The United States Government Accountability Office (GAO) issued on May 7 an alarming report on the future of GPS, characterizing ongoing modernization efforts as shaky. The agency appears to single out the IIF program as the weak link between current stability and ensured future capability, calling into doubt “whether the Air Force will be able to acquire new satellites in time to maintain current GPS service without interruption.” It asserts the very real possibility that “in 2010, as old satellites begin to fail, the overall GPS constellation will fall below the number of satellites required to provide the level of GPS service that the U.S. government commits to.”
Prepared at the request of the U.S. House of Representatives’ Subcommittee on National Security and Foreign Affairs, Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and titled "Global Positioning System: Significant Challenges in Sustaining and Upgrading Widely Used Capabilities," the report concludes that "it is uncertain whether the Air Force will be able to acquire new satellites in time to maintain current GPS service without interruption. If not, some military operations and some civilian users could be adversely affected.”
“In addition,” the report summary continues, “military users will experience a delay in utilizing new GPS capabilities, including improved resistance to jamming of GPS signals, because of poor synchronization of the acquisition and development of the satellites with the ground control and user equipment. Finally, there are challenges in ensuring civilian requirements for GPS can be met and that GPS is compatible with other new, potentially competing global space-based positioning, navigation, and timing systems."
Among the report’s principal recommendations is a proposal often made in past years by a range of experts, but never implemented: the Secretary of Defense should appoint “a single authority to oversee the development of GPS, including space, ground control, and user equipment assets, to ensure these assets are synchronized and well executed, and potential disruptions are minimized.”
While the Department of Defense (DoD) concurred with this recommendation, and while quite possibly it might effectuate the streamlined decision-making and corollary processes to remedy the highlighted deficiencies, it would run counter to the integral “dual-use” principle of GPS as dedicated to both civil and military users. Such a move could thus conceivably and adversely affect the interests of civil users.
The full report can be downloaded from the GAO website.
Testimony from invited GPS providers and users before a related National Security Subcommittee hearing ("GPS: Can We Avoid a Gap in Service?"), some of which is briefly encapsulated within this news story, can be downloaded.
Why GAO Did This Study. A highlights document attached to the GAO report asserts that GPS “has become essential to U.S. national security.” The GAO conducted its own analysis of Air Force satellite data, in addition to interviewing key officials and analyzing program documentation. Specifically, the agency assessed progress in:
* acquiring GPS satellites
* acquiring the ground control and user equipment necessary to leverage GPS satellite capabilities
* coordinating efforts among federal agencies and other organizations to ensure GPS missions can be accomplished.
Gloomy Outcomes. Based on the most recent satellite reliability and launch schedule data from March of this year, the estimated long-term probability of maintaining a constellation of at least 24 operational satellites falls below 95 percent during fiscal year 2010 and remains below 95 percent until the end of fiscal year 2014, at times falling to about 80 percent. Program officials provided no evidence to suggest that the current mean life expectancy for satellites is overly conservative, the GAO stated.
The results of fewer than 24 operational satellites could include:
* Intercontinental commercial air carriers may have to delay, cancel, or reroute flights.
* Enhanced-911 response to emergency calls could lose accuracy, particularly operating in urban and mountainous environments — exactly where emergencies tend to be most dire and hardest to locate.
* Accuracy of precision-guided munitions could decrease, forcing the military to use larger munitions or use more munitions on the same target to achieve the same level of mission success, and increasing the risks of collateral damage. The urgent desire to decrease or eliminate collateral damage to civilians in or near conflict zones has often been cited by the founders of GPS as one of their key motivations in envisioning the program.
* Both standard positioning service and precise positioning service could suffer, impacting large numbers of civil users, both professional (for example, surveyors) and casual (users of location-based services via cell phones) in moderately mountainous areas, in large cities, and under forest foliage.
Block IIF at the Crux. Cristina T. Chaplain of the GAO presented the report to Congress, stating, “In recent years, the Air Force has struggled to successfully build GPS satellites within cost and schedule goals; it encountered significant technical problems that still threaten its delivery schedule; and it struggled with a different contractor. As a result, the current IIF satellite program has overrun its original cost estimate by about $870 million and the launch of its first satellite has been delayed to November 2009 — almost three years late.”
The GAO reports cites specific problems with the IIF satellites contracted to Boeing. During the first phase of thermal vacuum testing in 2008, one of the test payload’s transmitters failed; consequently, the program suspended testing in August 2008 to identify the causes and take corrective action. Other hang-ups include maintaining the proper propellant fuel-line temperature, delaying final integration testing, and re-design of the satellite's reaction wheels, used for pointing accuracy, because of on-orbit failures on similar reaction wheels on other satellite programs. Overall, about $10 million additional have accrued to program, according to the GAO.
“Further, while the Air Force is structuring the new GPS IIIA program to prevent mistakes made on the IIF program, the Air Force is aiming to deploy the next generation of GPS satellites three years faster than the IIF satellites. GAO's analysis found that this schedule is optimistic, given the program's late start, past trends in space acquisitions, and challenges facing the new contractor.
“Of particular concern is leadership for GPS acquisition, as GAO and other studies have found the lack of a single point of authority for space programs and frequent turnover in program managers have hampered requirements setting, funding stability, and resource allocation.
“If the Air Force does not meet its schedule goals for development of GPS IIIA satellites, there will be an increased likelihood that in 2010, as old satellites begin to fail, the overall GPS constellation will fall below the number of satellites required to provide the level of GPS service that the U.S. government commits to. Such a gap in capability could have wide-ranging impacts on all GPS users, though there are measures the Air Force and others can take to plan for and minimize these impacts.
