Garmin Distribution Africa has launched the GPSMAP 62 series, which is the successor to the GPSMAP 60 rugged outdoor handheld device.

 

The GPSMAP 62 series features two waterproof models, the GPSMAP 62 and GPSMAP 62s. Both models boasts a 2.6" sunlight-readable colour display, up to 20 hours of battery life, as well as a high-sensitivity GPS receiver and a quad helix antenna for unparalleled reception

 

The basic GPSMAP 62 includes a built-in worldwide basemap with shaded relief, while the GPSMAP 62s adds a 3-axis tilt-compensated electronic compass and wireless connectivity for sharing routes, tracks, waypoints and geocaches between other compatible Garmin Outdoor handhelds. The 62s also includes a barometric altimeter that tracks changes in pressure to pinpoint your precise altitude. Users can also plot barometric pressure over time, which can help keep an eye on changing weather conditions.

 

“Adding maps is easy with Garmap’s detailed Digital Elevation Model (DEM), topographic and road maps," says Walter Mech, director of Sales and Marketing at Garmin Distribution Africa. "With 1.7 GB of onboard memory, you can conveniently download BlueChart g2 for a great day on the water or Garmap Southern Africa Streetmaps for turn-by-turn routing on roads.”

 

GPSMAP 62 also supports BirdsEye Satellite Imagery (subscription required), that allows one to download satellite images to your device and integrate them with your maps. In addition, the units are compatible with Garmin Custom Maps, free software that transforms paper and electronic maps into downloadable maps for the device.

 

These units also sports support for geocaching GPX files that allows for the downloading of geocaches and details straight to your unit. Users are able to store and display key information, such as location, terrain, difficulty, hints and descriptions.

 

Garmin also recently extended its Live Traffic service (previously only available in Gauteng) to include Cape Town and Durban.