4
Think of this data storage like the hard drive memory in a computer or a
tape in a cassette tape recorder. You can save several different GPS data
files, erase 'em and record new ones, over and over again. Like any com-
puter file, these GPS Data Files (file format *.usr) can be shared be-
tween Lowrance GPS or sonar/GPS units or even personal computers.
This GlobalMap has one more thing in common with a personal com-
puter. Just as computers have a floppy disk drive for storing and ex-
changing files, the unit has a slot for an MMC (MultiMedia Card) or SD
(Secure Digital) card flash memory card. These solid-state memory de-
vices are about the size of a postage stamp, but can hold data ranging
from 8 MB to 1 GB in size (Compare that to a floppy disk's 1.44 MB ca-
pacity!). This unit uses all that MMC space for two key GPS purposes.
First, you can backup your onboard GPS Data Files by copying them to
the MMC. Since the MMC is removable (like a floppy disk or a cassette
tape), you can store these GPS Data Files on a personal computer
equipped with an MMC card reader (Or store them on a pocketful of
MMCs, if you don't have a computer.). Our MapCreate mapping software
can save, edit or create its own GPS Data Files, which can be copied to the
MMC and then loaded from the MMC into the unit's memory (NOTE: No
matter where they come from, GPS Data Files must be loaded from the
MMC into memory before the GlobalMap can use them.).
The other key GPS use for MMCs is storage of special high-detail, cus-
tom maps, which you can produce on your computer with our MapCre-
ate software. These MapCreate custom maps contain more detail than
the basic background map. These Custom Map Files (file format
*.lcm) can also be shared between Lowrance GPS or sonar/GPS units
and personal computers.
This unit automatically reads Custom Map Files directly from the
MMC or SD card. To use a custom map, all you need to do is slide an
MMC containing a map into the GlobalMap 7200, GlobalMap 8200 or
GlobalMap 9200.
The GlobalMap 7300, GlobalMap 8300 and GlobalMap 9300 don't read
their mapping data from memory cards. In those units, the full-detail,
ready-to-use maps are already loaded on the unit's hard drives. All you
need to do is use the menus to select what type of mapping data to dis-
play. The GlobalMap 7300 and 9300 hard drives contain all the data
from: MapCreate Topo, our NauticPaths™ coastal charts and Fishing
Hot Spots Elite
®
lake fishing maps.
Introduction to GPS and WAAS
Well, now you know the basics of how the unit does its work. You might
be ready to jump ahead to Section 2, Installation & Accessories, on page
