Garmin's GPS-V Mapping GPS Receiver with AUTOMATIC address to address routing
Review by Joe Mehaffey and Jack Yeazel
Revision: 12 Sept 2001
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G-V Screen                       eMap Screen            G-II+ Screen

Note: Above pictures are NOT to scale but show the different screen resolutions of the three models.  The pixel count of the G-V screen is 160x272 and the eMap is 120x160 and that is reflected in the above pictures.  The actual size of the G-V screen is approximately 1.5"x 2.2" which is same as the G-III+ shown on the right with its 100x160 pixel display.

OVERVIEW
Consumer GPS technology continues to move forward with the introduction of the Garmin GPS-V 12-channel parallel GPS receiver.  This product introduces automatic address-to-address (A2A) routing  and WAAS in a small handheld GPSR similar in size and capability to the G-III+.  With the A2A feature,  users can input the address of a destination and the G-V will compute a route and give turn-by-turn instructions as the route is navigated.   The GPS provides a moving cursor on the moving map showing your position on the GPSR's internal map.

The G-V comes with "CitySelect" (containing a version of NavTech  based maps).  This software is similar to "CityNavigator" software furnished with the StreetPilot III.  CitySelect has the same excellent (but not perfect) maps,  but routing information has been slightly modified for the lower processor power of the G-V.  The CitySelect user can enable one of about 9 USA regions at no charge and can enable some or all of the others at additional cost.  The G-V has map memory of about 19 megabytes.  Memory is not expandable.  The G-V will NOT accept memory cartridges.

In the Atlanta area,  this 19 megs will hold approximately the northern 1/3 of Georgia including Atlanta.  The "map chunks" loaded do NOT need to be contiguous.  The G-V can also be loaded with maps from any of Garmin's consumer map offerings such as MetroGuide II (provides address-to-address guidance USA wide.), R&R,  TOPO,  and Worldmap.  Note:  The G-V contains a base map which contains all of the major federal and state highways of the USA and Canada.  The G-V can perform A2A routing on the basemap as well as using either CS or MG-II maps for this purpose.  Thus,  the user can load detailed maps for <say> Atlanta and Denver.  Then have G-V generate a route to an address in Denver from Atlanta.  The G-V will use the CS (or MG-II) map at the beginning and end of the route and the base map along the way.  This eliminates the need to load CS (or other detailed) maps for the highway portions of most journeys.

Note:  As of  September 2001,  NO software other than Garmin's MapSource CDROM Maps can be uploaded into the G-V (or any other consumer model GPSR.  This MOST DEFINITELY includes Delorme StreetAtlas 9.  (SA9 at present cannot be used to upload/download> routes,  tracks,  and waypoints.)    Additional features of MapSource uploadable maps are discussed below.

Street Prices can be expected to be in the range of US$450.  Check Discount prices HERE.

HOW GOOD ARE THE MAPS?

One of the first thing you'll notice when looking at the maps  is the higher resolution screen of the G-V compared with the G-III+ and others.  The CS and MetroGuide II maps are substantial improvements over earlier maps,  but you will still find errors and omissions in some areas.  Overall  we rate the CS maps excellent (in the 120 metropolitan areas they cover) and MG-II we rate as "very good".  We found that the CS map/data system regularly generates better routes (more like what you would do) than the MG-II.  However,  in cases where you do not want to "blindly follow the directions",  you can deviate on your own selected path and the G-V will automatically recalculate the route.  In our experiences,  both systems would get you to your destination.  A very few times,  we did notice MG-II takes some strange detours,  but these were rare.

The GPS-V Receiver

The new GPS-V is very similar to a G-III+ receiver with some important new features and a few G-III features are gone. (Click HERE for product review of the G-III+) .   All G-III+ accessories work with the GPS-V.  The G-V has been enhanced with additional memory (total=19megabytes),  WAAS operability,  a higher definition screen,  perpetual calendar,  fish/hunt predictor (useful?).  It also includes a "pong" type game for when you get bored with GPS and includes a gas mileage calculator feature.  The G-V has an alarm BEEPER used for alarms,  messages and turn warnings..

All of the added memory in the G-III+ is internal as opposed to a removable cartridge.   The G-III+ receiver comes  with a DATA (only) cable for loading maps and updated firmware.

