10Meters News Service

April 5, 2002 – Two California companies are combining efforts to produce cutting-edge 3D GPS technology for monitoring major structures, including dams, bridges and power facilities.

Trimble, of Sunnyvale, and Condor Earth Technologies, Inc., of Sonora, yesterday announced that they will "exclusively work together" on developing real-time GPS-based systems that can detect changes in the structural integrity of dams, bridges, buildings, oil platforms and power facilities.

The systems can also be utilized to monitor the movement of landslides, volcanoes and other natural hazards.

The use of real-time 3D GPS monitoring technology could give scientists, engineers and facility managers valuable lead-time to deal with potentially hazardous situations.

The systems will use Condor's 3D software package and Trimble's survey-grade GPS receivers.

Data from the GPS receivers, which are placed on the structure or land mass, are transferred via modem, wireless radio or network connection to a personal computer, which processes the information in real-time.

The 3D positions are identified on PC interfaces as a series of maps, charts and numerical outputs that provide comprehensive information for each site monitored.

The software also provides immediate notification by pager, email or cell phone when motion thresholds are exceeded. Operators can have full remote control over the system from anywhere in the world.