Trimble recently announced that it has acquired the Terralite assets from Novariant to expand its portfolio of positioning solutions. The Terralite XPS technology is a scalable infrastructure that generates signals for real-time positioning to augment existing Global Positioning System (GPS) coverage. The technology uses a network of ground-based transmitter stations to broadcast a proprietary signal to one or more mobile GPS+XPS receivers. Using Terralites allow operators of GPS-enabled machines, such as drills, bulldozers, shovels and haul trucks, to receive continuous real-time positioning information in locations where conventional GPS satellite signals may be obstructed or unavailable. "The Terralite asset acquisition expands Trimble's technology portfolio and can enable us to offer an even broader range of positioning solutions," said Bryn Fosburgh, Vice President, Trimble. "The solution can improve the efficiency and productivity of surface mining and other high-value site operations challenged by limited or no GPS coverage." Operations such as open pit mining can enhance the continuity, efficiency and productivity of GPS applications by deploying the Terralite technology to have direct control of positioning coverage in their area.