Mining fleet management specialist Leica Geosystems has launched its GPS Augmentation Network, incorporating exclusive technology developed by Locata Corp. The innovative terrestrial network ensures 24/7 positioning coverage even with adverse GPS situations. Open pits can present challenges for satellite based positioning as the pit becomes deeper, and where the walls are steep. The positioning signals transmitted from satellites can become obstructed by the pit walls, reducing GPS availability and in turn, accuracy. The angle of ‘sky view’ is further reduced where machinery is in close proximity to the pit walls which block GPS signals. Leica’s GPS augmentation network fills these shortcomings in the GPS network and ensures consistent and accurate positioning is always available.  

Under an exclusive technology partnership with Locata, Leica’s Jigsaw360 is the first fleet management system with the ability to replicate the GPS satellite constellation from the ground. This ground breaking technology enables a level of control and flexibility which is not possible from the standard satellite GPS network.

With this development, Leica Geosystems and Locata have made a significant advance in the availability of consistent positioning signals. The efficiency and productivity benefits of total positioning coverage also have the potential to solve other problems where the standard GPS network has fallen short in the past. For example, GPS collision avoidance systems, and for automated mining developments. In these applications, constant and accurate positioning is critical to safe operation. 

• Consistent and accurate GPS coverage across the deepest and steepest pits
• Complete positioning availability ensures the highest efficiency and productivity gains from Leica’s Jigsaw360 fleet management and machine control systems
• A significant step in the development of reliable collision avoidance and automated mining systems.