Scottsdale, AZ, Oct. 18 – (TSX: HEM) Today, Hemisphere GPS announced the release of HQ™ – a real-time web-based asset tracking tool that allows companies to track the position and position-related data of aircraft and other assets, such as spotter vehicles and loader trucks. Combining an Iridium® satellite modem or cellular modem with Hemisphere GPS’ own M3™ or IntelliStar™ aerial guidance system, HQ provides the ability to more effectively coordinate flight plans, resulting in reduced time and costs.
Initially targeted at firefighting, forestry, and agricultural customers, HQ is ideally suited for companies that need to track multiple aircraft in flight at the same time. The Hemisphere GPS-managed web server stores all flight and asset information, allowing customers to view current flight data as well as all historical data from previously completed flights. Aerial application companies can also provide their customers the access to log in via the web interface to view spray on/off, spray rates, latitude/longitude, and other information to quickly analyze what jobs are being done and when. The HQ web interface allows real-time monitoring of aircraft to ensure aircraft are moving and in their proper locations. A USB cell modem is an alternative option to the satellite modem but may have limitations due to cellular coverage and signal loss issues.
Aerial application companies will realize greater efficiency and safety through improved flight planning and better ground crew preparation. Applications are more effective and input costs are reduced significantly as a dispatcher can better direct the aircraft to avoid duplicate or inaccurate applications. Viewing real-time information and being able to review previous flight data also allows companies to verify work is being done, giving them an upper hand in competitive contract bids.
"HQ combines GPS and web-based mapping tools taking flight management to a new level," says Greg Guyette, Director of Sales & Marketing, Air Products at Hemisphere GPS. "Aerial customers will appreciate the simple layout of the user interface to track and manage their entire fleet and assets. The benefits of HQ are so significant and quickly realized that aircraft fleet managers will demand it."
HQ is currently available through the Hemisphere GPS Air Products global dealer network.
About Hemisphere GPS
Hemisphere GPS designs and manufactures innovative, cost-effective GPS products for positioning, guidance, and machine control applications in agriculture, marine, construction, and other markets. The Company holds numerous patents and other intellectual property and owns several leading brand names, including Outback Guidance®, a leading brand in precision GPS for agriculture. The Company is headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, with major product development, sales, and marketing facilities in Arizona, Kansas, and Australia. Hemisphere GPS is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) trading under the symbol "HEM" and is one of the TSX Cleantech designated companies. For more information about Hemisphere GPS, please go to www.hemispheregps.com.
The above disclosure contains certain forward-looking statements that involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond Hemisphere GPS’ control, including: the impact of general economic conditions, industry conditions, increased competition, the lack of availability of qualified personnel or management, fluctuations in foreign exchange or interest rates, stock market volatility and market valuations of companies with respect to the announced transactions and the final valuations thereof, and obtaining required approvals of regulatory authorities. Hemisphere GPS’ actual results, performance or achievement could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by these forward-looking statements and, accordingly, no assurances can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what benefits, including the amount of proceed, that Hemisphere GPS will derive therefrom.