Precision Midwest, a Trimble dealer in the Midwest, proudly announced the launch of a regional Global Positioning System (GPS) Network in Chicago. Covering 1,800 square miles, this GPS network is one of the largest privately funded networks in North America. Using technology developed by Trimble, the network will supply real-time GPS data to private surveying and mapping professionals for a variety of applications including surveying, field inventory and construction. Using Trimble's Virtual Reference Station Technology (VRS), Precision Midwest's system enables surveyors to accomplish their work faster and more accurately while minimizing crew costs. A surveyor can now walk onto the worksite and start surveying by himself with none of the setup previously required for GPS RTK base stations.

The 9-station network utilizes high-speed internet connections, wireless Bluetooth and cellular technology to provide Real Time Kinematic (RTK) centimeter-level accuracy. Surveyors are no longer required to set up a base station for their RTK work. The VRS provides corrections through cell phone technology thereby eliminating security concerns, extra manpower, radios and other hardware needed to set up a traditional RTK base on a job site. Productivity and profitability of your crews will increase dramatically with the use of our system. The technology is scalable which allows the network to grow as needs and coverage areas increase. We plan to expand the network throughout western Illinois and eventually continue into the State of Iowa.

Precision Midwest provides sales, rentals, service, support and training for GPS, Robotics, Mapping and Construction Instruments to the Northern Illinois area including Chicago and the State of Iowa. They have three locations, Warrenville, IL (suburban Chicago), Des Plaines, IL (Near O'Hare Airport) and Des Moines, IA.

Source: Precision Midwest, Nov. 22, 2004

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• Precision Midwest