Topcon Provides GNSS Correction Services for Emergency Response Teams in California

Rhea-AI Summary

Topcon Positioning Systems has announced free access to its global navigation satellite system (GNSS) correction services for emergency response agencies in California following recent severe weather disasters. This initiative starts on January 8, 2023, in response to catastrophic floods and mudslides caused by extreme winter storms. The service, active for 90 days, supports any brand of dual-frequency GNSS equipment and aims to assist local utilities and agencies in assessing damage and planning recovery efforts. Topcon emphasizes its commitment to aiding its home state during this crisis.

Positive

• Free GNSS correction service for emergency response agencies supporting recovery efforts in California.
• Service available for 90 days to any brand of dual-frequency GNSS equipment.
• Enhances operational efficiency for local utilities and emergency services during disaster response.

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• None.

LIVERMORE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- In response to recent disaster declarations throughout California, Topcon Positioning Systems is offering free access to its global navigation satellite system (GNSS) correction services network to essential emergency response agencies and personnel in designated disaster areas. GNSS receivers are used for construction and surveying work, geographic information system (GIS) mapping done by utilities and public works organizations, and others engaged in infrastructure assessment and building.

Beginning January 8, 2023, the state of California has been stricken with multiple severe weather events. Caused by unusually powerful atmospheric rivers, bomb cyclones and other severe winter storms have resulted in unprecedented emergency conditions throughout the state, including catastrophic flash floods as well as mud and debris slides.

“During major disaster response and recovery, local utilities and municipalities, local FEMA and Army Corps of Engineers, essential emergency services such as utility and construction companies have to go out and find out what's broken, what’s been wiped out, and they need the ability to utilize positioning technology,” said Jason Killpack, director, business development, emerging business, Topcon Positioning Systems. “The challenge for a lot of these companies, services and agencies that come into disaster areas is they don't have any of the local maps to know where the benchmarks are. If they find a benchmark or control point, they don't know what the local coordinate values are. Topnet Live offers all constellation correction services that any commercial GNSS receiver — regardless of brand — can utilize to gain corrected position. It doesn’t have to be a Topcon receiver.”

The emergency Topnet Live subscriptions will be active for 90 days at a time and will support any brand of dual-frequency GNSS equipment that can use Topcon’s standard NTRIP correction message (RTCM 3.x). Topcon and its distributors will manage these subscriptions as a service for essential agencies to aid in the assessment of damages and start the rebuilding process.

“We’re headquartered in California, and we want to help take care of our home state in a time of crisis,” said Killpack. “We will offer these correction services free of charge through this emergency subscription service to anybody that needs them, regardless of who they work for, what kind of equipment they have, and for the next 90 days they can connect to our network to get the corrections they need to get their essential job done.”

To activate the service through a participating Topcon distributor in California, contact information is provided here: topconpositioning.com/insights/emergency-california-topnet-live-subscription-information

About correction services: In order to provide precise positioning accuracy, a GNSS receiver needs to compensate for inaccuracies caused by satellite constellations, receiver hardware and atmospheric conditions. These inaccuracies can be calculated by a network of fixed reference stations that constantly receive GNSS data. This correction information is then broadcast to GNSS receivers as a service.

About Topcon Positioning Group

Topcon Positioning Group, always one step ahead in technology and customer benefits, is an industry leading designer, manufacturer and distributor of precision measurement and workflow solutions for the global construction, geospatial and agriculture markets. Topcon Positioning Group is headquartered in Livermore, California, U.S. (topconpositioning.com, LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook). Its European head office is in Capelle a/d IJssel, the Netherlands. Topcon Corporation (topcon.com), founded in 1932, is traded on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (7732).

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230118005962/en/

Staci Fitzgerald

Topcon Positioning Group

corpcomm@topcon.com

+1 925-245-8610

Source: Topcon Positioning Systems

FAQ

What is Topcon's initiative for California disaster response?

Topcon Positioning Systems is offering free access to its GNSS correction services for emergency response agencies in California after recent disasters.

When did the free GNSS service in California start?

The service began on January 8, 2023.

How long will Topcon's emergency GNSS service be available?

The emergency service will be active for 90 days.

Who can access the free GNSS correction services?

Essential emergency response agencies and personnel in designated disaster areas can access the service, regardless of the equipment brand.

What technology does Topcon's GNSS service support?

The service supports any brand of dual-frequency GNSS equipment utilizing Topcon’s standard NTRIP correction message.