Robert@PNG

Apart from doing very little blogging since returning to Sydney - I have just purchased a hand held GPS!

Who would have thought???

The specs of the unit I have purchased are as follows:

GPSmap 60CSx

Bonus 512MB microSD card included
with

maps loaded!

Speed cameras, red light cameras and school zones (over 1100)
locations

• New high-sensitivity WAAS-capable GPS receiver by SiRF
• Built-in quad-helix receiving antenna with remote antenna capability
• Unit dimensions: 2.4” W x 6.1” H x 1.3” D
• Display: 1.5” W x 2.2” H, 2.6”-diagonal, 256-color, transflective TFT (160 x 240 pixels)
• Supports English, Spanish, Portugese, and French languages.
• Weight: 7.5 ounces with batteries (not included)
• Sensors:
  -Electronic compass displays accurate heading while standing still
  -Barometric altimeter
• microSD card slot allows for storage of optional MapSource detail (64 MB microSD included)
• LED backlit display and keypad
• Battery life: 18 hours (typical use) using two AA alkaline batteries
• Includes a built-in Americas autoroute basemap with automatic routing
  capabilities, including highways, exits, and tide data (USA only)
• Internal memory is preloaded with a marine point database
• 1,000 user waypoints with name and graphic symbol; 50 reversible routes
• Position formats include Lat/Lon, UTM, Loran TDs, Maidenhead, MGRS, user grid, and more
• Large-numbers option for easy viewing; dual-position display mode
• Trip computer provides odometer, stopped time, moving average, overall average, total time, max speed, and more
• 10,000-point automatic track log; 20 saved tracks (500 points each) let you retrace your path in both directions
• Elevation computer provides current elevation, ascent/descent rate,
  minimum/ maximum elevation, total ascent and descent, average and
  maximum ascent and descent rate
• Navigation
  instructions can be shared with repeaters, plotters, and autopilots
  using NMEA protocols through the dedicated serial port
• Built-in celestial tables for sun and moon calculations and the best times to fish and hunt
• Compatible with most MapSource products. See the MapSource Compatibility table (top right) for a list of software that Garmin
  recommends with this product.
• Water resistant: IEC 60529 IPX7 standards

Also included in the box;

	GPSmap 60CSx GPS
	PC/USB interface cable
	Trip & Waypoint Manager software on CD
	Lanyard (wrist strap)
	Belt Clip
	Owners Manual
	Quick Start Guide

Have also purchased the following software:

1) Waypoint Manager : allows me to interface GPS with Laptop
2) WorldMaps : provides a map base for the entire planet.
3) Contour lines for PNG : an overlay of contour lines for PNG.

In the back of my mind…

I would like to assist some of the landowners I know in PNG with mapping out their tribal/clan land boundaries. The above GPS unit and software will allow me to walk the perimeter of theclan's land - record mapping data and then return to my laptop and print out a map with their land boundaries - on a contoured map!!!!

My aim is to do this for the folks from Kaubasis (Eli's clan) for free and then possibly sell my services to neighbouring land owners. Has the potential for a business opportunity.