As automotive-adventure photojournalists we're always on the go, so knowing where we are, where we've been, and where we need to be is a critical part of our job. Many times we've been given coordinates where to meet someone, rather than a physical street address. This makes a dependable and accurate GPS essential gear.
The new DeLorme Earthmate GPS PN-20 is easy to use for those who aren't so technically inclined, and it has all the advanced features a high-tech geek could ever want. The rugged and waterproof handheld GPS features a bright color screen that works in sunlight or total darkness. This makes the PN-20 easy to read when entering and exiting a vehicle, and we found that we didn't needed to shade the screen to figure out where we were located.
The coolest part of the PN-20 is the unit's ability to download different types of detailed mapping. It comes with DeLorme's Topo USA and features nationwide street-level mapping for major roads and highways, the latest topographical maps for easy navigation of back roads and trails, authentic USGS in 7.5-min detail, color aerial imagery, and NOAA nautical charts. The PN-20 has automatic road routing with turn-by-turn directions, and four million places of interest. The unit can also track your travels with breadcrumbs for future reference and navigation.
The PN-20 comes in a complete kit so the purchase of additional mapping isn't necessary. The handheld unit comes with a 1GB SD card for large files, a USB card reader, and 75 MB of internal flash memory in addition to a preloaded world base map. The device also connects to a PC by USB cable, making downloading maps easy and fun. | 
The Earthmate GPS PN-20 has the ability to download extremely detailed topographical mapping for off-highway travel and navigation, street-level maps, USGS 1:24,000 quads in authentic 7.5-min detail, black and white aerial imagery and color satellite aerial imagery of select cities, and NOAA nautical charts. It also shows multiple views in mapping or imagery form of the same GPS location, making this little handheld an extremely comprehensive navigational tool. |
The only additional accessories we found necessary to purchase separately from the PN-20 kit were the 12-volt in-vehicle cable for charging and the suction-cup window mount, which are must-have accessories for navigating while driving. | |