SkyPilot Integrates SkyControl with Google Earth Mapping Service

SkyPilot Networks today introduced version 1.5 of the SkyControl mesh management system, which integrates seamlessly with the Google Earth mapping service. Using the GPS positioning capabilities of SkyPilot's mesh infrastructure products, the new functionality provides automatic and dynamic mesh network visualization within the Google Earth Pro application, the commercial version of the free Google Earth application. Combining these two powerful tools provides service providers and municipalities with more flexibility in designing, building and operating wireless mesh networks.

By combining the satellite imagery and three-dimensional terrain maps of Google Earth with the SkyControl graphical mesh management system, SkyPilot enables network operators to better plan and monitor their complex mesh networks. With real-time updates of the GPS latitude/longitude coordinates, SkyPilot nodes are automatically populated with their locations for quick map generation. Because network operators can accurately visualize the outdoor environment in which they are deploying a network and view the status of links throughout the mesh, they are better prepared to monitor and manage their entire network.

"Our innovative mesh architecture is designed to use GPS as an extremely accurate timing source for synchronization and coordination of transmission throughout the network. But our customers also have discovered that the integrated GPS is quite useful in providing the location of each device," said Brian Jenkins, vice president of product management for SkyPilot. "Exposing this capability allows us to leverage the sophistication of Google Earth for real-time network mapping, as well as serving as a foundation for third-party location-based services (LBS) applications."

"The planning capabilities of SkyControl with Google Earth will enable us to quickly and cost-effectively roll out services to a number of municipalities. SkyPilot continues to offer product enhancements that allow us to better support our end users," said Bryan Thompson, president of RedMoon Inc.

SkyControl version 1.5 is currently available and includes Google Earth mapping service integration as part of the standard server application. This new version is a free upgrade for SkyPilot customers who have already purchased SkyControl. For new customers, the SkyControl version 1.5 is available for purchase through SkyPilot or its distributors. The Google Earth Pro client application is available for purchase separately through Google's website.

For an example of a network map using Google Earth with the SkyControl graphical mesh management system, go to http://www.skypilot.com/press/skycontrol_screen.html.