The image is now loaded into the PalmPilot and may be viewed using the Image Viewer application. I find this very useful when going on sales calls in areas that I am unfamiliar with. It may also be used to load schematics of piping or conduits for maintenance, if you happen to need that sort of information. You get the idea. Any simple high contrast image that can be placed in the clipboard may be transferred over to the PalmPilot. If you have the image in hard copy only, then you will have to scan the image first and then convert using the Image Conversion utility. This all of course assumes that you know where you are, Point A, and where you are going, Point B. For those of you who do not know exactly where you are, consider a Global Positioning System (GPS) for the PalmPilot.

GPS and the PalmPilot
For a more advanced mapping application consider the ability of the PalmPilot to be connected to a GPS receiver. There are three products offered by a company called GPS Pilot:

• Flying Pilot gives you dynamic pre-flight and in flight navigational tools
• GPS Tracker creates maps for backpacking, boating, hiking, etc.
• GPS Compass gives you real life compass direction coordinates, time and speed

By using the GPS Tracker application you may track your movement from one place to another, record your routes, and follow your tracks with a GPS receiver. The world map may be accessed anywhere and navigated by use of your finger. Satellite radio signals pinpoint your exact coordinates on earth.

The GPS Pilot Software uses this information with the PalmPilot to display your location, how fast you are moving, your altitude, and pinpoint precisely your position on digital maps, as shown in Figure B. It's a must for private pilots, boating navigation and wilderness trekkers. Many other traveling applications are also possible.

FIGURE B

This is a great digital map from GPS.

Any of these applications require the purchase of some extra hardware, but may be of use to some select users who need this detailed information. The DeLorme TripMate GPS receiver is required and may be purchased for US$199.95 plus the cost of a special cable to connect the PalmPilot and the antenna. Any one of the three tracking applications require an investment as well.

Other Images from the Internet
If knowing exactly where you are is too serious or scary, you may be just looking to experiment. There are a number of images in the public domain available to load at no cost. Search the web for graphics files and load them using the Image Conversion utility. I have found two web sites that contain a long list of images that you may also load onto your PalmPilot. Memoware and PilotGear may be accessed on web and have a good selection of subway maps, street maps, and other graphics files that may also be of use to you. Look under their graphics section or search using a key word.

Other ideas for loading images from a scanner or your personal collection include: