Topographical GPS maps are usually vector-based maps that use lines and symbols to represent natural and manmade features on the surface of the Earth.  These are plotted to a predefined scale. The differing characteristics of the terrain are recorded onto the map in an easily readable form and the information is taken from field inspections and land surveys to make sure that it is accurate. The topographical maps show the location, height and shapes of mountains, plains and valleys.  It identifies the varying networks of rivers and streams as well as man-made features such as dams, levees, canals, mines, railroads and highways.

Part of the distinguishing features of topographical maps is that they contain extensive information about the height of objects which normal maps typically do not take into account.  Certain specialized GPS devices have built-in topographical map readers that make it possible to create a 3D representation of the map using the information that is supplied with the device.

There are many other kinds of GPS maps available for download and use on GPS units. Some of these types include satellite maps, which are literally pictures taken of the Earth’s surface by orbiting satellites at that specific location. Other types of GPS maps include shaded relief maps which are similar to topographical maps but depict altitude through the use of shading.  Geology maps indicate specific geological formations and geological information about locations.  Climatic maps indicate the climates over the seasons of specific regions.  Political maps are those that contain geopolitical and often demographical and sociological information.

One of the most popular makers of GPS consumer technology is Garmin, a company that has gotten many outstanding GPS reviews. Their first product was the GPS 100.  This is a receiver that is aimed at the marine market and was released in 1990 at the International Marine Technology Exposition in Chicago. The GPS 100 was very well received and heralded a new era in GPS consumer technology.

Garmin has since released a number of GPS receiver models.  The Geko line of receivers was a compact series of handheld GPS receiver devices that were aimed at budget consumers and the lightweight hiking market. In 2004, Garmin followed the Geko series by introducing the 60C line of mapping receivers. The 60C featured a higher storage capacity, increased sensitivity and up to 30 hours of battery life when the device was used in battery-save mode. The follow-up models, namely the 60Cx and the 60CSx were later released and included improved color map displays. The 60Cx and 60CSx are ideal for adventure and exploration trips, especially trips to remote areas around the world. In 2008, maps for a rafting expedition along the entire Amazon River were included with the device.

In 2003, there was the release if the iQue series of the PDA-integrated GPS receivers and the iQue M4 became the first PDA that did not require a PC to preload GPS maps. Garmin’s StreetPilot i-Series was released in October 2005 as a compact GPS navigator. It featured three models, namely the i2, the i3, and the i5. The i2 was released with a monochrome display and requires that maps be loaded onto a Transflash card. The i3 had the same features as the i2 with the exception that it was released with a color screen display. The i5 was more advanced with maps having been pre-programmed into the device as well as having a color screen. The StreetPilot line was later advanced with the release of the c-Series.  Some of the models included color touch screens, weather and information updates, Bluetooth support and FM traffic notifications.

The Garmin Nüvifone was announced in January 2008 with a release date set for late 2009. The Nüvifone is a mobile phone integrated with a personal navigation device. The device has almost no buttons and instead features a touch screen with a virtual keyboard and buttons. It is a 3G hybrid handset and can be docked with a vehicle amount, allowing it to be used simultaneously as a GPS navigator and hands-free phone. The Nüvifone’s camera features geotagging that allow for photos to be tagged and traced to specified locations.

Other popular GPS devices include the Magellan Maestro 4000, the entry level device of the Maestro series from Magellan. Differing from Magellan’s RoadMate series, the Maestro features a widescreen and a completely redesigned user interface.

Another popular product range is that of Dutch manufacturer TomTom. They have two types of product ranges.  One is focused on navigation devices and the other navigation software.  It specifically caters to the mobile phone market. TomTom has gotten many positive GPS reviews and is popular in the US, Canada and the UK. Some of their systems integrate with mobile phones through Bluetooth, providing traffic congestion maps and even making calls and reading text messages. Their software typically ships with a vocal interface that can give spoken and visual directions.