Sunnyvale, Calif., Aug. 17, 2006 — Trimble (NASDAQ:TRMB) announced today it has supplied Global Positioning System (GPS) reference stations and VRSTM (Virtual Reference Station) software to establish one of the first Eastern Europe nationwide VRS infrastructure networks. Located in Serbia, the multi-purpose network provides a geospatial infrastructure for surveying, engineering and Geographic Information System (GIS) professionals. The network supplies fast and accurate GPS positioning for a variety of applications including surveying, urban planning, construction, environmental monitoring, resource and territory management, disaster prevention and relief, precision agriculture, scientific research, transportation management, and telecommunications and electricity distribution mapping.
The Serbian VRS network or AGROS (Active Geodetic Reference Network of Serbia) is operated by the Serbian Geodetic Authority (RGZ), the national organization for cadastre in Serbia and the network was established in co-operation with Faculty of Technical Sciences in Novi Sad (FTN). Built with 32 Trimble 5700 Continuously Operating Reference System (CORS), Trimble GPSNetTM and RTKNetTM software, the network is available to all geospatial professionals. Users subscribe to the network on a monthly basis or purchase prepaid time bundles for individual projects.
In conjunction with implementation of the Trimble VRS network, RGZ has developed new surveying procedures and standards that allow surveyors to work faster, easier and with greater confidence using the nationwide network. The VRS network also makes it easier to combine GPS technology with traditional optical surveying methods because the results are available real-time; in addition, simultaneous use of GPS and optical equipment does not require complex preparations and data exchange.
The Serbian VRS network is also part of the European Position Determination System (EUPOS) currently being implemented in 14 Central and Eastern Europe countries. The system will provide a uniform Differential Global Navigation Satellite System (DGNSS) infrastructure throughout the participating countries.
“Using the VRS network, surveyors and other professionals in Serbia have been able to realize significant savings in equipment investment,” said Prof Dr Oleg Odalovic, PhD. Sc. Surv. Eng., Assistant Director, Surveying Networks Department of RGZ. “They are also working faster and achieving more accurate GPS positioning results with greater reliability by using the VRS network and the new RGZ-defined standards.”
The Serbian VRS network follows more than 80 installed Trimble infrastructure networks throughout the world including: China, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, U.S., Canada, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Belgium, France, Spain, Italy, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Poland, Slovenia, Australia, Malaysia, Taiwan, Korea, and Japan. For a partial reference list of Trimble VRS installations visit: http://www.trimble.com/vrsinstallations.shtml.
About Trimble VRS Technology
Trimble VRS technology uses the RTK solutions from Trimble RTKNet software and provides high-accuracy, RTK GPS positioning for wider areas. The VRS network is available without setting up a 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. 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 their 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 changes 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 2,400 employees in more than 18 countries worldwide.
For more information, visit: www.trimble.com.