Garmin Announces New echoMAP Series With Integrated Scanning Sonar

Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd.

, the global leader in satellite navigation, today announced a new line of echoMAP combination chartplotters that integrates scanning sonar capabilities without the need of an additional sounder black box. Along with a user-friendly interface and built-in cartography, the new echoMAP series proves to be a valuable tool for boaters and anglers of all types. “The new echoMAP units have our precision scanning sonar technology built directly into the chartplotter, giving you the clearest scanning sonar on the market without the need for additional hardware,” said Dan Bartel, vice president of worldwide sales. “Combined with the unit's user-friendliness and preloaded mapping for whatever destination you want to fish, this new line truly encompasses everything an angler or boater could want.” Building off the success of the original echoMAP series, the next generation of echoMAP combination chartplotter and fishfinder series is available in a vibrant 4-inch, 5-inch, 7-inch and 9-inch color display and accommodates boaters and anglers of all types. With an intuitive, keyed interface, the new echoMAP series provides the same renowned user experience that Garmin customers have grown to expect. Equipped with a built-in, high sensitivity 5Hz GPS antenna, the new echoMAP series updates location and heading five times per second, providing accurate vessel position at all times. Garmin boasts the clearest scanning sonar of fish and structure on the market and that technology has been built into the new line of echoMAP combination units. The entire series features Garmin HD-ID™ sonar and DownVü scanning sonar. DownVü provides a nearly photographic view of objects and structure below the boat and offers excellent resolution and target separation in both freshwater and saltwater. In addition, the new echoMAP 70 and 90 series have built-in SideVü technology, granting the ability to see what's located to both sides of the boat.1 Having this technology integrated without requiring a separate sonar black box provides a much more efficient user experience and more installation options on the vessel. Cartography is also imperative to a combination unit. Whether fishing coastal or freshwater, different variations of the echoMAP series are available with either preloaded LakeVü™ or BlueChart® g2 mapping. LakeVü is an extensive database of over 17,000 inland lakes, reservoirs and rivers, 5,700 of which have 1-foot contours shore-to-shore. BlueChart g2 coastal mapping provides comprehensive detail for all of the coastal United States and the Bahamas. Additionally, the new echoMAP series boasts patented Garmin Auto Guidance capability. By utilizing a BlueChart g2 Vision card or LakeVü HD Ultra card, the mariner can enter a destination and the chartplotter searches the relevant charts to create a safe path based off of the dimensions and parameters of the vessel. Cables can now be plugged directly into the tilt/swivel mount on the new echoMAP series for a quick release from the mount and connected power, providing easy connectivity and disconnecting for storage. The next generation of echoMAP units will be available in Q1 of 2015 and will range in price from $299.99 – 1,299.99. For more information about the new echoMAP line, visit www.garmin.com/marine2015. Garmin's portfolio includes some of the industry's most sophisticated chartplotters and touchscreen multifunction displays, sonar, high-definition radar, autopilot, high-resolution mapping, sailing instrumentation and other products and services that are known for innovation, reliability, and ease-of-use. For 25 years, Garmin has pioneered new GPS navigation and wireless devices and applications that are designed for people who live an active lifestyle. Garmin serves five primary business units, including automotive, aviation, fitness, marine, and outdoor recreation. For more information, visit Garmin's virtual pressroom at garmin.com/newsroom, contact the Media Relations department at 913-397-8200, or follow us at facebook.com/garmin, twitter.com/garmin, or youtube.com/garmin. 1 The echoMAP 73 is available in two versions: DownVü only and DownVü/SideVü.