Magellan wants you to explore the outdoors with off-road vehicle navigation

By Andrew Hard June 2, 2015

magellan off road vehicle navigation pictures specs shutterstock 1693923 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Outdoorsmen and outdoorswomen of the world, we have good news and bad news.

The good news is that Magellan, a company known for its navigation and outdoor expertise, will soon offer Off Road Vehicle (ORV) navigation for automotive and power sport vehicles, with 3D terrain maps covering all of the United States and Canada.

The bad news? If you manage to get lost, you no longer have any excuse.

The software includes detailed trail maps with 3D terrain and contour elevation lines, as well as markings for scenic byways, crowd-sourced trails, third party trail guides, and service roads. There are also point-of-interest menus for food, gas, lodging, and other general utilities.

It goes even further than that, because Magellan’s software also includes an online user community where would-be bushwackers can discuss their favorite routes, exchange pictures, and comment on particular trails. There’s even a feature that can link your device to social media, and post all your outdoorsy memories to Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

Magellan Off Road Vehicle — Image used with permission by copyright holder

“The Magellan ORV navigation software is designed and targeted specifically to reach off-road and outdoor enthusiasts,” said Stig Pedersen, Magellan’s Associate Vice President of Product Management. “It allows customers to use their technology to participate in and share their trail and outdoor experiences. It reflects the interests of technology savvy off-road enthusiasts, and makes off-roading achievable for aspiring off-road enthusiasts.”

Companions apps for iOS and Android devices will be available as well, which will make it easier for explorers to locate trails, record them, and share their adventures with others. Pricing will come at a later date. Magellan’s ORV software is compatible with all major infotainment platforms.

If you’re in the Detroit area, stop by the Magellan booth (#M168) at the 2015 TU-Automotive event for more information and product demonstrations. The show runs from June 3rd to June 4th.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Andrew first started writing in middle school and hasn't put the pen down since. Whether it's technology, music, sports, or…

Mobile

The 6 best car phone holders in 2024

Belkin BoostCharge Magnetic Wireless Car Charger with an iPhone 14 Pro.

Belkin BoostCharge Magnetic Wireless Car Charger Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Installing a car phone mount in your vehicle is the best way to make sure that you have easy access to your smartphone when behind the wheel. While you shouldn't be using your phone while driving, having it mounted on your windshield, dashboard, vent, or anywhere else will let you take a quick glance when you're using a navigation app, or to change your playlist when you stop for a traffic light, for example. Instead of having to pick up your device, it will be easier and faster to get these done while it's on a car phone mount for less time of having your eyes off the road.

Cars

Should you buy a used EV? Maybe, but it’s complicated

Electric cars are slowly but surely getting cheaper. Over the past year or so, Ford and Tesla have been discounting their most popular electric cars while other brands, like Rivian, are laying the groundwork for all-new cheaper models.

But you'd still be hard-pressed to call electric cars cheap, and buying a completely new car in the first place is a hurdle in and of itself for many potential buyers. According to Statista, used car sales represented around 74% of all car sales in 2022, and while this figure is likely to change as electric cars get cheaper, the fact remains that most car buyers would prefer to save cash and buy used rather than buy something new.
Buying a new car ain't what it used to be
Buying a car with an electric powertrain doesn't necessarily need to be all that different from buying an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle. But there's a little more to it than that.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs. Ford Mustang Mach-E: Will the R2 be a better buy?

Side of the Rivian R2

The Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it could end up being the go-to EV for drivers who want a decently affordable electric car with a rugged look and feel. But when it finally launches to the public, it won't be the only option in its price range -- the Ford Mustang Mach-E could be one of its main competitors.

The Mustang Mach-E may not be quite as rugged-feeling as the Rivian R2, but it does have a lot going for it -- like an increasingly low price, sleek design, and comfortable interior. Is one of these EVs better than the other? We put the two head-to-head to find out.
Design
The first thing to note about the two cars is their design, as they’re pretty different. The Rivian R2 is built to be a little more rugged and outdoorsy, while the Mach-E instead has a sleeker and sportier look to it. Both cars look stylish and modern.