Waypoints – November 19, 2006

Shorts from the past week. We’ll start with GPS reviews that I’ve updated:

• Garmin nuvi 660 review – CNet has posted their nuvi 660 review.
• Garmin Edge 305 review – Here is a detailed review with pros and cons

GPS Hardware

• Dash Navigation
  units will utilize Tele Atlas map data, and they are promising "seamless,
  automatic map updates that require no effort whatsoever from consumers."
• Here is a device that jams GPS signals within 50 meters. Via Digg.
• Garmin has unveiled their 2007 marine GPS lineup.
• Garmin has posted a chipset update for the Forerunner X05 series and firmware updates for the StreetPilot c510, c530 and c550. Via Allory.
• The Navman iCN 750 garnered a Popular Science Best of What’s New award.
• The Magellan RoadMate 2200T is available in Europe with regional maps.
  A  full European map set is featured on a Europe only model, the Magellan RoadMate 2250T.
• Rent-a-GPS as gifts.

Satellites make it happen

• Another GPS satellite is launched.
• Galileo and GPS on one chip.
• Meanwhile, Russia is ready to open up GLONASS.

GPS in the News

• Iraqi insurgents use GPS and Google Earth, but are careless with data.
• Amazonians, however, are using GPS and Google Earth to protect rainforest. Via Digg.
• Great article on the "life-changing nature of having a GPS." Via The Map Room.
• A street atlas beats the nuvi. There’s not much detail in this story though, so we don’t really know if it was a fair fight.
• Slowly but surely we’re moving towards GPS guided landing of aircraft.

Resources and data sources

• Here’s a nice list of GIS and GPS resources for Macs, starting about halfway down the page.
• Crankfire (a Connecticut mountain biking site) now allows downloading of KML files. Via Ogle Earth.
• Download GPX files for bike routes in Salt Lake City. Via Google Maps Mania.
• Here’s a site offering GPS data for Lake Powell.

GPS and cell phones

• GPS Tracking Systems has a post about a new GPS tracking cell phone to help folks find their buddies in real-time.
• Here is a review of iGuidance, a GPS navigation solution for PocketPC cell phones.
• And a geocaching solution for your cellphone.

Virtual Earth 3D

• A Virtual Earth 3D roundup.