MAGELLAN SPORTRAK TOPO GPS
GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) RECEIVER
BY THALES NAVIGATION
magellan sportrak topo gps report review
MODEL # 980616-39 - TOPO MODEL AVAILABLE ONLY IN NORTH AMERICA

Initial Test Report - February 11, 2004

The winds and waves are always on the side of the ablest navigators.
- Edward Gibbon - Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire (ch. LXVIII)

If you want to skip the nitty-gritty and just read the good stuff, skip to "Initial Impressions" or "Trying it Out".

SPECIFICATIONS

The Magellan SporTrak Topo GPS unit (Model # 980616-39) is manufactured by: Thales Navigation.

WEB: www.thalesnavigation.com or www.magellangps.com

YEAR OF MANUFACTURE: 2003 (Date Code 4403 = Week Of November 5, 2003)
SOFTWARE: Rev. 5.00 Oct 3 2003 - BASEMAP: NA. Topo - 1.11 - Size: 113038288 bytes (110.39 MB)

MSRP: US$399.99

OVERVIEW OF MATERIALS, CONSTRUCTION, AND FEATURES

Note: This report is written from the standpoint of someone who has no previous experience with GPS technology, and it is also written with that readership in mind. This Initial Report will be followed by a Field Report after two months, and a Long Term Report after six months. This Initial Report is intended as a brief overview only. The Field Report will contain much more information.

Note: The following overview of features, materials, and construction, is detailed and technical. If you are not interested in the technical details, you may wish to skip this section, especially if you are familiar with GPS technology, and go directly to "Initial Impressions" or "Trying it Out".

According to the Magellan website and included product documentation, the SporTrak Topo GPS unit has the following features.

PHYSICAL DIMENSIONS

GLOSSARY OF TERMS

In order to understand the following Specifications, it is necessary to understand the meaning of certain terms. This GLOSSARY is by no means exhaustive, and some terms are defined in the text for ease of readability. If more information beyond the scope of this report is desired, the reader is encouraged to search the internet or see the additional resources link at the end of this report.

CUSTOMIZABLE DATA DISPLAYS

1. BEARING - The compass direction from your position to a destination, measured to the nearest degree.
2. DISTANCE - The distance from current position to the next waypoint in a straight line.
3. SPEED - Speed Over Ground, or SOG. The speed at which the unit is moving.
4. HEADING - The direction you are traveling, defined as an angle from North.
5. VMG - Velocity Made Good. The component of the velocity that is in the direction of the destination.
6. CTS - Course to Steer. The direction you should be traveling in order to return to the course while proceeding towards the destination. It is a “compromise ” course bearing that projects from your current position to a point on the courseline midway between a point perpendicular to your position and the current leg destination waypoint.
7. ETA - Estimated Time to Arrival. The estimated time of day the leg’s destination waypoint will be reached.
8. ETE - Estimated Time Enroute. The estimated time remaining to reach the next waypoint in a route.
9. XTE - Cross Track Error. The perpendicular distance between the present position and the course line. Given as a distance, right or left, of course when facing the destination.
10. TURN - Distance to the next direction change on a route.
11. ELEVATION - The height of the unit above sea level.
12. TIME - The current time of day.
13. DATE - The current date.
14. EPE - Estimated Position Error. The estimated error in the reported position. EPE is not a documented feature in the manual.
15. Avg. Speed - The Average Speed over the distance traveled. Avg. Speed is not a documented feature in the manual.
16. Max Speed - The Maximum Speed the unit has attained since being powered on. Max Speed is not a documented feature in the manual.
17. Total Dist - The Total Distance to the endpoint of a route.  Not to be confused with Distance, which is the Distance to the next waypoint.  Total Distance is not a documented feature in the manual.

EGNOS

EGNOS is Europe’s first venture into satellite navigation and is intended to augment the two military satellite navigation systems now operating, the US GPS and Russian GLONASS systems, and make them suitable for safety critical applications requiring additional accuracy such as flying aircraft.

Three geostationary satellites and a network of ground stations comprise EGNOS and these transmit a signal containing information on the reliability and accuracy of the positioning signals sent out by GPS and GLONASS. It allows users in Europe and beyond to determine their position to within 5 m (16.4 ft) compared with about 20 m (66 ft) at present.

EGNOS is a joint project of the European Space Agency (ESA), the European Commission (EC) and Eurocontrol, the European Organization for the Safety of Air Navigation. It is Europe’s contribution to the first stage of the global navigation satellite system (GNSS) and is a precursor to Galileo, the full global satellite navigation system under development in Europe.

EGNOS will become fully operational in 2004. In the meantime, a test signal, broadcast by two Inmarsat satellites, allows potential users to acquaint themselves with the facility and test its usefulness.

GPS

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is one of two systems today able to show you your exact position on the Earth anytime, in any weather, anywhere - in theory, and very often in practice. (It should be noted that the Soviets have a parallel system (GLONASS), but here we will talk about the American system.) 24 GPS satellites orbit the Earth at an altitude of 11,000 nautical miles (12658.57 statute miles, 20372 km). They are continuously monitored by worldwide ground stations. The satellites transmit signals that can be detected by anyone with a GPS receiver. Using the receiver, location can be determined - and several other things useful for navigation as well, like the exact time. The GPS system has 3 parts: the space segment, the user segment, and the control segment. The space segment consists of 24 satellites, each in its own orbit. The user segment consists of receivers, which can be held in the hand or mount in a car, boat, or airplane. The control segment consists of five ground stations that make sure the satellites are working properly. The GPS satellites each take 12 hours to orbit the Earth, and each is equipped with an atomic clock (that keeps accurate time to within three nanoseconds - that's 0.000000003, or three billionths, of a second) to let it broadcast signals coupled with a precise time component. The cesium or rubidium clocks in the GPS satellites operate at 10.22999999545 MHz rather than the nominal 10.23 MHz to compensate for both the special relativity effect of a moving source and the general relativity effect of operating from a point of higher gravitational potential. The master clock at the GPS control center near Colorado Springs is set to run 16 ns a day fast to compensate for its location 1830 m above sea level.

The ground unit receives the satellite signal, which travels at the speed of light as proved by Maxwell. Still, the signal takes a measurable amount of time to reach the receiver. The difference between the time the signal is sent and the time it is received, multiplied by the speed of light, enables the receiver to calculate the distance to the satellite. To measure precise latitude, longitude, and altitude, the receiver measures the time it took for the signals from four (or more) separate satellites to get to the receiver. They are positioned so that any receiver can resolve signals from six of them nearly 100 percent of the time at any point on Earth. That many signals are needed to get the best position. 

The first GPS satellite was launched in 1978. The first 10 satellites were developmental satellites, called Block I. From 1989 to 1993, 23 production satellites, called Block II, were launched. The launch of the 24th satellite in 1994 completed the system - which had a 12 billion dollar price tag.

