Top posts of 2006: The year in review

While blogs like this have a lot going for them, one of their weaknesses is that old posts quickly get lost, so I like to do an annual review, and highlight more recent popular posts in the sidebar. With that introduction, here are the top 20 most popular posts from 2006, and a few others to boot:

1. SiRFstar III – Why it’s a big deal – The chipset of choice. It is so cool to get a signal lock indoors!
2. Custom POI’s – 6 million POIs not enough for you? Maybe the NAVTEQ or Teleatlas database doesn’t have your favorite fast food chain. Check out these resources. Someone else may have already done the hard work for you.
3. Handheld GPS recommendations – ‘Nuff said.
4. Consumer Reports rates GPS receivers – People value these independent reviews.
5. Garmin City Select vs. City Navigator – This has got to be one of the most common questions out there for owners of Garmin handhelds wishing to use them for auto navigation.
6. Automotive GPS recommendations – ‘Nuff said.
7. Hacking eXplorist 100, 200 and 300 GPS receivers – Now you can get a PC interface cable for these Magellan units.
8. Why have a barometric altimeter? – The joys of knowing your elevation and elevation gain.
9. How to create custom POIs for your Garmin GPS – If you looked at item number two, but couldn’t find what you were looking for, here is a DIY resource.
10. Why have an electronic compass? – Didn’t REM do some songs about this (Standing Still, Stand)? How to tell which way you’re facing while standing still.
11. GPS rebates and deals – Everybody loves a deal.
12. Does the nuvi have a weak feature set and interface? – Maybe, but much depends on what you are looking for. The nuvi is still the best at lots of things.
13. Garmin nuvi compared to Mobile XT – More on that last one.
14. Garmin to focus more on pre-programmed SD cards? – Can you say "planned obsolescence?" How about "legacy product?"
15. Free maps of Japan for Garmin GPS receivers – Everybody loves getting something for free.
16. GPS for your car: Factory-installed or aftermarket unit? – Puh-lease. This is a no brainer!
17. Can my GPS be used to track me? – The short answer? Not unless it has a transmitter.
18. Pros and cons of PDA-based GPS receivers – They do it all, but they sure are fragile. Now where did I put my stylus?
19. Convert National Geographic TOPO (.tpo) files – GPS lovers that use TOPO should send Robert Lipe a thank you!
20. DesktopEarth – Eye candy for your desktop.

Some posts may not have made the top 20 because they came late in the
year, or because Google didn’t help you find them! Here are a few more
of note:

• GPS data search tool – A custom tool that allows you to search online for waypoints, tracks, POI files, aerial imagery and maps.
• Only 1/3 of 911 call centers can receive GPS coordinate info – It’s more like 2/3 now, but it’s still shocking.
• About GPS firmware updates – Want a free upgrade for your GPS? Too many people still don’t know about this.
• Choosing the best mapping software – A six-part series highlighting different types of mapping software.
• 50 GPS message boards – These are great resources!
• Over 50,000 free maps – There’s that four letter word we all love to hear.
• Using GIS data with GPS – There is a ton of free data online, just waiting for you.
• GPS with MP3 players – A good resource for GPS shoppers.
• Bluetooth and GPS for hands-free cell phone use – Ditto.

Thanks for reading GPS Tracklog in 2006. Stay tuned; we’ll be covering all things GPS in 2007 too.