Garmin South Africa recently announced a new satellite navigation device known as the OVERLANDER. As the name indicates, it is a multipurpose satellite navigation device aimed at the 4×4 market. It is a rugged street navigation unit that can take the knocks. I believe that its large 7 inch screen makes it ideally suited to the recreational market – large enough to see the content, but not big enough to obscure your view of the road. The Overlander was launched on Monday the 16th September 2019 in South Africa. Initially we started with the well-known Garmin GPS V and then moved onto the Garmin Quest but both these device’s limitations were their small screens. In 2009 Garmin launched the Quest the Nuvi 500 which was a favourite in the 4×4 community in its day. Times have changed and technology has advanced. Garmin have brought out other products but none could compete with the Quest and Nuvi 500. Now we have the Overlander and even the name is synonymous with its applications. Before going any further with this review I must state that I do not consider any cellphone or tablet navigation program /app ideally suited for 4x4ing. They are not designed for the off-road lifestyle as they have limitations. For example, when you travel beyond existing infrastructure they become problematic. Some are also limited in terms of inserting waypoints – which is essential in the off-road environment. They are made for street navigation and only street navigation. So, what makes the Overlander more appealing than any other current off-road satellite navigation device (other than the Garmin GPS MAP 276 Cx which can be rather costly when all the extras are added) For me, the Overlander’s 7 inch touch screen is a winner for a start. Whilst a touch screen has not always been my preference, this one is nice and convenient. (The 276Cx is not touch screen). The device is built to IPX 5 standards (dust proof) and MIL-STD-810 (a USA Department of Defence test standard). It is a street navigator that is made for the outdoors (4x4ing) that will not break if it falls. Unlike other makes, this device will navigate you to your destination even if there is no mapping information between you and your destination (by using a bearing). This device is able to get GPS, Glonass and Galileo signal – which means that if one system goes down (as recently happened), the device will continue navigating with the satellites from the other two systems. The battery life is quoted as “up to 3 hours” – depending on the backlight usage etc. This is an improvement on most street navigation devices, but limited when comparing to a Montana or GPSMAP 276Cx (which have removal batteries). The standard maps loaded are Europe, Middle East & Africa including Tracks4Africa data. I am not certain if this is a full version of Tracks for Africa, but as I have often said before, travelling into Africa without Tracks4Africa is equivalent to getting lost. The Tracks4Africa mapping is not upgradeable (quote the Garmin helpline). This device is loaded with Topographic maps but I am not sure that these are contours. They are more likely representation lines to indicate relief. There is 64GB of internal memory available for additional mapping but it also has place for a micro SD card for additional memory. This is a massive improvement when comparing it to devices of 15 years ago which only had 243Mb of memory and no place for memory cards. It has the new magnetic tight-fitting Garmin Bracket AND the box includes a compatible RAM ball adapter. Something I have not seen before…. it has Pitch and Roll gauges which add value. The Overlander can pair with the Garmin inReach communicators (sold separately) for two way messaging. A feature that I have never seen before in a Street Navigator is a digital compass (unlike the previous street navigators where direction was calculated from your positioning therefore you would have to move to be able to get a bearing). It also has a barometer to give a better height accuracy and is not reliant on satellite positioning to give height (which could be out at times). The device includes Traffic reporting capability – which is very useful in congested cities. This feature has drastically improved over the years. The device is also compatible with the Garmin BC 35 Backup camera but I believe this is a “nice to have” – not a necessity. I believe that this device has a very uncomplicated and understandable menu logic, which makes it extremely easy to use. Never seen before, the Overlander has 65 408 track log points. The 276Cx is limited to 20 000. One point that did disappoint was that the device could not take an external antenna but that is not necessary for most people. Currently there is nothing in this device’s price range that can match its capabilities and features for which it is designed, especially when considering the included mapping. The Overlander is not the Alpha and Omega of off-road navigation but does come close to it. As I have written many times before, when travelling in remote areas please make sure that you have a backup navigation system as things can go wrong. A second navigation device (in another vehicle) or even a paper map