The fact that both systems (American and Soviet) now are available to the general public, without any charge, is almost as impressive as their technical capabilities. With low cost handheld receivers, anyone can now determine his/her position to within just a few meters at any time, in any weather, at any point on earth. With the best and more expensive receiving equipment available, that accuracy can be improved to an amazing 1 mm both horizontally and vertically. Of course, a hiker or backpacker doesn't need that kind of accuracy, so trading a little accuracy for portability is desirable.

GPS is operated and maintained by the Department of Defense (DoD). The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating and applying the use of GPS as it pertains to aviation.

RMS

RMS is root-mean-average, sometimes called the quadratic mean, is the square root of the mean squared value of a variate x. This is geek speak for a way to take a distributed average. You will see this below in the accuracy descriptions.

The signal variation between the GPS satellites - due to many factors - causes a natural inaccuracy between 5 and 15 meters. Using RMS to take a distributed average allows the unit to make an educated calculation of the magnitude of the error and attempt a correction. Therefore, even though the margin of error is between 5 and 15 meters, the unit is 'smart' enough to correct for the error to within 3 meters. At least that's what I understand from reading everything I could find on the subject. So, what does '95% 2D RMS' mean to the average user? All it means is that the unit is 'smart' enough to provide 3 meter accuracy 95% of the time. This usually assumes that a WAAS or EGNOS signal can be received, which is not always possible.

WAAS

WAAS is based on a network of approximately 25 ground reference stations that cover a large service area. Signals from GPS satellites are received by wide area ground reference stations (WRSs). Each of these precisely surveyed reference stations receive GPS signals and determine if any errors exist. These WRSs are linked to form the U.S. WAAS network. Each WRS in the network relays the data to the wide area master station (WMS) where correction information is computed. The WMS calculates correction algorithms and assesses the integrity of the system. A correction message is prepared and uplinked to a geosynchronous satellite via a ground uplink system (GUS). The message is then broadcast from the satellite on the same frequency as GPS (L1, 1575.42 MHz) to receivers which are within the broadcast coverage area of the WAAS. These communications satellites also act as additional navigation satellites for the GPS receiver, providing additional navigation signals for position determination.

The WAAS will improve basic GPS accuracy to approximately 7 meters vertically and horizontally, improve system availability through the use of geostationary communication satellites (GEOs) carrying navigation payloads, and to provide important integrity information about the entire GPS constellation.

EGNOS & WAAS do not currently share almanac information.

SPECIFICATIONS

Base Map - 8 MB 

Built-in basemap of cities, highways, airports, waterways and parks plus 100 MB built-in United States topographic map. United States topographic map includes the lower 48 states, Hawaii and 80% of Alaska. The basemap is just that; the map base upon which overlays can be made. An overlay is detail information that you add to the map. Think about the basemap like a paper map. Anything that you write on it is an overlay.

United States topographic map includes the lower 48 states, Hawaii and 80% of Alaska.

There is actually only one display screen, but it does have nine modes, as noted in the body of this report.

A more detailed explanation of these screens is given in the "Trying it Out" section below. There are actually other screens as well.

Time to First Fix: Cold - < 2 Minutes 

"First Fix" relates to how fast the unit can acquire its position when first turned on. The manual says less than 2 minutes, but a F.A.Q. in the support section of the Magellan website indicates that this could take up to 10 minutes when the unit is first initialized either out of the box or after being totally reset. Additionally, if the unit is 2 or 3 years old, the F.A.Q. states that this process could take up to an hour. I will be examining these figures in the Field Report.

Time to First Fix: Hot - <15 Seconds

Maximum Velocity (mph/km/h) - 951 mph / 1530.5 km/h 

This relates to the maximum velocity that can be measured by the unit. Since the speed of sound (Mach 1) is (at sea level) approximately 761 mph (1,225 km/h or 661 knots) it is unlikely that the average backpacker will experience speeds in excess of the maximum measured velocity unless abducted by a UFO.

The documentation indicates that the unit will not function below sea level. Being in New Orleans - parts of which are several yards (several meters) below sea level - I will be interested to see how the unit performs in this respect.

This is pixels, so the screen is a total of 16640 pixels. I did not count them, but that looks about right.

This is a fancy term for black and white. Or, on an LCD screen, black and silver. This is definitely not true. There is color in the screen. There is black and gray, but also navy blue, green, and a sort of a brownish green color. 

The basic form of resonant QHA was developed by Dr. C. C. Kilgus of the Applied Physics Laboratory, John-Hopkins University, Silver Spring, Md. in 1968 and published in December 1970 in "The Microwave Journal". A Quadrifilar Helix Antenna (QHA) is the best antenna to use for Advanced Pointer Tracker (APT) satellite reception. The QHA is omnidirectional (giving Circular Polarization in all directions, thus becoming independent of the elevation angle of the satellite) and is an inherently excellent antenna for ground station use. It is used commonly in cell phones, GPS units, and other mobile user communication and tracking devices. To paraphrase M. Walter Maxwell in his book Reflections II: Transmission Lines & Antennas: "It comprises two bifilar helical loops oriented in mutual orthogonal relationship on a common axis. The terminals of each loop are fed in antiphase and the currents in the two loops are in phase quadrature. By selecting the appropriate configuration of the loops, a wide range of pattern shapes is available".

Any common internet search will provide more information, should the reader be interested.  What this actually means to the average person is that Magellan has used the best (and most expensive) kind of internal antenna available in the SporTrak Topo unit.  While the simple 'patch' type antennas used in some other models are smaller, lighter, and cheaper, they are also not as good at picking up a signal.  That isn't just my opinion, it's a well documented fact; but any elaboration on the point is beyond the scope of this report.

It should be noted that Helix type antennas may become "detuned" and have lower sensitivity if the antenna is placed close to a metal surface, or indeed any massive body. It is better to hold such antennas away from metal objects and your own body when in use.

Backlit Display - Yes 

There are three modes: Off, Low, High. The manual notes that using the backlight causes severe battery drain, and that the backlight will automatically shut off after 4 minutes if no buttons are pressed. (This timer is customizable, and can be disabled.) If the backlight timer trips and the backlight is extinguished, pressing any button will turn the backlight back on.

The keypad backlight is the same as the Backlit Display above.

The case feels strong, and the rubber armor appears to be in the form of a gasket between the two halves of the case. See photos for more detail.

This figure is without WAAS.

Horizontal Accuracy -RMS w/ WAAS or EGNOS (meters) - < 3m (9.8 ft)

Horizontal Accuracy (%RMS/WAAS or EGNOS ) - 95% 2D RMS w/WAAS 2D (Two Dimensional)

Two Dimensional mode requires only three satellites to calculate a positional fix. No altitude is calculated. In order to calculate altitude, four satellites - which is 3D (Three Dimensional) mode - are required.  The SporTrak Topo can receive 12 signals simultaneously.

The average accuracy of reported altitude is within 10 meters.

The average accuracy of the velocity is within 0.1 knots (0.12 mph, 0.19 km/h).