“In addition to risks facing the acquisition of new GPS satellites, the Air Force has not been fully successful in synchronizing the acquisition and development of the next generation of GPS satellites with the ground control and user equipment, thereby delaying the ability of military users to fully utilize new GPS satellite capabilities.
“Diffuse leadership has been a contributing factor, given that there is no single authority responsible for synchronizing all procurements and fielding related to GPS, and funding has been diverted from ground programs to pay for problems in the space segment. DoD and others involved in ensuring GPS can serve communities beyond the military have taken prudent steps to manage requirements and coordinate among the many organizations involved with GPS. However, GAO identified challenges in the areas of ensuring civilian requirements can be met and ensuring GPS compatibility with other new, potentially competing global space-based positioning, navigation, and timing systems.”
Staving Off Disaster. In the course of its interviews with key officials, the GAO learned of and reports on some alternatives that have been examined. The Air Force Scientific Advisory Board considered the use of smaller GPS satellites in 2007. These could be developed more quickly and at lower cost. The board concluded that while small satellites could at some point serve to augment GPS capabilities, they would require a different and much more extensive ground control segment, program development would take too long, and necessary changes to user equipment would render the whole scheme cumbersome.
The effects of satellite power loss over time, due to harsh space conditions, could be mitigated by shutting down satellite subsystems when not needed, reducing power consumption, also by shutting off a secondary (unnamed) GPS payload. DoD has long been reluctant to take either measure absolutely, particularly the second one, but according to testimony (see below) has been implementing both practices on an intermittent basis.
Day in Congress. Other GPS community representatives testified to the House Oversight and Government Reform’s subcommittee on National Security and Foreign Affairs, alongside GAO spokesperson Chaplain.
According to Lt. Gen. Larry D. James, Commander, 14th Air Force, Air Force Space Command, and Commander, Joint Functional Component Command for Space, U.S. Strategic Command, the Space Command maintains the required minimum of at least 24 GPS satellites in orbit, and the current level of 30 operational satellites, by keeping a “ghost fleet” of older, partially mission-capable satellites in backup mode. “Currently, three vehicles are held in residual status and are returned to the constellation every six months to ensure operational capability.” He stated that added life also is being squeezed from the satellites by reducing power to or turning off equipment for secondary missions aboard the satellites.
Karen Van Dyke, acting director for Positioning, Navigation and Timing in the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA), told the Congressional committee that “GPS is vulnerable to interference that can be reduced, but not eliminated.” Citing the 2001 Volpe Report for which she was a key author, she stated that there has long been “an awareness within the transportation community of risks associated with use of GPS as a primary means for position determination and precision timing. Due to the reliance of transportation on GPS signals, it is essential that threats be mitigated and alternative back-ups be available, and the system be hardened for critical applications. DOT has determined that sufficient alternative navigation aids currently exist in the event of a loss of GPS-based services.”
Nearly simultaneously with the GAO report and congressional hearings, the long-withheld Independent Assessment Team report on eLoran as a GPS backup has just been released.
F. Michael Swiek, Executive Director, U.S. GPS Industry Council and a member of GPS World’s Editorial Advisory Board, reminded Congress of the dual-use nature of the system, saying “The U.S. Government has promoted and encouraged [GPS] development by establishing, maintaining and reinforcing a stable policy framework that has consistently received farsighted and bipartisan support. It has been a true partnership of shared visions, discussions and debates, cooperation, and coordination. This has been possible through the open dialogue that has taken place since the early days of GPS, some 25-plus years ago, between civilian and military, industry, and government on technical and policy issues as the technology, system, and applications have evolved.”
Swiek made his recommendation that “successful adoption of modernized civilian GPS signals will occur if the installed user base can continue to trust the consistent and stable policy framework that the U.S. government has provided for GPS for two decades. The new signals will need to sustain the legacy of accuracy, availability, and reliability established over the past 20 years.”
Chet Huber, president of OnStar, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Motors Corporation, and at nearly 6 million active subscribers probably the largest single group of civil GPS users, offered three recommendations:
“First, we must address the health of the current constellation. We are concerned that a recent report shows eight of the current satellites are one component from total failure. Loss of signal will likely immediately affect GPS accuracy and availability (geographic coverage).
“Second, as the GPS system is modernized, it is imperative that the U.S. government formally commit to preserving the L1C/A signal and to ensuring backward compatibility for legacy applications with no loss of performance from current levels. . . . Any modernization initiative that degrades backward compatible performance — such as reducing the number of satellites making up the constellation — would likely adversely impact the provision of services by OnStar, including the quality of location information we provide to public safety, thereby potentially increasing the response time of public safety personnel to crash victims and others in need of emergency services.
“Our third recommendation — and this is also important to legacy applications — is that we commit to maintaining the current PRN code (or satellite signature structure) for the primary orbital slots, as satellites in those slots are replaced. Legacy hardware is not capable of being expanded to accommodate more than 32 slots so renumbering above 32 will likely affect performance of legacy applications.”
Read more...
Thursday, January 28, 2010
GPS at Risk: Doomsday 2010
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Microsoft MapPoint GPS 2009
Business Mapping Made Simple
Microsoft MapPoint 2009 gives you the power to visualize business data, communicate insights with instant impact, and integrate maps into the work you do in Microsoft Office. MapPoint 2009 with GPS Locator adds routing and directions to easily plan your trips and track your location in real-time.
MapPoint 2009 makes it easy for organizations to visualize their business in a whole new way:
* Map business data.
Create and view sales territories, analyze trends, and evaluate performance by geography.
* Identify new business opportunities.
Combine business data with included demographics to target potential customers and focus decisions.
MapPoint 2009 helps you streamline your travel:
* Arrive on time.
Detailed directions--voice* and text-prompted--make it easy to follow your route.
* Optimize your trip.
