Low Cost GPS Receivers and Moving Map PC Software Review by Joe Mehaffey and Jack Yeazel Complete Rewrite 30 Jan. 1998 (Quoted prices are US$) There have been many new low cost GPS products in the last six months. The GPS receivers and map software are also getting more features. The following is a description of the most popular hardware and software. Since individual products don't contain all the features available, hopefully this review will allow you to be a more informed buyer. NOTE: This review will drop the single-channel multiplexed units. All reviewed units have a 999kt maximum speed display. GARMIN RECEIVERS: All current models have a 12-channel parallel receiver and acquire lock and track much quicker than the G-45(XL) and G-II. They are much more reliable at tracking in mountains and heavy tree cover. Also the 90 knot restriction of the G-45(XL) has been eliminated. Garmin specifies an accuracy of 15m RMS without SA. The version (v.) number quoted is the current version. The G-12XL ($250 v. 3.02/3.52) was introduced in January 1997 to replace the single-channel G-45(XL v. 3.50), the GPS-12 "Little Brother" ($175) in June 1997, the GPS-II+ ($250 v. 2.05) in April 1997, and the G-III ($360 v. 2.05) in Oct. 1997. The first three are similar in function and features, but the more expensive G-III is a completely redesigned unit housed in the G-II+ case. The biggest difference is an included map of all the Interstates, most of the state routes, railroads, rivers, and shorelines in the Western Hemisphere with seven levels of detail. An International version contains road maps of must countries in the rest of the world. A more detailed description of the G-III is below. Basic features of the Garmins are: At least 500 waypoints storage, 20 routes of 30 routepoints, and 1000 trackpoints (1900 with the G-III)... All have a Track Back feature that converts a track to 30 routepoints providing steering directions to navigate the Track Back route -either way. All current units have icon symbols for waypoints. Erasure of Track Back waypoints is now easier with "delete by symbol". Track Back routepoints are simple "T" Icons (or "foot prints" in the G-III) which don't clutter up the map near as much as the serialized "T****" routepoints. All have a serial-data / external-power capability. A "three-way" cable provides for both. The receiver performance in the Garmin GPS receivers is good enough, so that in many cases an external antenna will not be necessary. Reports indicate that you may need an external active antenna to maintain continuous coverage under difficult terrain and tree cover conditions. Garmin makes three active antennas, the GA-26 and GA-28 for the G-II/G-III series receivers BNC connector and the GA-27 for the G-12XL MCX connector. (The GA-28 pole-mounted 'marine' antenna comes with a 30' cable). An MCX to BNC adapter cable is available if necessary. Some general differences are: The G-12 and G-12XL have internal antennas. The G-II+ and G-III have rotatable external antennas with a BNC connector. The G-12XL, G-II(+), and G-III have powered jacks for remote antennas, but the G-12 has no external antenna capability. The G-12XL is the only model with an audible alarm. Only the G-II+ and G-III have rotatable screens (Horiz. or Vert). The G-12XL (v. 3.02) and G-III units run about 10 hours on (4) AA alkaline cells, while the G-II+, G-12, and G-12XL (v. 3.52) run about 20 hours. All Garmins will accept external 12vdc power and serial data through a four-pin plug, except the G-12, G-38, and G-40 which require a voltage regulator. Garmin G-III, a new dimension in GPS receivers: The G-III (v. 2.04) has the most radical design change and incorporates a 386 processor. Screen resolution is increased from 60x100 to 100x160 pixels with four shades of grey. In addition to zoom keys, the map can be jumped to any waypoint or routepoint and panned from that location. An interesting feature is to view the selected route in "3-D" You see a winding "road" with or without routepoint "signs". The track function has been greatly expanded. The active track can contain 1900 trackpoints which can be compressed into tracks of 250 "best" trackpoints. Up to ten compressed tracks are possible, and all tracks (active and compressed) are shown on the map page at the same time. Track resolution is now ADJUSTABLE. Most pages have user-selectable fields of data with 25 items available for each field. Waypoints can be assigned any of 45 Symbols, and several types of user timers are available. The route function has been re-designed, so that they are listed in alphabetical order. Routes are best created by clicking on waypoints. The old "automatic route creation" by Marking isn't available. And so far, setting in a position in the Simulator mode (as in other Garmins) to check out map software isn't