ION: Trimble, Saab Transponder Combine DGPS/AIS Efforts

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Trimble and Saab TransponderTech AB announced today they are cooperating to integrate their respective differential GPS technologies for use in marine navigation.

The two companies are combining efforts to deliver DGPS error correction messages to ships at sea through automatic identification system (AIS) coast stations and networks. The DGPS messages transmitted on AIS frequencies will augment the existing marine DGPS broadcasts from coastal beacon stations, the companies said.

The announcement came here at the annual Institute of Navigation (ION) GNSS conference.

Specifically, the two companies are collaborating to develop interfaces connecting Saab’s AIS and Vessel Tracking Management & Information System (VTMIS) with Trimble DGPS reference station and integrity monitoring software. The integrated system will utilize Trimble’s Charisma and Coastal Center software for advanced integrity monitoring of the DGPS data prior to transmission through both the beacon transmitters and AIS stations, according to the two companies. The integration will also permit the Saab AIS/VTMIS operator to monitor the performance of both DGPS services.

"Many coastal states are installing shore-based AIS networks to monitor vessel traffic in their coastal waters, and virtually all ocean-going ships are required to be equipped with an approved AIS transponder with a built-in GPS receiver," said Gunnar Mangs, vice president of sales and marketing, Saab TransponderTech. "This makes AIS an ideal solution for DGPS transmissions, augmenting the beacon DGPS networks around the world. Utilizing these two DGPS technologies will provide an important layer of redundancy and reliability for this critical navigation safety application, ensuring uninterrupted DGPS service under conditions of heavy weather or high interference."