Topcon Positioning Systems (TPS) is the first to announce to have successfully tracked signals from the Chinese Compass satellite constellation. It also developed the world’s first GNSS technology to pick up signals from GPS, GLONASS, the planned Galileo satellite system.

With its newly launched Version 2.0 of Leica fieldPro, accurate 2D/3D “as-built” documentation has never been easier. With such mobile CAD software and Leica Geosystems sensors, all information is captured on-site, in real-time and in its final deliverable CAD format, no post-processing back in the office. When you leave site the full scope of your work is done.

Leica Geosystems has also announced next-generation software for quickly creating accurate topographic maps from laser scan data. The new software, Leica Cyclone II TOPO, is intended for standard CAD techs and does not require specialized skills in 3D or laser scanning.www.leica-geosystems.com/hds

Leica Geosystems Geospatial Imaging has announced the Beta release of the TerraSAR-X processing capability for ERDAS IMAGINE® Radar Mapping Suite 9.1. This feature will also be included in the upcoming release of ERDAS IMAGINE 9.2.

Ashok Leyland has announced iBUS , a new vehicle that has been designed with a focus on solving entrenched problems that affect most existing transit buses in the country. A GPS system enables vehicle tracking and the display of dynamic route information on LCD screens. These can also support infotainment packages including live data and news. www.automotiveworld.com

Septentrio has signed an agreement with Navigation Solutions Europe B.V. for distribution of its products in the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg.

Thai Aviation Industries has awarded Rockwell Collins the second phase of a contract to upgrade the Royal Thai Air Force’s (RTAF) fleet of C-130 aircraft with an integrated Communications, Navigation, Surveillance/Air Traffic Management solution. It will deliver the upgraded solution based on the company’s Flight2™ avionics system, which includes an Ethernet-based Integrated Processing Center with flight management capabilities and large format multifunction LCD’s.

Trimble announced the new Trimble MEP layout solution for the mechanical, electrical and plumbing trades. Using the solution, contractors can take a digital CAD design file or 3D Building Information Model (BIM) into the field to simplify the layout of conduit, pipe, duct and cable trays. It is used with the Trimble SPS610 Robotic Total Station to provide precise positioning on the job site. Conventional layout methods using tapes are no longer needed.

Trimble has also introduced Wireless Data Controller for the LM80 Layout Manager Connecting the Office and Job Site It creates a digital replica of the building blueprint in the field. It connects to both mechanical and robotic total stations for accurate, fast and simple building layout. Designed for use on the building construction job site, the new wireless data controller for Trimble LM80 Layout Manager is rugged. It includes wireless communications, Bluetooth connection capabilities, a highly visible screen, and a fast processor.

Magellan has introduced the Maestro Elite 3270, featuring flat-panel touchscreen display in the portable vehicle navigation industry. The touchpanel integrates the newest display technology for a highly responsive screen and an elegant look. Magellan is the first GPS manufacturer to eliminate the plastic bezel housing common to portable navigation devices. www.magellangps.com

Pitney Bowes MapInfo has announced the newest versions of AnySite, a powerful mapping and reporting application, and its Segmentation plug-in. Both solutions provide businesses in retail, restaurant, real estate and financial services to visualise and analyse their customer and sales data, competition and markets. www.webitpr.com

Navigon and ViaMichelin have announced a partnership to develop a new co-branded range of PND. It will be launched in France in the second quarter of 2008. It will offer optional Michelin’s travel guides and will benefit from the convergence with the ViaMichelin website that offers a one click export function to the current range of PNDs. www.gpsbusinessnews.com

The Aerial Acquisition division (better known as FLI-MAP) of Fugro-Inpark BV, is shall be a separate company under the new name of Fugro Aerial Mapping BV. The new company will be headed by Huug Haasnoot MSc and concentrate services on Lidar, photogrammetry activities, and other airborne methodologies

PCI Geomatics has announced the release and free availability of Geomatica GeoRaster Loader, a desktop product used to load image data and associated metadata into Oracle 10g and 11g.

Alta4 Geoinformatik AG has developed a software designed to analyze the performance of mapping services, running under ArcGIS Server. With help of the AGS PerformanceTool, the administrator is able to measure the presentation time of the single map elements in various scales. As a result the user receives a detailed PDF-Report and also able to identify the flaws and specifically optimize the mapping service.

Launches Scitex Help Desk
HP has launched the first Scitex Support Centre in India. It has a simple process for users to reach directly at a toll free number-1860-500-6666 to access the service for service support solutions.

Integrates with MacDermid ColorSpan
HP has announced completion of portfolio integration of recently acquired MacDermid ColorSpan, Inc., a leading supplier of UV-curable inkjet printers, within HP’s Imaging and Printing Group. The acquisition enables HP to provide lower-cost, wide-format platforms and UV technologies. It is further strengthening its Print 2.0 strategy to digitize analog prints by extending the company’s overall digital creation into the sign shop and quick-printing market.