This refers to the scale of the display of the Map Screen.

This refers to the scale of the display of the Map Screen.

Battery Quantity - 2 Included.

Battery Life (hours) - 14 

Using the backlight will shorten the battery life. Measured battery drain is provided in a table in the main body of the report.  The website claims 14 hours, the manual claims 15 hours.  I will report on experienced battery drain times in the Field Report.

This means that the Magellan SporTrak Topo can track 12 signals at a time.

WAAS/EGNOS can be disabled. See Field Report for details.

Uploadable Memory Limit (megabytes) - 16  (Not expandable.)

User Data Backup - Indefinite This means that if the batteries discharge fully, or the batteries are removed, user data (such as routes, waypoints, and trackpoints) will not be lost.

Waterproof (IEC-529 IPX7 Standard) - Yes. 

The quoted specification, IEC-529 IPX7, is the European Community Specification. Only IEC-529 and JIS2-8 (Japanese Industry Standard) have graduated test levels. The two are very similar. Test Level IPX-7 is "Protected against water immersion - Immersion for 30 minutes at a depth of 1 meter (3.28 ft)." This is equivalent to JIS 7, and similar to MIL-STD 810 (Immersion Standard), Military Specification Equipment; MIL-STD 810 (Blowing Rain), Military Specification equipment; CFR (Code of Federal Regulations) Title 46 Part 110.15 Aircraft Civilian specifications. I checked this by immersing the unit in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes, and the unit did not leak.

True!

Verification of Emissions Standards Compliance is beyond the scope of this test.

Verification of Emissions Susceptibility Compliance is beyond the scope of this test.

Operating Temp Min (F/C) - 14F/-10C 

I think that this figure is very important. Backpackers are quite likely to experience the minimum operating temperature in some areas.

Operating Altitude Max (ft/m) - 60,000ft/18,288m

Mount Everest is measured as standing 8846 meters (29,028 ft) above sea level.

The highest point in North America, Mt. McKinley, is 20,320 ft. (6,194 meters).

Given these facts, it is unlikely that the average backpacker will experience altitudes in excess of the maximum measurable altitude unless abducted by a UFO.

A waypoint is a point along the way. Catchy, isn't it? A waypoint is a point on a map that you can name and save in the SporTrak's memory. They are primarily used for creating routes. A waypoint is entered into the receiver’s memory by entering data, editing data, calculating data (projecting) or saving a current position. Think of a waypoint as a point of interest such as a trailhead, a town, basecamp, or an interesting geological feature - but they can be anything, even just a point in the middle of nowhere.

A route is often referred to as a GOTO route. It is simply a plot from one point to another. The simplest route has a starting point and a single destination point: I am here and I want to GO TO there. All that is required to create a GOTO route is having the destination waypoint saved in memory. This waypoint can be one that you have saved earlier (which is stored in your User Waypoint List) or any of the landmarks that come with the SporTrak in its built-in database. Whether the route is a simple GOTO or a more complex multileg route, it needs stored waypoints to use as its starting and destination point. If it is a multileg route, then each leg must have terminating waypoints.

Trackpoints are saved by the SporTrack along the route of travel. There are several options associated with this feature, and these will be discussed in detail in the Field Report. Simplistically, track points allow you to do complex things like build trail maps and simple things like backtracking the way you just came.  Essentially, Trackpoints are automatic temporary Waypoints.

Datums - 75 

A Datum is a model, defined by a set of parameters and control points, that is used to accurately define the three-dimensional shape of the Earth. Datums are the basis for planar coordinate systems - in other words, map grids. For example, the North American Datum for 1983 (NAD83) is a datum for map projections and coordinates within the United States and throughout North America.

Data Input - Yes - Via 9 pin serial cable.

Data Input (RTCM 104 Standard) - Yes 

RTCM is The Radio Technical Commission for Maritime Services.

NMEA is The National Marine Electronics Association. The NMEA 0183 Interface Standard defines electrical signal requirements, data transmission protocol and time, and specific sentence formats for a 4800-baud serial data bus. Each bus may have only one talker but many listeners.

See above.

Coast Guard Maritime Differential GPS (DGPS) Service, and the developing Nationwide DGPS Service, consists of two control centers and over 60 remote broadcast sites. The Service broadcasts correction signals on marine radio beacon frequencies to improve the accuracy of and integrity to GPS-derived positions. The Coast Guard DGPS Service provides 10-meter accuracy in all established coverage areas.

Typically, the positional error of a DGPS position is 1 to 3 meters, Greatly enhancing harbor entrance and approach navigation. The System provides service for coastal coverage of the continental U.S., the Great Lakes, Puerto Rico, portions of Alaska and Hawaii, and a greater part of the Mississippi River Basin. Many foreign nations are implementing standard DGPS services modeled after the U.S. Coast Guard’s system to significantly enhance maritime safety in their critical waterways.

Package Contents - PC Cable, User Manual, MapSend Topo CD-ROM, 2 AA Batteries The PC Cable has a standard 8 pin serial connector. See body text for more details.

Optional accessories also sold separately - Belt Clip carrying case: black, green or blue
3 Mounting brackets: Available in vehicle, swivel and bicycle configurations; Power and/or Data Cables; MapSend ^® Software

The MapSend Topo Software was included with the Magellan SporTrak Topo unit. There are other versions of the MapSend Software available for specific applications. I also ordered a vehicle mounting bracket, a 12 volt power cord, a belt clip carrying case, and a belt loop carrying case. These will be, no doubt, mentioned briefly in this report series. 

The Arrival alarm sounds when you have arrived at the destination of your GOTO or to the destination of any leg in a route you are navigating on. The distance from the destination that the alarm will begin to sound is user definable.

The Anchor alarm sounds when the unit drifts a user-defined distance from an anchor point. Think about it like this: If you drop anchor in a boat and you drift too far, the alarm will sound.

The XTE alarm is Cross Track Error. The alarm will sound when you are off course by a user-defined distance.

The GPS Fix Alarm will sound whenever the SporTrak has lost its ability to compute its position due to loss of signal from the satellites.

FEATURES (Text taken from both the Magellan website and product packaging.)

108 MB of built-in topography means there’s no need to purchase additional topographic software and no downloading, making SporTrak Topo an extremely cost-effective and convenient topographic GPS. Topographic contouring and elevation, including highways, major roads, waterways and coastlines, provide all the information you need, in a ready-to-go and easy-to-use handheld GPS. United States topographic map includes the lower 48 states, Hawaii and 80% of Alaska. 

There is actually 100 MB of topographical maps, and 8 MB of street maps. While there may be no need to purchase additional topographic software, the MapSend Topo CD is included with the SporTrak Topo.

SporTrak Topo uses WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System) and the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay System (EGNOS) to provide excellent GPS accuracy and reliability. Tracking up to 12 satellites to locate your position to within 3 meters, you can rest assured that with the SporTrak Topo, you will know where you are, where you’ve been and where you’re going.

