Waypoints is a weekly link roundup of (mostly) GPS related odds and ends. To get many of these stories as they break, follow me on Twitter.
GPS in the news
- Quote of the week: “Drivers should also refrain from turning on the radio, MP3 players or other communication devices that may interrupt the GPS’s satellite uplink”
- 29 lost hikers found with help from phone’s GPS; you’d think that in a group that large, at least one person would be capable of finding their way!
- Researcher reveals GPS vulnerabilities
Handheld GPS
- DeLorme PN-60w + SPOT giveaway
- Handheld GPS battery test – how does the electronic compass, WAAS and display affect battery life?
Garmin
- Garmin BirdsEye imagery goes international
- A new Pennsylvania topo map for Garmin receivers
Updates
- Garmin Basecamp v 3.1.1 (Mac)
- Garmin Basecamp v 3.1.1 (Windows)
- Recent Magellan RoadMate updates
- TopoFusion Pro v 4.05
Geocaching, etc.
- GPS Review’s love-hate relationship with geocaching
- Another geocache bomb scare; via @TheBadCop
- …causing me to suggest a Garmin chirp message – I’m a geocache, not a bomb!
- WherePiGo becomes PiGo
Garmin chirp
- An updated chirp post with info on the ANT geocache device node
- Garmin didn’t consult with Groundspeak ahead of releasing the chirp
- There’s a thread on the Garmin Developer forum asking for more info re: the chirp, but no response from Garmin yet
- The chirp’s potential uses in sports
- All Points Blog predicts failure for the chirp
- Cell phones with ANT+ are coming
- Groundspeak approves Garmin chirp for use at geocaching.com
- Wahoo plans chirp support for iPhone
The business of GPS
- TomTom possible takeover target – mentioned suitors included Microsoft, Google, Samsung and HTC
- TeleType WorldNav 7300 RV / Truck GPS announced
- Garmin buys another European distributor
- SPOT announces specialized unit for flammable environments
Mobile
- Ruggedized Motorola Defy smartphone coming November 3rd
- CoPilot Live truck app released for iPhone
- Inserting geographical data into an Android text field
- Dongle adds GPS to iPad, iPod Touch
- Google launches navigation apps for the blind
GPS tracking
- Rhinos’ horns fitted with GPS device
- Win a GPS tracking device from Rocky Mountain Tracking
Just geo
- China launches their alternative to Google Earth
- How to make a sundial with Google Maps; via Google Maps Mania
- For you cartographers: free 30 meter DEM
All the news that doesn’t fit
- A GPS comic; via The Map Room
- Improving GPS accuracy in urban canyons with elevation data
- Peg’s Posts highlights the Garmin Connect calendar
- Mariners may be interested in this tool to convert Google Earth imagery to BSB format
- Gotta love an 81 year old search & rescue volunteer
- Some insights into Ford’s philosophy re: autonomous cars
Updated GPS reviews
I’ve updated these review and resource pages with the following links:
- Garmin Forerunner 305 – Running Nina calls it “Gear Essential”
- Garmin nuvi 1250 — User-submitted review on GPSDiscussion.com
- Garmin nuvi 1300 –- Another consumer review from Viewpoints.com
- Garmin nuvi 1490T — PC World (Down Under) reviews this popular unit
- Garmin nuvi 1690 — CNET reviews this first-gen nuLink model
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