possible. The unit has lighted keys with three levels of backlight. Font size of displayed labels are user-selectable and for important navigation information are quite large. The map is reported to be loaded in only 4MB of ROM. Garmin GPSMAP175 GPS Receiver: This $700 GPS receiver is a little different breed from the low end models listed above. This model is essentially a G-12XL receiver (with the same basic features but also with a display almost three times the area and with better resolution as compared to the G-12XL. The unit also has optional plug in memory cartridges which can provide detailed marine charts and moderately detailed highway road maps all in one "brick" sized 20 ounce unit. The built in map feature will be useful to Mariners, but those who are used to Street Atlas and similar vector road maps will be disappointed in the road detail. The GPSMAP-175 has a parallel 12 channel receiver. It provides fast satellite lock on similar to other 12 channel receivers. The specification for position accuracy is 100 meters with SA, 15 meters exclusive of SA and 5 meters with suitable DGPS correction signals. The GM-175 does NOT have the G-12XL's waypoint averaging feature. Battery life is about 10 hours on six AA cells and the unit supports an external amplified antenna. The GM-175 is compatible with Software designed for the G-12XL and the G-45XL. For more detail see: (See complete G-12XL, G-II+, and G-III equipment reviews at): http://www.vancouver-webpages.com/peter/index.html http://www.bridge.de/~tom/garmin.htm COMPATIBILITY WITH SOFTWARE: All Garmin receivers are compatible with all the map software programs we have tested that use the NMEA-0183 Ver. 2.0, 4800 baud standard for real-time tracking. A major advantage of these units is that stored routes, waypoints, and tracks can be down or uploaded to the receiver (with a $30 serial-port cable) using the GRMN/GRMN protocol. The Garmin program, PCX5 ($75), is sold to down/upload this information, but the authors have found only two map programs that recognize it (Vista and Loran/GPS). The G-45(XL) requires PCX5 Ver. 2.06 while the G-12XL requires PCX5 Ver. 2.08. It's not known if later models of the 12XL with icons are compatible with a version of PCX5. However, there is a large body of third-party software, such as G7TO and Waypoint+ (see reviews below) that are compatible with the Garmin protocol and are designed to download stored Garmin data to Delorme Street Atlas 3/4/5 and archive text files. Navigate-GPS and FUGAWI work well with scanned maps. For displaying real-time tracks on vector maps, Vista by RMS Technologies and the older Delorme Map Expert work well. Only the 5.0 version of Delorme Street Atlas can download a track plot. Precision Mapping 3 also does a credible job. (See below for reviews and URL pointers). LOWRANCE RECEIVERS: 1) Lowrance Eagle Explorer, "EE" ($150) and GN-200 ($245) GPS receivers: This EE review applies ONLY to those with firmware revision 1.4 or later. This firmware revision has substantial improvements over prior versions particularly in the area of working with moving map software packages. The EE is a parallel 12 channel receiver which acquires lock faster and is more reliable at tracking in difficult conditions as compared with single and dual channel scanning receivers. We judge that the EE's receiver sensitivity is slightly better than the G-12XL when both are operating on their internal antennas. The EE does not have an external antenna connector. The receiver sensitivity on the EE (and the G-12) is so good that most will not require an external antenna. The EE operates for about 6.5 hours on 4 AA alkaline cells and can also be operated on an external power source of 9 to 16 volts. A useful feature of the EE is that it can accept a rechargeable NiMH battery which can be automatically recharged when the unit is connected to external power. The receiver provides NMEA-0183 protocol versions 1.5 and 2.0 which (in firmware version 1. 4) is able to work with most moving map software. (Note: The EE's simulator mode appears to only work with Precision Mapping 3 software. ) The EE has a complete feature set including a plotting capability. Of special interest is an array of fifteen user selectable screens which provide various combinations of BRG, DIS, TRK, GS, ALT, TRK, ETE, VMG, ETA, or CDI. A complete review of the displays and features of the Eagle Explorer can be found in the equipment review portion of Peter Bennett's GPS info website. 2) Comments by Ron Wilson (rwilson@shore.intercom.net): The GlobalNav Sport and AccuNav Sport were both good 5-channel parallel receivers, but the newer 12-channel units like the EE, Eagle Expedition II, and GlobalNav 200 & 212 are smaller, have more features, longer battery life, work better under cover, and cost much less. The GN 212 is comparable in features, performance, and price to the Garmin 12XL. The Eagle Expedition II is a little cheaper, but does not come with the capability of an external antenna. 