Communicator, a rugged device developed by Cambridge Design Partnership, offers GPS and mapping capabilities as well as two-way terrestrial and satellite wireless communication. The company is seeking manufacturing partners.

“Communicator builds on CDP’s experience in creating designs such as the ruggedized, award-winning Satmap 10, amongst many others”, said Mike Beadman, partner at Cambridge Design Partnership. “Next-generation functionality, including powerful scripting software and two-way data communication, offers a new solution for a variety of industries and professions.”

Current commercial devices capable of displaying a live map are generally vehicle-mounted. But Communicator is a durable handheld device suited to challenging conditions. It is also a versatile two-way radio, able to work with multiple radio technologies, including TETRA, GPRS, 3G and Iridium. It will be capable of two-way data messaging and emergency distress signalling, and it features Bluetooth for connection to legacy modems.