Quickly calculate mileage, drive time, and expenses in advance.
* Easy-to-see navigation.
Track your route in real-time in Full Screen display.* Change to the special Night Map display with a single click.
MapPoint 2009 makes it easy to use maps in combination with your Microsoft Office documents:
* Tell a story, visually.
Insert maps into Word documents and PowerPoint presentations to illustrate everything from sales performance and customer locations to new business opportunities.
* Tap into existing data sources
Create maps from data stored in current versions of Office Excel, Office Access, Office Outlook, Microsoft SQL Server, or other database sources.
* Extend your business.
Take advantage of the extensible MapPoint object model to build custom business solutions such as fleet tracking and business intelligence.
* Map business data.
Create and view sales territories, analyze trends, and evaluate performance by geography.
New and Improved Features
MapPoint 2009 builds upon the success of MapPoint 2006 with:
* Refreshed data.
Use updated geographic and demographic data sets in MapPoint to display trends and illustrate key points on maps.
* Optimize your trip.
Quickly calculate mileage, drive time, and expenses in advance.
* Send to mobile.
Send point-of-interest and "business card" details such as addresses and phone numbers to your mobile device.
* Advanced GPS features.
New full-screen navigation mode with driving guidance tracks your route and provides turn-by-turn directions--including spoken street names.
* Zoom with a view.
Use the new Navigation view option* to see a perspective map road view of your route.
* Enhanced Live Search.
Quickly find listings when online and add them to a route. Use descriptive words such as "coffee" and "restaurant" to find points near your location.
* Updated user interface.
Streamlined redesign simplifies tasks and improves usability while driving.
Read more...
Thursday, January 22, 2009
TomTom 330S Portable Navigation System
The TomTom XL 330S adds a 4.3” wide screen display and Text-to-Speech routing to the XL 330S Family. At the heart of the TomTom unit is a highly sensitive GPS chipset for fast satellite acquisitions and unsurpassed GPS tracking. The ultra bright, 480 x 272 resolution, 4.3” display offers superb readability and easy operation. The built in lithium-ion battery will provide approximately 2 hours of use away from a power source. TomTom also includes their QuickGPSfix software which allows the XL to acquire a GPS signal super fast.
What is Map Share Technology?
The TomTom XL 330S is pre-loaded with detailed TeleAtlas maps for the United States and Canada, plus millions of points of interest. Because roads change, TomTom has setup the ability for you, the user to edit or change the pre-loaded maps. You are able to mark blocked or unblocked streets, insert the new name of a street, and even reverse the direction of a XL 330S Way street. Changes will immediately take effect in your Tomtom 330S. You are also able to share your changes and capture changes from other Map Share users via the include TomTom HOME software.
Using the touch screen, enter the address or point of interest that you are traveling to and the XL 330S will route you there. TomTom gives you 4 different routing options: quickest, shortest, avoid toll roads and by required arrival time. You can also chose between a traditional overhead view of the map or a 3-D view for a true perspective of what is ahead. Once you are on your way the XL 330S will guide you along with verbal turn-by-turn directions through its powerful built in speaker. If you miss a turn the TomTom XL 330S will recalculate your directions and get you right back on track.
Read more...
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Columbus V-900 Bluetooth GPS Data Logger
Columbus V-900 Bluetooth GPS Data Logger is the world first data logger with Voice-Tag function for adding your personal voice labels to any waypoints. It is easy to use, compact, and provides excellent GPS performance.
You name it, the Columbus V-900 data logger records almost all available GPS parameters such as: Date, Time, Latitude, Longitude, Altitude, Speed, Heading, Fix Mode, PDOP, HDOP, VDOP and Voice!.
This unit is different from all data loggers currently in the market for the following reasons:
1. Voice-tag - function for adding your personal voice labels to any waypoints
2. MicroSD for storing logged data
3. Includes more parameters: Heading, Fix Mode, PDOP, HDOP, VDOP and Voice!, on top of the standard Date, Time, Latitude, Longitude, Altitude, Speed
4. Unique SPY mode allows continuous standby logging of more than one month, Speed Alarm, and many more...
Read more...
Friday, March 21, 2008
Vehiclepath GPS Fleet Tracking Customer Eliminates Overcharges for Potential Savings of $200,000
Peterson Industrial, Inc., an Alabama based company focused on industrial and commercial piping, plumbing and metal fabricating installed Vehiclepath GPS fleet tracking units to prevent a major problem - speeding drivers. They soon discovered that was not the biggest problem they would solve.
"In a 48 hour span we had a driver that got a ticket going 92MPH in a 55MPH zone and another driver who passed our owner going over 80MPH. They installed Vehiclepath GPS fleet tracking units shortly after that," said Michael Woodall, Project Manager at Peterson Industrial, Inc.
Vehiclepath GPS fleet tracking units enable fleet managers to track in real-time where their drivers are, set speed alerts (via text message) so they can be notified if a driver exceeds a set speed limit and help in theft recovery. Vehiclepath GPS fleet tracking also allows a fleet manager to verify job hours and match up fuel purchases.
"We had some guys working out of town at a plant for us. The plant called late in the day to schedule some additional work and we contacted our supervisor to meet with them. As it turns out, the crew was still on the clock but they were two hours away from the plant and had to drive back. We estimate we were being overcharged about six hours per week just for that one truck. If we can save that much with one truck, how much can we save for the entire fleet over a year?," questioned Woodall.
Based on their number of trucks and hourly pay rate, increasing employee productivity by four hours per week (or about 45 minutes per day) would save Peterson Industrial about $200,000. And that's just on increased employee productivity. Gas savings is a bonus, quite a large bonus. Drivers that reduce their speed generate better fuel economy. If they can increase their fuel economy by 15%, their annual fuel savings will be close to $150,000.
