2010 in Review
In 2010, GPS maps became more popular - and so did consumer expectations.
Open_source maps for GPS devices proliferated in 2010, offering free, downloadable maps for navigation. At sites like OpenStreetMap.org, users contribute and refine online map data and the administrators provide utilities for downloading the maps to your GPS. Great idea! This is exactly the idea that Travel By GPS was founded on 11 years ago :)
At TravelByGPS.com you will find free map data for recreational activities and leisure travel. You will also find premium, full featured maps for popular navigation equipment. The difference between free and premium is the price. As the saying goes " you get what you pay for" and this applies to GPS maps.
Premium GPS maps are developed to take advantage of useful features found in modern navigation devices. These days, any map worth paying for includes autorouting capability and point-of-interest data. Autorouting, also called routable, maps provide turn-by-turn directions on roads - a feature car navigation users have come to expect. Travelers have also come to expect a point-of-interest (POI) data for tourism, like restaurants, hotels, banks, transportation centers, etc. Creating GPS maps with these features that work with popular devices like those from Garmin, require reliable sources of data, special software, and many, many man-hours to develop.
This last year (2010) Garmin seemed open up to the idea (pardon the pun) of open source maps, while clamping down on development of 3rd-party premium maps. On one hand, changes Garmin made to GPS device firmware and computer mapping software, disabled copy protection mechanisms that many 3-party map developers were using to prevent map piracy. A move by Garmin that put some premium map developers out of business.
On the other hand, Garmin gave unlocked maps a free pass. Garmin-compatible maps that do not have any copy protection are useable in most Garmin GPS devices. Moreover, newer GPS models allow multiple supplementary maps to be loaded simultaneously. The message seemed to be that if you (map developers) are going to profit from making maps for Garmin devices, then you must be licensed by us (Garmin).
Map developers reacted. Some changed the way the protect their product from unauthorized redistribution, others dropped out of the market altogether. Some sought to become official licensed developers. Some were embolden to find new platforms in the rapidly growing smartphone industry. In any case, most agree that change was inevitable.
Looking ahead, the proliferation of open source maps does not signal the end to premium map development. While sites like Open Street Maps have made great strides coverage and quality, it will never keep up with expectations of the consumer. There will always be a market for geocentric data that enhances the GPS user experience. And as long as GPS devices keep adding and improving features, opportunities exist for developers to profit from unique and useful products for a society wanting to know more about their surroundings.
Have a prosperous 2011!
- Doug
Most Popular Premium Maps of 2010
Travel By GPS continues to expand its coverage of destinations outside the Untied States. Japan was by far was the most popular GPS map with maps of Panama and Costa Rica a close tie for second and third. Mexico maps were a solid forth with New Zealand finishing in the top five.
Maps of countries in the Middle East, like Afghanistan, continue to be popular because of conflict in the region, while maps of Africa gain in popularity due to increased tourism.
Special thanks to our map providers and point-of-interest contributors for keeping these maps up-to-date with useful information.
More popular GPS Maps of 2010
Yellowstone
NP
Yellowstone is the world's first and oldest national park.
Revised Spring 2010
Smoky Mountains NP
America's most visited national park is a hikers paradise.
Revised Summer 2010
Israel
Walk in the footsteps of Jesus in the the Holy Lands of Israel and Palestine.
Revised Fall 2010
Napa Valley
Wine tasting tour - Summer 2010
* * *
Hawaii
The Big Island.
Run, Bike, Swim, Paddle
Tallahassee, Florida
Everglades NP
Climb on board with Frontier Outfitters and let Capt. Wade Lamphere lead the way to adventure in the 10,000 islands
* * *
Best Article from the Year 2010
GPS Map Scams, Rip-offs, and Pirated Products
Buyer Beware: Navigating with outdated, incomplete, and otherwise poor quality maps can be dangerous. Unscrupulous merchants are selling free and pirated maps. Don't get ripped-off. Here is what to look for to make sure your are getting a premium GPS map product... [more]
Best Special Edition from the Year 2010
Custom Map of Callaway Gardens for Garmin GPS
This special edition map of Callaway Gardens includes a tutorial of "how-to" create this map for your new Garmin.
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