3) Eagle Expedition II: A review by Andrew Kalinowski . Basic features of the Eagle Expedition II and Explorer are the same. Major improvements in the EEx2 are in the memory and software. The EEx2 can store 750 waypoints + 1000 events with 28 icons to choose from. Also display of three plot trails of 3000 points each can be selectively turned ON/OFF, so they are useful for storing crude base maps. Plot 0, the active plot, can be saved into Plot 1 or 2 which then can be down/uploaded to/from the EEx2s individually. Major software improvements over Explorer are: Position averaging, Sunset/sunrise, and moonset/moonrise calculations. Silent alarms (flashing backlight) work great at night, when driving. Improved screen organization includes the battery indicator on the satellite-status screen. That screen is now accessible directly from "pages" menu, without going into "groups" menu. Three (instead of 2) plotter screens. The new screen has a window in the bottom with a neat bearing arrow and shows the Icon and name of the Go-To waypoint. Estimated position error is shown as a distance and replaces the ambiguous "quality of position" indicator. A Power-saving mode allows the unit to run for over 20 hrs on one set of batteries. Sensitivity is somewhat lower when in this mode. With power save OFF, batteries last 10-14 hrs depending on the brand. The unit is easy to handle and operate. Accuracy is not specified. Software compatibility: Without any problems I had the unit working with: Microsoft Trip Planner 98, DeLorme AAA Map-n-Go, Chicago Mapping Compass, GPSS, Fugawi, and OziExplorer: http://www.powerup.com.au/~lornew/oziexp.html which was designed specifically to work with Eagle/Lowrance units deserves special attention of Eagle/Lowrance users. It allows to effortlessly create, edit, download and uploads waypoints, events, plots and routes using scanned or a blank map. 4) Eagle AccuNav Sport, $299 (thanks to Glenn S. Wiltse, iggy@merit.edu): AccuNav Sport has an LCD screen that is about twice the size of the one on the 12XL. It has a numeric keypad that makes many functions such as entering waypoints much easier than on units without a keypad. The Keypad on the EAS is also lighted when the screen backlight is on. The EAS will run 4 to 5 hours on a set of 6 AA batteries. The EAS supports only one coordinate system. The unit is about twice the size and twice the weight of the GPS-12XL. The EAS can be connected to your cigar lighter with an inexpensive cable available at Radio Shack. The EAS Ver. 1.4 is compatible with the FUGAWI scanned-map program for up/downloading waypoints and routes. MAGELLAN RECEIVERS: 1) Magellan GPS-4000 (& XL versions): This $250 has good display features and acquires satellites reliably except in dense woods or close to hills causing reflections. It has a $50 accessory to permit connection of external DC power and an optional external amplified antenna at about $100. This unit has about the best battery life at roughly 17 hours (24 hours with the newer XL version) on one set of 4 AA batteries. This unit has a two-channel multiplexed 12 satellite tracking ability (advertised). However, we note that when one of the four satellites it is using to provide data suddenly becomes unavailable (such as when you go behind a hill or a building) the GPS-4000 must go through a reacquisition sequence even though the status display indicates it is "tracking" 8 satellites. This reacquisition can take 30 to 120 seconds depending on conditions. 2) However, a TRUE 12-channel version of the 4000XL has been produced without changing the name. The only identification of these receivers is by the Model No.: 00-62014-010. DELORME RECEIVER: 1) Delorme TripMate GPS Receiver: This $150 receiver is a 12 channel receiver but it has no display. It cannot use an external antenna. It is "rain resistant" and so may be itself mounted on your car's roof. The TripMate GPS receiver is designed specifically to work with Delorme's Street Atlas 4.0 software and unless connected to a laptop with SA4 running, the TripMate shuts down and provides no data. This unit acquires quickly and maintains lock well. However, its lack of a stand alone display, and the fact that it only works with Delorme Mapping software products makes it less desirable than others. Speed capability is reported as 900 kph. The Tripmate has been reported to be the least accurate of the low cost GPS receivers. GPS-to-MAP Intermediate Software: Third-party software is essential to realizing the full potential of integrating the Garmin receivers with the Delorme Street Atlas maps. These auxiliary programs allow you to download routes, tracks, and waypoints to files that can be shown on the Delorme maps, white-paper maps, or saved for future uploads back to the Garmin receivers. 