About Vehiclepath
Vehiclepath is a leader in helping companies with the management, location, tracking and recovery of their mobile assets. Based in San Diego, CA, the Vehiclepath tracking system and VP300 Vehicle Tracking Units offer unique advantages with ease-of-use/install, functionality, and scalability not found in other commercial tracking products. This includes the ability to manage diverse mobile asset portfolios, receive real-time tracking data from a variety of vehicles/devices, and to operate over a variety of networks and countries. Additional information and a live, hands-on demonstration of the tracking capabilities are available at www.Vehiclepath.com.
Vehiclepath is a registered trademark. All other trademarks are the property of their respective holders. Prices and specifications are subject to change without notice. © 2008 Vehiclepath. All rights reserved.
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Tuesday, March 18, 2008
TeleType Releases GPS Designed for Truckers and RV Drivers
I get a lot of emails asking for a GPS specifically designed for truck drivers. Until now there haven't been many options for those riding on multiple axles. TeleType's WorldNav system lets you enter your truck's height, weight, and length, knows about commercial truck restrictions on certain roads, and a host of other large-vehicle specific features (even Hazmat routing). Available in 3.5 and 7-inch versions. Read on for all the details.
The WorldNav system lets you input the length, weight, and height of your oversized vehicle. Taking the size of your vehicle into account, the GPS calculates the best route for your vehicle. The system also incorporates commercial truck restrictions, bridge heights, and load limits. It can also let you tweak the chosen route to avoid dangerous left-hand turns, or even specify if you're carrying a hazmat load.
WorldNav comes in 3.5 and 7-inch sizes, has U.S. and Canadian maps preloaded, a whopping 12 million POIs (including truck stops and weigh stations). Priced at $399 and $599 respectively, Here's all the technical details:
3.5-inch TeleType WorldNav 3300
| Processor: | Centrality Atlas III 372 MHz |
| Operating System: | Windows CE 5.0 Embedded |
| Display Screen: | 3.5" Touch Screen LCD |
| Expansion Slot: | SD Slot for program and map storage |
| Music playback: | Built-in Speaker, support WMA9, MP3 upto 320kbps and WAV |
| Video playback: | support WMV9, Divx 5.0, 4.0, 3.11, Xvid and MPEG 2 upto 320*240 resolution |
| Photo viewing: | support JPG, GIF, BMP and PNG |
| E-book reader: | support TXT file |
| External Ports | Mini USB port |
| Power Supply: | 12~24V / 2A |
| Dimension | Slim Housing Design 94 x 87 x 22 mm |
| Weight | 163 g |
| Operating Temperatures | Optimal: -4 F to 158 F (-20 C to 70 C) |
| Maximum: | 176 F (80 C) |
| GPS Chipset | 20 Channel SiRF III |
| Battery | Built-in Rechargeable 1000mAh Li-ion Battery |
| Battery Life | 2-4 hours depending upon screen brightness |
| Price: | $399 |
And the 7-inch, TeleType 7100:
| Processor: | SAMSUNG S3C2440A-40 400 MHZ |
| Operating System: | Microsoft Windows CE.NET 4.2 |
| Display Screen: | 7 inch color TFT touch screen |
| Expansion Slot: | SD Slot for program, map, picture, video, music storage |
| Audio: | Built-in Speaker (1w) Stereo Headphone Jack |
| External Antenna: | External Antenna jack |
| Antenna bulit in: | Active antenna |
| Precision: | 10m, 2D RMS 5m, 2D RMS, WAAS enable |
| Dimension | 200mm*110mm*25mm |
| Operating Temperatures | Optimal: -4 F to 158 F (-20 C to 70 C) Maximum: 176 F (80 C) |
| GPS Chipset | 20 Channel SiRF III |
| Battery Life | Mp4 up to 3.5Hours |
| Supported video codecs | DivX, XviD, MPEG4-SP (plus B-frame support), MPEG1,M-JPEG |
| Price: | $599 |
Saturday, March 15, 2008
GPS add-on for Apple iPhone
So the Apple iPhone has been on the market for a few months now but many believe that one feature that it is missing is GPS, well great news as a new GPS add-on called locoGPS will be one the market for iPhone customers to purchase in February 2008, and will cost just $89. This GPS module is made by Part Foundry.
According to Part Foundry all the software that is needed for locoGPS is open source and more applications for this add-on are being written every day. Once people have this add-on for their Apple iPhone, people will not need to carry many other electronic products with them as the iPhone has most of what you need. Tests are being carried out to see if this add-on can actually work on the iPod touch as well.
Read more...
Friday, March 14, 2008
Garmin nüvi 2x5 Series GPS, and nuvi 900T DVB-H Mobile TV Devices
Garmin recently announced new entry-level, budget-friendly nüvi 2x5 series GPS models with improved mapping and routing features, faster satellite acquisition, navigation by photos, FM traffic updates, and dynamic content from MSN Direct. The nüvi 2x5 models are available in widescreen 4.3”, or 3.5” screens with a new shaded elevation mapping display, and feature a 333 Mhz Microprocessor which delivers enhanced map drawing and routing capability.
Breaking down the models, there's the nüvi 255 ($319.99 USD) and 255W ($373.32 USD) which will be available for North America, Europe, Australia or New Zealand. The nüvi 255 and 255W devices for North America, Australia or New Zealand get more specific, announcing street names in their voice prompts like “Turn right on Walnut Street” rather than just saying “Turn right in 500 feet.” The nüvi 205 ($213.32 USD) and 205W ($266.66 USD) will be available in versions that offer mapping choices for the United States, Canada or regional sections of Europe.
