BUY LOCALLY
1) Local ‘Swap Out’ warranty support
2) Access to Avnic help line
3) Products are loaded with Data pertinent to the area (ie American Base Maps with American units)
4) Local mapping included with mapping products
5) Support for local industry
Should any customer require support for a Garmin product imported through unofficial channels then we recommend that they contact to shop that sold it to them.
--- 00 O 00 ---
So folks, if the price looks too good to be true, beware it could be a grey import, with all the consequences... Ed
To find out more email us
11 March 2005
ARMA - Using GPS/GIS to combat malaria (We salute you -Ed.)
The MARA/ARMA collaboration was initiated to provide an Atlas of malaria for Africa, containing relevant information for rational and targeted implementation of malaria control. The MARA/ARMA initiative is non-institutional and runs in the spirit of an open collaboration. A group of dedicated African scientists, based at institutions across the continent, work co-operatively towards achieving the overall objectives.
Sub-Saharan Africa carries the highest per capita burden of disease in the world of which malaria is the single most important cause. Of global deaths attributed to malaria 90% now occur in sub-Saharan Africa. Recent advances in public health are offering new opportunities to make significant reductions in the burden of disease. However, many factors, especially endemicity, affect the choice of control methods. This requires us to rethink how we define endemicity, and how we may map malaria risk in order to better support planning and programming of malaria control.
Detailed mapping of malaria risk and endemicity has never been done in Africa. Accurate estimates of the burden of malaria at regional or district level remain largely unknown. In the absence of such data it is impossible to rationalize allocation of limited resources for malaria control.
Objectives
1. To map malaria risk in Africa
a) Through collection of published and unpublished malaria data.
b) Through spatial modeling of malaria distribution, seasonality and endemicity.
2. To disseminate relevant information to national and international decision makers and other end users, in a range of useful formats.
3. To develop capacity in malaria / health GIS.
To find out more click HERE!
3 March 2005
GARMAP now autorouting, and bundled with most GARMIN products!
We are pleased to announce the release of our new GARMAP autorouting product. As of the 1st March 2005, all GARMIN mapping units will include a copy of GARMAP S.A. Streetmaps Version 3. This auto routing Version 3 product will replace the non auto routing Version 2 Garmap SA Streetmap product. Please note that the Version 3 Routable product will be usable in the non routable GPS products as well. The Version 3 Mapset is routable only if used with a GPS that has routable capability. Products will be bundled and sold as follows:
Product Bundled with GARMAP Version 3
eTrex Legend C
eTrex Legend mono
eTrex Vista C
eTrex Vista mono
GPSMAP 60
GPSMAP 60c
GPSMAP 60cs
GPSMAP 76
GPSMAP 76s
GPSMAP 76c
GPSMAP 76cs
Product Bundled with GARMAP Version 3 and S.A. City Select Version 5
Streetpilot III
Streetpilot 2610
GPS V
Product Bundled with GARMAP Version 3 and S.A. City Select Version 5 and Europe
City Select
Quest
Streetpilot c320
Ique 3200
Ique 3600
M5
GPS 10
GPS 18
Cfque 1620
GPSMAP 276 c Auto nav kit
We expect GARMAP Version 3 to be available in Mid March.
• Customers who own GARMAP SA Streetmaps V1 & V2 will be allowed to upgrade to GARMAP Version 3 for R650.00 ex vat visit www.garmap.com (this needs to be done on the website only)
• Customers who purchased a GARMIN mapping product between the 1st January 2005 and 1st March 2005, can purchase GARMAP Version 3 from AVNIC direct for R650.00 (excluding VAT) (Proof of purchase required).
• As a SPECIAL LAUNCH OFFER, customers who have purchased a Garmin Auto Routing GPS through the official suppliers and retail outlets in South Africa will be entitled to Garmap SA Streetmap V.3 for R750.00 (excluding Vat) for a LIMITED PERIOD ONLY. This is available direct from Avnic Trading cc. (Proof of purchase required)
• For inquiries go to GARMAP
23 February 2005
At last — no more cables, plugin receivers, and paper maps!
