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INTRODUCTION

    Virtually all GPS
software is written with the idea that you’ll be using
it while driving in your car, to figure out how to get to your
destination, but GPS has a lot of uses beyond just
traveling over pavement.  Contractors and workers
in production plants can use GPS to navigate to a
particular facility or find the place where some piece
of equipment needs attention.  Hikers can use GPS
to navigate over trails or even "through the bush" if
necessary.  Foot patrol police officers and
security guards can locate and check "hot spots"
quickly and easily.  Canoers can easily navigate
the maze of lakes in the US/Canada "Boundary Waters"
area on a specific itinerary, making re-supply
appointments within minutes of the assigned time. 
All of these applications have in common the need to
use GPS to navigate over a specialized map which isn’t
likely to be a part of in-car GPS programs.  Is
there software that would work for these and similar
applications?  If so, is it easy enough that we could actually use it.  If so, could we afford it?

WHAT’S HOT

    MuskokaTech’s PathAway
GPS 3 comes with a very important additional program: 
The Map Manager program runs on your desktop system
and allows you to convert maps from other sources into
a format useable by PathAway GPS 3.  PathAway
also offers sophisticated tools for calibrating your
map for use with GPS.  This makes virtually any
map that can be converted or scanned into a graphic
image a map source for PathAway GPS 3.
    Even if you don’t have a graphic map background, PathAway GPS
3 has a complete set of tools for tracking and/or
capturing your current route, following a
predetermined route, creating a new route through
known points, and even sharing maps and routes with
other PathAway GPS 3 users.

SETUP

    PathAway GPS 3 installs using the
standard ActiveSync Add/Remove programs feature. 
You can install the program in Main Memory or on a
Storage Card without any significant speed issues. 
The installation routine also puts a shortcut in the
"Programs" folder of your Pocket PC’s Start menu. 
In addition, the installation puts a PathAway folder
onto each storage medium (main memory, File Store,
storage cards) you have installed with a small
database in that folder.  These databases are
used by the program to store data generated when you
use the program.  The advantage of this technique
is that you can copy the data to another card or just
slide the card into
another machine using the program and have access to
this new data.
    Along with the Pocket PC program, the installation routine
puts the Map Manager software and PDF (Adobe Acrobat)
format manuals for the Pocket PC program and Map
Manager program on your desktop system.  It also
installs shortcuts in the Start Menu on your desktop
to the Map Manager, the manuals, and
reinstall/uninstall operations.

    In
order to use PathAway GPS 3, you will have to have a
GPS unit.  Fortunately, the program is set up to
work with any NMEA0183 v2.0-compliant GPS (that
includes the vast majority on the market).  You
can also use Delorme Earthmate