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Next-Generation MediaMapper Unrivalled in Multimedia Mapping Technology

Red Hen Systems, Inc. has release of the new MediaMapper 4.0. The company's technologies bring affordable GPS-referenced video and digital still photo mapping into the hands of "geo-photographers" and "photo-geographers" in a wide range of industries. MediaMapper's ability to automate spatial database creation, as well as link unlimited multimedia files or real time video to map locations, is a valuable asset for high-end geographic information system (GIS) users. For those just getting started, the software's ease of use and new wizard-driven digital still photo mapping capability make the move to "spatial multimedia" a smooth transition. MediaMapper 4.0 integrates a long list of requested features developed through months of consultation with users, insuring the product meets their needs and expectations based on several use models. Several key features in 4.0 were developed primarily for the Department of Defense, including CADRG/ADRG map import, Military Grid Reference System (MGRS) support, and a utility for creating new map features based on azimuths from known locations. However, the system is currently used in many industries where the ability to integrate video or pictures with maps is a critical information need. MediaMapper supports users in the USDA Forest Service, DoD, FEMA, state DOT and weed control agencies, utilities, and many other GIS users in both the public and private sectors.

Visit: http://www.redhensystems.com/ & http://www.mediamapper.com/

Spirent Communications ships production test solution for GPS-Enabled Mobile Devices

Spirent Communications(TM), a wholly-owned business group of Spirent plc announces that its GSS4100 GPS Simulator has now available for production testing of GPS-enabled mobile devices. A new-generation of mobile devices is emerging, equipped with built-in GPS receivers capable of providing location-based services for commercial and public safety applications. Public safety applications such as the FCC's Enhanced 911 (E911) Phase 2 mandate require accurate determination of a mobile user's location. To ensure proper performance in mission-critical position location applications, mobile device manufacturers test the GPS performance of their products during the manufacturing process. Spirent's GSS4100, a complete, low-cost single channel GPS simulator, offers the ideal solution for parametric manufacturing test of GPS receivers.

Visit: www.spirentcom.com/gss .

Cingular Wireless selects TeleCommunication Systems as a mobile location technology provider

TeleCommunication Systems, Inc., a key architect of wireless location and messaging software, today announced that Cingular Wireless has selected the TCS' Xypoint(R) Location Platform as one of the vendors providing support for the company's Phase I and II wireless E9-1-1 location service. Under the agreement, TCS will provide database services and routers to Cingular Wireless for E9-1-1 location services. The Xypoint(R) Location Platform uniquely integrates location, presence and privacy technologies into one technical solution, thus enabling wireless carriers to migrate easily from providing E9-1-1 service to offering a full complement of commercial location services. In addition to its technical platform, the TCS wireless E9-1-1 solution provides carriers with end-to-end support including switch integration and Geographic Information Services (GIS) database management, state and local regulatory compliance expertise, and administrative management and deployment. The Xypoint(R) Location Platform enables PSAPs (Public Safety Answering Points) to receive the cell site location, 10-digit callback number, name of the wireless carrier, and community or neighborhood of call origination -- data critical to finding callers in distress.

Visit: http://www.telecomsys.com/.

Asia News

Net Offers Distance Learning in China

The government of the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region opened a distance learning center on Wednesday which is designed to help develop education and eliminate poverty in this western region of China, by using information and communication technology.

The Ningxia distance learning center is the result of joint efforts by the regional government, the government of Australia and the World Bank.

Using state-of-the-art distance learning technology, the center allows participants from across China, other East Asian countries and even other continents, to share information and learning without leaving their home towns.

Located at Ningxia University, the center is the 30th distance learning centre in the growing Global Development Learning Network (GDLN). Administered by the World Bank, GDLN is a fully interactive, multichannel distance learning network with a mandate to serve developing nations.

Source: http://www.china.org.cn/english/2001/Nov/21433.htm

China to Launch its Most Costly Space Explorer

China is planning to launch a 2-billion-yuan satellite into space. The satellite, which will be used to monitor changes in the solar magnetic field, solar storms and other aspects of "space weather", is the most costly space explorer of China.

Prof. Wei Fengsi, who works for the Aerospace Science and Application Center of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, said that space weather monitoring, unlike weather forecasts in the aerosphere, focuses on the space between the aerosphere and the sun.

Scientists believe that abnormal space weather is responsible for 40 percent of satellite malfunctioning. For instance, bad space weather caused the explosion of the Asia-Pacific II communications satellite in 1995 and the breakdown of a US$200 million American communications satellite in 1997.

Chinese scientists started large-scale space weather research in the late 1990s, nearly 10 years later than their Western counterparts.

Source: http://www.china.org.cn/english/21462.htm
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