will assist if things go wrong and you become lost for some reason. As the rules for navigation say : Know where you are, Know where you are going, Know where you have come from, Keep orientated, And always have an alternative route. A point that should be remembered when purchasing this device is be sure that the sales person upgrades the device’s firmware as well as updates the maps to enable you to get your free map update before leaving the store. If buying from NavWorld it comes with well-known unmatchable backup support. Additional Comment : Recently Galileo (the European Satellite Navigation System equivalent to GPS and Glonass systems) did crash due to problems experienced at a Base Station in Italy, but in Galileo’s defence it is still under development and has not been declared operational yet. By Kevin and Christopher Bolton Edited by Jacqui Ikin

Now that Garmin's new inReach has arrived on SA shores, local explorers never need feel cut-off from the outside world ever again. Combining the nav giant's legendary GPS prowess with affordable satellite-based SMS communications, including direct SOS access to the global GEOS emergency monitoring centre. This amazing, game-changing device can do way more than just prevent you from getting lost or keep you in touch with family back home – it could potentially save your life. Here's all you need to know about the two inReach models , the SE+ and Explorer+, including how much they cost and how the available data plans to access Iridium's satellite network are structured. Fast, reliable and with footprints encompassing every remote corner of the planet, everyone agrees that satellite networks provide the ultimate communications solution – regardless of whether you're an overland adventurer intent on visiting isolated areas, or a dedicated bluewater sailor seeking freedom far offshore. Sadly though, this uber-convenient form of staying in touch, however desirable, has always had one downside; and it's a big one: cost. In the past, prohibitive airtime tariffs have prevented many explorers (especially those financing their own trips) from investing in this potentially lifesaving technology. Effectively forcing them to cut corners and compromise their safety, simply because of budgetary constraints. Fortunately, this is no longer the case. Garmin's new inReach (available in two models, the inReach SE+ and inReach Explorer+) brings affordable satellite communications to all of us. Combining reliable GPS navigation, with the ability to communicate via SMS over Iridium's extensive satellite network into one practical device – these ground-breaking, robust outdoor handsets allow adventurous individuals to not only better invest in their own safety for future expeditions, but also provide regular reassurance to family members back home while they're gone. Oh, and they'll not get lost while doing it either. As satellite communicators, both the SE+ and Explorer+ work exactly the same way. However, when it comes to their navigational ability, they differ markedly. The basic inReach SE+ uses GPS to provide basic grid navigation and allows one to drop waypoints, mark key locations, track one's progress and follow breadcrumb trails back to base. While the more expensive inReach Explorer+ takes things a lot further – providing full-fledged GPS on-map guidance, with preloaded DeLorme TOPO mapping and waypoint routings viewable directly on the unit. It also comes with a built-in digital compass, barometric altimeter and accelerometer; placing it firmly in the top tier of available high-end navigation devices. Shoot the breeze with friends or call the cavalry Operating on Iridium's satellite network, a synchronized constellation of 66 low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites that deliver seamless 100 percent coverage worldwide. Both models provide affordable, two-way SMS communications between you and any smartphone or email address, regardless of your location on the planet – allowing you to remain in regular contact with loved ones at home or, if you're working, communicate with colleagues back at head office. Should you get yourself into serious trouble in a remote location, the two-way communication advantage these units provide will quickly become apparent. That's because, the moment you press their dedicated SOS buttons, the global rescue experts at the GEOS Emergency Monitoring Centre, based in Houston, Texas kick into high gear. These guys have supported rescues in over 140 counties and saved many thousands of lives all over the world. After providing you with confirmation that help is on the way, they'll then track your location 24/7 and maintain a two-way conversation with you until the situation is resolved – updating you regularly on how rescue efforts are proceeding, and passing on relevant information from you to the rescue teams as required. Here's how simple it is to call for help 1. All handsets have to be registered on the GEOS portal, so they already know who you are. 2. You press the SOS button to send an emergency alert. 3. GEOS quickly responds in your native language. 