Map Mate

MAP MATE

CW EVALUATION

Route measurement made easy

ONE OF OUR FAVORITE PASTIMES IS plotting a course on a road map and then navigating that route. The Map Mate eases pre-ride planning by quickly calculating the estimated distance and time of travel between two or more chosen points.

Powered by a single lithium battery, the palm-size Map Mate is a snap to use, once you’ve mastered the set-up procedure. Step-by-step instructions are supplied, but first-time use is akin to programming a VCR. Once mode of transportation (driving, bicycling, jogging or hiking), unit of measure (miles or kilometers) and map scale are input, measurements may be taken; four presets allow the user to store several parameters at once. Hold the Map Mate so that the measuring wheel directly contacts the map, then trace the desired route. Estimated distance and elapsed time are displayed simultaneously on the LCD screen. Subsequent measurements may be added, or the display can be zeroed out. When tracking relatively straight stretches, the Map Mate ($30 plus shipping from Stapleford International, 757 Cayuga St., Lewiston, NY 14092; 416/322-7555) is fairly precise, providing readings within 10 percent of the actual distance. It is, however, only as competent as the map that it is measuring-many winding roads are not accurately depicted on large-scale maps. Nevertheless, the Map Mate is convenient, versatile and reasonably accurate, making it a valuable navigational tool.