Each nüvi 2x5 series device comes standard with the “Where am I?” feature, which allows drivers to display their exact latitude and longitude coordinates, the nearest address and intersection, and the closest hospitals, police stations and gas stations with a single tap of the screen. An optional receiver enables each nüvi 2x5 to display important updated information from Traffic Message Channel or MSN Direct ($49.95 a year), plus updated traffic conditions, fuel prices, weather reports, movie listings, headline news items, stock listings, local events and custom locations are sent directly from Windows Live Local.
Available exclusively in Italy, the nüvi 900 is a multimedia navigator that is ready for entertainment with DVB-H mobile TV capability. This one sports a widescreen display, turn-by-turn directions, preloaded maps of Europe, hands-free calling, and life-time traffic services.
nüvi 900 does Mobile TV justice with news, sports, movies and more and includes a 6-month free trial subscription to content from Italian mobile television provider La3 TV. Watching mobile TV is cool, but you can also play games, view map detail, driving directions, photos and more on this device.
via | Garmin Blog
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Contigo Launches DeWALT MOBILELOCK™ GPS Beacon
The MOBILELOCK is an advanced GPS beacon and anti-theft alarm system designed for the protection of construction site equipment, appliances, tools, copper wire and other portable / mobile assets. Powered by the indoor-location capabilities of Qualcomm’s gpsOne hybrid-assisted GPS technology, the MOBILELOCK is completely self contained, requires no external antennas, and can operate for up to 30 days on a single battery charge. The MOBILELOCK includes an integrated tamper detection switch, adjustable vibration sensor, high and low temperature sensor and door contact. The product line also includes several accessories; an extended run time battery kit providing 90 days of use, an indoor motion detector and an equipment power adaptor for permanent 12V/24V battery power, making MOBILELOCK one of the most versatile GPS beacons on the market today.
Coupled with the Contigo web-based software system, end customers can locate their assets 24/7 and create schedules for location reporting, arming or disarming sensors and geofence alerts. Each alarm can be configured to send individual or group alerts via email or SMS. Central stations can monitor events through the Contigo monitoring station module, and use the built-in location-aware Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) system to dispatch authorities in emergency situations. In addition to the MOBILELOCK, the Contigo platform also supports GPS beacons from Falcom, Enfora, Sendum, AnyData, Trimble and others.
“We are excited about the launch of the MOBILELOCK, as it is one of the best products in the market for builder and construction site protection,” commented Rob Goehring, Vice President of Product Management and Marketing at Contigo. “Between the feature set, the product quality and the DeWALT brand name, the MOBILELOCK is a tremendous extension of our growing line of GPS products. This addition truly positions Contigo uniquely in the market with the broadest range of GPS products available for resale on a single platform.”
“We are very pleased to add Contigo to our list of service providers for MOBILELOCK as they have a world-class GPS monitoring and tracking system. Their technical leadership as well as their strong knowledge of system and user requirements positions them to offer a fantastic customer solution for MOBILELOCK,” stated Bill Pugh, Director of Sales and Marketing for DeWALT. “We are looking forward to working with Contigo to expand the reach of the MOBILELOCK into new channels and vertical markets.”
Contigo will have the DeWALT MOBILELOCK showcased at ISC West 2008 in Las Vegas from April 2 to 4 at Booth 6057.
About DeWALT
DeWALT is a leading manufacturer of industrial power tools with more than 300 power tool and equipment products as well as 800 power tool accessories, including corded and cordless drills, saws, hammers, grinders, routers, planers, plate joiners, sanders, lasers, generators, compressors and nailers, as well as saw blades, metal and masonry drill bits, abrasives, screw driving accessories and more. DeWALT tools can be found wherever tools are sold, nationally and internationally. With over 1,000 factory owned and authorized locations, DeWALT has one of the most extensive service and repair networks in North America.
About Contigo
Contigo is a leading provider of location-based services using wireless and GPS technology for asset-tracking, fleet management and personal safety applications. Contigo’s patent-pending platform enables companies and consumers to monitor the assets, vehicles, personnel and loved ones important to them 24/7 via the internet. Contigo’s solutions are distributed across the U.S. and Canada through Contigo’s network of value-added resellers. Founded in 2002, Contigo is a privately held corporation based in Vancouver, British Columbia with U.S. operations headquartered in Santa Monica, California. For more information, please visit www.contigo.com.
Company Contact:
Tanya Roberts, Marketing Coordinator
Contigo Systems Inc.
866.477.1767 | troberts@contigo.com
Navigon 7100 GPS: could this be the best Sat Nav at CES 2008
When people try to choose a new GPS system they do not understand what they are letting themselves in for as there are so many on the market, and CES 2008 are now showing a whole new bunch ready to hit the stores. One of the best and simplest to be shown is the Navigon 7100, as these Sat-Nav sticks to what a GPS is intended to do and that is to navigate you to where you need to go, none of the little extras like MP3 players or even Bluetooth.
Do not think for one minute that the Navigon 7100 GPS, this really is a superb sat-nav that will get you to wear you need to go in the most efficient way possible. One great feature on this GPS system is how it lets you know what lane you need to be in if you need to take an exit of the highway.
The Navigon 7100 GPS really is one of the best sat-navs being shown at CES 2008, for more information please visit www.navigon.com
Integration Of GPS Location Data With Building Materials Delivery Information
Turnkey's On-Demand Delivery System is a Web-based system used to schedule, manage, and track shipments of building materials. By integrating Networkcar GPS data, the Turnkey system can automatically update the delivery status throughout the ordering, loading, and shipping process. Turnkey users and their customers receive text messages or emails regarding delivery status and estimated delivery time. Networkcar location data also allows customers to view vehicle location on a map in the Turnkey program.
