Whether you are on a crowded street in a major metropolitan area or backpacking in the remote wilderness, a GPS receiver is bound to come in handy. Utilizing a collection of satellites to pinpoint your position, these compact systems can help you find your way to a variety of locations. GPS receivers can be used for a wide range of navigational activities, including aerial or marine applications, finding the best route for a road trip or marking a favorite fishing spot when you’re hiking through the woods. You can choose from different design configurations, including handheld and dash-mounted models, and you can select features, such as Bluetooth compatibility, MP3 playback and water resistance. With so many options, you’re sure to find one that best suits the activities you plan to use it for. Consider the following questions to learn more about how a GPS receiver can make your life easier:
- What applications can a GPS device be used for?
- Do you need a system that’s easily portable?
- Will a basic system suffice, or do you need a GPS with mapping capabilities?
- Are there any special features you’d like to have?
Types, Navigation, Operation and Usage Tips
Global Positioning Systems, or GPS, utilize satellites that are in constant orbit around the earth to pinpoint locations. Originally designed and placed into orbit by the Department of Defense as a means for improving tactical positioning and navigation, the government ultimately allowed the public to utilize the satellite technology in the 1980s. From that point on, GPS devices have been used for a wide range of applications. By linking themselves with three or sometimes four different satellites, receivers use triangulation to verify locations and provide directions with impressive accuracy. While there are around two dozen satellites in orbit, most GPS devices track twelve of them. In order to function properly, receivers must have a clear path to the satellite, meaning that dense foliage and tall buildings can cause interference. Once you’ve purchased a GPS receiver, you’ll have free and unfettered access to the satellites — there are no subscription fees or costs associated with use.
Types: There are several different types of GPS devices available. Basic systems can store the locations of waypoints, or locations, guide you to them and record the path you take to get there. These devices are well suited for helping you find your way on woodland hikes or marking the location of a favorite camping spot. Mapping devices offer a little more functionality by allowing you to utilize software to download detailed maps of different cities and regions. More advanced mapping units provide 3D maps that make it easy to see where you are, where you’re going and how to get there. The more advanced the device and the more features it contains, the more you’ll end up paying. Basic units can be found for around $100 while sophisticated systems can cost in excess of $1,000.
Global Positioning Systems, or GPS, utilize satellites that are in constant orbit around the earth to pinpoint locations. Originally designed and placed into orbit by the Department of Defense as a means for improving tactical positioning and navigation, the government ultimately allowed the public to utilize the satellite technology in the 1980s. From that point on, GPS devices have been used for a wide range of applications. By linking themselves with three or sometimes four different satellites, receivers use triangulation to verify locations and provide directions with impressive accuracy. While there are around two dozen satellites in orbit, most GPS devices track twelve of them. In order to function properly, receivers must have a clear path to the satellite, meaning that dense foliage and tall buildings can cause interference. Once you’ve purchased a GPS receiver, you’ll have free and unfettered access to the satellites — there are no subscription fees or costs associated with use.
Types: There are several different types of GPS devices available. Basic systems can store the locations of waypoints, or locations, guide you to them and record the path you take to get there. These devices are well suited for helping you find your way on woodland hikes or marking the location of a favorite camping spot. Mapping devices offer a little more functionality by allowing you to utilize software to download detailed maps of different cities and regions. More advanced mapping units provide 3D maps that make it easy to see where you are, where you’re going and how to get there. The more advanced the device and the more features it contains, the more you’ll end up paying. Basic units can be found for around $100 while sophisticated systems can cost in excess of $1,000.
- Auto-mapping devices automatically create a return route as you travel
- Handheld systems are ideal for outdoor use when hiking, hunting or exploring
- Personal fitness devices also monitor heart rate, pace and calorie consumption
- Dash-mounted devices offer hands-free operation in cars and boats for easier, safer use
- Two-way radio/GPS devices combine communication and direction-finding capabilities
- Many devices can connect to a PC or laptop to download new maps, Points of Interest (POIs) and more
Navigation: When it comes to getting you where you need to go or helping you find your way back home, GPS devices offer a number of helpful features. One of the best ways to ensure even greater accuracy is by purchasing a device that’s WAAS-enabled. WAAS, or Wide Area Augmentation System, is a means by which a GPS device can utilize a system of satellites and ground stations to enhance precision, generally making the system accurate to within 3 to 7 meters. When utilizing your GPS device in the car, voice prompts, which verbally instruct you when to turn, and turn-by-turn directions allow you to keep your eyes on the road as you drive and find your destination with ease. Like a computer, the amount of information a GPS device can store depends on how much memory is available, so make sure you purchase a unit with plenty of memory if you plan to store a lot of maps and other information.
- Units with waypoint storage and address books allow you to keep track of your favorite locations with ease
- Basemaps display cities and airports, major interstates and roadways and large geographical features such as lakes, rivers and coastlines
- Points of Interest (POIs) such as banks, ATMs, restaurants, hotels and even marine beacons and marinas can be stored in a number of GPS devices
- Differential GPS systems can further increase directional accuracy
Operation and Usage Tips: There are a few ways in which you can maximize the effectiveness of your GPS device. Making sure you have backup batteries when you know you’ll be away from a power source for an extended period of time is one of them. Though all GPS units have LCD screens, some display images in color, which can make reading topographical features or navigating 3D maps easier. Antiglare screens allow you to read directions on bright, sunny days. Bear in mind that color screens require more power, so your battery may run down a little more quickly.
- Touch-screen controls make GPS use quick and simple
- An external antenna can enhance reception to ensure more consistent performance for devices in your car, truck, SUV, boat or backpack
- Altimeters and digital compasses are ideal features for hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts
Applications: The activities you plan to use your GPS for will determine exactly which type you should purchase. Outdoor activities, such as hiking, fishing and hunting, require different information and features than flying a plane or geocaching (a type of high-tech scavenger hunt that involves searching for a waterproof container filled with “treasures”). The chart below lists some of the applications GPS devices are most commonly used for as well as features that will come in handy and a few points of consideration for each.
| Application | Recommended Features | Points to Consider |
| Geocaching |
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| Marine |
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| Outdoor Activities |
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| Street Navigation |
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Features
Bluetooth Compatibility: For maximum convenience, look for a GPS that’s compatible with Bluetooth technology, which allows you to interact with your cell phone through your GPS receiver. This link enables safe, hands-free dialing of POIs while you’re driving as well as address syncing.
MP3 Playback: GPS devices with MP3 playback capability enable you to listen to your favorite songs while you hunt, hike or drive.
Satellite Radio Ready: Satellite radio provides a wide range of uninterrupted broadcasts of sports, music, news and more. GPS devices that are satellite-radio ready give you the option to subscribe to one of the satellite services to enjoy this programming when you’re on the go.
Accessories: There are a number of accessories that can enhance your GPS device’s effectiveness or make it easier to use. A car adapter allows you to recharge on the road to keep power levels high. A mounting device allows for hands-free use in a car, boat or plane, and look for a remote antenna to improve signal strength for car-mounted devices.
Water-Resistant or Waterproof: If you plan to use your GPS unit on a boat or somewhere else it’s likely to get wet, make sure it has an IPX7 rating, which allows it to be safely immersed in as much as 3 feet of water for up to 30 minutes without incurring damage.
Multilingual Support: This feature is helpful for people who speak multiple languages, as it allows them to utilize the one with which they have the greatest comfort level.
Traffic Rerouting: For the ultimate in high-tech road-trip assistance, look for GPS units that continually adjust routes based on traffic conditions to find the fastest path.
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