4. You describe your emergency so responders know whom and what to send. 5. Responders advise you when to expect assistance – and suggest potentially life-saving actions to take in the meantime. 6. You communicate with friends and family, letting them know the situation and where to contact the rescue team. 7. Help arrives.   inReach features and abilities: a quick overview The inReach technology from Garmin provides the following capabilities: 2-way text messaging: Communicate between devices, to any phone number or email address anywhere in the world. Group messaging: Communicate with a group of inReach users, from your command centre or via a group coordinator in the field. Global interactive SOS: If an emergency occurs in the field, the 2-way SOS features allows for communication back and forth to relay the specific nature of the situation. In addition to the security of 24/7 SOS monitoring from GEOS, enterprises can design a custom emergency response protocol. Location pinging and GPS tracking: Monitor users’ locations, ping devices in the field, and see where the rest of your team is on a cloud-based topographic map — all from your command centre or basecamp. Adjustable tracking intervals from 30 seconds to 4 hours allow you to adjust for high-speed or stationary people and vehicles. Navigation functions: Plan routes, create waypoints and share map data across multiple devices. In the field, users can mark waypoints, navigate and follow high-detail breadcrumb trails. Customisable forms and data collection: Collect and report data in the field with customisable form messages to enable faster decision making. Professional management portal: This complete inReach enterprise solution provides a robust back-office management portal for managing a fleet of devices, centralized billing, controlling the end users’ experiences and device settings, activating or suspending units, importing and sharing routes and waypoints across devices and other account management features. Pairs with mobile devices: When paired with the Earthmate app for smartphones and tablets, data collection, messaging and map viewing become even more efficient. Stay connected Keeping friends and family up to speed with what you're doing is easy – just turn on the tracking function and you're sorted. Once activated, your inReach device will send waypoints at preselected time intervals, allowing followers to track your whereabouts online. You can also invite those back home to use MapShare to ping your inReach unit and see your GPS location, track your movements and exchange messages in real time. You can even embed your MapShare page on a blog, Website or social media platform. Nifty! The ability of both units to pair with compatible smartphones provides users with even more functionality and convenience. The free Earthmate app syncs your inReach handheld via Bluetooth with compatible Apple or Android devices, providing you with access to unlimited maps and aerial imagery. It also allows you to conveniently use all of the inReach features on your paired mobile device. For easier messaging, you can also sync your inReach with your phone’s contact list to reach anyone, anywhere – but with less hassle and fewer keystrokes than you'd require when just using the units themselves. Those who like to watch the weather will appreciate the optional inReach weather forecast service. This provides detailed updates directly to your device, compatible smartphone or tablet (when paired with the Earthmate app), so you can plan for the weather you'll encounter en route. Basic and premium weather packages are available. You can also request weather forecasts for your current location, any other waypoint or destination on your itinerary. Finally, every inReach device comes with free access to a cloud-powered portal, allowing you to plan your trips with routes and waypoints. You can also create preset messages and quick texts, sync and manage your device settings, update firmware, download additional TOPO maps, link your social media accounts, store all your location tracking data and much more. Payment plans and your options To access the Iridium network and communicate via an inReach SE+ or Explorer+, an active satellite subscription is required. Data plans are split between consumer and enterprise usage, with a number of options available in both categories to help users find one that best suits their needs. Individual users can also opt for either an annual contract package or a flexible month-to-month airtime plan, which allows them to only pay for service when it's required. Consumer satellite subscription plans Billing occurs monthly and annual subscriptions require a 12-month contract. That said, if you go for one of the Freedom Plans – the option that would most probably work best for most people – you're only required to make a 30-day commitment. You can then move freely up and down plans at no extra charge, however going up a plan requires you take on an extra 30-day commitment. For annual subscriptions, there's a one-time R399 activation cost. Moving up a plan is free, and moving down a plan incurs an extra R499 fee. To enrol in any of the Freedom Plans there's an annual program fee of R499. Freedom Plan users can suspend their service