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Fishing
Techniques :: Destinations :: General ::
GPS systems
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GPS - Global positioning system
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How
to Choose a GPS
by J. Chartwell
You've heard that new sport, geocaching, is fun. Or, you're
tired of getting lost on your travels. Welcome to the 21st
century. Global Postioning System (GPS) has been around
long enough that prices are reasonable and the technology
is user-friendly. With myriad brands and models, how to
choose?
If
you want a GPS for both hiking and driving use, then a handheld
unit would be the way to go. Some handhelds even have accessories
to allow them to be installed in an automobile. But don't
rule out a PDA. More on that in a moment. For driving only,
there are GPS receivers made just for vehicle use.
Handheld
GPS receivers are either mapping or non--mapping. A basic,
non--mapping unit can often cost less than $100 US and usually
has/displays the following:
- Location
- Compass
heading
- Elevation
above sea level
- Accurate
time
- Satellite
location and signal strength
- The
ability to calculate distance traveled
- The
ability to record your path as a set of waypoints
- The
ability to navigate routes
- The
ability to retrace your steps
Handheld
mapping receivers do all the above plus have the ability
to display maps. The maps are either pre--loaded or uploaded
from your PC. Prices are reasonable for mapping units, starting
at around $150 US.
Paper
maps are strongly recommended whether you're using a mapping
receiver or not. Paper maps do not require batteries and
probably won't go defective. Also, a paper map gives you
a "big picture" view of your situation -- something
lacking on the small screen of a GPS.
I
mentioned earlier your considering a PDA with GPS capability.
A PDA is bulkier and the battery life is usually shorter,
but if you're using a PDA anyway, then there are several
ways to turn a PDA into a GPS. Some PDAs accept a GPS "sleeve."
That is a device that the PDA nestles into. Another choice
is one of Garmin's PDAs. Garmin is probably the most popular
GPS maker and they have one PDA/GPS that is Palm--based
and one that is Pocket PC--based.
Prices
for automotive GPS start at around $250 US. These provide
turn--by--turn guidance. Spend a little more than that and
you get voice guidance. These are larger than handhelds
in order to accommodate a screen large enough to be seen
while driving. They are powered by the car's electrical
system and because of this, they can only be used in a vehicle.
Many
automobile manufacturers now offer built-in GPS receivers
as an option. Because they are built-in, the big advantages
are security and aesthetics. They are quite a bit more expensive
than add-on units and often have fewer options. I've also
heard some stories of people having a hard time getting
map updates.
A
PDA/GPS is a good alternative for automotive use. Its screen
is about the size of an automotive unit, so seeing the display
is not a problem. They can also be powered by the car, eliminating
battery worries. The Garmin PDAs mentioned above both come
with the hardware and software for automotive use.
If
you're hiking, a basic handheld unit (without maps) will
be fine since you'll always have paper maps with you anyway
(you will, won't you?). An advantage to a handheld mapping
unit is that they usually have more advanced features than
the basic units. For driving, you have the choice of a handheld,
in--car dedicated, or PDA. The handheld does have limited
usefulness in a car, as it does not provide turn--by--turn
guidance. For a more detailed look at how to choose a GPS,
click here.
About the Author
J. Chartwell has developed Maps
GPS Info.com, which provides practical information on
GPS and maps that everyone can use. The website includes
product
For
more information on buying a GPS click here!
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