Shanghai, Wuhan, DongGuan, Tianjin and Beijing Implement GPS RTK Networks
Sunnyvale, Calif., Nov. 2, 2005 — Trimble (NASDAQ:TRMB) announced today it has supplied Global Positioning System (GPS) reference stations and Trimble VRSTM (Virtual Reference Station) software to establish five new infrastructure networks throughout China. Located in Shanghai, Wuhan, DongGuan, Tianjin and Beijing, the multi-purpose networks will provide a geo-spatial infrastructure in each area. The networks will supply fast and accurate GPS positioning for a variety of applications including surveying, urban planning, urban and rural construction, environmental monitoring, resource and territory management, disaster prevention and relief, precision agriculture, scientific research and transportation management.
The new Trimble VRS installations follow the Shenzhen and Chengdu networks already implemented in China. In addition, there are Trimble infrastructure networks throughout the world including: Germany, Austria, Switzerland, U.S. including Alaska, Canada, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Belgium, France, Spain, Italy, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Australia, Malaysia, Taiwan, Korea, and Japan. For a partial reference list of Trimble VRS installations visit: http://www.trimble.com/vrsinstallations.shtml.
About the China VRS Networks
The Shanghai VRS network is operated by the Shanghai Surveying and Mapping Institute and will serve as the infrastructure for the “Digital Shanghai” information system. Integrated with the city’s intelligent transportation system, network and communication system, the VRS network will provide highly accurate and fast positioning service as well as GPS mobile positioning service. The network currently includes four Trimble NetRS® GPS reference stations that operate with Trimble GPSNetTM and RTKNetTM software. In addition, 12 Trimble R8 GPS rovers were purchased for use with the system. The Shanghai network operators plan to expand the system to 10 reference stations in the future.
The Wuhan system is operated by the Wuhan Geotechnical Engineering & Surveying Institute and includes six Trimble NetRS GPS reference stations that operate with Trimble GPSNet and RTKNet software. The network is the first in China to use a virtual private network (VPN) to transfer data via General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) wireless communications.
The DongGuan network includes five Trimble 5700 Continuously Operating Reference Station (CORS) GPS reference stations that use Trimble GPSNet and RTKNet software. It is operated by the DongGuan Land and Resource Bureau.
The Tianjin system is operated by the Tianjin Institute of Surveying and Mapping. The network utilizes one Trimble 5700 CORS GPS and 10 Trimble NetRS GPS reference stations; and Trimble GPSNet and RTKNet software.
Operated by the Beijing Information Resource Management Center, the Beijing VRS network includes nine Trimble 5700 CORS GPS reference stations, and Trimble GPSNet and RTKNet software. The network is expected to play an important role in construction and transportation for the 2008 Olympic Games.
About Trimble VRS Technology
Trimble VRS technology uses network RTK solutions from Trimble RTKNet software and provides high-accuracy, GPS positioning for wide areas. The Trimble VRS network is available at any time without setting up a field base station and provides common control anywhere in the network.
Because Trimble RTKNet software is able to process the entire network simultaneously, Trimble VRS networks offer greater quality control and higher data accuracy at longer distances than conventional single base line RTK. In the field, the farther users get from a reference station using conventional RTK, the more susceptible they become to reduced accuracy and performance due to systematic errors such as ionospheric and tropospheric effects. In a Trimble VRS network, RTKNet software provides a fully modeled solution that factor in potential systematic errors. Users connect into the system using a wireless connection; the software acknowledges the users’ field positions and allows them to operate as though there is a reference station—a virtual reference station—right next to a rover. RTKNet software uses the six reference stations closest to the rover’s position to calculate the virtual reference station position for the rover. As a result, the PPM error is eliminated or significantly reduced, allowing surveyors to achieve RTK precision over much greater distances with fewer reference stations. Users can also retrieve stored GPS and modeled data from the control center via the Internet for post-processing.
About Trimble’s Engineering and Construction Business
Trimble, a world leader in GPS, construction lasers, robotic total stations and machine control solutions, is creating a broad range of innovative solutions that change the way construction work is done. The Engineering and Construction business of Trimble is focusing on the development of technology and solutions in the core areas of surveying, construction and infrastructure. From concept to completion, Trimble’s integrated systems streamline jobs and improve productivity.
About Trimble
Trimble is a leading innovator of Global Positioning System (GPS) technology. In addition to providing advanced GPS components, Trimble augments GPS with other positioning technologies as well as wireless communications and software to create complete customer solutions. Trimble’s worldwide presence and unique capabilities position the Company for growth in emerging applications including surveying, agriculture, machine guidance, fleet and asset management, wireless platforms, and telecommunications infrastructure. Founded in 1978 and headquartered in Sunnyvale, Calif., Trimble has more than 2,000 employees in more than 20 countries worldwide.
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