Information
3
A Word on the Safe Usage of GPS Maps
Just like paper maps, maps on GPS devices vary greatly in terms of information included and visual presentation.
Whether topographical maps, roadmaps or marine charts, each map and the data it presents is designed for a
specific purpose. For example, marine charts will often present only a minimal representation of roadways and are
not a substitute for street maps. Topographic maps usually provide minimal detail about bodies of water, and do not
contain marine navigational markers.
Maps also vary widely in scale: the smaller the scale, the more detailed the map. Therefore, when using GPS maps
(just as with paper maps) it is important to consider what type of map you are using in your explorations and to use
common sense.
From Source to Destination
Thales Navigation, maker of Magellan GPS products, is not a cartography company. We do not create the maps that
are used on our GPS devices. We seek to acquire map data from the best public and private sources available at the
time of publication. Thales Navigation licenses* topographical maps, roadmaps, marine charts and points of interest
data from commercial and governmental cartographic sources that provide raw map data. Thales Navigation
processes and compresses the raw data into a format that makes it presentable and manageable to work on our GPS
devices. And to ensure that our map data is as robust as possible, data from multiple sources are often combined to
provide a better user experience for our customers. This processing does not alter the landforms, coordinates or
other spatial data that comes in the raw data. The accuracy of the maps is fundamentally dependent on the source
data used to create them. Map data changes frequently due to both natural and manmade causes. As a result,
governmental and commercial cartography companies must continuously review correct and improve upon their map
data. We release new versions of our maps on a regular basis to reflect these changes.
After processing the data, we test the compatibility of the map with our GPS devices to ensure that the products we
release work properly on our GPS devices. We also beta test our products to get customer feedback prior to release.
GPS Maps and Your Safety
Remember, your GPS device is an aid to navigation. It must be used with common sense and it is important that
users interpret GPS map data with a critical eye. Landscapes and roads change or may be impassable, trees and tall
buildings can obscure GPS signals and your GPS device may not always reflect the complete picture. When using
GPS, you must combine the information provided by your GPS map with your relevant local knowledge, road
signage, buoys, depth soundings and changing local conditions to generate a complete understanding of your
situation.
It is your responsibility to ensure compliance to all traffic laws, including pedestrian observance of crosswalks, and
to use good judgment while operating the Magellan GPS receiver. Safety must be your primary concern. The
Magellan GPS receiver must not be used while engaged in any activity requiring the user's full attention to the
environment. For instance, the Magellan GPS receiver should be operated only by vehicle passengers or by the
driver when the vehicle has come to a complete stop. The driver must not attempt to view the display while driving.
A climber must not attempt to view the display while negotiating treacherous terrain. Disregard any unsafe,
hazardous or illegal route suggestions.
Magellan maps do not include, analyze, process, consider or reflect any of the following: legal restrictions (such as
weight, height, width, load and speed restrictions); road slope or grade; bridge height, width, weight or other limits;
population density; neighborhood quality or safety; availability or proximity of law enforcement, emergency rescue,
medical or other assistance; construction work zones or hazards; road, sidewalk or waterway closures or conditions;
weather conditions; pavement characteristics or conditions; special events; traffic congestion; time of day.
*Thales Navigation licenses map data from governmental sources such as, but not limited to, US Geological Survey
(USGS), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA-NOS) and the Canadian Hydrographic
Service (CHS). Thales Navigation licenses map data from commercial cartography companies such as Navigation
Technologies, Navionics, DMTI and C-Map.