on a monthly basis at no charge and still retain access to all their inReach data stored on the Explore portal. However, be warned – your selected plan will auto-renew each month unless you manually change your account details on the portal yourself. Consumer Satellite Subscription Plans Enterprise satellite subscription plans Enterprise satellite subscriptions incorporate flexible, byte-based airtime plans designed to meet the unique needs of enterprise operations across multiple industries and geographies. A robust back-office is also provided, allowing organisations to control the end-user experience, conduct team or asset tracking, facilitate centralised billing as well as the management of a fleet of devices. Here's a breakdown illustrating how many bytes are typically used during each application: Text Messages (average 80 bytes): Messages sent and received, with bytes dependent upon message length. Each character is equal to one byte, with a minimum message size of 16 bytes, not including recipients’ contact information. You are charged for both sent and received messages. Preset Messages and Quick Texts (15 bytes): Preset messages are short, commonly-used messages that are set up in your back office account and pre-loaded to your inReach ahead of time. Quick Texts are commonly used messages you want to send often instead of writing a custom reply. Tracking Points (13 bytes): Flexible tracking intervals ranging anywhere from 30 seconds to four hours to show worker or asset locations. Each standard track point is 13 bytes. Starting and stopping tracking consumes 15 bytes each. Every interval change consumes 17 bytes. Location Pings with MapShare (25 bytes): Enables you to see a worker or asset location if inReach is powered on but tracking is not activated. Check Messages (10 bytes): Use “Check Messages” icon outside normal listening interval to check for pending incoming messages. Overages: This refers to any data usage over and above a plan’s allocation. Average costs are represented per 100 bytes and billed for only the amount used. Enterprise Satellite Subscription Plans More features you should know about Both the inReach SE+ and Explorer+ feature internal rechargeable lithium batteries, so you can count on a long battery life in every mode of operation – up to 100 hours in 10-minute tracking mode (default); up to 75 hours in 10-minute tracking with 1-second logging; up to 30 days at the 30-minute interval power save mode; and up to 3 years in standby mode. Batteries are recharged via the standard microUSB power cable (provided) or optional in-vehicle 12v charger. And, as you'd expect from Garmin, both units are tough, durable, impact resistant and water-rated to IPX7 – so no matter what the elements throw at you, they'll stay up and running. – (c) 2017 NavWorld Specifications Unit dimensions (W x H x D): 6.8 x 16.4 x 3.8 cm Display size: 2.3-inch (5.9 cm) diagonal Display resolution (W x H): 200 x 265 pixels Display type: Transflective colour TFT Weight: 213 g Battery type: Rechargeable internal lithium-ion Battery life: Up to 100 hrs at 10-min tracking mode (default), up to 30 days at 30-min interval power save mode and up to 3 years in standby mode. Water rating: IPX7 Interface: High-speed USB and NMRA 0183 compatible Internal memory: 2 GB Waypoints: 250 Routes

“Earth”, hosted by nullschool.net, has to be the most mesmerising animated global weather Website ever created. Although not billed as a credible weather service, it nonetheless draws rock-solid data from NOAA's global satellite forecast system and NASA's OSCAR global current database to generate stunning visualisations of current weather patterns and trends – making it an incredible additional resource for those wanting to better understand the weather or plan for their next adventure.  If there's one common denominator that binds humanity together, it has to be the weather. It affects all of us, from Tokyo to Tamboerskloof, and we can't stop talking about it. But our fascination with the weather goes much deeper than it just being a polite topic of conversation. For many, from farmers stressing about their crops, to adventurers planning exotic trips, understanding what Mother Nature has in store is a matter of survival. That said, when it comes to following global weather trends, I doubt you'll find a better resource than “Earth” – an animated, online global weather map developed by software engineer Cameron Beccario back in 2014. How Beccario went about creating “Earth” is ingenious. Taking open source, supercomputer-crunched data derived from NOAA's global satellite forecast system and NASA's OSCAR global current database. He first taught himself how to build an online global map, then worked out how to accurately populate all the data on to it, using coloured moving vectors so mere mortals like you and I can comprehend it all. The end result is a wonder to behold. Just admiring the many animated overlays, watching how all the global weather systems mix and intertwine with each other is a fun activity in itself. On a more practical front, you can track wind speeds from sea level right up to the stratosphere, as well as monitor ocean currents