The full version CD-ROM of MapSend Topo’s highly-detailed 3D topographic maps is included with your SporTrak Topo. Giving you the option of a higher level of detail in your topo mapping. Topography derived from the U.S. Government Digital Elevation Model (DEM), provides elevation details for every location on the map.

An intuitive interface and keypad provide direct access to key features, putting the power of GPS at your fingertips.

The keypad and interface are, indeed, intuitive.

Easily expand your mapping capability by downloading other detailed maps from Magellan MapSend software titles to 16 MB of available memory. It is possible to expand the maps using the built in memory, but it is not possible to expand the memory.

Nine customizable graphic navigation screens include a map, compass and speedometer with text readouts of heading, bearing, speed, direction, ETA, and more. Choose from 12 built-in coordinate systems and 76 datums including Latitude/Longitude, Universal Transverse Mercator, and Military Grid Reference System (MGRS). Navigation screens are described in the main body of this report. So far, 'full featured' is what I have been experiencing.

The unique Save Track-to-Route feature allows you to convert complicated track files into easy-to-follow routes. Save hundreds of routes by transferring them to a PC using optional Magellan MapSend software.

Sun/Moon positions

SporTrak Topo shows you when the sun will rise and set, as well as the phase of the moon, for any date and location in the world.

It really does, and it's a pretty cool feature if you ask me.

Want to know when the fish are likely to be biting in your little corner of the world? The Magellan SporTrak Topo can tell you.

With the addition of street-level mapping using optional Magellan MapSend software, you can search addresses and let SporTrak Topo guide you to your destination

Monitor the GPS satellites in view and get information about their status.

Built-in help database

The SporTrak Topo is intuitive, easy-to-use, and all the major functions are described in step-by-step instructions.

Browsing the help database shows that it is basic, but helpful and functional.

We pride ourselves on building rugged and reliable navigation products that you can depend on, backed by a full one-year warranty.

The Magellan website makes several claims:

"With built-in nationwide topography, major roads, waterways, and more, the Magellan SporTrak Topo comes pre-loaded with everything you need to find your way on your next backcountry adventure." 

Well, we'll have to see about that, eh?

"Built-in nationwide topography makes SporTrak Topo the first and only “grab-and-go” topo GPS available, with no need to download additional topography. An additional 16 MB of memory enables you to expand your mapping capabilities with detailed street-level maps for navigating over roads, using optional Magellan MapSend software products." 

I find this remarkably irresponsible given the warnings elsewhere that the SporTrak unit is a navigational aid and does not replace conventional methods. In fact, the manual plainly states, "This product is an excellent navigation aid, but does not replace the need for careful orienteering and good judgment. Never rely solely on one device for navigating."

"The pocket-sized, lightweight, rugged design provides the advantage of GPS navigation - the confidence of knowing where you are and where you’re going - without the burden of bulky equipment and cumbersome paper topo maps. SporTrak Topo provides superior tracking and accuracy, showing your position to within 3 meters, even in difficult environments such as mountains or dense foliage." 

From what I have seen so far, I have no reason to doubt any of this. I will be taking careful measurements, however, and reporting them in the Field Report.

"108 MB of built-in, interactive, nationwide topographic maps means SporTrak Topo is ready for action straight out of the box. Grab it and go!"

This will be investigated thoroughly.

The Thales (pronounced Tha-less) website (http://www.thalesnavigation.com) appears to be a gateway site for the Thales line of professional products as well as the Magellan line of outdoor, recreational, and vehicular products.

The Magellan website (http://www.magellangps.com) is oriented towards end-users. It is easy to navigate and provides a lot of easy to access to information about their products.  I especially appreciate that user manuals and support are offered online.

INITIAL IMPRESSIONS

OPENING NOTES

I have never before used a GPS unit. In order to fairly evaluate the Magellan SporTrak Topo GPS unit, I felt it necessary to educate myself in several areas. I have included a link to additional resources at the end of this report for those who which to pursue the subject beyond the scope of this report. This education proved to be a journey in and of itself, taking me through familiar territory and then out into the unknown. I read several books (including the online version of the owner's manual for the SporTrak Topo, consulted many online resources, and consulted with professional navigators, ship's captains, port pilots, and a former submarine pilot. Navigation is one of the primary foundations of civilization, like agriculture, language, writing, philosophy, and science. Indeed, navigation is inclusively a skill, a knowledge, and a science that draws on many areas of human learning. To study the history of navigation is to study the history of humanity. When I received the package from Magellan, I was very much aware of this history. The fact that I held in my mortal hands the culmination of all the navigational technology of mankind spanning literal millennia was rather moving. I imagined what Ferdinand Magellan might say about it.  Probably something in Portuguese that I wouldn't understand anyway...

Yeah, I know it sounds stupid to be moved by an electronic gadget that runs on Energizer Bunny batteries, but there you are. For all the care I took taking it out of the box, you'd have thought that it was an ancient and priceless artifact. Despite my expectations, the heavens did not part and harps did not play, but I was moved none-the-less.

If you are new to GPS technology, GPS stands for Global Positioning System. The GPS receiver recognizes signals from orbiting satellites and calculates its position based on those signals. The GPS receiver isn't really telling you where you are, it's telling you where it is in relation to those satellites.

***

PACKAGING & PACKAGE CONTENTS

The retail box makes several claims, all covered in the Features section above. Opening the box reveals neat packaging and efficient use of space. The first thing to come out of the box was a CD-ROM; namely Magellan's MapSend Topo software for the United States. The next thing out of the box was the documentation. There are two owner's manuals; one in English and one in French. Folded together brochure style are a couple of documents, including a packing slip. There is a 'Read Me First' guide, registration instructions in nine languages, a user manual supplement (described below), an offer for an extended warranty (two additional years for $39.95 U.S.D., offer valid in United States only), an accessory list, and an accessory catalog.

Further exploring the contents of the box reveals two AA batteries (Energizer brand), a wrist strap, a data cord (8 pin serial), and the SporTrak Topo unit itself.

My first response when I first held the unit in my hand was that for its size, it was astonishingly - and I do mean astonishingly - light. Dropping it on the scale, it weighs 4.4 oz (126 g) without batteries. The batteries weigh 1.7 (48 g) for a total of 6.1 oz (174 g) which is exactly what the box promises. The wrist strap (lanyard) adds an additional 0.1oz (2 g); I didn't attach it immediately.

READING THE INSTRUCTIONS

The Users Manual is 76 pages, and while this seems daunting, it is nicely arranged. There is a 17 page section that covers the Introduction, Setting up the SporTrak, and Basic Operation. Beyond page 17 is the Reference section that covers all the advanced features of the SporTrak. Here, in this Initial Report, I will cover the Basic Operation, and leave the advanced features for the Field Report. I have already read the manual several times online, and prospective users are encouraged to go to the Magellan website and download the manual (found on the Support page) for the unit they are considering and read it in its entirety. I found it very useful to be familiar with the unit before its arrival. It is, despite being in desperate need of a good spell check, one of the best Users Manuals I have ever read for any electronic device. Unfortunately, it's a 2002 manual and is a little out dated. Differences between the manual and the actual product are noted in this report series where appropriate.

