If you are thinking about purchasing a GPS device, the first question you have to ask yourself is how you are going to use it. Are you going to be using it for directions and road navigation when driving, for sports, outdoor recreation, or boating?
GPS for hiking, geocaching, and other outdoor fun. If you’re into outdoor fun, you will probably want detailed topography maps on the screen of your GPS. Most GPS handheld devices come with basic maps that show cities and major highways. If you want more topographical detail, you’ll need a special mapping GPS receiver and a compatible software package (usually purchased separately).
If you don’t want detailed maps, you could opt for a basic GPS like the Garmin eTrex Handheld GPS. It doesn’t come with a PC cable, so you’ll have to manually enter waypoints using the tiny onscreen keyboard. If you choose eTrex Venture Handheld GPS (also from Garmin), which comes with a cable, you can just click on the map to set a waypoint and transfer it to your GPS.
GPS for road navigation. For automotive navigation, it’s good to have a GPS that can not only display maps, but will also give you directions. Popular brands include Garmin, Magellan and TomTom - these are all excellent choices. You will need to purchase some accessories, such as cigarette lighter adapter and windshield mounting suction cup.
GPS devices for sports. Portable GPS devices are used by bikers, runners, golfers, and other sports enthusiasts. They all need small lightweight devices that can be easily accessed when on the go. For example, Garmin provides some great devices, that are not just your typical GPS systems, that can be worn on your wrist, just as your watch and act as your personal trainer too. The Garmin Forerunner 101 Personal Training Device and Garmin Forerunner 201 Wrist-Mounted GPS Fitness Computer are especially popular. The Garmin Forerunner 301 GPS Receiver Personal Training Device even provides a heart rate monitor! Golf enthusiasts have also discovered many uses for golf GPS systems to help them improve their game.
GPS units for boaters. If you’re are planning to use your GPS on a boat or a cayak, you’ll need a waterproof device. GPS fish finders can help you ensure success of your next fishing expedition.
GPS for aviation. You can use a portable GPS while flying gliders, hang gliders, and paragliders.
What you need to know GPS software and maps
Most GPS units come with a cable that connects them to your computer. This opens up a world of free maps, aerial photos and 3-D imagery. Learning to use a GPS is fairly straightforward; choosing which software to use is not. GPS Mapping – Make Your Own Maps guides that you can buy on Amazon, can help you with that. It covers all major brands of mapping software, it also explores sources of free software and maps, how to use aerial photos and satellite imagery, and how to view backcountry locations in 3-D. GPS Mapping reduces a reader’s learning curve and gets them mapping right away.
Read more on GPS Handheld Navigation blog. If you are a golfer, you may be interested to learn how golf GPS systems can help you improve your game. Also learn about gps based vehicle tracking system, cell phone GPS tracking, and gps vehicle tracking devices. Some of you may be interested how to catch a cheating spouse with GPS car tracking.