"Turnkey's On-Demand Delivery System is a complete operations solution for building materials companies looking to gain control over the expenses in the operations side of their business," said Al Swiger, president of Turnkey. "Now coupled with Networkcar's GPS technology, no other operations software solution provides information in a more timely and effective manner."
Turnkey used Networkcar's DataConnect integration service, which enables the sharing of vehicle GPS and diagnostic data with a third-party application in near real-time. The DataConnect service gives fleets and independent software vendors (ISVs) the ability to use Networkcar data to create integrated solutions that solve a variety of business needs. Examples of the data provided by the service include mileage, GPS location, idle-time, fuel consumed, trouble codes and vehicle speed.
"By providing a stream of current location and diagnostic information, Networkcar makes it easy for Turnkey and other partners to add value and enhance their products and services," said Keith Schneider, president of Networkcar. "Businesses are looking for precise and timely information to improve their operations. Our partnership with Turnkey gives customers more options for reducing operating costs while improving service."
TomTom reveals revolutionary IQ Routes™ technology on new TomTom GO series
TomTom IQ Routes™ The new TomTom IQ Routes™ technology is based on actual average speeds on roads, rather than the sign-posted speed limits. This intelligent routing technology is based on anonymous historical speed profiles of more than 10 billion kilometres of driven roads, gathered over the years by millions of TomTom users. It takes into account all the factors that may influence the time it takes drivers to get to their destination, including traffic lights, roundabouts, steep slopes and speed bumps. The TomTom IQ Routes™ speed profile database continues to grow at the rate of more than half a billion measurements per day, so the time and spatial accuracy of TomTom IQ Routes™ technology will increase continually. Drivers can be confident that they will always be given the smartest route incorporating detailed local knowledge. This allows for more efficient daily route planning, in particular when driving through urban or hilly areas. www.tomtom.com/iq-routes
Advanced Lane Guidance With the new Advanced Lane Guidance feature, navigating difficult junctions becomes easier than ever before. This realistic representation of highway junctions on the screen, including clear arrows indicating the lane direction, provide drivers with timely instructions to take the correct lane. Static images of road signs, in the same colour as the ones displayed on the road, ensure drivers have an even better overview of their surroundings. www.tomtom.com/lane-guidance
A host of extra features In addition to IQ Routes™ and Advanced Lane Guidance, the new TomTom GO range has a new premium look with a high-quality finish, expanded map coverage and comes pre-installed with the latest navigation features, including: The TomTom GO 930T also features a new premium look with a high quality finish and expanded map coverage. The device comes preinstalled with the latest navigation features, including:
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- TomTom Map Share™ enabling users to make updates and corrections to their own maps instantly and to benefit from improvements made by other users, completely free of charge. New Map Share features include the ability to change turn restrictions and posted road speeds
- Latest map guarantee so users always have free access to the latest map at time of purchase
- TomTom RDS-TMC Traffic Receiver for detailed traffic information
- Enhanced Positioning Technology (EPT) for uninterrupted navigation even in tunnels or highly built areas
- Large 4.3 inch touch screen with new generation icons and an updated user interface to navigate drivers to their destination even more easily
- Voice address input drive to millions of cities and street names by simply announcing the address of your destination
- Clear voice instructions and text-to-speech to enable street names, places, traffic alerts and SMS messages to be read aloud as part of the spoken instructions
- Enhanced hands-free calling with high quality sound system via Bluetooth® to allow drivers to keep their eyes firmly on the road whilst making phone calls in the car
- Extensive safety features including ‘Help Me’ menu to give drivers direct access to emergency services and roadside assistance
- Built-in FM Transmitter to play music and navigation instructions seamlessly through the car stereo speakers
- New smart & fun extras to personalise users’ devices, including recording your own driving instructions, viewing documents, exchanging positions via SMS and Bluetooth™ wireless technology and selecting a favourite car icon on the screen
- Free TomTom HOME software and content from the TomTom community to keep your TomTom device up to date at all times
- Pre-installed safety camera database providing users with timely information on safety cameras on drivers’ routes
- Full range of accessories to match the design and finish of the updated GO range
- The TomTom GO 930 comes pre-installed with the most up-to-date maps of US, Canada and Western and Central Europe stored on the internal memory
- The TomTom GO 730 includes new expanded map coverage, including the latest maps of the US and Canada
Availability The new TomTom GO range will be available across North America and Europe starting at end of April 2008.
Product technical specifications -
- 4.3” widescreen 16:9 format LCD (WQVGA: 480x272 pixels)
- CPU 400 MHz
- TomTom GO 930: 4 GB internal flash memory, TomTom GO 730: 2 GB
- SD card slot
- High sensitivity GPS receiver
- Bluetooth™
- Battery lithium-polymer (up to 5 hours operation)
- Dimensions: 4.6" x 3.2" x 1"
- Weight: 7.7 ounces
How To Send Google Maps Destinations to Your TomTom In car GPS
Here's How:
- You will need a TomTom brand in-car GPS receiver to make use of this feature. Google Maps does not currently support other brands.
- Install the TomTom Home software from a disk that came with your GO or ONE device. Update your Home software to the latest version (2.1.2.121 or later) for free by visiting the TomTom PLUS services page. Apple-compatible Home software is available for download, as well.
- Connect your GPS receiver to your personal computer with its included USB cable or docking station. Turn on the GPS, and touch "yes" when it asks to connect to the computer.
- You are ready to search for and upload a destination into your GPS. Open your Web browser and go to Google Maps .
- Type a destination into the "Search Maps" box in Google Maps. Google Maps has powerful search features, a good reason for using it in concert with your GPS.
- When you have identified the destination you sought, click on the "send" link (with the envelope icon) in the upper right of the destination map window.
