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August 17, 2006
Geospatial Applications: Updating the Software on Hand-held GPS Units
Consider updating the software in your hand-held global positioning system (GPS) unit. Hand-held GPS units have software and operating systems that can be updated to ensure they are using the most current features available from the manufacturer. Normally, GPS units continue to function fine without updates, but installing the latest updates provides the manufacturer’s features that have been added to later versions of your model. Even though installing these free updates normally will not update the base maps that come installed on hand-held GPS units, the updates likely will make your unit operate better because the updates have incorporated corrections to issues or operating bugs reported by users. All Garmin hand-held GPS units can be updated as needed by downloading and installing their updating program called WebUpDater. The download is available on the Internet at www.garmin.com/products/webupdater. The updating program is designed to be downloaded and installed on a desktop or laptop computer. Any Garmin GPS unit can be updated using this program as long as the computer is connected to the Internet. Once the program is installed on your computer, updating is a simple process. Connect the GPS unit to your computer using the manufacturer’s serial or USB connection cables that normally come with the unit. If you don’t have a connection cable, the updates will be available for purchase from the same businesses that sell the GPS units. After installing the Garmin WebUpDater, run the program from start/programs on your computer. The program will indicate the model of GPS unit connected to the computer and then provide a step-by-step wizard to follow to complete the update. Detailed instructions on how to use the Garmin WebUpDater program are available on the NDSU Geospatial Education Web page at http://134.129.78.3/geospatial/gpsedmat.htm. Other brands of GPS units can be updated directly from their Web site. Magellan’s Web site is www.magellangps.com/. The Lowrance Web site is www.lowrance.com/. Generally, updating the background maps requires a specific request to the manufacturer. Most manufacturers have map updates that they will send to you on a CD or DVD. The map updates usually are not available without additional costs. ### Source: John
Nowatzki, (701) 231-8213, jnowatzk@ndsuext.nodak.edu |
Market Advisor: |
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North Dakota State University |
