Lightweight GPS module expands animal research

A technology partnership will soon make it possible for scientists to study the behaviour of endangered species once thought too tiny to be tracked by GPS.

A technology partnership between HABIT Research, a Victoria, Canada based company that designs, develops and manufactures technology for wildlife research, and Swiss positioning technology provider u-blox will soon make it possible for scientists to study the behaviour of endangered species once thought too tiny to be tracked by GPS, raising the hope that many smaller species may be saved from extinction.

HABIT Research is launching a third generation of their revolutionary animal tracking product which is just one-tenth the size of its predecessor, weighing 35g or more.

This breakthrough has been made possible by a new GPS module from u-blox.

The LEA-4H GPS module manages to cram ultra-high-sensitivity technology and low power needs into one of the smallest GPS devices on the market today.

The LEA-4H is powered by u-blox' Antaris 4 positioning engine, which offers incredible tracking accuracy because it uses twice as many satellites as its predecessor to pinpoint locations, and WAAS support improves tracking accuracy from 20 to 5m.

The module's SuperSense weak signal tracking technology allows researchers to track animals in the most difficult terrain such as canyons and dense brush.

"This new technology, a partnership between Swiss precision engineering and Canadian innovation, should allow researchers to develop a better understanding of a range of small and endangered animals and the role they play in the wider eco-system", said Dr Jeffrey Goodyear, President and Founder of HABIT Research.

"That could provide critical insights into the future conservation of natural habitats and species of all sizes".

"HABIT's new generation of wildlife tracking products makes the best out of our LEA-4H GPS module: its small size means the scope of animals that can now be tracked has been significantly widened, while its combination of low power needs and high sensitivity means animals can be tracked for longer without interruption, even in difficult signal environments", said Nikolaos Papadopoulos, President of u-blox America.

The new HABIT GPS technology is also available in combinations with real-time VHF data telemetry and satellite PTT technology.

Power supply options include battery or solar cell with packaging in collar and backpack configurations.

This product is designed to weigh a little as 35g and can be used on mammals, both terrestrial and marine, reptiles, birds and amphibians.

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