| Mapping device runs Windows Mobile |
Feb. 21, 2008
 Magellan has introduced a new Windows Mobile-based handheld GPS receiver for GIS (geographic information system) data collection. The MobileMapper 6 boasts real-time accuracy between two and five meters, compatibility with Satellite-Based Augmentation Systems (SBAS), Bluetooth, and a two-megapixel camera, the company says.
(Click here for a larger view of the MobileMapper 6)
The MobileMapper 6 has a rugged design capable of dealing with one-meter drops, and is waterproof to the IPX7 standard, Magellan says. It has a two megapixel digital camera, and photos can be "geo-tagged" with GPS locations automatically. It also has a built-in microphone, and can record voice notes. Other travel-related hardware features include an e-compass, barometer, g-sensor, and an LED flashlight.
Unlike a phone or PDA, the MobileMapper 6 includes only a jog dial and four large buttons (for Menu, Log, Zoom In, and Zoom Out). But, it can additionally be operated via its 2.7-inch touchscreen. It supports handwriting recognition and Windows Mobile's "virtual keyboard" feature, and includes all other typical Windows Mobile 6 Professional features, including push e-mail, Internet Explorer, Windows Media Player, and Office Mobile software.
Thanks to being an open Windows Mobile 6 device, the MobileMapper 6 is also compatible with a wide variety of GIS software. This includes Magellan's own Mobile Mapping software, plus third-party applications such as ESRI's ArcPad.
The MobileMapper's GPS receiver is SiRF's ever-popular starIII offering, used here to track as many as 12 satellites continuously and to update the unit's position every second. Supported SBAS networks include the Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) in the U.S., and the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service System (EGNOS).
WAAS comprises a network of ground-based reference stations, located in North America and Hawaii, that measure small variations in GPS satellite signals. The WAAS stations then send this correction data to geostationary WAAS satellites, which distribute it to WAAS-enabled devices. On the MobileMapper 6, WAAS where available can provide pinpoint accuracy down to the two-meter level, claims Magellan.
What's under the hood?
The MobileMapper 6 uses an unspecified 400MHz processor, with 64MB of RAM, 128MB of flash, and the ability to add up to 4GB of storage via an SD slot. Featuring Bluetooth, it also has the relatively rare capability of operating via two standard AA batteries for up to ten hours. As Magellan notes, this makes it particularly easy to extend operating times in the field.
Features and specifications listed by Magellan for the MobileMapper 6 include:- Processor -- unspecified, but clocked at 400MHz
- Memory -- 64MB of RAM and 128MB of flash
- Display -- 2.7 inch 320 x 240 touchscreen display
- Wireless:
- GPS via SiRF starIII chipset, with SBAS augmentation
- Bluetooth
- Other I/O:
- 1 x USB (device only)
- input for optional external antenna
- Expansion -- SD card accepts up to 4GB of storager
- Battery type/life:
- 2 x AA
- up to ten hours of operation
- Dimensions -- 5.75 x 2.5 x 1.1 inches
Magellan did not provide pricing or availability information for the MobileMapper 6.
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