Leica joins with Locata for GPS-less positioning system

25/10/2011

Leica Geosystems Mining is working with Locata Corporation Pty Ltd to provide the only high precision radio positioning system in the world that does not rely on GPS.

The Leica Jigsaw Positioning system (Jps) will use Locata's pioneering ground-based LocataLite transmitters to provide high precision positioning, without needing the additional corrections that are needed for GPS high precision systems.

The system has been devised for use in mining environments, where the blocking of satellites by deep pits or high walls is becoming a greater and greater problem as the processes have become more and more reliant on GPS.

The LocataLites are, effectively, ground-based satellites, which can be used in conjunction with, or completely independently of, the GPS satellite network. The technology has recently received the endorsement of the United States Air Force, which has been using it to give them accurate positioning when GPS is completely jammed on their test range at White Sands, New Mexico.

Speaking at the announcement of the partnership, the chief executive of Leica Geosystems Mining, Haydn Roberts, said that the partnership demonstrated the company's dedication to bringing the most cutting-edge technology into their systems.

"We are determined to remain the world’s leading measurement technology company, offering only the very best in measurement solutions," he said. "I am very excited to offer the mining industry the incredible technological break-through that our partnership with Locata represents. Together we are providing something that no-one else can - original equipment manufacturer independent, GPS independent high precision positioning networks for mines and beyond."