Global position mapping system having a mobile docking station and method for use of same

摘要

An apparatus, method and system for generating a map using a global positioning system (100). According to one embodiment, the present invention is a mapping apparatus capable of automatically loading the most relevant local map data to a handheld mapping device (112) as needed. The mapping apparatus comprises a handheld mapping device (112) incorporating a wide area base database (158) and a local area detail database (160). The apparatus further comprises a mobile docking station (114) incorporating a wide area detail database (172) and software operable to update the local area detail database (160).