- A dialog box will apear with the options to send to "e-mail," "car," or "GPS". Choose GPS. This selection will automaically start your TomTom Home software with the selected destination information (and its exact coordinates) in place.
- The TomTom Home software has now captured your chosen destination, and you have the options of showing on a simulated GPS map, navigating to the destination, or saving the destination to your favorites file. I find saving to favorites to be the most useful of these three options.
- Now that you've mastered Google Maps-to-GPS, you can quickly update your favorites, and plan trips around pre-selected and pre-uploaded destinations. You'll spend more time on fun or business, and much less time looking for destinations!
Tips:
- Not all addresses and locations are covered by this feature in Google Maps. If you do not see "GPS" in the Google Maps pop-up window, you will not be able to send the address to your GPS receiver. Update: readers trying this feature report a limited number of addresses are supported by Google. Try business addresses first. I am contacting Google to find out how much and how quickly this feature will be expanded in their database.
What You Need:
- TomTom in-car GPS receiver ( "send" feature does not work with other brands).
- USB connection between GPS and your personal computer.
- Internet connection.
- Latest version of TomTom "Home" software (included free with TomTom GPS).
From Fred Zahradnik,
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Mio releases new GPS Navigation System called the Moov
Mio have just announced the release of a brand new line of Gps Navigation Systems called the Mio Moov. These gps systems come packed with a ton of features which include allowing users to search locally for points of interest. The new machines also feature a new gps chip which cuts down the time it takes for the system to fix itself onto a satellite.
The brand new Moov’s features include:
- 3D Data maps
- Bluetooth
- Rader Alert
- Picture Viewer
- Live traffic information
- 4.3″ Touch Screen(3.5″ on the 330/350)
There will be 5 models in the new line:
- Mio 200 Regional
- Mio 200 Europe
- Mio 330 Regional
- Mio 330 Europe
- Mio 370 Europe
Garmin Nuvi 750 Review
What you get - what’s in the box
- Garmin Nuvi 750
- Preloaded City Navigator NT for North America or Europe (full coverage)
- Adhesive disc for dash mounting
- Vehicle suction cup mount
- Vehicle power cable
- USB cable
- Dashboard disc
- Quick start manual
- Sleek and easy to carry
- Bright clear screen
- SD Expansion slot for MP3’s
- Switches to night mode colors automatically
- Software allows you to add your own POI’s (Points of interest)
- Very easy to use
- Solid mount
- Text to speech - The system will tell you to “take right on Main St.”
- Multi-destination routing
- “Where am I?” Helps you figure out where you are
- Weak FM Transmitter
- No MSN Direct
- Sometimes takes a while to acquire satellite signals
- Price - Might be a little expensive for some people
This is a great gps system and one of the best on the market today. It is very easy to use and a has very few flaws. The “where am I ” feature is very handy for many users and slick design making this a solid performer. We would recommend this machine to anyone interested in getting a new gps system.
TomTom Announces GO 730 and GO 930. Brings IQ Routes and Advanced Lane Guidance.
TomTom's newly announced 730 and 930 models bring two new technologies to TomTom's popular GO product line: "IQ Routes" and "Advanced Lane Guidance". IQ Routes leverage historical traffic data to know the difference between Sunday afternoon traffic and Monday afternoon rush hour. Advanced Lane Guidance displays a Navigon-esque 3D rendering of the upcoming junction, and shows you which lane you'll need to be in.
Available in April 2008, the GO 730 and 930 will retail for $500 and $550 respectively. Read on for the full details on both new models.
The main difference between the 730 and 930 model is the map coverage (the 730 is US and Canada only while the 930 includes European maps) and the addition of "Enhanced Positioning Technology" on the more expensive 930.
GO 730 | GO 930 | |
Maps: | US & Canada | US, Canada, Western & Central Europe |
Display: | 4.3" | 4.3" |
Memory: | 2 GB Internal | 4 GB Internal |
SD Card Slot: | Yes | Yes |
Bluetooth: | Yes | Yes |
Battery Life: | 5 hours | 5 hours |
Voice Address Input: | Yes | Yes |
Text-to-Speech: | Yes | Yes |
Hands-free calling: | Yes | Yes |
FM Transmitter: | Yes | Yes |
Enhanced Positioning: | No | Yes |
Price: | $450 | $500 |
Both the 730 and 930 are available with traffic receivers (GO 730T and 930T for receiving real-time traffic data).
So what exactly is IQ Routes and how does it work? IQ Routes are based on average speeds measured on roads, rather than posted speed limits. This means that the new TomTom GO determines the best route to take based on recent historical data. According to TomTom, "in almost 50% of all journeys, this results in a faster route."
Advanced Lane Guidance provides users with realistic representations of complex highway junctions and lane-specific visual directions.
TomTom says the new models will sport a glossy new finish on the case, and have an updated interface with new icons.
by:gpsmagazine
Navigon's 2100/2120 Max Brings A La Carte Pricing To GPS Features
Want features found on higher-end models but don't want/need all the bells and whistles? Navigon is betting customers will want to pay for only the features they care about, and has announced the new Navigon 2100 and 2120 Max -- two new GPS units that let customers add on features they're willing to pay for.
The 2100 Max is a 4.3" widescreen GPS that will retail for $299, and can be upgraded with a host of add-ons, including Zagat Guide data, lifetime traffic subscription, and up to 12 map updates every three years. The 2120 Max is a Canada-only model that includes Canadian maps and sells for $329. Read on for all the details.
Both the 2100 Max and 2120 Max sport a 4.3" widescreen display, 3D map views, branded POIs, and speed warnings. Additionally, both units will have:
- DirectHelp: provides instant access to directions and phone numbers of emergency services at the touch of a button. Finds the nearest hospital, police station, tow truck company or pharmacy, and indicates your exact location to help these services locate you.
