Norcross, Ga. – April 24, 2006 – Leica Geosystems today announced the release of a new, ultra-precise, 72-channel Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) engine, which is being incorporated into the System 1200 family of integrated survey systems.

The GNSS engine is being offered in the new Leica GX1230 GG and ATX1230 GG GPS sensors, as well as the GRX1200 GG Pro sensor for reference station networks.

The Leica GNSS-compatible systems accept signals from U.S. GPS satellites, including the L2C frequency, and the Russian GLONASS satellite network. They are also designed to support all future GNSS signals, including GPS L5 and the European Galileo system, offering a clear upgrade path as these next-generation satellite systems become operational.

“We believe that the GLONASS satellite system has now demonstrated sufficient levels of robustness and reliability, so that we can incorporate it into our family of System 1200 survey solutions for our customers,” said Bob Williams, president of Leica’s Surveying & Engineering Division for the Americas. “There are now 17 GLONASS satellites in orbit, and the Russian government has made a commitment to continue expanding the system with additional satellites.”

“The ability to track and use the GLONASS satellites together with GPS will enable surveyors to increase productivity on the job, especially in difficult environments where GPS signals are blocked or attenuated,” Williams added.

The GNSS-capable GX1230 GG and ATX1230 GG, with Leica Geosystems’ exclusive SmartTrack+ and SmartCheck+ technology, provide unmatched performance on the job. SmartTrack+ tracks all available signals with very low signal noise, high sensitivity and fast reacquisition. SmartCheck+ provides automatic solution checking for optimum reliability.

The GRX1200 GG Pro with SmartTrack+ is designed for a wide range of reference station applications and networks. Features include secure and reliable Internet connectivity via HTTPS, onboard generation of RINEX files and the prompt FTP push of high quality, raw and RINEX data. It is configurable using a Web interface or GPS Spider software. Its power consumption is the lowest in class, reducing infrastructure requirements.

The System 1200, introduced in 2004, is the first and only complete survey system that seamlessly blends GPS and total station functionality into a single integrated solution. By combining both technologies, the System 1200 guarantees seamless data transfer between GPS and total station instruments, with uniform software, identical controls and a common database, in addition to shared hardware components. 

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With close to 200 years of pioneering solutions to measure the world, Leica Geosystems’ products and services are trusted by professionals worldwide to help them capture, analyze and present spatial information. Leica Geosystems is best known for its broad array of products that capture accurately, model quickly, analyze easily and visualize and present spatial information even in 3D. Those who use Leica products every day trust them for their dependability, the value they deliver and the superior customer support. Based in Switzerland, Leica Geosystems is a global company with tens of thousands of customers supported by more than 2,400 employees in 23 countries and hundreds of partners located in more than 120 countries around the world.