GPS/GIS gadget includes PDA features

location based services
portable navigation devices


Sep. 11, 2007Magellan has introduced a new handheld GPS receiver for GIS (geographic information system) users, claimed to provide sub-meter accuracy in real time and to be priced "significantly lower than competitive receivers." The MobileMapper CX runs Windows CE 5.0 and features Bluetooth wireless networking.(Click here for a larger view of the MobileMapper CX)According to the company, the MobileMapper CX's Mobile Mapping software offers GIS feature libraries for logging feature descriptions; support for logging point, line, and area features; an offset function for logging hard to reach features; and more.In addition, a "nesting function" lets customers log features without closing other features already being logged. For example, a utility worker could insert a telephone pole while mapping a road, without time-intensive screen opening and closing.Magellan says customers can purchase the MobileMapper CX as a standalone open platform unit, "ready for use with any of a wide variety of custom and third-party software applications." In addition to its own Mobile Mapping software, the company offers ESRI's ArcPad field software.The company claims the MobileMapper CX is unusual in its use of a cellphone-style keypad that's said to permit convenient, one-handed operation.According to Magellan, the MobileMapper CX delivers sub-meter accuracy in real-time using many different Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) modes, such as SBAS, Beacon, NTRIP, and Direct IP. Additionally, with the help of an external precision antenna, the MobileMapper CX can achieve sub-foot accuracy in post-processing, the company says.As listed by Magellan, the MobileMapper CX's GPS characteristics include the following:
14 parallel channels
Integrated SBAS (WAAS, EGNOS, MSAS)
L1 C/A code and carrier
Update rate -- 1 Hz
Protocol -- NMEA 0183 v 3.0
RTCM SC-104 version 2.3 (9.2 & 1.2)In addition to the GPS functionality, the unit acts as a PDA, featuring Microsoft file viewers, Internet Explorer, Windows Media Player, and other typical facilities. Other key features and specifications are said to include:
Processor -- ARM920T-based processor (clock speed not stated)
Memory -- 128 MB DRAM; 128 MB flash
Storage -- up to 4 GB via removable SD card
Video -- 320 x 240 pixel, daylight-readable touchscreen display (size not specified)
Audio -- built-in loudspeaker
Wireless -- Bluetooth
Other I/O ports:
USB host and slave connectors
1 x RS-232
Coaxial connector for external antenna
Expansion -- SD card slot
Power -- 3900 mAh lithium-ion battery; 8-hour run time with GPS operative
Dimensions -- 7.6 x 3.5 x 1.8 inches (19.5 x 9.0 x 4.6 cm)
Operating temperature -- -10 to 60 degrees CThe MobileMapper CX appears to be available now, though pricing was not disclosed.