DeLorme Professional Weblog

In short, yes you can. Since it was first released almost two years ago, the Earthmate GPS PN-20 has been periodically updated and enhanced. While the device itself has remained the same, the firmware, or internal programming that determines how the device functions, has been revised and new versions have been released several times. Each firmware update improves the performance of the device, upgrades the existing functionality, and often adds new features and functions. Running the firmware updater is like trading in your old PN-20 for the latest model. If only trading in your car was that simple.

The most recent firmware update (version 1.4) was released in mid-April, 2008 and offers a number of significant enhancements for PN-20 users. Perhaps the most noteworthy, especially for XMap users, is the option to display hybrid maps, meaning that both raster and vector data layers can be displayed simultaneously. For instance, you can now view an aerial image on the PN-20 screen and overlay OpenSpace GIS data layers, which can be independently turned on or off as needed. This function also provides the means to display the roads and streets from the USA Topographic Data on top of an image.

 To display a hybrid map on the PN-20, follow these steps:

• In XMap, create the required map package or packages containing the imagery, road network, GIS data, or any other features. Note that multiple data types can be combined in a single map package however you might find it easier to manage your multiple data types by creating a unique package for each type of map layer.
• Transfer the saved packages to the device using the Exchange wizard in XMap. For larger files, it is recommended that transfer the map packages to the external SD card using a dedicated SD card reader.
• After the transfer of data is complete, click the Page button on the device until the map screen is displayed.
• Press the Menu button and select Map Setup
• The first item on the list is Data Layering. This provides the tools for enabling or disabling a particular type of data and for adjusting the layering sequence. The type of data appears at the top of the list will be topmost layer on the map. To create a hybrid map, ensure that both the image and the appropriate vector data are visible and that the image or raster layer is on top.
• Press the Quit button to return to the Map Setup list and scroll down to Data Management. This list displays all of the map packages that have been transferred to the PN-20’s internal memory or SD card. If you combined several data types into one map package, then you may see only one item listed. On the other hand, if you created different map package for each data type, these will be individually listed and can be independently controlled. Make sure that the map package or packages containing the imagery and the vector data are visible.
• Press the Quit button and continue to scroll down the Map Setup list until you see the Show Hybrid Maps option, which will be turned off by default. Select the check box to enable this feature.
• Finally, press the Quit button again to return to the map view. All active line and point objects such as roads, rivers, borders, draw objects, or OpenSpace GIS data will appear on top of the image. Note that the display of polygons such as lakes, parks, or OpenSpace polygon layers is not supported using the hybrid map option.

 For more information on creating map packages and transferring data to and from the PN-20, refer to the documentation that was included with the device. To check the firmware edition on your PN-20, press the Menu button, select Device Setup and scroll down to About this Device. For a list of firmware enhancements and to download the latest release, click here or check the NetLink tab in XMap for the latest available downloads.