Now you can add full GPS navigation capabilities to your Pocket PC or PC laptop with the Garmin GPS 10™, a Bluetooth®-enabled wireless GPS receiver. Wherever you're going, the GPS 10 Deluxe package provides wireless mapping and navigation to deliver you directly to the front door. Talk about mobile. Traveling has never been easier thanks to the GPS 10 Deluxe's innovative features:
* Compact and lightweight — convenient to carry and mount discreetly in your car
* Magnetic and velcro mounts — make it a snap to install
* Waterproof — so it can be mounted outside the car for a clear view of the sky
* Integrated, wireless GPS receiver and transceiver with Bluetooth technology— for strong reception and data transmission of up to 10 m
* Long battery life — rechargeable lithium ion batteries for up to 12 hours of use and a 12-volt adapter for added flexibility
* Detailed, accurate mapping software — provides map data for the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico
* Intuitive navigation applications for Pocket PC and PC laptops — deliver address lookup, turn-by-turn navigation, and more
To find out more click HERE!
18 February 2005
Put vroom into your life with this product!
Mobile Office
The iQue M5 is perfect for today’s mobile professional who wants to get from the boardroom to the hotel without asking for directions. Featuring the latest Microsoft® Pocket PC software, Windows Mobile™ 2003 Second Edition, the iQue M5 supports portrait/landscape screen orientation for easy viewing of documents, videos, and web content. It's powered by a 416-MHz Intel® PXA 272 microprocessor, and it also provides the user with 64 MB of RAM, 64 MB of ROM and data back-up protection. The embedded Bluetooth® transceiver allows the user to establish a personal-area network with computer systems and Bluetooth-enabled devices such as mobile phones, other PDA's, and printers. Check e-mail and view documents—then sync seamlessly with your laptop.
GPS Navigation
The GPS antenna on the iQue M5 folds flush with the back of the unit. Press the antenna release switch, and it simultaneously powers up the iQue M5, acquires satellites, and defaults to the QueMap™ interface. Once the antenna switch is triggered, the M5 prepares to navigate. The antenna can be adjusted for optimal GPS signal reception in any vehicle or rental car. The unit comes with a sturdy windshield mount with integrated charger and speaker.
To find out more click HERE!
21 January 2005
Calling all runners, joggers, walkers - casual or pro!
This training partner continuously monitors your heart rate, speed, distance, pace and calories burned so you can train smarter, more effectively. The Forerunner 301 combines the popular features of the Forerunner 201 with a proven heart rate monitor and Training Center™ software to create a highly integrated personal training system.
Whether you are a triathlete in training or just want to see tangible results, the Forerunner 301 sets the pace with innovative features:
* Compact, lightweight and waterproof with an easy-to-read display on an ergonomic wristband
* Embedded GPS sensor provides basic navigation capabilities to tell you how far, how fast, even how to get home.
* Digital coded heart rate monitor so you can see whether you are training too hard or not enough
* Training Center software, a powerful PC-based application that lets you analyse and create workouts
* Highly flexible — offers multiple sports profiles so you can use it for running, biking and other sports.
* Easy to use — no calibration required. Just turn it on and go.
To find out more click HERE!
14 January 2005
Multifunctional, versatile and tough-thats the GPSMAP60 from GARMIN
The GPS 60 along with the GPSMAP 60 are packed with several of the features found in the 60 series colour units, but sport an affordable, high-resolution, monochrome display for outdoor enthusiasts on a budget.
The rugged, waterproof GPS 60 is the perfect, low-cost, navigator for wherever your spirit of adventure takes you:
* Large, sunlight-readable, four-level grayscale display with bright LED backlight makes it easy to find your way — day or night
* 28 hours of battery life for more hours of outdoor enjoyment
* Both serial and USB connections for fast and versatile download transfer
* 1 MB of internal memory for storing points of interest from the MapSource® Points of Interest CD
The GPS 60 is a non-mapping unit that comes factory pre-loaded with a 1 MB marine point database that includes worldwide cities. Like the other products in the 60 series, this trusty handheld is compact and lightweight, with a user-friendly interface. It's reliable and extra-precise as WAAS can make it. The unit also offers a dedicated geocaching mode, indoor/outdoor games, an alarm clock, sunrise/sunset and moon phase tables, optimal hunting and fishing times — plus much more.
The GPS 60 makes it easy to navigate the great outdoors on a budget.
To find out more click here HERE
7 January 2005
The latest on the Galileo roll-out.