There are a number of new menus in the G-V to support the address to address features but those familiar with the G-III+ unit will be right at home with the operation of the G-V.  With the G-V  you can do the usual G-III+ route/waypoint/track  management,  (including TrackBack and MARK) plus,  the automatic address-to-address routing capability can operate to design routes INSIDE the G-V itself.  As with other models,  G7TO(win) can be used to up/download waypoints,  routes,  and tracks.

Other new features in the GPS-V include a "pop up" direction screen showing a blown up picture of the coming intersection with an arrow pointing the way to turn with a BEEP to warn you of an upcoming turn.  Proximity waypoints are also supported with the beep alarm.

Garmin has removed the firmware revision level from the initial screen so potential customers will not have an easy way to determine which software revision level is in a unit.  However,  software updates should be available on their website as usual for recent equipment.  The software revision level of the  does appear on the information window that appears on MapSource when maps are being uploaded to the GPS.  The unit used for review had 2.01 firmware.

 Another method to get the revision number  is to press ON+ENTER.  This also gives the diagnostics page.  Press QUIT multiple times brings up additional diagnostic screens. ON+PAGE clears the almanac, and ON+MENU is an erase of stored GPS calibration and waypoint information!

Battery life in the NORMAL mode on the G-V is somewhat more than 16 hours  of continuous operation on Toshiba AA alkaline batteries.  A "power save" mode that provides a fix every five seconds as opposed to once per second is supposed to increase battery life by about 30% .  (We got 20 hours continuous running in battery save mode.)  With 1600mah NiMH batteries,  the shutdown occurred at about 10 hours as the G-V set to Alkaline mode shuts off before the batteries are exhausted.

FEATURES of the GPS-V

We are going to try something new in explaining the features of the GPS-V.  The number of option screens is quite large and the some features are somewhat obscure and difficult to find.  Therefore,  we are going to show screen photos of most of the GPS-V's operational screens and this will (hopefully) give a feature overview without too many words.  (Please let us know if you like/don't like this new approach and if you have additional questions,  please eMail us.)  (Note:  The screen shots below are SLIGHTLY LARGER than the actual 2.2"W x 1.5"H (5.6 x 3.8 cm), 256 x 160 pixels size.  Attempts to scale the images produced distortion so we left them as is.)

Satellite Page                                              Pressing Menu on Sat Page Gives:

The G-V has,  for the first time in a small handheld GPS receiver,  the ability to generate an ADDRESS-TO-ADDRESS route from your current location to another point.  The destination point can be any of: a) an address,  b) a waypoint,  c) a road intersection,  d) a city or town,  e) a highway exit, or f) a Point of Interest from the internal list, or g) Recently Found Places.   This extremely flexible system is easy to operate and works quite well.  When using CitySelect,  the routes are almost always in the "very good" class and almost as high a quality as StreetPilot III using CityNavigator map data.  (Note:  By "high quality",  I mean:  a) the route was the one I would have chosen, or b) the route was <almost> as good as the one I would have chosen or c) the route was efficient,  direct,  and without problems,  but was not exactly the route I would have chosen myself.  The current routing systems available cannot know traffic conditions or detailed road conditions and so they will not always be able to take local conditions into account when generating a route.)  It is NOT possible to generate a route INTERNAL to the G-V from any destination other than your CURRENT location.  (This makes sense when you think about it.  However,  if you want to generate waypoints for future destinations you want to use for automatic route generation,  you can easily do this.)

HOW DOES THE USER INPUT A ROUTE REQUEST TO THE GPS-V?

A) The ON ROAD mode of operation.
The process starts with the pressing of the FIND key on the front of the G-V.  Alternatively,  you can select FIND on the main menu.  Then you will see this screen:
Select ADDRESSES+ENTER gives>        Then Enter an ADDRESS gives:
Click HERE for MORE Routing Screens
Note: In addition to Addresses,  you can request routes to POI, Intersections,  Waypoints,  Cities, Expressway Exits and Recently found places.

Routing Notes:
1)    The turn screens "pop up" as a turn is approached and return to the normal map screen as you pass the turn.
2)    The user can select either NORTH UP or TRACK UP for the main map,  but the pop-up screens are always TRACK UP.
3)    If you fail to follow the directions,  the GPS will automatically recalculate a new route as soon as it realizes you are "off route".
4)    If you stop at <say> a restaurant,  when you return and restart the GPS,  it will automatically recalculate and take you on the rest of your route.
5)    "Road Routing" is the default.  If you want to use the G-V on a hiking adventure,  you must select the OFF ROAD option in MAP SETUP (go to MAP page and press MENU, on MAP tab, turn LOCK ON ROAD to OFF) or the G-V will try and route you from waypoint to waypoint using nearby roads.  ALSO:  You must select OFF ROAD in ROUTE PREFERENCES in the ROUTING SETUP tab  in the MAP SETUP menu.
6)    Faster Time seems to always give me better automatically generated routes than the Shorter Distance option.

