Magellan has become one of the more recognized names in global positioning technology and essentially the leading name in GPS products. The list of models is impressive, with the early Explorist and RoadMate models constantly followed by a parade of newer and more improved models, each adding some new twist of technological advancement that bested its predecessor.
From the beginning, Magellan strived to give the user more and more, but the earliest models had little memory to work with. Whether they were meant to be mini computers at the outset is debatable, but this is the path they ultimately ended up taking, with the gradual progression leading to units that stored astounding amounts of date, as well as music and pictures. The future of Magellan GPS units isn’t known to everyone, but it can be assumed that capabilities will continue to improve, and as improvements come, new software will be developed to expand on those improvements – as well as extend the benefits of these improvements to other units.
The most common of the Magellan software programs is MapSend. Actually, MapSend is THE Magellan software program. There are several versions of this software available covering many levels of application. Users can purchase basic map sets that cover specific countries or maps of a more global scale. Maps can be purchased that have information on lakes in different sections of the United States, broken down geographically, which is a nice touch if you’re bound to one part of the country. However, at about $90.00 a pop, it can be a little costly for users to pad their inventory with information they may never use.
MapSend software comes in two different media options. The first is a sort of “direct connect” using SD cards. These plug directly in to the GPS unit, like the memory card in a digital camera (which is essentially the same thing) and allow the user to access features available on that card. This is a tidy little option, but limits the program to the amount of information that can be stored on an SD card, which isn’t bad but IS somewhat limited.
The other option would be the CD-ROM version. A CD will pack a lot more information, but will require a computer interface. Not that everyone on the planet doesn’t already have access to a computer, but an older machine or an outdated Windows version may not support MapSend or have the ability to upload from the information disk. Users must do a little homework before choosing this option, because there are specifications that need to be realized. However, if the user has a USB connection and an acceptable Windows version, the information available is worth looking into.
For instance, for the same price as an SD card with lake information for one part of the United States, users can buy MapSend TOPO 3D, which is an advanced GPS Topographic software for the entire US. The user can download and view topography, detailed streets, trails and tens of thousands of points of interest in over a dozen categories. Once maps are downloaded, details such as elevation are available for any point on the map. Searches can be run for three-dimensional information on mountains, rivers, and most any point of interest. In addition, this program contains Woodall’s Campground database, which includes contact and services information. Of course, this means nothing if the user doesn’t have a compatible GPS device.
Like any other piece of equipment, the GPS unit is at its best when it’s kept current. Magellan seems to stay on top of their game in this regard. Magellan GPS software is available for most newer units, and can be easily found online. But it would be in the best interest of the owner to select software based on what he needs. It is fairly easy to overspend for something that may never be used.
Tagged with: Global Positioning • Gps Magellan • Gps Products • Gps Software • Gps Unit • Magellan Gps Units • Magellan Software • Memory Card • Mini Computers • Scale Maps • Sd Cards • Software Programs • Technological Advancement
Filed under: GPS Navigation Saturday, November 7th, 2009
