Optron, the sole South African distributor of Trimble Mapping and GIS products in southern Africa, has launched GeoExplorer CE, a GPS handheld device for the GIS professional.

Mobile GIS ensures that databases are directly accessible to field-based personnel such as field inspectors, maintenance teams, utility crews and emergency repair workers. It integrates GPS technology, portable hardware and GIS software. To facilitate information to and from the field, the system integrates advances in wireless technology and the Internet.

The GeoExplorer CE combines the power of Microsoft's Windows CE platform with a high performance Trimble GPS (global positioning system) receiver. The GPS receiver and antenna are integrated in the handheld, making it easy to use in most GIS field applications. The GeoExplorer CE series is available in one of two models: the GeoXM and the GeoXT. The GeoXM provides 2-5 m accuracy and 512 Mb of internal disk memory for storing large GIS datasets and background images. The GeoXT has the features of the GeoXM plus a submeter receiver and Trimble's Everest multipath rejection technology for use in difficult or harsh environments. It is available in 128 Mb and 512 Mb options.

For more information contact Mark Smith, Optron, 031 266 2990, mark@optron.com