The manual includes some introductory warnings that are useful to consider. Things like the driver of a vehicle should allow a passenger to navigate; don't try to use the SporTrak yourself while driving, and use good judgment. The next warning sort of took me by surprise, and I have to congratulate Magellan for being so responsible. The warning is, "This product is an excellent navigation aid, but does not replace the need for careful orienteering and good judgment. Never rely solely on one device for navigating." I really appreciate that. The warnings further state that, "The Global Positioning System (GPS) is operated by the U.S. Government, which is solely responsible for the accuracy and maintenance of GPS. The accuracy of position fixes can be affected by the periodic adjustments to GPS satellites made by the U.S. Government and is subject to change in accordance with the Department of Defense civil GPS user policy and the Federal Radionavigation Plan. Accuracy can also be affected by poor satellite geometry." In other words, even if your unit is working, that's no guarantee that the GPS system is online and/or functioning properly. The manual also includes an explanation of the fairly standard one year warranty.

After educating myself for this test, reading the manual, and working with the unit, it is evident to me that there are several components that have to be considered for this test. There is the physical unit itself, the software for the unit, the interface for that software (buttons and menus), the built in roads basemap, the built in topographic basemap, the MapSend Topo software that is installed on a PC, and the interface and data share between the unit and the MapSend Topo software. On top of all that, there is a constellation of satellites and numerous ground stations that the unit interfaces with to calculate a position and gather other data. This success of this interface is also measurable as a signal level and by validation of the position fix. A GPS without a signal lock is just a heavy watch that eats batteries really quickly.  Each of these items will be covered in their turn during the Field and Long-Term Reports. Understand that this Initial Report is just a brief overview.  This report series will focus on the Magellan SporTrak Topo's specific relevance for backpacking, but of course the subject of navigation is relevant to many different activities.

TRYING IT OUT

Examining the unit, it is as described in the Specifications section above and shown throughout the pictures in this report. I note that it fits well in the hand, feels comfortable to hold, and the buttons are arranged in an ergonomically friendly way.

The first thing to do is to install the batteries. The battery compartment is actually a slide out tray held in place with a screw to which is attached a small D ring which is useful for unscrewing the screw and for attaching the wrist strap. The screw requires six and a half turns to release the battery tray, which comes out easily. Inside the battery tray is an anti-theft security device with the words "DISCARD BEFORE INSTALLING BATTERIES" printed on it. The batteries are easily installed, the tray easily reinserted into the unit, and the battery tray screw easily secured.

TURNING IT ON

The SporTrak Topo is powered on by pressing the small red power button. An audible beep is heard and the unit comes on. The welcome screen appears for a few seconds, then a warning screen that cautions, "WARNING All data is provided for reference. You assume all responsibility when using this device. Press ENTER to agree." If ENTER is not pressed, the unit powers off after a few seconds.

Upon agreeing to the warning, another screen is presented; "Unit is not initialized. Press ENTER to initialize." According to the manual, initialization helps speed up the process for computing the first position fix, and is required only once. Initialization is accomplished in just a few seconds by choosing (in my case) USA, LOUISIANA, then setting the date and the time by using the CURSOR KEY and the ENTER button. The first screen displayed after initialization is the Satellite Status screen, and the SporTrak begins acquiring data from the satellites. The Satellite Status screen is described below. It took about two minutes for the SporTrak to calculate its position.

USING THE KEYPAD

I find the keys intuitive to use, and their individual functions are easy to learn. Even so, consulting the manual reveals some useful information. In the center of the button cluster is a large round CURSOR KEY that functions as up/down and left/right buttons. This key is used to navigate through the menus and to move the cursor around on the map screen. At the upper right side of the keypad is the ZOOM IN button. The ZOOM IN button zooms in the display of the Map screen. Pressing it once brings the map 'closer' by one level, and holding it down quickly moves through the zoom levels. At the upper left side of the keypad is the ZOOM OUT button. The ZOOM OUT button zooms out the display of the Map screen. Pressing it once sends the map 'further away' by one level, and holding it down quickly moves through the zoom levels. Below the ZOOM IN button is the ENTER button. This is used to confirm data entry or menu selection. Below the ENTER button is the ESCAPE or CANCEL button. The ESCAPE key cancels the operation of the last button pressed. It also scrolls through the NAVIGATION screens in reverse order. Below the ESCAPE button is the POWER button. This turns the SporTrak on or off. It also controls the backlight functions as described below. Below the ZOOM OUT button is the NAVIGATION button, which scrolls through the various navigation screens. Below the NAVIGATION button is the MENU button. The MENU button accesses menus for displayed screens. Depending on the screen currently displayed, different menu functions are available. The MENU button also provides access to waypoint, route and setup functions. In the center of the keypad, below the CURSOR KEY is the GOTO button, which is a dual function key. It is used to create a direct route to any waypoint, and to mark a position.

The keys are somewhat 'mushy' and do not click. The audible beep, which can be disabled, helpfully indicates that a button was successfully pressed. When wearing light or medium weight gloves, I did not have any trouble pressing the buttons. When wearing heavy gloves, I had great difficulty but found that using an object like the back of an ink pen as a stylus resolved the problems with glove wearing. I like the buttons.

THE BACKLIGHT

The backlight is switched on by holding down the power button for two seconds. After two seconds, the backlight illuminates in LOW mode. Pressing and holding the power button for an additional two seconds will switch the backlight to HIGH mode. Pressing and holding the power button for an additional two seconds will switch the backlight off. The cycle then repeats. If the unit is turned off, the backlight will also turn off, and it will stay off after the unit is turned back on. The backlight must then be turned on by holding the power button for two seconds.

According to the manual, "The backlight causes severe drain on the batteries in the SporTrak. To prevent accidentally turning the backlight on and leaving it on, the SporTrak will turn the backlight off when there has been no button presses for 4 minutes. Pressing any button will turn the backlight back on in this instance. The time delay for the backlight can be changed in Setup."

I find that the LOW mode is totally adequate in any level of darkness that I have experienced. The picture at the right shows the SporTrak unit with the backlight on HIGH in total darkness.  When the backlight is on in either mode, an audible buzz is heard from the unit. This is not loud, and if I hadn't been in a totally silent environment I wouldn't have noticed it at all, but it is present. I like the backlight.

WALKING AROUND

While I had read the online version of the manual a few times to familiarize myself with the Magellan SporTrak Topo, I wanted to see if I could use the SporTrak without returning to the manual as a resource, so I took it for a walk around the block. I figured that was safe enough, as I have never been lost for more than a few hours in my own neighborhood.  I set a waypoint in the middle of my driveway by pressing and holding the GOTO button, and then MARKing the position.  

