Astrium JV provides precise positioning

Astrium Services, an EADS company, and Allsat network+services have created AXIO-NET, a joint venture that will provide navigation and positioning services across Europe.

By combining satellite navigation signals with terrestrial networks, the services are said to be able to offer very accurate location data that could be useful for monitoring and maintaining utility networks, transport infrastructure and geographical features.

‘The market for precise navigation and positioning services looks set to grow enormously as more and more government and commercial users realise the value of accurate location data.

‘We will continue to develop and explore new opportunities in navigation services – to be ready to make the most of the Galileo system due to be in service in 2013,’ said Eric Beranger, CEO of Astrium Services.

AXIO-NET will offer the service across Germany, where there is a large number of established users in industrial sectors including agriculture, transport, utilities, forestry, surveying and construction.