TRUSTING IN GPS map indications can be dangerous, at least in some instances: GPS device maker Garmin has recalled European marine maps that supplied incorrect and potentially harmful information to some users. The 2009 version of Garmins Blue-Chart g2 and g2 Vision data cards provides inaccurate indications of some water depths off the coast of Sweden and Denmark, according to reports. Because the same issues may affect maps of other regions, the company has decided to issue a worldwide recall of the products, it says. The problem arose as a result of a change in the algorithm that the company uses to determine how to display depth information, according to Anthony Chmarny, spokesperson for Garmin in Europe. The company felt that it had to respond quickly because the boating season has started, he says. The faulty algorithm creates a risk of boats running aground in shallow water, which could result in damage to the boat or injury to HHi^H people on board, according co Garmin. The data cards in question were sold between April 8 and June 3, 2009. When the company has finished correcting the maps, customers will receive a free upgrade. Garmin isn’t ready to commit to a definite date when the changes will be complete, Chmarny says. In the meantime, boaters will have to make do with an earlier version of Blue-Chart that doesn’t contain the faulty algorithm used in the 2009 version. Updates to the 2008.5 version will be available until December 31, according to a notice on the company’s Web site.
