Anytime we want to know our exact location on the face of the Earth,
the GPS becomes indispensable. Like many other technologies, feature
rich GPS units are now affordable for the average person.
So how
do you know which one to purchase? Let's look at few things to consider
prior to buying your next GPS unit, but first, what is a GPS unit?
A GPS (Global Positioning System) unit has the primary function
of calculating its own location on land or water by using satellite
signals. Once the GPS unit knows its own location, it can help the
user determine direction and distance to other known locations.
For instance, a GPS on a boat can tell the captain how far it is
to the shoreline or how far it is to a favorite fishing spot. For
the outdoor sportsman a GPS can help with finding your campsite,
your vehicle or your next geocache. Popular outdoor activities such
as hiking, hunting, fishing, trail running, backpacking, rock climbing,
canyoneering and canoeing are all made more enjoyable and safer
when you take along your GPS.
When buying a GPS system the first thing to consider is how you
intend to use it. If you plan on using it while on foot, you'll
want a GPS that is lightweight, compact, weather resistant and that
is equipped with features important to foot travel. WAAS (Wide Area
Augmentation System) is one such feature.
WAAS greatly increases
the accuracy of your GPS, in most cases to within 10 feet. Accuracy
within a few meters is important for the outdoor enthusiast but
not nearly as important for navigating through town in your rental
car. Next, be sure your GPS has at least 12 channels of reception
too.
Since your GPS will only work when it receives signals from
satellites orbiting the Earth, less than 12 receiving channels will
not get the job done in wooded areas or in steep terrain. If you
plan on using your GPS to navigate while driving in your car, its
weight is not nearly as important as its ability to display street
maps. The GPS mounted to the dash of your truck probably doesn't
need to be weatherproof, but the one on your boat better be.
Here are the features and GPS products I recommend
For the outdoor athlete or sportsman, be sure your GPS has these
features: topographical mapping, back tracking, a computer interface,
weatherproofing, 12 receiver channels and WAAS.
I recommend portable
GPS units in the Garmin GPS Trek Series and the Megellan Meridian GPS Seris .
For driving applications, be sure your GPS has these features: street
mapping, large display, a computer interface and external antenna
compatibility.
Garmin StreetPilot
Series and the Magellan RoadMate Series. For boating and other marine
applications, be sure your GPS has these features: marine mapping,
color screen, active sonar, back tracking, a computer interface
and weatherproofing. I recommend marine GPS Units in the Garmin GPSMAP Series
Prices for GPS units vary a great deal and in general, you get
what you pay for. While some units cost around $100 and offer relatively
few features, others may cost as much as $1000 or even more and
are loaded with dozens of features.
Here is a good rule of thumb
for determining how much money to spend on your next GPS. You should
expect to pay between $200 and $300 to get a decent GPS Unit. I
own a Garmin eTrex Vista. I believe it is the best GPS available
for under $300.
If you don't have a GPS or yours is more than five years old, now's
the time to get one. Adding a new GPS to your inventory of backcountry
toys will take your outdoor adventures to a new level of enjoyment.
Use this information and you'll Get It Right The First Time.
Get
Outdoors!
by Chuck Fitzgerald © 2005. All Rights Reserved, used with permission.
Chuck Fitzgerald is the owner
of Arizona based BackCountry Toys, an online specialty store with
the "Best Gear Out There" and dedicated to helping outdoor
enthusiasts to "Get It Right The First Time" with timely
educational information.
Please visit http://www.BackCountryToys.com to find great gear and to receive the Fact & Tips e-newsletter,
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