Trimble announced it has supplied Global Positioning System (GPS) reference stations and Trimble VRS (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 geospatial 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.

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 GPSNet and RTKNet 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.

Source: Trimble, Nov. 2, 2005