and temperatures. Tracking global cloud cover and measuring stuff like exact relative humidity levels from anywhere on the planet is a simple mouse click away. And, for those concerned about global warming, you can track concentration levels of atmospheric nasties such as carbon dioxide as well. You can also switch between various map projections, zoom in and out, and drag maps around with your mouse from pole to pole to get a better view. And, wherever you click on the map, a small box opens showing the GPS co-ordinates and data values you selected for. Wind and ocean wave height data gets updated every three hours, temperatures are updated daily, and ocean currents get refreshed every five days. Working your way through the various menu options is pretty intuitive, and doesn't take long to master. Just click the “Earth” logo on the map's bottom left corner and a menu box appears – once there, you can either play around like I did to work everything out, or simply watch this great YouTube tutorial How To Use The Earth Wind Map” and get up to speed fast. – (c) 2017 NavWorld

Launched earlier this month at the Consumer Electronic Show in Las Vegas, Garmin's latest addition to their product line – the inReach – is a real game-changer; combining the pinpoint accuracy of a handheld GPS with the ability to communicate via SMS from anywhere on the planet. The new range of satellite communicators come almost a year after Garmin acquired satellite tracking and communications firm, DeLorme. We have no doubt that the inReach is only the first product in a line of new comms-based technologies that we'll see from Garmin devices in the future. Here's what you can expect from this revolutionary device when it eventually arrives on our shores sometime later this year. As far as safety and peace of mind go, when dealing with Mother Nature, one's ability to communicate with the outside world is critical. The problem is, once you've wandered far off the beaten track, where satellite phones become your only option, staying in touch with others gets very expensive, fast. Bearing in mind most expeditions take place on shoestring budgets, it's a dilemma many adventurers and dedicated outdoor folk have been facing for years. Do they divert much-needed funds towards ludicrously-priced comms, or just take their chances and wait until they make it back to civilisation and use their smartphones? Nav, chat or yell for helpFortunately, Garmin's new inReach (available in two versions, the inReach SE+ and inReach Explorer+) takes this kind of worry out of the equation. Operating on the Iridium satellite network, a synchronised constellation of 66 low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites that provide 100% coverage worldwide. Both models provide two-way SMS communications between you and any smartphone or email address, regardless of where you stand on the planet – allowing you to remain in regular contact with loved ones at home or, if you're working, communicate with colleagues back at head office. Encounter serious trouble in a remote location or while offshore, and the two-way communication advantage these units bring to the party quickly becomes apparent. That's because, the moment you press their dedicated SOS buttons, the global rescue boffins at the GEOS emergency monitoring centre kick into high gear. After providing you with confirmation that help is on the way, they'll then track your location 24/7, and maintain a two-way conversation with you until the situation is resolved – updating you on how rescue efforts are proceeding, and passing on relevant information from you to the rescue teams as required. As satellite communicators, both the inReach SE+ and Explorer+ are identical. However, when it comes to GPS navigation, which model you choose determines how much functionality you get. The more basic inReach SE+ uses GPS to provide basic grid navigation and allows you to drop waypoints, mark key locations, track your progress and follow breadcrumb trails back to base. As you'd expect, the more expensive inReach Explorer+ goes a step beyond – providing full-fledged GPS on-map guidance, with preloaded DeLorme TOPO mapping and waypoint routeings viewable directly on the unit. It also comes with a built-in digital compass, barometric altimeter and accelerometer to help you get and maintain accurate bearings anywhere on or off the beaten path. Other cool things you can doWant to keep friends and family in the loop? No problem. All you need do is turn on the tracking function and worried loved ones are sorted. The inReach will send waypoints at preselected time intervals, so followers can track your whereabouts online. You can also invite the gang back home to use MapShare to ping your inReach unit and see your GPS location, track your movements and exchange messages during your trip. You can even embed your MapShare page on a blog, Website or social media platform. The ability of both units to pair with compatible smartphones provides users with even more functionality and convenience. The free Earthmate app syncs your inReach handheld via Bluetooth with compatible Apple or Android devices, providing you with access to unlimited