Galileo System Test Bed Version 1 experimentation is now complete 7 January 2005 Following twelve months of successful operation in the ground segment development of the Galileo program, the Galileo System Test Bed Version 1 (GSTB-V1) routine operations were concluded on 22 December 2004. The GSTB-V1 project supported experimentation on the critical performances behind the services to be delivered to users by the final Galileo system. The results of the GSTB-V1 experimentation will be delivered to the development phase activities necessary for in-orbit validation of the Galileo system. The GSTB-V1 consisted of a worldwide network of sensor stations collecting high quality GPS observables at 1 Hz, an Experimental Precision Timing Station, located at the Istituto Elettronico Nazionale (IEN) Time Laboratory, providing the reference time scale steered to universal time and international atomic time (UTC/TAI), and a Processing Centre located at the European Space Agency (ESA-ESTEC) in The Netherlands which was used for the generation of navigation and integrity core products based on Galileo-like algorithms.
To find out more about this article click HERE
To find out more about Galileo click HERE
8 November 2004
Tests were made in the NORMAL mode on Garmin units
Internally Powered with Fresh Alkaline Batteries and Antenna Connected
------------------------------------
Model, Version, Simulator, Searching, GA27C, GA26C
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UNITS WITH FOUR AA BATTERIES
G-II+ 2.04 28ma 81ma NA 118ma
G-12XL 3.02 32ma 128ma NA 141ma
G-12XL 3.51 30ma 76ma 89ma NA
G-12XL 4.00 15ma 88ma 101ma NA
G-12 3.50 32ma 75ma
G-12 4.54 NA 83ma
G-III+ 2.01 34ma 82ma NA 95ma
G-V 2.01 58ma 90ma (175ma with backlight max)
UNITS WITH TWO AA BATTERIES
eMap 2.04 60ma 120ma 130ma NA
Legend 2.30 50ma 120ma
Vista 2.16 50ma 120ma*
*165ma with compass ON
Vista-C 2.10 52ma 62ma*
*100ma with compass ON
GPSmap 76 2.04 62ma 120ma 130ma NA
GPSmap 76S 1.06 100ma 125ma* 185ma NA
*175ma with compass ON
GPSmap 76C 3.43 52ma 62ma* 70ma NA
*160ma with backlight full
UNITS WITH SIX AA BATTERIES
Street Pilot 1.00 105ma 120ma NA 133ma * Searching
° On Garmin models, the lower the battery voltage,
the higher the current drain.
MAGELLANS with two batteries
M-315 1.03 NA 145ma
M-330M 2.03 NA 145ma
Meridian GOLD 2.09 NA 145ma
SporTrak Colour 4.06 NA 120ma*
*160ma with backlight on full
Credits due to Ron Henderson, Jose Camara, and Jeff Thieleke
31 August 2004
Galileo will be Europe’s own global navigation satellite system, providing a highly accurate, guaranteed global positioning service under civilian control. It will be inter-operable with GPS and GLONASS, the two other global satellite navigation systems.
A user will be able to take a position with the same receiver from any of the satellites in any combination. By offering dual frequencies as standard, however, Galileo will deliver real-time positioning accuracy down to the metre range, which is unprecedented for a publicly available system.
It will guarantee availability of the service under all but the most extreme circumstances and will inform users within seconds of a failure of any satellite. This will make it suitable for applications where safety is crucial, such as running trains, guiding cars and landing aircraft.
The first experimental satellite, part of the so-called Galileo System Test Bed (GSTB) will be launched in the second semester of 2005. The objective of this experimental satellite is to characterize the critical technologies, which are already under development under ESA contracts. Thereafter up to four operational satellites will be launched in the timeframe 2005-2006 to validate the basic Galileo space and related ground segment. Once this In-Orbit Validation (IOV) phase has been completed, the remaining satellites will be installed to reach the Full Operational Capability (FOC) in 2008.
The fully deployed Galileo system consists of 30 satellites (27 operational + 3 active spares), positioned in three circular Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) planes in 23616 km altitude above the Earth, and at an inclination of the orbital planes of 56 degrees with reference to the equatorial plane. Once this is achieved, the Galileo navigation signals will provide a good coverage even at latitudes up to 75 degrees north, which corresponds to the North Cape, and beyond. The large number of satellites together with the optimisation of the constellation, and the availability of the three active spare satellites, will ensure that the loss of one satellite has no discernible effect on the user.
To find out more click HERE
Confluence project
16 August 2004
The goal of the project is to visit each of the latitude and longitude integer degree intersections in the world, and to take pictures at each location. The project is an organized sampling of the world. There is a confluence within 49 miles (79 km) of you if you're on the surface of Earth. We've discounted confluences in the oceans and some near the poles, but there are still 12,837 to be found.
To find out more click HERE
FUGAWI update