subject: Buying A Gps For Hiking: Essential Factors To Keep In Mind [print this page] Outdoor enthusiasts have a staggering array of hiking GPS units from which to choose. These are great tools for navigating difficult terrain, and finding your destination without having to worry about getting lost.
Handheld GPS navigators ell you your position on the earth using the system of global positioning satellites. As these units have evolved, they can now provide the user's exact location with tremendous accuracy.
Basic units give location in latitude and longitude, allowing the user to locate his or her position on a map. Many navigators now have maps built-in, so you can see your map location and plot a course just by looking at the screen.
Many functions are available in GPS units. Not all functions will be required by all hikers. Individual users can benefit by understanding the range of features available and then selecting those they require. The following list of features is offered merely as some suggestions, not as a necessary directive.
Make sure the device you purchase is capable of supporting detailed maps. Many basemaps that come preloaded in cheaper GPS units are low quality. You will want a device that will accept high quality topographic maps, either by upload or memory card.
If purchasing a unit with map display, make sure the screen is clear and bright. You will want everything to be clearly visible, even under difficult lighting conditions.
Sometimes the terrain can tend to get rough. Also, there may be a lot of foliage around. In such instances, it would come in very handy to have a high sensitivity receiver to ensure that you can always pick up a signal.
A good GPS for the outdoors should always be waterproof, and come in a rugged case to prevent damage if dropped. Many outdoor navigators float if dropped in water, an essential feature if you will be taking the unit in a boat.
The ability to store a large number of waypoints or location markers allows a hike to be thoroughly preplanned and signposted. These waypoints can then be used to check progress during the hike. Many units have the ability to store as many as 500 or more waypoints and as many as 20 complete routes.
Also, the capacity of a unit to handle multiple datum is critical. This is a very technical issue but essentially relates to the geodetic basis upon which maps are drawn or prepared. The ability of a unit to process alternative datum and possibly provide some reconciliation between them can be very useful.
Size and weight is a final point. Mobility is key and hence the smaller the better. Ideally, hiking gps unit will fit neatly into a pocket or backpack and be quickly retrieved when necessary without effort.
