Leica Geosystems has supplied 84 GX1230 dual-frequency GPS survey receivers for RTK data and GeoOffi ce post-processing software for 11 locations. Technical support and service will be provided under a fi veyear service agreement. The GX1230 receivers are designed with Leica Geosystems’ new SmartTrack GPS measurement engine, and incorporate fast self-checking RTK algorithms and a comprehensive self-explanatory graphical user interface. The rugged GPS instruments, with magnesium alloy construction, are built to the toughest MIL specifi cations to withstand extreme fi eld conditions. The SmartTrack technology ensures reliable centimeteraccuracy solutions at distances of 30 km or more.
www.leica-geosystems.com

Trimble has introduced the TSC2 Controller, an advanced handheld fi eld computer that provides wireless operations in both fi eld and offi ce. Designed for Integrated Surveying™ solutions using both GPS and optical total stations, the Trimble TSC2 Controller offers surveying, mapping and construction professionals increased effi ciency, fl exibility and versatility. Equipped with Microsoft Windows Mobile™ software for the Pocket PC operating system, the TSC2 controller will run the user’s choice of Trimble fi eld software. Users can also add specialized Pocket PC applications to the Microsoft Pocket Messaging (Outlook), Internet Explorer, Word and Excel that come standard to make the TSC2 a powerhouse of fi eld and offi ce functions in one rugged business device. www.trimble.com

Trimble recently introduced the new Spectra Precision LL400 Laser Level, a ruggedized, fully automatic self-levelling laser level for concrete
and site preparation applications. The LL400 Laser Level sets a new standard in reliability, handling a wide variety of general and concrete construction applications. Even in tough job site conditions, the LL400 consistently delivers reliable, accurate performance to increase overall productivity and cost-savings.
www.trimble.com

Hyderabadbased SatNav Technologies in India is all set to launch a new version of its in-vehicle navigation solution. It will be launching SatGuide version 2.0, a pocket PC version of navigation system in India next month. They have developed this product in collaboration with MiTAC, Taiwan and Destinator, Canada. They have signed a partnership agreement with Nippon India for marketing and sales of the products. www.newindpress.com

Bentley Systems recently announced that BE Careers Network has expanded its offer of free MicroStation PowerDraft CAD software to all students and instructors to include versions in the following nine languages: simplifi ed Chinese, traditional Chinese, Czech, English, French, German, Italian, Korean, and Spanish. MicroStation PowerDraft is a professional-level application used for production 2D/3D drafting and detailing in architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC). It features an easy-to-use graphical user interface, intuitive viewing techniques, and an innovative set of industry-recognized tools for production work.
www.bentley.com

NavCom Technology, Inc announced today the introduction of the new NCT-2100D, a 12 channel, dual frequency GPS engine. The NCT- 2100D is a form fi t, pin compatible replacement for NavCom’s existing 10 channel GPS engine providing a seamless upgrade path for both OEM customers and NavCom’s fully integrated GPS receivers. www.NavComTech.com.

DAT/EM Systems International has enhanced the viewing capabilities of the SUMMIT EVOLUTION™ Digital Stereoplotter by integrating Planar’s SD1710 3D desktop monitor as an optional component of the system. The Planar1710 system has been installed at several DAT/EM client sites with extremely positive feedback. The image viewing quality is clear and
crisp, rivaling that of older analytical mapping systems.
www.datem.com

MapInfo Corporation announced the availability of Exponare ® v2.4. MapInfo Exponare®, a suite of centrally deployed map-enabled applications, provides an intuitive means of channelling vast amounts of disparate data, residing in various systems and formats, through a single portal to give decision makers the ability to turn data into information and share that with internal and external customers, without the need for software development skills.
www.mapinfo.com

Digital mapping and GIS software developer Cadcorp of U.K. has announced the latest version of the Cadcorp SIS – Spatial Information System software suite, Cadcorp SIS Version 6.2. This latest version of Cadcorp SIS introduces many new and enhanced features designed to enable organisations to realise effi ciency gains from increased productivity, improved information sharing and customer self-service. The ability to directly read almost 150 native GIS, CAD, graphic and database formats without translation enables organisations to maximise their investment in existing data by integrating disparate data types, including data from legacy systems.
www.cadcorp.com

A new website with a Global Information System will provide valuable information for assessing environmental hazards caused by Hurricane Katrina. The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) in U.S. one of the National Institutes of Health, created the website to provide the most updated data to public health and safety workers on contaminants in fl ood waters, infrastructure and industry maps, as well as demographic information for local populations. The NIEHS Hurricane Katrina Information Website accessible at
http://www-apps.niehs.nih.gov/

katrina/ provides information on assessing and evaluating hundreds of potentially hazardous environmental pollutants that may pose a risk to human health.
www.nih.gov

u-blox America recently announced that the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) uses u-blox GPS technology to determine the strength, direction and speed of hurricanes. u-blox is an international company headquartered in Switzerland which develops leading positioning products based on the GPS for the automotive and mobile communications markets., Most recently, close to 40 sondes have been employed to measure the characteristics of hurricane “Katrina” so as to study and predict its behavior. NCAR, which works closely with the U.S. government’s National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), has designed a highly sophisticated GPS dropsonde that is used by the 53rd Air Force Reserve Weather Squadron (AFRES).
www.prnewswire.com

SiRF Technology Holdings has recently announced its fl agship SiRFstarIII architecture is being used by Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. to provide GPS positioning capabilities for the Edge, a new line of integrated personal training systems designed for recreational and advanced cyclists. The Edge is the fi rst Garmin device to incorporate SiRF’s fl agship SiRFstarIII architecture.
www.sirf.com

MapWorld Technologies, a GIS and GPS based solutions provider in India is developing an SMS-based application integrated with a GPS for location tracking of vehicles and employees. The proposed application is expected to be available in the market by end November 2005. According to MapWorld, the applications main map would be deployed on a central system and inputs would be loaded on to the employees’ mobile handset. Since the input from the mobile handset to the computer is SMS-based it will cost relatively cheaper.
www.ciol.com

Dutch company Fugro has signed letters of intent to acquire Elcome Surveys Pvt. Ltd in India. The earlier announced joint venture with Oceansatpeg in Brazil will be operational as from 1 October 2005. Elcome Surveys Pvt. Ltd is located in Mumbai, India. The company is a supplier of survey, geotechnical and oceanographic services offshore India and in the Arabian Gulf. The acquisition will strengthen Fugro’s resources base in this growing region.
www.fugro.com

ORBIMAGE Holdings recently announced that it has entered into a defi nitive agreement to acquire the assets of Space Imaging LLC. Under the asset purchase agreement, ORBIMAGE will acquire substantially all of the assets of Space Imaging. The total consideration for the transaction is approximately $58.5 million less amounts, which will be paid by Space Imaging on its existing debt prior to closing as well as certain other adjustments. The transaction is subject to government regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. ORBIMAGE is optimistic that such conditions will be satisfi ed in time for the closing to occur on or prior to December 31, 2005.
www.orbimage.com

Infotech Enterprises Ltd. In India announced that it has been awarded a major GIS contract by Dutch company Royal KPN NV. Valued at several million euros and with a tight schedule of 18 months, it represents one of the largest, single-vendor GIS contracts awarded by a global telecom company to an offshore IT services firm in recent years. Infotech Enterprises will provide a range of data management services for KPN’s existing Access Network. An offshore production team of around 300 data specialists based in India will perform conversion services remotely to digitize KPN’s existing telecom network. The company will utilise a secure, online delivery model to ensure that the project is delivered to KPN’s quality, schedule and budget expectations. http://indiainfoline.com