maps and aerial imagery. It also allows you to conveniently use all of the inReach features on your paired mobile device. For easier messaging, you can also sync your inReach with your phone’s contact list to reach anyone, anywhere – with fewer keystrokes. Those who like to keep an eye out for the weather will appreciate the optional inReach weather forecast service. This provides detailed updates directly to your inReach device, compatible smartphone or tablet paired with the Earthmate app, so you’ll always know what conditions to expect en route. Basic and premium weather packages are offered. And you can request weather forecasts for your current location, or any other waypoint or destination on your itinerary. Finally, every inReach device comes with free access to a cloud-powered portal, allowing you to plan your trips with routes and waypoints. You can also create preset messages and quick texts, sync and manage your device settings, update firmware, download additional TOPO maps, link your social media accounts, store all your location tracking data and much more. Other important specificationsBoth the inReach SE+ and Explorer+ feature internal rechargeable lithium batteries, so you can count on a long battery life in every mode of operation – up to 100 hours in 10-minute tracking mode (default); up to 75 hours in 10-minute tracking with 1-second logging; up to 30 days at the 30-minute interval power save mode; and up to 3 years in standby mode. Batteries are recharged via the standard microUSB power cable (provided) or optional in-vehicle 12 V charger. And, as you'd expect from Garmin, both units are tough, durable, impact resistant and water-rated to IPX7 – so no matter what the elements throw at you, they'll stay up and running. To access the Iridium network and communicate with an inReach SE+ or Explorer+, an active satellite subscription is required. Depending on usage level, users can opt for an annual contract package or a flexible month-to-month airtime plan, which allows them to pay for service only when they need it. – (c) 2017 NavWorld *Although Garmin has not made any information about the South African release available, we suspect that the new inReach SE+ and Explorer+ will arrive in South Africa later this year. There will also be a subsctription service required for some features.If you’d like to join the waiting list to get your hands on one of these fantastic units, please email us at sales@navworld.co.za.

It’s a device used widely in cars, on smartphones and in fitness devices. But what exactly is GPS, and how is it able to pinpoint our exact location anywhere on Earth? How does it work? The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a constellation of up to 32 satellites that orbit at a height of 26,600km above Earth. The satellites are owned by the US Department of Defense, but anyone can use the signals from those sateallites, provided they have a receiver. For the receiver to work, it needs to be able to “see” four of the satellites. When you turn on your receiver, it may take a minute or so to locate these satellite signals, then to download data from the satellite before positioning can commence. Fundamentally, two things need to happen for this to work effectively: 1) The GPS receiver measures the distance from itself to a satellite by measuring the time a signal takes to travel that distance at the speed of light. 2) When the satellite’s position is known, the GPS receiver knows it must lie on a sphere that has the radius of this measured distance with the satellite at its centre. The receiver need only intersect three such spheres, as seen in the image below. This process, known as trilateration, is an effective means of determining absolute or relative locations. In geometry, trilateration uses information found from the intersection of multiple spheres to calculate an exact location.Andrew Dempster But there’s a problem. Although the GPS satellites have very expensive atomic clocks on board - and therefore know what time their signals are transmitted - the GPS receiver has a very cheap clock. That means there is uncertainty about the “receive” time. So, instead of three satellites, the GPS receiver must receive four, so it can account for what’s known as the receiver clock drift. History The GPS system was conceived in the 1970s but was not fully operational (a minimum constellation of 24 satellites) until 1995. Receivers were close to five-times as expensive to operate in the early days as now. avlxyz The cost of small-screen technology, such as light-emitting diode (LED) screens, came down due to the proliferation of mobile phone technology in the 1990s, and mapping data becoming cheaper or free in the case of Google Maps and Google Earth. It was not until these technologies became cheaper that GPS receivers really became a consumer product. Almost as soon as that happened, smartphones equipped with GPS came along and now most people are able to do “turn-by-turn” navigation with an app in their phone. Uses GPS was originally designed to provide position to the US Army, Navy and Air Force; but since its introduction, it has been used for many applications it was never