B)  The OFF ROAD mode of operation
As noted in item #5 immediately above,  you must select the OFF ROAD mode of operation.  This mode is used for hiking activities.  In this mode,  the routes do NOT lock to roads and the compass page is changed in format to the same as used in the G-III PLUS and other general purpose Garmin GPS units.

Route from road to 1, the display gives:        The COMPASS screen changes to:

Note that the "highway display" so useful for marine applications is NOT provided in off road mode.  As a result,  we believe the G-V is not really a good choice if you intend to use it for SERIOUS marine applications.
 

HOW DOES THE G-V DIFFER FROM THE G-III PLUS?  (Not an exhaustive listing)
1) Higher resolution screen.
2) Automatic address to address routing is available using the basemap,  CitySelect or MetroGuide II maps.
3) There is no formal TRIP COMPUTER page,  but you have access to all of the variables by selections on the COMPASS page.
4) The G-V has WAAS augmentation capability.
5) The G-V has an audio BEEP for alarms,  messages,  and routing alerts.
6) The G-V "times out to operation" and does not require that you press the ENTER key to get operational.
7) The G-V has an alkaline and Lithium battery selection.  (Do NOT ask me why they deleted NiCad and added Lithium instead of NiMH!)
8) The G-V has a proximity waypoint Alarm (with separate waypoint list) and an ANCHOR DRAG alarm.
9) The G-V has waypoint averaging hidden.  Go to COMPASS page and press MENU, select AVERAGE LOCATION.
10) The G-V has "road lock" (cursor locks to the road even if map and current position differ slightly).
11)    The G-V has "route rubberbanding to roads" (routes generated by address to address routing lock to roads instead of being straight lines between turn points).
12) The G-V has automatic daylight savings time (but not automatic time zone selection) for the USA only.
13) The G-V has automatic or prompted off route recalculation capability.
14) The G-V has an area calculating feature,  but you have to hunt for it.  To use it,  you a) clear the tracklog and b) go hike around an area and c) go to TRACKLOGS in the main menu and d) save the ENTIRE tracklog.  When you do this,  you will be shown a screen which has the area bounded by the track.  You can also select one of the saved tracks and find the area as well.  This is where you find the TRACKBACK feature as well.

CITY SELECT AND METROGUIDE II USA MAPPING PRODUCTS> More Details

The  Garmin MapSource CitySelect maps are high quality electronic maps using NavTech map data.  NavTech has excellent maps (the best GPS/Electronic maps we know of),  but they only cover the 120+ largest metropolitan areas in the USA and a bit of Canada.  The optional MetroGuide USA (We call it version II) covers the entire USA,  but these maps are less accurate and the routes are somewhat less likely to please as compared with the CitySelect map system.   Note:  For the purposes of discussion,  CityNavigator and CitySelect provide almost identical maps and performance.  CN is designed for the SP-III and CS is designed for the G-V.  (See MG-II FAQ for more information)   The MG-II USA maps  are of the same general  quality as Delorme SA9 maps and include the ability to track your progress on your laptop computer (using MapSource ver 4.03 or later) when it is connected to your GPSR with the data cable.   MG-II includes an extensive listing of POIs including restaurants,  hospitals,  post offices,  lodging,  entertainment,  shopping,  emergency services,  and transportation services.  We can say that "generally" the POI data is accurately positioned,  but there are many restaurants,  hotels,  post offices,  and other POI that are conspicuous by their absence in our area.  However,  there are a large number available and we do find the POI very useful.  MetroGuide  road accuracy is judged "good"  by Jack and Joe.

(MapSource MetroGuide II will not run on MAC computers without an emulator and many are not successful even with an emulator.)     MetroGuide II maps are more up to date than the older MetroGuide and R&R maps.)

MetroGuide II USA was designed to provide uploadable maps to the G-V and other Garmin GPS products.  In addition,  using version 4.03,  MapSource systems provide the ability to:  a) upload/download routes, tracks,  and waypoints to the GPS,  b) allow the user to automatically generate a route and upload,  c) print maps,   d) manually input waypoints and routes onto the map for later upload to the GPS,  e) allows waypoint editing both on the map and in text form.  In addition,  there are many convenience improvements and bug fixes.  Note:  MapSource 4.03 is a free update from the Garmin website for purchasers of ANY MapSource product.   A complete list of MapSource  improvements  and the updated software module can be found HERE.

