Locata Corporation has announced the public availability of an Interface Control Document (ICD) 2011 at the Institute of Navigation (ION) GNSS Conference. The ICD defines the requirements related to the interface for Locata's new ground-based positioning technology.

It lays out the technical information Locata Technology Integrators (LTIs) and other interested parties need to design standalone Locata positioning receivers, or to allow tight integration of core Locata receiver technology alongside GPS at the chip level.

Locata's receiver technology works with Locata's transceivers, called LocataLites, to deliver centimeter-accurate positioning where GPS signals are erratic, jammed or unavailable.

The open availability of an ICD will spur rapid and widespread adoption of hybrid GPS + terrestrial positioning solutions in commercial, government and consumer applications.

This combined solution is a powerful new tool for a positioning industry that is under pressure to keep satellite-based systems relevant to modern mobile applications.

Locata's suite of new enabling technologies allows the creation of a local "GPS hotspot" - a network that is easily deployed to seamlessly fill-in areas where GPS signals are unreliable or unavailable. Locata calls this new network a "Local Constellation."

The signals from this Local Constellation can be easily integrated into the current satellite-based systems (i.e., GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, Compass) or provide a standalone positioning network equivalent to high-precision, centimeter-accurate GPS.

There is no other technology in the world that can do this.

"Having been involved in GPS almost from the beginning, it has been gratifying to see it spread and reach into every corner of our business and personal lives," said Keith McPherson, former Manager GNSS, Airservices Australia and former member of the U.S. National Space-Based Positioning, Navigation and Timing Advisory Board.

"And I can say, without hesitation, that Locata's invention is the first I've seen in 30 years that promises to forever change how we deploy and use positioning systems.

I'm most excited about the fact that it not only does what it claims, but is making it possible for independent, sovereign control of positioning and timing networks without the need to first build an entire space industry."

Also at the GNSS 2011, Locata unveiled the world's first GPS-style high-precision indoor positioning solution based on the same underlying Locata networks. These networks, called LocataNets, extend GPS-style machine automation control indoors, something that has not been previously possible.

"We are thrilled to be supplying the technology and documentation that manufacturers of positioning receivers at the board or chip level need to power the next wave of positioning solutions," said Nunzio Gambale, Chairman and CEO of Locata.

"GPS + terrestrial solutions will significantly expand the market by powering new applications for locating, directing and automating objects, equipment, and eventually people. With Locata, there will be no more 'GPS doesn't work here' excuses."

LocataNets, made up of LocataLite transceivers and receivers, are terrestrial networks which function as a local ground-based replica of GPS.

LocataNets work alongside satellite-based solutions, providing positioning information when GPS signals are inconsistent or blocked entirely by man-made or atmospheric obstructions.

Locata's Local Constellation is already being used by the U.S. Air Force and being integrated into new positioning solutions supplied by world-leading GPS positioning companies like Leica Geosystems.

"Many industries have sought alternatives that can deliver precise positioning, on a cost-effective basis, and can be readily deployed independent of GNSS," said Professor Chris Rizos, Head of the School of Surveying and Spatial Information Systems, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; President of the International Association of Geodesy; and member of the Governing Board for the International GNSS Service.

"Locata's technology is the first to actually demonstrate that feat, something many thought might be impossible. This development has enormous implications for those industries that must have reliable and precise positioning and timing, under conditions where GNSS fails. It is essentially the world's first Local Constellation."

The ICD will be available online for download from the Locata website - www.locatacorp.com -directly after a half-hour presentation Gambale will give on Wednesday at 12:15 p.m. Pacific at the GNSS 2011 Conference.

"Locata's technology is the crucial missing link between yesterday's GPS-only solutions and the GPS + terrestrial positioning which is clearly required for modern-day applications," added Gambale.

"A respected Silicon Valley executive recently told me that for positioning in the future it has become exceedingly clear to everyone that GPS now needs a terrestrial component. Yes it does. And we have invented it. Positioning will never be the same again."