designed for. It is used to avoid collisions in shipping, with all ocean-going vessels required to report via something known as the Automatic Identification System (AIS). YELP is one of many finder-location based applications. GPS is being used for improved landings of the most modern commercial aircraft. It has revolutionised fishing, allowing fishers to return to the exact same spot they’d fished before. It is used in applications that allow people cheaply to keep track of others, their children, elderly relatives and pets. GPS enables knowledge used for everyday convenience, such as when the next bus is coming, but also has exceptional capabilities for emergency operations such as for search and rescue. By combining GPS with other technologies from robotics, self-driving cars are becoming cheap, and fully automated mines are being operated by big mining companies. By combining GPS with mobile communications, a whole new category of industry has sprung up: location-based services. This can mean finding the nearest toilet, hooking up with a blind date, keeping track of your running and cycling times or golf shots, or getting a review for the restaurants you’re near. Location-based gaming is also growing. This can range from chasing and hunting games to driving a simulated car on your computer against real drivers of big races in real-time. Innovations in GPS The iPhone 4S was the first Apple product to use both GPS and GLONASS navigation. GPS is currently being upgraded for civilians, with two new signals which will make highly accurate position available cheaply. The Russian GLONASS system became operational at almost the same time as GPS in late 1990s but fell into decline due to economic problems in Russia. It is fully operational again now, and is also adding new signals. Europe (with Galileo) and China (with Beidou) are also working on similar systems. India and Japan are working on systems that are not “global”. These systems should all be fully operational by the end of the decade. Concerns With GPS being installed in phones, computers, cars and other high-value items, it is becoming much easier to track those items if they are stolen. The downside is that you may not want to be tracked. Location privacy is becoming an increasing issue. An illegal remedy for privacy is the “personal privacy device”, which transmits a signal that “jams” GPS. Given some of the safety-critical applications mentioned above, it is clear that such devices – in the wrong hands – could present a threat to life. Without doubt, the uses and potential abuses of GPS will progress in line with the technology. Andrew Dempster, Director, Australian Centre for Space Engineering Research; Professor, School of Electrical Engineering and Telecommunications, UNSW Australia This article was written by By Andrew Dempster, UNSW Australia and originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.

It has now been almost two years since I last wrote a Satellite Navigation article, so I thought it appropriate to start with a review of what I consider to be currently the ultimate 4x4 off-road GPS. This device has been created for the outdoors: it is rugged enough to take the knocks, yet is also user-friendly enough for street navigation. A few years back, I wrote an article describing what I would consider the ultimate off-road GPS. The Garmin Montana was launched shortly thereafter, which met 85% of my criteria, desired features and functionality. Garmin launched the 276Cx about a year ago, but I have only now been able to lay my hands on one. I can, in all honesty, say that it is most definitely an upgrade on the 276C. The stylish Cx looks and feels different, but its keypad is the same, and its user-friendliness and menu logic are very similar. It is rather like the older Garmin Montana (a 2011 model) but it is not  touch screen. In fact, I prefer the button- driven functions to the touch screen. I find it important that it has a large (five-inch) screen with 800 x 480 pixel resolution, as that makes it a winner with me, and adds a tick to my 4x4/off-road checklist. Other features that contributed to my opinion (that it is an improvement and an upgrade), are: Garmin have doubled the Track Log from 10 000 to 20 000 Track Log points (breadcrumbs). The device now takes a standard Micro SD card – a big improvement on the old Garmin propriety card that was horribly overpriced. The internal memory has been increased to 8Gb (expandable with a micro-SA card). The dual-battery system can use 3 AA batteries (up to 8h of battery life) or the supplied 5000 mAh Lithium battery (16h of battery life). It also runs off the vehicle battery. The device receives both GPS and Glonass, the Russian equivalent of the GPS signal. Note that this feature needs to be enabled. This unit can take an MCX external antenna, which improves its operational ability in vehicles which have difficulty receiving satellite navigation signal through the front windscreen... which is more common than you would think. The negatives? An initial disappointment was the price (listed on the Garmin website, www.garmin.co.za, at R12 499, but available from Navworld at under R10 000), but then I considered that it is similar in price to any of the previous devices in its class when they were launched. My first Garmin StreetPilot, circa 2003, cost me R18 000... The small suction mount (same as the Montana bracket) has been retained. I believe it could have been made larger to carry the extra weight of this device. A larger suction mount is available, at a nominal extra cost of R200. Because of its size and weight, this is not a device that I would mount on my motorcycle or bike, and nor is it the ideal hiking device; but, as a 4x4 navigation tool, it has no current equal. FEATURES GPS + GLONASS. Altimeter. 