Waypoints – December 9, 2006

There’s lots to cover this week, so let’s get right to it. First stop — updated GPS reviews on GPS Tracklog:

TomTom GO 910 review – A new review has been posted by PCAuthority.
Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx review – Scott from GPS Lodge has posted a review of my favorite backcountry GPS.
Magellan Roadmate 2000 review – JusTech’n has posted a review of this unit that we recently tested.
Garmin zumo 550 review – Either Chet is a biker and loves this thing, or there’s an awful lot of questions about it. This is the third or fourth post where he’s answered questions about the zumo. Also, GpsPasSion has posted some pre-review zumo pics.

GPS Hardware

For $2200, you’d think you would get a color screen on your GPS.
3D GPS navigation is getting closer. Via Digg.
Anyone need AA batteries that you can charge with your laptop? The idea may be cooler than it is useful.
Nine GPS devices recommended for the holidays and not one from Garmin. Pretty weak if you ask me.
When Casio enters the market, you can be sure that GPS is becoming a commodity.
EMTAC has developed a very small Bluetooth GPS receiver.

GPS contests

Want to suggest new features for your TomTom, and maybe pick up a goody bag in the process? Check out this TomTom contest.
You have to (at least temporarily) hand over an email address, but you can enter this contest to win a Garmin nuvi 350.

Software, firmware, etc.

I don’t usually post links to beta versions, but this version of the Garmin POI loader has a lot of interesting things incorporated into it. Via Allory.
Firmware updates have been posted for the following Garmin units – zumo 500, Forerunner 205 and 305, and many marine GPS receivers (see December 7 section of this link).
Meanwhile, Magellan has posted firmware updates for the RoadMate 6000T, 3000T, and 800T/860T. Amazingly enough, they’ve also posted some handheld firmware updates — for the eXplorist 210 and 400. Via Allory.
Hot keys for MS Streets & Trips (and AutoRoute).
I haven’t tested it, but Stitch Maps 2 might interest users of OziExplorer and similar programs. Via OgleEarth.
It won’t be long before we see local GPS content getting much richer.
Run ArcGIS Explorer on your Mac.

Ways to use your GPS

Geocaching 101 from Lifehacker.
GolfTraxx announces support for Garmin PDA’s (most of which have been discontinued).
Meanwhile, SureShot GPS is expanding to golf courses in Central and South America. Here is more on GPS for golfers.
Here’s a brief rundown on mapping sites for runners. I’ve posted previously about GPS for runners, looking at it from the hardware side.
Scientists are using GPS on the Galapagos Islands to chart volcanic buildup.
This is one of the more unique uses of GPS I’ve come across, though I have to wonder about accuracy.

GPS cell phones

Just maps and stuff

A Firefox crop circle.
Earth from Space is an online exhibit of satellite imagery from the Smithsonian Institution. Via The Map Room.
I understand the sentiment, complaining that Canadian topo maps are 20 years old, but come on — the USGS quad where I live was done in 1960 and photorevised in 1978. I wanna feel sympathy; honest, I do.
Limited, but near real-time (European) satellite imagery available online.
Google Maps Mania links to a thematic map creator.

GPS in the news

An excellent article exploring why GPS technology is going to drive so much innovation. Via Digg.
Secret Service agent gets GPS tracking bracelet.
Navy testing (jamming most likely) may scramble GPS signals in the Chesapeake Bay region. No, wait, they wouldn’t do that.
I don’t care what this says. They aren’t going to implant a GPS tracking device with a transmitter in every farm animal. Maybe they meant RFID.
GPS-enabled car to car communication is being tested to aid in future highway safety.
GPS can improve a farmer’s bottom line. But how accurate is it?