Garmin Unveils New Terrain-Aware Portable GPS
Garmin last week introduced its latest new gizmo, the GPSMAP 296 aviation handheld, which combines GPS position and altitude readouts with topographical maps. The color display gives pilots a clear depiction of potential terrain hazards, Garmin says. “Terrain awareness really sets the GPSMAP 296 apart from other aviation handheld devices,” said Gary Kelley, Garmin’s director of marketing, in a press release. The unit features a look-ahead warning function that alerts pilots to terrain or obstacle conflicts along the current flight path. The units go on sale next month at Sun ‘n Fun, for $1,795.
Garmin last week introduced its latest new gizmo, the GPSMAP 296 aviation handheld, which combines GPS position and altitude readouts with topographical maps. The color display gives pilots a clear depiction of potential terrain hazards, Garmin says. "Terrain awareness really sets the GPSMAP 296 apart from other aviation handheld devices," said Gary Kelley, Garmin's director of marketing, in a press release. The unit features a look-ahead warning function that alerts pilots to terrain or obstacle conflicts along the current flight path. The units go on sale next month at Sun 'n Fun, for $1,795. Topographic data is depicted as shaded contours in sectional-chart-like detail. An extensive Jeppesen database is overlaid on the topo maps to show the flight path in relation to navigation aids, special-use airspace and obstructions. Pilots can also use the portable unit in marine and automotive modes.