3D Compass. 5-inch WVGA display. Connected through Bluetooth®, ANT+® and WiFi®. TTS guidance. Preloaded with TopoActive Africa maps. 1 year’s free BirdsEye Satellite subscription. High levels of customisability. Water-immersion-rated to IP67 standard. Pairs to smartphone, to receive Active Weather Updates, enable Live Tracking, access Weather Radar data, update Live Geocaching information and receive phone notifications. Can store 250 routes, 250 tracks and 10 000 waypoints. Dimensions: 191.5 x 94.5 x 44mm Weight: 450g (including rechargeable battery pack) If you have any further questions, contact Christopher Bolton at 011 791 0204/5. By Kevin Bolton

Who needs a GPS? Is it the end of the road for GPS navigator devices, or do they still have a place in the overlander’s kit list? Long-time contributor and GPS expert Kevin Bolton gives his opinion… A lot has changed in the GPS world in South Africa since I last wrote an article on the subject back in 2016 (with the exception of my January 2019 review of the Garmin GPS Map 276Cx, which I consider to be my ideal 4x4, general navigation and outdoor lifestyle device). While back in SA from my work detail in Turkey, I decided to touch sides with a few people in the GPS navigation field. On my visits to a few retail outlets, there was a very obvious lack of street navigators (PNDs) on the shelves. Next, I noticed one could not find a TomTom street navigator anywhere. The Garmin street navigators were available but demand has clearly lapsed. The reasons for this are two-fold. First, general street navigation in and around town is easily and accurately done on most cell phones (which are sold with numerous standard navigation apps). Second, a lot of new cars, including the less premium ones, are sold with built-in navigation systems. Many in the industry believe that PND’s (Street Navigators) will not be around for much longer (two years at best), mainly because mobile phone navigation apps and in-car systems will get you around the town perfectly. In my opinion, however, these are not true navigation systems and they are definitely not ideal for the outdoor lifestyle. The track log (or electronic breadcrumb) given on the Garmin street navigators is where the true value of these devices lie, showing the route you have just travelled. There is a story in a recent YOU magazine recounting how a couple visiting Italy drove round and round in circles without realising it. The breadcrumb feature on a proper GPS device would have showed them something was wrong. But back to Tom Tom PNDs and sports watches. Unable to find them on retail shelves, I discovered comments on the internet to the effect that the company no longer had a local head office or support centre. I contacted an overseas support centre who confirmed that Tom Tom no longer had an office in SA and had stopped PND and sports watch retail sales I also read that the Tom Tom Fleet management operation had been sold to Bridgestone. I was able to confirm that Tom Tom Africa (the TomTom mapping company) is still in South Africa and growing from strength to strength. I have always considered their mapping to be among the best available for southern Africa. On the Garmin front, the company management has changed in recent years with many people being promoted into senior positions in the broader company from the South African ranks. Garmin are still going strong in the Outdoor, Fitness, Marine and Aviation fields – these markets are growing and sales have increased. The PND market is also down for Garmin, but there will have been some local boost resulting from the Tom Tom exit. It’s this time of the year again when Garmin launches new products, among them the Garmin Drive 52 and Garmin DriveSmart 55 and 65 series devices (the new name for a Nuvi/PND device). This announcement was made on the Garmin American website, so it is not clear which devices will be released in South Africa. There is also talk of new and/or upgraded outdoor products. Globally, the good news is that some of the new Garmin devices are not only receiving the American GPS signal and GLONASS (the Russian satellite navigation signal), but also the Galileo signal (the European satellite navigation signal). Having three satellite navigation systems will both improve the accuracy of the devices (to within 3-5 metres), and will give the signal more integrity and provide back-up if one system was to fail. To date I have not heard of the American signal failing but have heard of the Russian system failing on two occasions. Meanwhile, happy GPS adventures.