1) G7TO302 is a (free) DOS program by Ron Henderson (crh@hpcvscrh.cv.hp.com). The program will download in one operation from the Garmin receivers, waypoints, routes, proximity points, tracks, and symbols (if they exist) to ASCII and Street Atlas 3/4/5 files in all the various ways Street Atlas can present these data... Just when G7TO was updated to support the G-II+ 16 symbols, along comes the G-III with 45 Symbols. So, G7TO has once again been upgraded to keep up with the designs of Garmin. Version 302 "matches" these 45 Symbols with Street Atlas 4/5's 57 icons for down/uploading and display. The symbols of the G-II+ and G-III aren't exactly duplicated by the symbols available in SA, but the correspondence is "recognizable". You have complete control as to how any downloaded track or route LOOKS in Street Atlas... It can be solid, or 'highlighter', and be any SA color or thickness. Routepoints can have Route No., names, comments, or none. Waypoints can have names with or without comments. SA4/5 Tracks are lines instead of dots; SA3 tracks remain dots. An added feature to this version of G7TO is the ability to convert very large track .TXT files (up to 32,767 trackpoints) to an SA file. Long tracks can be made by adding several track.txt files together with the DOS COPY command. The track files can also contain Waypoints and Routes. For latest version, see: http://www.bridge.de/~tom/g7to.htm 2) WAYPOINT+ Ver. 1.7.02 (free) by Brent Hildebrand (bhildebrand@worldnet.att.net) is a very sophisticated Win-95/Win-NT (only) program for use with the SA-3/4/5 Delorme maps. This version has had an extensive upgrade in the user interface and will now print the 'white-paper' maps. The program will down or upload Tracks, Routes, Waypoints, Proximity Waypoints, and Symbols of thirteen different Garmin receivers. Once downloaded, a click on the file, created (in Windows Explorer) will invoke the Delorme map program associated with it and display file data on the map automatically. The program presents the waypoints and routes in three ways: a) As Delorme SA4 "Map Notes", (balloons without a dot) b) As Delorme SA4 "Places", (names with a dot) c) As ovals on the Waypoint+ white map (with or without names). A large variety of Lat/Long grids can be added to the white-paper map. Multiple datums are supported, and UTM coordinates may now be selected for the cursor readout on the white-paper map alongside the Lat/Long grids. A handy feature of the program its ability to COMBINE all of the data stored in the Garmins into one file. This combined file can either be displayed on the white-paper map or on an SA3/4/5 map. Route 00 (the active route) will be displayed on SA4 as gold circles connected by SA4's "railroad-track" lines. Proximity waypoints are shown with limit circles around them. Tracks on SA4/5 can be shown as continuous lines in color or as points. Saved files can be edited to remove or add waypoint and track information. SINGLE waypoints can be 'Sent' to the receiver from a list of waypoints with Ctrl-S. For latest version, see: http://www.k8sn.org/~waypoint+/ * 3) Garmin's PCX5 (Ver. 2.08). This ($75) program will down or upload tracks, waypoints or routes between the Garmin receivers and a computer. However, these data are presented on a crude map of the USA (with only the states outlined) or a Mercator of the world. As far as we know, this program is compatible only with the Vista and Loran/GPS programs (indirectly) as explained below. Check: http://www.garmin.com Vector-Map Software: 1) Delorme Street Atlas 5.0 (SA5) is a $25 upgrade from SA4, (or about $50 otherwise.) Two CD-ROMs of SA5 have many new enhancements which add substantial utility to the program. These include, but are not a full list: * Address-to-Address automatic routing. * GPS Voice Navigation directions. * Improved GPS Interface with Garmins * Map-n-Go city-to-city routing * Support for Lowrance tracking * Palm Pilot PDA support * Points of Interest. Address-to-address directions are not for just the current city, but for the whole USA. That is, the quickest route from 1 Beacon Street, MA. (02111) to 1 Market Street, San Francisco, CA (94111) is quickly calculated. The calculated routepoint directions can be uploaded to the Garmins as logical routepoint NAMES -unlike serialized DM0** NUMBERS with SA4. The complete routepoint text appears in the Garmin Comments -to the limit of 16 Comment letters. These routepoins are "spoken" as you drive along giving several "warnings" approaching each routepoint. The "avoid this route" can be activated by drawing a circle-of-avoidance around the area to be avoided. An easier way is to "Edit" a road to be "No Way". Conversely, a route to be included can be set with a right-click on it. (However, we found that you could instruct SA5 to avoid secondary roads in favor of more major roads and it would still choose the secondary roads when a primary road or freeway was shorter and quicker.