- Reality View: provides 3D, photo-realistic virtual reality views of complex interchanges, complete with road geometry and actual road sign text.
- Text-to-Speech: provides specific, clearly spoken driving directions and actual street names in a variety of languages.
- Lane Assistant: provides simple to view lane guidance to assist drivers in making the correct upcoming maneuver.
- Automatic Speed Warnings: indicates posted speed limit and notifies driver with visual and verbal warnings when driver is speeding.
- Route Planning: allows users to plot a route with multiple waypoints
Additionally, the 2100 Max and 2120 Max can be upgraded with the following add-ons:
- FreshMaps: Up to 12 quarterly map updates over three years; works on all NAVIGON GPS devices and sells for MSRP $79.99
- Lifetime Traffic: Real-time traffic updates, including traffic flow, incidents and alternate routes for the lifetime of the product. Optional accessory with MSRP of $99.99
- ZAGAT Survey Ratings and Reviews: ZAGAT listings for U.S. hotels, resorts and spas, restaurants, golf courses, as well as attractions and nightlife in 70+ U.S. cities help users make informed destination choices. Optional accessory with MSRP of $39.99
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Nokia 6110 Navigator - GPS Mobile Phone
Nokia unveiled the 6110 Navigator a a quadband mobile phone with sat-nav capabilities that according to Nokia it was designed for the mass market. Besides GPS the 6110 Navigator also features A-GPS (Assisted Global Positioning System). The Nokia 6110 Navigator has almost everything most people would ask for from their GPS. It comes with preinstalled maps, and users can easily access the navigation features with the click of the phone’s one-touch Navigator key.
With the Nokia 6110 Navigator, consumers can quickly and easily view their current location on the map, search for destinations, find specific routes, or locate services such as restaurants, hotels or shops that are nearby. Featuring full turn-by-turn 3D navigation, the Nokia 6110 Navigator suggests the best route to follow to reach a location by car or on foot. Clear instructions by voice guidance and turn arrows on a map ensure finding the fastest way to the destination.
Nokia 6110 in addition to all of the above has some pretty interesting specs as a cell phone as well, which include:
- Symbian OS (S60 platform)
- HSDPA for fast web browsing and downloading
- WCDMA 2100 HSDPA, GSM/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900
- 2 megapixel camera with integrated flash, 4x digital zoom and panorama mode
- Real-time video sharing and video calling
- 40 MB free internal memory
- Support of microSD memory card up to 2 GB
The 6110 is expected to start shipping in Q2 for an estimated price of €450/$580 (before subsidies or taxes.)
Read more...
Navigon 7100 and 5100
The Navigon 7100 is expected in Europe sometime this summer with a price of 450 euros for the version with regional maps and 500 euros for the Europea maps version. Finally the Navigon 5100 will cost 350 euros.
Read more...
GPS-Wireless 2008 Features Top Speakers, Hotel And Conference Registration Deadline Approaches
GPS-Wireless 2008, in its 12th year, features more 40 speakers from the top companies. This year's speakers come from NOKIA, AT&T Mobility, Sprint Nextel, Microsoft, BMW, Magellan GPS, Networks in Motion, TeleNav, Ask.com, NAVTEQ, Westwood One, Tele Atlas, deCarta, Qualcomm, MapQuest, wireless carriers, auto manufacturers, web portals and many others. GPS-Wireless 2008 includes an Executives Panel, Location Based Services, Mobile Resource Management, New Technologies, Automobile as a Mobile Information Platform Panel and Web Portal Executives Panel.
GPS-Wireless 2008, sponsored by Global Technology Communications, LLC, allows executives to find out where the mobile information technology market is going. Consumer and Enterprise market segments are booming in the mobile information industry. GPS navigation is now a household name. Some applications are hot ... while others continue to develop. Mobile information companies need to stay on top of a changing and challenging market, to assess what the competition is doing, and make new marketing strategies. Will the PND market continue to grow -- or will handset solutions take the lead?
GPS-Wireless 2008 costs $799 for the first attendee and $699 for additional attendees from the same company. Hurry to receive this low rate as all registration fees increase to $899 after March 12 at 5 p.m., PST.
Tabletop displays are available for companies looking to maximize visibility. The exhibit fee of $449 includes a six-foot exhibit table with a company identification sign and your company's hyperlinked listing on our website and in onsite materials.
Only a few sponsorships remain -- and they are sold out every year. Current conference sponsors include MSN Direct, deCarta, NAVTEQ, Networks in Motion, Aeris Communications, Synergy Systems, ALK Technologies, GeoMicro, GeoBase, TrafficCast International. GPS-Wireless 2008 will feature nearly 30 tabletop displays during a two-and-a-half-hour hosted reception, an event that has become known as one of the best networking opportunities in the industry. GPS-Wireless 2008 again features our hit pre-conference reception, sponsored by ALK Technologies and GeoBase on Wednesday, Feb. 12 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Contact us immediately for information regarding custom sponsorship opportunities.
Other conferences cost two to three times as much as GPS-Wireless 2008 -- and offer fewer speakers and limited networking opportunities. GPS-Wireless 2008 offers a keynote luncheon, networking coffee breaks, continental breakfast, two hosted receptions, buffet luncheon, a 300-page binder full of market information and significant lodging reduction at the San Mateo Marriott Hotel.
To register for GPS-Wireless 2008, go to http://www.gps-wireless.com. To make discounted hotel room reservations, call the San Mateo Marriott Hotel toll-free at 1-888-236-2427 and mention GPS-Wireless 2008, or reserve a room from a link on our website, http://www.gps-wireless.com.
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