Waypoints is a weekly link roundup of (mostly) GPS related odds and ends. To get a few of the biggest stories as they break, follow me on Twitter.
GPS in the news
- Garmin, other navigation devices shouldn’t lose their way in solar storm
- US citizen fined for illegal GPS land survey in China; via @ogleearth
- US Coast Guard testing new GPS backup system; via @Panbo_BE
- Kids map National Wildlife Refuge in Minnesota
- GPS can clarify actual shrinking of glacier
Geocaching
- Five “evil” geocaches in 30 seconds
- Police blow up geocache
Updates
- New software updates this week: Garmin Montana (beta), nuvi 2×5, 2x5W, 7xx, Magellan Content Manager for Mac
- Topo Afghanistan v 2.0.3 (contact NoHo GIS for info on updating)
- GlobalMapper v 13.11 (PDF release notes)
- ExpertGPS v 4.48
Garmin
- Hard-wire your 2012 nuvi; via GPS Review forum
- New or updated Garmin compatible maps: Brazil, Central America, Columbia
- New at OpenCaching.com: Add photos, enter to win an eTrex 30 (a little more detail than we offered last week in Waypoints)
- Inside Garmin Connect: Time, Elapsed Time and Auto Pause
- DC Rainmaker: Twofer: Significant Garmin Connect (Power) Updates & Significant FR910XT Review Updates
- Garmin Marine Network System Builder
The business of GPS
- OSM says Apple now using their maps for iPhoto
- Slashgeo has additional details
- Garmin to hire 40 at Salem, Oregon call center
- 70% of Chinese GPS receivers are crap; via All Points Blog
- Garmin’s 2012 Outlook - Includes an interesting chart plotting growth by market segment
GPS tracking
- Apple selling GPS family trackers; via Boston.com
- It looks like TomTom is going to release a new LINK 510 connectivity/fleet management solution for the TomTom PRO 7xxx line (FCC link - expect a security certificate warning)
- FBI chief describes GPS problem from court ruling
- Chicago wasted thousands at O’Hare on GPS cellphones, vehicle trackers, investigation says
- Leopard given GPS collar after capture on Namibian cattle ranch
- Virginia GPS tracking legislation passes
- Wildlife officials say Oregon’s wandering wolf, OR-7, crosses back into California
- Stolen iPad led to huge meth bust in San Jose
Going mobile
- Garmin on how to choose between off-board vs. on-board navigation apps
- “Swiss Army Knife” GPS App for Windows Phone 7.5 (Mango)
Just geo
- Map tattoos; via All Points Blog
- Photo: Giant Tubular Cloud Rolling Across the Sea; via @RouteBuddy
- Google has new 45 degree imagery available for 56 cities
- Non-profits and Students wanted for Azavea ‘Summer of Maps’ Service Project
All the news that doesn’t fit
- FCC: Cellphone jammers are illegal
- An FCC jamming FAQ (PDF); via @davezatz
- Dvorak: Stupid California GPS and Cell Windshield Mount Law
- Seiko watch with built-in GPS will change timezones automatically; via @maproomblog
- 10 Crazy Confusing Traffic Signs; via @GeoEntelechy
- Sonar map of Titanic debris field; via All Points Blog
- Drone crashes into SWAT team tank during police test near Houston
- Mapping the NBA: How geography can teach players where to shoot; via All Points Blog
GPS deals
These are some bargains we’re currently tracking at our GPS deals site:
- NEW: Garmin eTrex 30 on sale for $227
- 5″ Garmin nuvi 1450LMT with lifetime maps and traffic for $129.84 with free shipping
- Garmin Montana 650 for $499.95
- Garmin nuvi 2350LMT for $139.99 shipped
- $200 rebate on Garmin Chartplotter + 2012 g2 Vision card
- Garmin nuvi 2455LT for $149.84 shipped
- Garmin nuvi 2360LMT for $159.99 with free shipping
- Garmin Oregon 550 with camera for $324.95
- Garmin GTM25 lifetime traffic receiver for $35.05 shipped
- Price drop on Garmin nuvi 3400 series
- $50 Garmin Forerunner rebate for student athletes
Updated GPS reviews
I’ve updated these review and resource pages with the following links:
- Garmin Forerunner 305 - Persistent Hunter reviews this sportswatch
- TomTom GO LIVE 1535M – Auto123.com reviews this HD-traffic model
- TonTom VIA 1435TM - 2FatDads reviews this auto unit
About Rich Owings
