In 2004, having worked with GPS technology for a number of years, Satmap’s founder, Richard Calthrop-Owen, was convinced it was possible to design a hand-held GPS that would display real topographical mapping.  His love of hiking and mountain biking in the great outdoors, as well as his experience as a pilot in the Royal Air Force, had given him plenty of opportunity to see the need for this kind of technology. Paper maps are great, no question, but when it’s dark and the wind is strong and the rain is heavy, reading maps safely and accurately becomes a challenge. 

Howard Dyson, Satmap co-founder, was a former Household Cavalry Officer in the British Army, and he was equally convinced by the idea and together they founded Satmap Systems Ltd in 2005 and the development of the Active 10 began.

The Active 10 was the first hand-held GPS to display topographical mapping.  Regular updates ensure it is still leading the way in terms of new functionality and features.