My walk was very successful. While the basemap only shows my neighborhood as a blank space in the map, I was easily able to 'navigate' my way around. The information available, literally at my fingertips, was amazing to me in many ways.  After pestering a neighbor with sunset and moonrise times, I was able to follow the Magellan SporTrak Topo back to the waypoint in my driveway without difficulty.

Upon returning home, I needed a potty break, and when trying to get my pants back up, I inadvertently dropped the SporTrak Topo into the toilet. It floated to the surface and I was able to retrieve it. Despite my horror at dropping the culmination of millennia of navigational technology into the commode, and wondering how Ferdinand Magellan would look upon that sacrilege, I noted that the SporTrak didn't skip a beat and, despite suffering an indignity, dutifully reported the coordinates of my bathroom: 29 56.599N  090 12.423W. I rinsed it off and made a note. This was not how I intended to test the unit's buoyancy, but sometimes you have to take gear testing as it comes. Ferdinand forgive me!

I took some additional time to familiarize myself with the functionality of the unit, and I made some notes below. Despite entering my two story house, the unit never lost the satellite signal even though the Satellite Screen showed very weak signals. I was able to walk to most areas of my house and obtain coordinates. I take this as a positive sign that the SporTrak Topo will perform well under a forest canopy, but further testing will examine that supposition.

THE NAVIGATION SCREENS

The LCD screen provides very easy viewing, even at an angle.  These pictures really do not do the graphics justice.  They are very clean, sharp, and easy to see.  According to the manual, there are nine user configurable Navigation Screens. These are as shown above: Status, Map, Compass, Large Data, Position 1, Position 2, Road, Strip Compass, and Speedometer. All of the Navigation Screens are customizable to some extent, and an exhaustive description would take a lot of time and quite a bit of space. Since this Initial Report is intended as an overview only, a detailed description of their function and functionality will be given in the Field Report.

The Navigation Screens are accessed by pressing the NAVIGATION button. From any screen other than a Navigation Screen, pressing the NAVIGATION button will display the last navigation screen viewed. If the NAVIGATION button is pressed while performing data inputs, the inputs will not be saved. Pressing the NAVIGATION button sequentially scrolls through the Navigation Screens in the following order, while pressing the CANCEL button in navigation mode will scroll in reverse order:

SATELLITE STATUS SCREEN

The Satellite Status Screen provides a graphical display of the satellites in view and which ones are being used to compute the navigation data. The bar graph shows the relative signal strength being received for each satellite. At the bottom of the display is an indication of the battery life remaining. When using external power, this is indicated as well.

MAP SCREEN

Most of the GPS units I have seen do not have map screens. In my mind's eye, I expected that the map screen would be handy, but I was really thrilled with this feature when I saw it in action. Even after just five minutes, I can't imagine having a GPS unit without a mapping feature. The map screen allows the Magellan SporTrak Topo to not only tell you where you are, but to show you, which is, to use my nephew's lingo, 'wicked sick'.

While I can't imagine ever abandoning my paper maps, plotting my position on them is much easier with the help of the map screen.

The Map Screen has two modes, position or cursor. In the position mode, the current position is indicated by the arrow icon in the center of the screen. The arrow will point in the direction of travel if the unit is moving. At the bottom is the scale for the map, which is about 1/4 of the width of the screen. The scales are (in miles) 1700, 800, 400, 200, 100, 50, 25, 12, 7, 3.5, 1.6, 0.8, 0.4, 0.2, and then (in feet) 500, 250, 100. Switching the display to metric mode shows scales of (in kilometers) 2700, 1300 700, 350, 160, 80, 40, 20, 10, 5, 2.5, 1.4, and then (in meters) 700, 350, 160, 90, 35. Data can also be displayed at the bottom of the map screen, or can be hidden to reveal more of the map. The data selections are Street Info, Horizontal Profile, Terrain Projection, and Two Customizable Data Fields. These two data fields can be customized. A detailed explanation of these functions, and other features of the Map Screen will be provided in the Field Report.

In cursor mode, the map can be scrolled using the CURSOR KEY. The entire base map can be viewed this way! When you press the CURSOR KEY in any direction, a crosshair appears that can be moved with the CURSOR KEY. Pressing ESCAPE returns to the position mode and shows the current position. I have found that this is a fantastically useful and entertaining feature. I talk more about this and the basemap itself below.

COMPASS SCREEN

The Compass Screen literally displays a graphical compass. The lower half of the Compass Screen displays the heading using the graphical compass, and it also displays the relative positions of the sun, the moon, and the GOTO destination, if programmed. The upper half of the screen displays four customizable navigational data blocks. The default display shows bearing, heading, distance, and speed. These four data windows can be changed to display any one of 13 data options including bearing, heading, distance, speed, elevation, time, date, turn, VMG, CTS, ETA, ETE, XTE, EPE, Avg. Speed, Max Speed, or Total Distance. These options are defined in the glossary.

Checking the graphical compass against my magnetic compass reveals that the compass is spot on.

LARGE DATA SCREEN

The Large Data screen is similar to the Compass screen but here the compass has been removed to allow for very large display of four navigation data windows. These four data fields can be changed to display any one of 13 data options including bearing, heading, distance, speed, elevation, time, date, turn, VMG, CTS, ETA, ETE, XTE, EPE, Avg. Speed, Max Speed, or Total Distance.

POSITION SCREEN

The Position Screen is actually two screens that can be flipped back and forth by pressing the CURSOR KEY left and right. The Position screens 1 and 2 display the present position using the coordinate systems that have been selected in Setup. This screen shows all of the basic position, time and satellite information. In addition, current navigation information is shown in the bottom half of the screen.  Both are shown above.

THE ROAD SCREEN

The Road screen presents a route as if traveling on a road. When a turn is coming up, the road will graphically display the turn and the direction. Waypoint and destination icons are displayed relative to the current position as they come into view. Above the road is a compass that displays the heading and above that are four customizable data fields. These four data fields can be changed to display any one of 13 data options including bearing, heading, distance, speed, elevation, time, date, turn, VMG, CTS, ETA, ETE, XTE, EPE, Avg. Speed, Max Speed, or Total Distance.

THE SPEEDOMETER SCREEN

The Speedometer Screen shows a graphical speedometer, four customizable data fields, and a trip odometer. These four data fields can be changed to display any one of 13 data options including bearing, heading, distance, speed, elevation, time, date, turn, VMG, CTS, ETA, ETE, XTE, EPE, Avg. Speed, Max Speed, or Total Distance.

THE STRIP COMPASS SCREEN

The Strip Compass Screen shows a graphical strip compass and six customizable data fields.   These six data fields can be changed to display any one of 13 data options including bearing, heading, distance, speed, elevation, time, date, turn, VMG, CTS, ETA, ETE, XTE, EPE, Avg. Speed, Max Speed, or Total Distance.

OTHER SCREENS

The above descriptions only cover the Navigation Screens. There are several other useful screens, including Sun and Moon Data, Hunting and Fishing Times, as well as a wide array of menus that activate various functions, customize the displays, and allow the unit to be tailored to the individual user. It is obvious that a very large amount of thought went into the software design of the Magellan SporTrak Topo.