> For the first time in SA* history, Garmin Waypoint NAMES can be downloaded and "Draw Object" waypoints containing Lat/Long with names and comments can be uploaded. Stored tracks can also be downloaded, but the tracks are excessively large green highlighter lines. However, these can be edited to an acceptable size. When a Route is calculated, the routepoints are given specific logical names (not just serialized numbers as with SA4) which can be uploaded to Garmins. Routes can also be downloaded, but the points are not connected by lines. Automatic Pan, logging, tracking are now supported. Points of Interest include restaurants, hotels, gas stations, Radio Station Listings along your travel route, etc. Edit Roads allows you to specify roads one-way, no-left-turn, etc. Palm Pilot PDA is now supported in consort with a main computer. You can search by lon/lat, placename, phone number and address. Unfortunately, a search for an address MUST include a zip code. A street and town name is NOT sufficient. Finding the zip code of an address is performed with a right-button mouse click on the map to create a Zipcode NapNote. NOTE: All Delorme maps can be printed. The G7TO and Waypoint+ waypoints, routes, and tracks downloaded to Delorme maps will also be shown on the prints. Check: http://www.delorme.com/ 2) Precision Mapping 3.02 (PM3) with GPS Link 3.01 GPS software ($50 or $35 upgrade): (This program also comes bundled with the Eagle Explorer Ver. 1.4 including cables for $300). Up until SA4 came out, PM2 was the best low cost moving-map software available. Now PM3 is a vector-map program that surpasses SA4 in features and compatibility. The software provides total USA road coverage from the most up-to-date data base available in inexpensive maps. PM3 is able to up/download waypoints and tracks from the Eagle Explorer, Ver. 1.4. but only waypoints from the Garmins. Apparently PM3 is the only map program we have that recognizes the EE Simulator Mode. A real time track plot is displayed by up to 200 large red dots with a large real-time heading arrow (the same size as SA4), but it only displays eight unique headings. Waypoints retrieved from the receiver are nicely displayed with names, and retrieved receiver tracks have a wide "marker pen" appearance. A sky-view of the satellites is the best we have seen. The maps in PM3, however, have less vector resolution than SA4/5, ME2, and Vista. About 10% of the two-vector curves in SA4/5 and Vista are single-vector "curves" in PM3. The basic "PM3" maps can be printed, but the GPS-mode "Link" maps cannot be printed. Other features available in PM3 aren't available with GPS Link. The software package works well and is very intuitive. A Search function allows location by Zip code, Area and Exchange code, and Place Names. You do not have to have an on line CD-ROM drive with PM3, since individual states can be loaded to the HD. It DOES work with Magellan's NMEA-0183 data stream on both the GPS-3000 and 4000 as well as the Garmin and Eagle products -the most compatibility of all the vector maps we have reviewed. Check: http://www.chicagomap.com 3) Microsoft AutoRoute 5.0 (AR5) for Europe (a separate version for the UK): It has maps for most of Europe with a number of interesting features. In addition, it provides automated route planning, an interface for GPS input, and a "find a town" feature among others. It provides information on campsites, museums, and other points of interest. It even has a foreign language phrase book and photos of a number of landmarks and tourist attractions. The major missing item with AR5 is GOOD MAPS, especially the city maps. Unlike Map-N-GO (USA), there are no auxiliary city maps provided. Only the major highway routes and a few other streets are shown on the AR5 city maps. Even the city streets shown are not usually named. By comparison with the AR5, the Delorme SA4 and ME2, and Precision Mapping products have almost every town with a name shown if you expand the map. AR5 maps fail to name most smaller villages. Also, AR5 maps are often in error by 500 meters making use for city navigation a challenge. The AR5's "Find a route from city A to City B" feature worked very well. It will call your attention to tourist attractions a specified maximum distance off your track which will be a nice feature for first time visitors to Europe. The route feature permits a from/to with any number of intermediate cities so you can plan your itinerary with personal interests in mind. Scanned-Map Software: These programs are able to convert almost ANY paper map into a GPS raster map. The map doesn't even