NovAtel (Hexagon)

Overview

NovAtel is a leading global provider of advanced satellite positioning and communication solutions, now operating as a subsidiary of Hexagon AB, a Swedish multinational technology company. Founded in 1978 and headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, NovAtel has established itself as a pioneering force in Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) technology and positioning solutions. The company serves diverse industries including surveying, construction, agriculture, marine, and government sectors worldwide.

Company History and Key Milestones

NovAtel's journey began in 1978 when it was established in Calgary, Alberta, as a company focused on developing innovative satellite positioning technologies. During the 1980s, the company emerged as a pioneer in commercial GPS receiver development, introducing some of the first practical applications of GPS technology for surveying and mapping professionals. This early positioning in the market established NovAtel as a trusted innovator in GNSS solutions.

Throughout the 1990s, NovAtel expanded its technological capabilities significantly. The company developed advanced receiver architectures and introduced products that enhanced positioning accuracy and reliability. These developments coincided with the modernization of global navigation satellite systems, including GPS modernization initiatives and the emergence of regional satellite systems like GLONASS and later Galileo.

The 2000s marked a period of substantial growth for NovAtel. The company expanded its product portfolio to include integrated inertial measurement units (IMUs), expanding beyond pure GNSS solutions to offer combined positioning and orientation capabilities. This diversification allowed NovAtel to address more complex application requirements in sectors such as autonomous vehicles, precision agriculture, and unmanned aerial systems (UAS).

A significant milestone occurred in 2018 when NovAtel was acquired by Hexagon AB, a major Swedish technology conglomerate known for digital solutions and position intelligence. This acquisition positioned NovAtel within Hexagon's broader ecosystem of geospatial and industrial solutions, enabling greater synergies and expanded market reach. Under Hexagon's ownership, NovAtel has continued to innovate while benefiting from enhanced resources and integration opportunities with complementary technologies.

Core Technologies and Technical Capabilities

NovAtel's technological foundation rests on several core competencies that distinguish its offerings in the competitive GNSS market.

GNSS Receiver Architecture

NovAtel specializes in developing high-performance GNSS receivers that process signals from multiple satellite constellations simultaneously. The company's receiver designs incorporate sophisticated signal processing algorithms that enable tracking of GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, and QZSS signals. This multi-constellation capability provides users with improved positioning availability, especially in challenging environments with partial sky visibility.

Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) Positioning

A cornerstone technology for NovAtel is Real-Time Kinematic positioning, which enables centimeter-level accuracy through the use of reference stations and data correction services. NovAtel's RTK solutions support various correction delivery methods, including radio modems, internet-based communications, and cellular networks, adapting to different operational environments.

Inertial Navigation Integration

NovAtel has developed integrated systems that combine GNSS receivers with inertial measurement units containing accelerometers and gyroscopes. These integrated inertial navigation systems (INS) provide continuous position, velocity, and orientation information, functioning effectively even in GNSS-denied environments or when satellite signals are temporarily unavailable.

Anti-Jamming and Anti-Spoofing

Recognizing security concerns in critical applications, NovAtel has implemented advanced signal processing techniques to detect and mitigate intentional and unintentional interference. These capabilities ensure reliable operations in electromagnetic environments where positioning systems face jamming or spoofing threats.

Main Product Lines

OEM Receiver Modules

NovAtel's OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) receiver modules serve as embedded positioning engines for third-party applications. These compact receivers integrate GNSS and inertial technology, enabling manufacturers in automotive, aerospace, and industrial sectors to embed positioning capabilities into their systems.

Survey and Mapping Solutions

Specialized for surveying professionals, NovAtel's product line includes dual-frequency, triple-frequency, and multi-constellation receivers designed for high-accuracy spatial data collection. These systems deliver the centimeter and sub-centimeter accuracy required for professional surveying, mapping, and geospatial applications.

Autonomous Vehicle Solutions

NovAtel provides positioning systems specifically engineered for autonomous vehicle applications, delivering the continuous, reliable, and accurate positioning required for safe autonomous navigation. These solutions integrate GNSS with inertial technology to support vehicle localization in diverse conditions.

Agricultural Solutions

For precision agriculture, NovAtel offers guidance and steering solutions that enable farmers to optimize field operations, reduce input costs, and increase yields through accurate positioning and guidance systems.

Reference Station and Correction Services

NovAtel operates as a service provider for GNSS corrections, including real-time and post-processed correction delivery supporting agricultural, surveying, and construction professionals.

Market Position and Competitive Standing

NovAtel occupies a significant position within the global GNSS market, competing alongside established players such as Trimble, Leica Geosystems, and Topcon. The company's strengths lie in specialized technical capabilities, particularly in high-accuracy positioning, multi-constellation receiver design, and integrated inertial-GNSS solutions.

Within Hexagon's portfolio, NovAtel functions as the positioning backbone for broader geospatial and industrial solutions, complementing software and sensor offerings.

Global Presence and Operations

With headquarters in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, NovAtel maintains research and development facilities, manufacturing operations, and sales offices across North America, Europe, Asia, and other major markets. The company distributes products through authorized dealers and system integrators worldwide, ensuring support and service availability across diverse geographical regions.

Conclusion

NovAtel represents a mature, technologically sophisticated provider of GNSS and positioning solutions with deep expertise developed over four decades. As a Hexagon subsidiary, the company continues advancing positioning technology while expanding its addressable market through integration with complementary solutions in geospatial intelligence and industrial applications.