The G-V is by far the least expensive AUTOMATIC address to address GPS receiver available.  It is the only truly "handheld" unit available.  Other solutions such as the SP-III,  and various handheld palm computer products (Magellan Companion and Raco Destinator for example) offer larger screens at higher prices.  Compared with any of the other available equipment,  the G-V is a general purpose unit equally at home hiking or on the highway.  The "ON ROAD" option provides good highway and road guidance with specialized screens.  The "OFF ROAD" mode provides the circular compass display that we like for hiking use and other G-V features make the unit quite suitable for hiking activities as well as on the highway use.

We found the battery life quite satisfactory,  but not quite as long (on a per AA cell basis) as other less capable units.  We suspect that the automatic routing capabilities take a bit more computer power than units without this feature require.  We found the G-V equally robust as compared with the G-III PLUS and it is rated waterproof to IPX-7.   Some have expressed concern about the G-III+ as to the robustness of the antenna.  We do not share these concerns.  While it is possible to break anything,  the G-V antenna is sturdy and we have had no problems with any of the several GPSRs we have which are constructed similarly.

We do like the G-V's capability of rotating the screen to the vertical or to the horizontal at the touch of a button.  We like the screen horizontal for car use and vertical when we carry it around as a pedestrian.

Overall,  we think the G-V is a very capable unit and Garmin has not left out features which would limit functionality for the hiker or motorist.  As stated before,  for marine use,  the G-V is not recommended.

WHAT DO WE NOT LIKE ABOUT THE G-V?
There is not a lot to complain about with the G-V.  It packs a lot of functionality in a small package.  But:
1) We wish the G-V had a map cartridge capability.
2) We wish the G-V had the "highway" screen so it could be easily used for marine activities.
3) For Car Navigation guidance,  the audio cues of the SP-III are missed.  (How quickly we are spoiled!)

For Questions about the G-V Hardware,  eMail JOE
For Questions about mapping software, eMail JACK

Return to Joe and Jack's Main Website, Click HERE
 
 

                                                                   (Screen shots via G7TO)
                                 Maps of Lake Lanier Shoreline                          Map of a Small Lake Near Joe's House

However when it comes to Nautical Nav Aids, MapSource has considerably fewer than MapCreate and no obstruction markers..

Fonts and Rectangles

The font size of most all the names in the G-III+ maps can be controlled except the street-name font.  If you notice on the previous map comparisons, the Garmin street-name font is larger than that of the Lowrance.  The greater number of street names and larger font of the Garmin sometimes obscures the road at certain zoom levels.  By selecting 500' instead of Auto in the Map Setup> Line> Street Label, this clutter can be reduced or eliminated.

A distraction (to Jack) are the boxes drawn around each county loaded in the GPS.   (See below.)  Their purpose is to indicate what areas have been loaded in the GPS  The boxes can't be turned off when using the G-III+ for navigating.   (Joe did not have any problem with the boxes, so the question of "will the boxes will be a distraction?"  is quite subjective.)  See below left.

 The G-III+  has enhanced BASE MAPS compared with the G-III.  Included are more major city streets,  and airport locations.  Many Interstate Highway exit services and facilities are included in G-III base maps.

Features of MapSource II include:

1)  Detailed residential street level maps of the entire USA including Alaska and Hawaii. 
2)  The user interface is easy to use. 
3)  The system operates on a Windows 95,  98,  ME, 2000 or NT environment. 
4)  Pentium Processor, 16 megs RAM, CDROM drive, mouse, 256 color display, 30 megs hard drive space required. 
5)  Upload of a selected group of maps (called a "map set") runs at up to 115kbaud. 
6)  You can preselect any number of map sets and later select a map set and upload it. 
7)  It is easy to zoom in/out and slide the map around ouse "hand" to view map details. 
8)  A "find city" feature is provided to permit quick location of a particular map area. 
9)  A  Garmin (or 3rd party) PC to GPS interface cable is required to upload  mapsource files to the G-III+.

Summary

The Garmin GPS-III PLUS (about $350, includes DATA CABLE) and the accessory MapSource CDROM Map system (about $100) constitute a quality and capable road navigation accessory.