have to have any Lat/Long notations on it. The procedure is to scan in the map and export it as a .GIF or .BMP file to the map program. Next you use the "register" function to record the Lat/Long of identifiable street intersections on the paper map. This can be done by matching intersection Lat/Longs determined by PM3 or SA4/5 with the paper map. After registering the map with two to four determined positions, it becomes a perfectly good GPS map on which the GPS data can be accurately displayed. Even aerial photographs may be scanned and used as maps. 1) FUGAWI Ver. 2.14 (sales@fugawi.com) is a $100 Windows scanned-map program which can upload/download, waypoints, routes, and tracks (vividly displayed in COLOR) with the Garmin and current Eagle/Lowrance receivers. Waypoint names are shown on the map next to easy-to-see small yellow squares with the names in black-on-green. (All colors in FUGAWI are user selectable). Placing the cursor over a waypoint causes its Description to be displayed. A sky view of the satellites is included. A double click on the map creates a waypoint which can be used as part of a route to be uploaded to GPS receivers. The scanned maps will switch automatically as you travel along. Routes are drawn with red lines, and tracks are blue linked cookie-trail dots. The GPS present-position icon can be selected from several and will rotate as the direction of travel changes. Fugawi allows the GPS to be continuously set to WGS-84 while the map datums are converted by the software. The program shows both GPS and cursor location in Lat/Long and UTM coordinates at the same time. This program is easy to use and easy to SEE, plus the maps re-center quickly. As of version 2.0, FUGAWI can load the new USGS DRG maps in seconds. A unique feature is that the DRG maps are switched automatically at the "neat" line instead of waiting until the present position is completely off the map, as in other programs. This latest version allows control of printing any portion of the loaded map without any loss of detail. NOTES: One must remember to select Track/Record in addition to Track/Show in order to display the real-time track. With waypoints "Save on Exit" turned ON, all waypoints can't be cleared from the maps on re-load unless ONE waypoint remains. Check: http://www.fugawi.com/ 2) Vista (Ver. 1.21) by RMS Technologies ($199): This program can display and record real-time GPS tracks on scanned raster maps, Vista Flight Sectional raster-maps ($99 extra for each half of the USA), and Vista street vector-maps. It works with any NMEA-183 GPS output, including the Magellan. The tracks recorded by Vista can be played back in seconds. Vista can show a vector map, a flight sectional, and a terrain profile at the same time! (Included with Vista is the geological elevation data for the whole USA to a resolution of 3,000' horizontal and 100' vertical.) Thus the terrain profile between any two points in the USA or that in front of the direction of travel can be displayed in a small box. Vista vector and raster maps can be installed on the hard drive one "square" degree of Lat/Long at a time to eliminate the need of a CD-ROM. Vista maps CANNOT be printed. In order to display Garmin Waypoints, Routes, and Tracks on the Vista maps as Overlays, one must purchase the Garmin program PCX5 ($75) and obtain GARMIN.EXE (free) from the URL below. Check: http://www.rmstek.com 3) Nav Master III ($180) by Main Course Productions. This marine GPS map program handles the new USGS DRG and BSB maps very well. It's main utility is that its maps can easily be printed. It can download Routes, but not tracks and waypoints stored in the Garmins (unless waypoints are attached to a route). The "ship's" (scalable) icon rotates with direction and "predicts" its future position in user-selected seconds. It even displays the rate-of-turn. It's unknown at present if additional "terrestrial" features will be added to the program. The program is designed to be used "audibly" in a steering house without needing a computer there. Pre-planned route progress and directions are spoken by the program. Route-segment's bearing and distance are shown on the map display. If a computer is used at night, the screen can be dimmed by several degrees -plus red. check: http://www.maincourse.com 4) Navigate-GPS Ver. 2.0c (demo or $30) by Paul Mouland (pmouland@mouland.com) is a Windows program that uses scanned PCX maps to plot real-time Garmin tracks. These Track plots can be saved and played back instantly or in the "real-time" they were created, loading and changing maps automatically. (The track "dots", smaller than the Delorme "Very Small" circles, are a little hard to see). Routes can be created on the scanned maps which will give steering instructions both with a colored-line plot, and by VOICE. Route ETE, bearing, and