New Magellan GPS Handhelds First With Secure Digital Memory Capability Plus Larger Screen, WAAS & More


Meridian GPS, Meridian Gold, Meridian Platinum & Meridian Marine Usher in Superior Functionality and All-New Rugged, Ergonomic Design.




Santa Clara, Calif. (August 6, 2001) Thales Navigation, manufacturer of Magellan Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers, proudly announced today the new Magellan Meridian‘ series, the first line of GPS handhelds to offer Secure Digital Memory Card capabilities for significantly expanding flash memory capacity for storing and downloading data. This premium line of high-performance, waterproof handhelds includes the Meridian GPS and Meridian Gold, available in September 2001, and the Meridian Marine and Meridian Platinum, available later in fall 2001. Meridian receivers deliver better than three1 meter accuracy and up to 16 MB of extensive built-in US map data as well as a new rugged, ergonomic design, complete with a larger screen. Meridians provide unprecedented expandability, versatility and functionality for the serious navigator.

"With the Meridian series, we've created a superior product line for our core outdoor customers who demand a broad set of features," said Henry Gaillard, chief operating officer and acting CEO of Thales Navigation. "Each model provides nearly unlimited expansion of flash memory through convenient Secure Digital Memory Cards as well as seven navigation screens and vertical profile graphs that show elevations of the route traveled. The Meridian launch is especially exciting for Thales Navigation as our first Magellan-brand product introduction since Thales acquired Magellan Corporation. With the Meridian series unmatched capabilities, customers will be excited as well."

The four Meridian receivers offer customers different capabilities that extend from entry-level options to high-end navigation tools.

  • The Meridian GPS offers a 2 MB base map with a worldwide database of political boundaries and major cities.
  • Meridian Gold provides a 16 MB US database of maps for interstate highways, state highways, major roads, parks, waterways, airports, cities and more.
  • The Meridian Platinum offers the same 16 MB US street-map database plus a barometer and a three-axis digital compass.
  • Meridian Marine provides a 16 MB US database that includes map data and marine navaids such as fixed navaids, buoys, obstructions, wrecks and lighthouses.
These full-featured, PC-compatible, 12-parallel-channel receivers store up to 500 waypoints and 20 reversible routes with up to 30 legs. Meridian receivers are also equipped with a quadrifilar helix antenna, which is the best for high-quality satellite signal reception and fast position fixes. These WAAS- and EGNOS-equipped Meridian receivers also show the user''s exact location within as little as ten1 feet. For added convenience, Meridians operate in nine different languages: English, French, German, Dutch, Finnish, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese and Swedish.The Meridian series is designed for a secure comfortable fit, high visibility and durability in all weather conditions. Pocketsize (6.1" H x 2.7" W x 1.2" D) and weighing just eight ounces, Meridian receivers have a handsome new ergonomic, rugged exterior with slip-resistant, waterproof rubber armoring. The new larger-size, grayscale, backlit display screen and backlit keypad are easy to see in all lighting conditions. Meridians are not only designed for functionality but are also aesthetically appealing with unique color combinations for each of the four receivers.

Meridian receivers are compatible with the entire MapSend family of software, including MapSend Streets Europe and the recently released MapSend Topo for the United States. Other accessories include vehicle, bike and swivel mounting brackets, assorted power and data cables and a canvas carrying case.


1 The sub-3-meter accuracy represents a typical reading obtained by the use of correction signals from the Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) and from the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay System (EGNOS). These signals can be temporarily degraded by several environmental factors, including multipath signals, atmospheric effects, and the quality of the WAAS and EGNOS correction signals themselves.