Navigational and GPS Devices

"The sign said it was straight ahead."  "I reckon it'll only take a few more minutes..."  "Last time, it looked different..."

Ever been lost? It happens to the best of us. Even with a paper map,  there are bound to be times where reality looks very different from what you imagined.  Whether driving in unknown territory, hiking, or biking, a Global Positioning System, or GPS device,  can help you chart the most direct course. 

You can have a GPS system for your car, for your boat, or one that you hold in your hand.  Runners may strap one on like a watch to track speed, distance and course, and as an added bonus, these devices usually double as heart rate monitors.  For the streamlined technophile, you can have GPS software incorporated into your PDA  or smartphone.  The GPS market is continuing to develop and grow, ensuring that whatever your needs are, there will be a GPS device to guide you on your way.

Types of Navigational Devices

There are several different types of GPS devices  catered to specific sectors of the consumer market. Hardware products designed for hikers, bikers, drivers, boaters and dedicated computer users have popped up in the past five years. However, there is also an increasing number of devices that have multi-purpose functions, including MP3 players,  electronic translators,  and hands-free calling devices.

Handheld  Ideal for hikers, hunters and others who spend a lot of time outdoors. Lightweight, but with a smaller LCD screen than other models. Some can be mounted inside a car, but the small screen makes them less than ideal for driving.	Car  These usually have larger screens for easy viewing while driving. A noteworthy feature of a car GPS system is voice-activation or text-to-voice directions. The majority come with mounting equipment for easy installation.	PDA/Phone  Some PDAs and smartphones have integrated GPS devices, which is ideal if you are in the market for both products. Requires downloading maps and/or software. Reduces the number of gadgets you need to carry around.

Laptop  GPS devices that attach to your laptop are available. Can be used in a car, but not practical for hiking. Requires downloading maps and/or installing software.	Watch  Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and distance runners. Can track location, pace, distance, heart rate, calories burned and more. Bulky, so really only good for use when working out. Look for a comfortable fit and easy to reach buttons.	Nautical  Chartplotters  and fish finders  are specifically designed for use on boats. However most models can easily adapt to use elsewhere simply by loading new software. Most have very large backlit screens that can easily be read in bright sunlight. Things they can track include depth contours, inter-tidal zones, wrecks, navaids, boat ramps, fishing areas, marinas and more.

Handheld GPS Systems

What to look for in a handheld GPS  system: Weight: if you're hiking or backpacking, every ounce counts. Conversely, durability is also important. 12 Channel Parallel Receiver: For hikers and off-road travellers, these receivers will give the best service. Map Screen: Certain devices only display relative longitude and latitude lines. Be sure your model is map-ready. Waterproof : You don't want your GPS to short out when it rains or if you fall in a stream. Long Battery Life: Carrying multiple batteries around can certainly be a pain. Waypoints: Most sites recommend a GPS unit with storage for at least 500 waypoints. Compass: Help you get to the next waypoint. Screen Characteristics Colour vs. B&W : Some colour screens are hard to read in sunlight. The exception is transreflective colour  screens. Size may also be a factor. Consider how small a screen you can read comfortably. Route Capacity: Most devices can hold at least 20 routes, while some may hold as many as 50. The more, the better. Topographic Maps: If you plan to do a lot of back country hiking, elevation and small stream data will definitely come in handy.

Car GPS Devices

What to Look for in a Car GPS: Address to Address Routing: Essential for car navigation. Verbal Directions: The best (and safest) way to use your GPS device is to have it take instructions from you and then talk back to you. Some units will also tell you when to make a turn. Mounting: Make sure to get a unit that can be easily mounted to your dashboard. Automatic Routing: Most models have this feature. Waypoints: Some units have just the basics (points of interest, petrol stations, etc.). Others will allow you to mark your own points of interest as well. 12 Channel Parallel Receiver: This type of receiver will give you the best reception so that you don't lose the signal in a strange city. Europe/Ireland Maps: Find out the extent to which the system already covers areas outside the UK so you won't have to purchase extra software when going on holiday. Screen: You want a decently large screen since you might need to glance at it while driving. If you get a colour screen, consider a Transreflective Colour screen. MP3 Player: Some GPS devices can double as MP3 players if you're bored with the radio and tired of lugging your CD collection. Audio Book Playback: Many of Garmin's  models and some of TomTom's  have the ability to play audio books, which can make that longer trip that much less taxing.

Major Manufacturers Navman  TomTom  AudioVox  Clarion  Lowrance  Garmin  Magellan  Cobra  Pharos

• High-resolution screen that will be bright and easy to read.
• A simple button pattern that will be easy to use.
• A fast processor for rapid recalculation.
• A decent battery life (many models are very poor, so it's good to research this a bit before buying).

When Basic Isn't Good Enough

The latest in GPS technology comes not as a stand-alone device, but integrated into your PDA.  It takes some time to setup the mapping software, but if you want an all-in-one organiser plus navigation system, a compatible PDA would be a great choice. One drawback of multi-functional devices is the cost. If you are interested in a Smartphone (PDA/cellphone combination), such as the new Treo,  you can expect to be paying around £30 just for line rental. For PDAs and laptops, make sure you get a good product bundle that includes a wide array of maps.

As devices become further integrated, multi-functionality is what distinguishes the best from the merely adequate. Here are some forward-looking navigation systems that give consumers a little something extra. Whether it's DVD playback or landmark recognition, these devices each have a special something that make them worth a look.

External Links

• LordPercy.com: An informative article on how GPS works.
• The site also has reviews to help you choose between models currently on the market.
• GPSInformation.net: For help choosing a GPS device and learning about various features.
• A word of warning: it is a very comprehensive site and may seem overwhelming, but don't get discouraged.
• GPS Info's Web masters' can send you personalised information about what kind of GPS device will work for you if you submit your navigational wants and needs.