heading data can be displayed on the bottom of the map. A demo version is available on the URL below: 5) GarLink from EasyNav by Peter Aigner (Ver. A.02.00) is a Windows program that presents G-45 track, route, and waypoint data on a white-map. It also shows a history of the speed at which the tracks were recorded. (The author requires a trial period license.) See: http://www.vancouver-webpages.com/peter/index.html Others: 1) GPSS Moving Map Talking Software by Sunninghill Systems: GPSS is a (free to 20 GBP) British-designed software solution for use with a compatible GPS receiver. The system provides the ability to ride along as your co-pilot while your multimedia equipped laptop tells you where you are and what the landmarks ahead are. A demonstration program sequence provided with the software demonstrates this ability. It calls out service stations, intersections being approached and the like. GPSS can accept user scanned maps and one demonstration showed a topographical photograph used as a map of the streets in a town. The free maps provide displays of the major highways and street- level detail in limited parts of the USA -in response to e-mailed requests from GPS users. The program supports a verbal command package for computer control as you drive along, but this is from another supplier at $50US. Software support for the US Tiger data is available from the web site. The audio output tells you where you are about every two minutes. This is really interesting for awhile, but annoying as time passes. There is no way to adjust the announce interval, but you can turn the audio on your computer off. Free map downloads for over 70 countries are available from the URL below. Check: http://www.gpss.co.uk 2) ETAK SkyMap PCMCIA Card GPS/Moving Map Display System: For those who have been looking for a vector map system with higher resolution and map accuracy, take a look at the $300 ETAK SkyMap system. It is a system designed for automobile navigation with the use of a laptop computer and includes the ETAK PC Card GPS module, an Infrared Remote Control as well as a comprehensive map of the USA. The map itself is the most accurate vector map we have reviewed. SkyMap offers the feature of locating a specific metropolitan area address for you. An address (including optional house number) along with city, state and zip code is input. The program can then place a "map tack" on the specific location. Our tests showed that this feature requires a SPECIFIC address, and will not respond with any options for SIMILAR addresses. A comparison with Street Atlas 4/5 shows that the database contains more recently added streets. However, some addresses aren't "parsed" with address abbreviations in mind. i.e., Hunter's Knoll is listed as Hunter's Knls on the map, and the correct name won't locate the address. A non existent house number will also result in a "not found" for the street. This problem can usually be worked around if you know to look for it. When using SkyMap with the PCMCIA GPS module, you may select displays with "heading up" or "north up". A system option will automatically center your current location on the map. The "auto centering" turns off when the map is moved manually. A GPS information panel optionally shows the Svs in view and the current lock status. The heading display shows only eight unique directions. Commentary: Some map programs have serious limitations: Street Atlas 5 has been greatly improved over SA4, but still cannot download routes from the Garmins with LINES drawn between routpoints. SA4/5 can show real-time GPS tracks, but erase the track plot when the map recenters. SA4/5, ETAK, and PM3 use a heading marker with only eight unique directions. Vista can display continuous real-time tracks, but can't downloaded tracks, routes, or waypoints. PM3 insist on drawing lines between unrelated tracks downloaded from the Garmins. The Garmin G-III cannot simulate moving to a keyed-in position, although all other Garmins have this feature, making the unit useless in evaluating map software function and accuracy. For the record: Joe, W2JO, has most operational experience with the Magellan GPS-3000, GPS-4000, DLX-10, and the Garmin MAP-175. Jack, N4TEB, is more experienced with the Garmin-45, Eagle Explorer Ver. 1.4, and the interface software. Both have worked with the Garmin 12XL, Garmin G-II+, and G-III. We have personally evaluated, to the best of our ability, all of the hardware and software mentioned, except as noted, and have no connection, financial or otherwise, to any of the manufacturers of the above hardware or software. If you have any comments, additions/corrections, or request a review of your PC mapping software or hardware, please let us know via fax: 770-886-1767, or Email: Joe Mehaffey: W2JO, Thanks, and good navigating! (c) 1998. All rights reserved.