From Past to Present: The History of Magellan GPS

There are a wide variety of companies that provide receivers for Global Positioning Systems (GPS). Among these companies is Magellan GPS. Although Magellan GPS was not the first electronics company to develop GPS receivers, they have been innovators in the field ever since Magellan GPS was founded in 1986.

Global Positioning Systems (GPS), the Early Years

It all began in 1978, when the Global Positioning System (which at the time was known as Navigation System with Timing and Ranging, or NAVSTAR) was launched by the United States Department of Defense. Eleven satellites were placed into orbit, and they were originally intended for military use. However, it wasn’t until 1985 that the first GPS receiver was created by a European electronics company, Sercel. The next year, Magellan GPS was founded in Santa Clara, California.

Magellan GPS Leads the World in GPS Technology

In 1989, Magellan GPS introduced the world to the first handheld commercial GPS receiver. Although other GPS companies, such as Ashtech Corporation and Dassault Electronique, provided ample competition in the development of GPS technology, Magellan GPS remained a leader in GPS innovations for the next decade. In 1997, the company announced the completion of the first handheld global satellite communicator, the GSC 100. Later that year, Magellan initiated a handheld GPS receiver that cost less than $100. It was the first of its kind in the world, and brought affordability in GPS technology to the average consumer.

By 2006, many competing GPS receiver companies merged under the name of Magellan. The original companies included Dassault Electronique, Sercel, Thomson-CSF, and Ashtech Corporation.

What are some of the Products Produced by Magellan GPS?

Magellan GPS is responsible for many of the GPS receiver devices available today. Their products have become an essential part of daily life for many people. The Magellan Road Mate 2200T, for example, is a flawless navigational system for drivers. With a touch screen that allows the driver to enter any address, the system provides both vocal and visual directions to virtually any destination. The Magellan Crossover GPS is the first handheld, pocket-sized GPS in the world, and it includes all of the advanced features that larger systems have.

Magellan GPS has been in the middle of GPS technology since the beginning, and they have continued to show initiative and drive in the field of GPS technology. What “firsts” can we expect from this company in the future? The possibilities are endless!

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