DATA HARMONY

In order to fully evaluate the Magellan SporTrak Topo, it is important to clearly understand the function and purpose of the unit. Think of it like any other piece of gear. Take a tent, for instance. What is the function and purpose of a tent? The purpose and function of a tent is to act as a shelter, and to provide protection from the elements. A tent is a servant that obeys the command, "Shelter me." Any evaluation of a tent must first take into consideration its ability to perform its basic function under various conditions.

To follow that idea, what is the purpose and function of a GPS unit? Simply stated, the purpose and function of a GPS unit is to provide the user with a position fix. A GPS unit is a servant that answers the question, "Where am I?" The evaluation of the SporTrak Topo, then, will be foremost an evaluation of how well the unit performs its basic function - location of position - under various conditions.

Beyond that simple concept though, the SporTrak Topo provides many other things to the user and all of them are a kind of Data Wealth. In the introduction, I listed the elements we would consider. There is the physical unit itself, the internal software for the unit, the interface for that software (buttons and menus), the built in roads basemap, the built in topographic basemap, the MapSend Topo software that is installed on a PC, and the interface and data share between the unit and the MapSend Topo software. On top of all that, there is a constellation of satellites and numerous ground stations that the unit interfaces with to calculate a position and gather other data. All of these items come together to create a rather unique piece of composite gear. The GPS unit is a radio receiver for a special kind of technological symphony. It does not function by itself. The satellites sing and dance, ground stations set the tempo, and the SporTrak translates this data synthesis into the music of navigation and provides a melody that a rambler may follow wherever his heart desires.

The distinction I want to make, however, is between the music and the melody. When evaluating a tent, it is necessary to consider the components individually, and then consider the synthesis of those components, and then how those components harmonize. While using the unit has proved to be remarkably simple so far, it is my belief that users that appreciate the technology fully will better be able to utilize it. Please bear with me.

DATA WEALTH - "TO THOSE THAT HAVE, MORE WILL BE GIVEN TO THEM."

Of course I know where I am! Who doesn't know that!? How to get somewhere from here, though, isn't something I'm entirely sure of...
- My response to a ridiculous question by a hiking buddy many years ago.

When a person has little or no data, that is known as data poverty. If you are lost, you're experiencing data poverty. When a person has a lot of data, that is known as data wealth. The more you know about where you are, the more data wealth you possess. Like other kinds of currency, data wealth allows you to do things that you wouldn't otherwise be able to do without it. The Magellan SporTrak Topo provides data wealth. The simplest GPS unit will provide a position, normally in the form of coordinates. The SporTrak, however, provides much more than this, and a SporTrak user could be said to have true data wealth. To summarize the data wealth the SporTrak Topo unit provides, consider the following data elements available to the user. Some of these are defined in the Glossary.

1. Current coordinates. (In two customizable formats simultaneously.)
2. Bearing to next destination.
3. Distance to destination.
4. Current speed.
5. Current heading.
6. Velocity made good.
7. The course to steer to reach the destination.
8. Estimated time of arrival at the destination.
9. Cross track error.
10. Distance to the next course change (turn).
11. Current Elevation.
12. Estimated position error.
13. Average speed.
14. Maximum speed.
15. Total distance traveled. (Trip Odometer)
16. Date.
17. Time.
18. Phase of the moon.
19. Moonrise time.
20. Moonset time.
21. Sunrise time.
22. Sunset time.
23. Moon position.
24. Sun position.
25. Prime hunting time.
26. Prime fishing time.
27. Signal strength and reception.

This is just raw data. Information that the user can draw on to make navigational, planning, and other decisions. The unit is designed in such a way that a user can access as much or as little of this information as desired.

I want to make a clear distinction at this point between this Data Wealth and the Map Screen, because the Map Screen represents a different element from the raw data entirely. (The music and the melody, remember?) Data is something that you can use anywhere. If the SporTrak did not have a built in mapping feature, it would still be very useful. Maps could still be made, and navigation would still be (in theory) possible and (as I will test) accurate. The synthesis would be complete, and the unit could be said to have successfully fulfilled its basic function. The user could then translate this data into real world applications like marking a position on a map.

DATA INTERFACE - THE MAP AS A METAPHOR

The Magellan SporTrak Topo provides a level of functionality above simply providing data wealth by translating that data into graphical outputs in the form of on screen maps, elevation profiles, track profiles, and terrain projections. The father of general semantics, Alford Korzybski stated, "A map is not the territory it represents, but if correct, it has a similar structure to the territory, which accounts for its usefulness". While Al was speaking metaphorically about something else, his words are applicable to our subject. If our map is sufficiently detailed, and our position accurately represented, our map will have significant usefulness. If our map is insufficient, and/or our position not accurately represented, then it may be useless. The more detailed and accurate it is, the more useful it will be. In the Magellan SporTrak Topo, we already possess Data Wealth. The basemap represents another kind of Data Wealth - namely a metaphor for the territory we travel. The graphical projections of maps and profiles provided by the SporTrak Topo are a synthesis of two sets of Data Wealth that provide the end user with a living map.

That's a powerful statement, but imagine for a moment that you had a magic map and where ever you went, the map would show you not only where you are, but if commanded would show you where you had been, where you are going, what the surrounding terrain was like, and how steep or easy your way was and will be. What if the map could remember places that were important to you and was able to lead you back to them? What if the map could tell you about places that you had never been before and lead you to them? What if you could tell the map where you wanted to go and have it lead you there? How useful would that be? The Magellan SporTrak Topo is, in a very real way, that magic map.

LOOKING AT THE BASEMAPS - THE BRAIN BEHIND THE MAGIC MAP

There are actually two basemaps inside the Magellan SporTrak Topo, but they are overlaid so neatly that they appear to be one map. The first is an 8 MB roads basemap of cities, highways, railroads, airports, waterways and parks. This basemap contains major roads for most major cities, and the interstate system. The second map is a 100 MB topographic basemap. This basemap contains navigable waterways, major contour lines, and elevation information. These two maps are a total of 108 MB of electronic maps that are available to the user according to Magellan. My unit indicates that it has "BASEMAP: NA. Topo - 1.11 - Size: 113038288 bytes" (110.39 MB). I cannot account for the discrepancy between the documentation and the onboard status display, but it's all good.

The Map Screen, as described above, shows the unit's position in the form of a triangular direction icon graphically on a map, but when the CURSOR KEY is pressed, something interesting happens. The triangular direction icon is replaced by a crosshair icon. This crosshair icon can be moved around the screen and used, not only to imagine fantasy bombing runs, but to scroll across the basemap. On the surface, that's useful for seeing what lies a little beyond the edge of the displayed map, but then I discovered that the ZOOM buttons worked in this mode as well. It is possible to visit far off places and zoom in to walk a 'virtual hike', and even set waypoints, before you even get close to a location. This also allows the map to be referenced for planning and other things, and I will be exploring this in detail in the Field Report.

