

Elevating knowledge: read our in-depth features
With the advent of navigation technology, getting lost has become a thing of the past. It was not so long ago that navigation systems were considered rather expensive gadgets offering limited function...
In my March editorial I took you along on my adventure with fellow conference participants as we got lost in Prague. Despite having to hand a GPS device, we ended up at the wrong metro station. Ensui...
From entrepreneurs to incorporation to becoming publicly traded and now ISO certified, Hemisphere GPS has evolved into a major player in the design and manufacture of precision GPS products. With corp...
The need for ambiguity resolution in aerial survey limits aircraft banking angle to a flat turn. It also inhibits flying far from reference stations. Technology is now in place to eliminate these hurd...
To date the visually impaired have received navigational aid from a wide range of technologies such as tactile maps, tactile graphic displays, acoustic devices, distance measurement by ultrasound or l...
In the Insider’s View of November 2006 I wrote about the participation of my firm in a newly established GPS RTN (VRS) network in the Washington, DC-Baltimore metropolitan region (see http://vrs.ke...
SingularXYZ has presented its latest innovation for geospatial professionals: the X1 Pro GNSS receiver. This new device aims to refine precision in surveying technology with a range of features tailor...
Topcon Positioning Systems has presented the latest addition to its HiPer family of global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receivers. The HiPer CR is a compact and lightweight GNSS receiver designe...
ComNav Technology has introduced its new handheld P6H. This advanced and rugged device is tailor-made for GIS data collection and outdoor operations. Featuring a GNSS high-precision positioning module...
Inertial Labs has unveiled its latest innovation: high-precision three-axis accelerometers (TAA). These compact, self-contained devices mark a significant leap forward in navigation-grade acceleromete...
Harxon demonstrated its dedication to innovation at Intergeo 2023 by introducing two products designed to advance high-accuracy positioning within the geospatial industry: the Survey GNSS Antenna (HX-...
CNH Industrial has successfully concluded its acquisition of Hemisphere GNSS, a globally recognized leader in satellite navigation technology. This strategic purchase, valued at US$175 million and ini...
Positioning, in its essence, represents the meticulous process of accurately determining the spatial location of an object concerning a specific framework or datum. This fundamental concept of positioning plays an indispensable role in the domains of geography and hydrography, persistently guiding the quest to pinpoint the precise locations of the objects and features we seek to measure and understand.
Depending on the specific application at hand, the framework within which positioning occurs can be either of a global or local nature. When thinking on a global scale, the utilization of advanced techniques like Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) comes into play. In this scenario, the framework for positioning is meticulously defined by geodetic coordinate reference systems, ensuring the utmost accuracy in spatial determinations on a planetary scale.
Conversely, in more localized settings, positioning takes on a distinct character, tailored to the unique demands of specific tasks. For instance, in the realms of construction and engineering, the precision of positioning is paramount, and it's achieved through instruments such as the Total Station, allowing for the highly accurate alignment and placement of structures and infrastructure. Meanwhile, indoor navigation is another intriguing facet of local positioning, where the frameworks are often established within the confines of buildings, where technologies like indoor positioning systems enable precise and efficient navigation.
As we delve deeper into the world of positioning, it becomes evident that this art and science of location determination extends its influence far and wide, offering versatile solutions for diverse applications, all while maintaining an unwavering commitment to spatial accuracy.