I was fairly impressed when I realized that I had a topographical map with 100 ft (35 m) resolution literally at my fingertips. I was even more impressed when I realized that while no detail data is available for non-U.S. countries, the entire world is represented inside the SporTrak's basemap. Country borders and major cities are included. It's possible, by moving the cursor around, to learn the bearing and distance to any major foreign city. For instance, I took a virtual trip down to Perth, Australia (Hello, Andrew!) and learned that Perth, Australia is 10,883 miles away bearing 257 degrees. Timbuktu wasn't represented, but I am currently 8,347 miles from Katmandu. This kind of thing may not be particularly useful, unless you are in an aircraft perhaps, but it is very high on the coolness scale. Bringing the function back down to the continental level, I can see where this would be very useful in a practical way. Since cities can be selected as waypoints, a GOTO route can be created to them. Similarly, while bushwhacking, a town or city could be set as a destination point and the unit could lead you through trackless territory.  If that is done, then the unit can display all kinds of useful information, such as distance and ETA to the next destination. On an even smaller scale, GOTO routes can be created to other waypoints like trailheads, points of interest, other landmarks, or even just a dot on the map. The psychological - and real - advantage to knowing that your next break, your campsite, or water, for instance, is just ten minutes away should not be overlooked.  The ability doesn't stop there, but I will provide more information about 'projecting' a position in the Field Report.

Once I got over my dizzying enthusiasm for virtual world travel, I began to think in more practical terms. I began a 'virtual hike' of frequented places and other areas that I am intimately familiar with in order to determine the level of detail provided in the included basemaps. Being in southern Louisiana where the ground is as flat as calm water, there isn't really any topographical detail to look at, but I started with the neighborhood where I grew up, and the 50 acre woodlot near there which is now a wastewater treatment plant and a baseball stadium. It's just a white space in the basemap. I do note that there is a railway depicted on the basemap that was removed more than 10 years ago.  The neighborhood where I live now is similarly blank. Zooming out shows that major roads and waterways are well represented, and seem to be reasonably accurate. I decided to wander a little further afield and examine the swamps and saltwater marshes I am familiar with. The major waterways were all accurately represented, even if the map is very basic. I wandered over to Chicot State Park in Louisiana, a place I have frequented often, and found that Lake Chicot was represented in a blocky and basic way, but that it was accurately represented. Moving out of state, I found my way up to Percy Quinn State Park in Mississippi, and located Lake Tangipahoa. It too was represented in a basic way, but accurately enough to be useful. Moving still further afield, I examined Clark's Creek Recreation Area in the Homichitto National Forest in Mississippi. The lake was not represented at all, and neither were the streams. Clark's Creek has some minor terrain and I am fairly familiar with it. The topographical lines on the basemap look accurate enough, but I will check them in detail during the Field Report. Moving east about 100 miles I paid a virtual visit to the DeSoto National Forest in Mississippi and located the Black Creek Wilderness Area that I frequent. Although Black Creek itself is considered a National Scenic River it was not represented on the base map - nor was any of DeSoto National Forest for that matter - which kind of surprised me. (I suppose that there is only so much that can be included in the basemap, and I have noted that the MapSend Topo software fills in the gaps nicely.) Ship Island in the Gulf of Mexico, a place where I take frequent boat trips, is represented in a very basic way. Navarre Beach Florida, and specifically Santa Rosa Island, is represented in the same way. Moving to something more common, I investigated Estes Park, Colorado - gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park.  RMNP itself is well represented, and the contour lines match the detailed maps I have of the area quite nicely. Most of the lakes seem to be in place, but none of the rivers are represented.  I was particularly surprised that Big Thompson River wasn't represented. The city of Estes Park is represented basically, with U.S. Highways 34, 36, and 7 represented accurately.  

What my preliminary investigations of the basemap revealed to me was that while the magic map has a similar enough structure to the territory to be useable and useful, there are certain gaps and omissions.  It will be necessary to use either a paper map or the MapSend Topo software to fill in the blanks. I will be checking this in depth for the field report.

PRELIMINARY NAVIGATIONS

In the brief period that I have had the Magellan SporTrak Topo, I have successfully used it to navigate heretofore unraveled areas of New Orleans, and to discover shortcuts in what is probably the most difficult city in the world to navigate.  I mean, in order to get to the west bank of the Mississippi River you have to travel south-east!  The road maps are detailed enough to be useful.  The major roads that should be represented are represented, and I have no complaint.

MAPSEND TOPO SOFTWARE

Space does not allow me to review the MapSend Topo Software in this report.  In reality, it deserves its own report, and so I have prepared an Owner Review for it.

TESTING STRATEGY

I will be evaluating all of the features and aspects discussed in this Initial Report, as well as using the Magellan SporTrak Topo on trips to North Carolina, Texas, Florida, Mississippi, and within my own state of Louisiana.  I have a lot of traveling to do during the Field Report phase, and this will provide me with a lot of testing opportunities. I intend to use the SporTrak Topo in my vehicle, on boats, and while hiking and backpacking in various areas. Additionally, in mid March, I will use the Magellan SporTrak Topo to map the Clear Springs hiking trail in Mississippi, and make that map available to the Forest Service so that they can replace the absolutely dreadful map they hand out now.

In order to test the Magellan SporTrak Topo while hiking, I wanted some way to attach it to my pack to have it handy, and perhaps be able to see it without having to hold it.  I was sort of surprised that Magellan didn't offer such a thing.  I had the car mount for the SporTrak, and with a little elbow grease, some rivets, an Outdoor Products sunglasses case, and a piece of aluminum I had lying around, I reengineered the car mount and created the SporTrak Shoulder Strap Mounting Bracket. I expect that Magellan will pay me a handsome royalty for it, eh?  Even if they don't, I hope they will offer something like it in the future. It has already proven very handy while walking around with a pack on.  The Outdoor Products sunglasses case is the perfect size to store the SporTrak unit in while not in use.

This image has been modified in Photoshop.

SUMMARY

I am really very happy with the Magellan SporTrak Topo unit at this time, but I've only had it for two weeks and the new toy novelty hasn't worn off yet.

THINGS I LIKE

1.  Light
2.  Data Wealth
3.  Magic Map
4.  Holds a signal quite nicely, even when sitting in the center console cup holder in my Ford Escape.

THINGS I DON'T LIKE

1. It seems to me that the only thing missing is a tidal chart.  I can't imagine why one was not included as a feature of the SporTrak.  I would find high tide and low tide times to be very useful.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

I have prepared a list of additional resources for those wishing to learn more about Global Positioning Technology (GPS) and other fun stuff to do with GPS units that is beyond the scope of this report.  This is hosted on my own hiking website and are not a part of this report.

***

Thank you for your time.

Shane Steinkamp
shane@theplacewithnoname.com  
www.theplacewithnoname.com/hiking