GPS

Contents1 Different ways of using a GPS
1.1 Route Tracking
1.2 Waypoints
1.3 Reference
2 When is a GPS really worth it?
3 Good features

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GPS stands for Global Positioning System. GPS units provide satellite-based navigation systems allowing you to pinpoint your longitude, latitude and altitude. GPS units utilize 24 satellites. Three satellite connections are required to determine your latitude and longitude. If four or more satellite connections are obtained your GPS unit will provide your latitude, longitude and altitude.

Where will I receive a signal? Civilian GPS units (GPS satellites are maintained by the United States Department of Defense) are transmitted in a straight line. The signal is capable of traveling through clouds and mildly forested area. The signals are not capable of traveling through mountains or other solid objects. Therefore if you are directly next to a mountain or in a canyon it may be difficult to obtain the required three satellite connections.

The twenty-four satellites are designed so that your position can be determined from any location in the world (that is not obstructed by mountains etc).

Different ways of using a GPS

Route Tracking
By leaving your GPS unit on constantly your unit will record your path. The route tracking feature makes backtracking extremely easy. However, GPS units use a lot of battery power so if you are going on an extended trip and plan on leaving your GPS unit on constantly, you will be switching your batteries multiple times, increasing weight and cost.

Many GPS units permit you to save routes for future reference.

Waypoints
Waypoints allow you to mark positions on your GPS. Waypoints are convenient because you can leave your GPS unit off the majority of the time and then turn it on when you need to mark an important position (trail intersection, major feature, parking lot etc.).

Reference
GPS units can be used to find your exact position on a map (presuming latitude and longitude are shown on the map). This is nice when there are long distances between distinct features or when there aren't trails.

Loading GPS Topo Maps Regional topographic maps are available for most GPS units. This is an excellent addition for any outdoor use. Topographical maps show the terrain, roads, summits, lakes and other major features.

Due to memory limitations (on your GPS unit) you will need to select which maps you want to load.

Deciding if you want to use Topo Maps on your GPS unit is an important decision prior to purchasing the device because the software is very expensive if purchased separately. Package deals or GPS units that come with Topo Maps already loaded are considerably cheaper.

When is a GPS really worth it?

In good weather conditions, map and compass reading skills will get you around any well marked trail without a problem. A GPS comes into play when you are traveling off trails or in poor weather conditions. GPS units have the advantage of providing navigation when you are in a storm (and therefore cannot see landmarks).

Good features

waterproof
light weight
topographic maps (or enough memory to accept your desired topographic map software)
uses replaceable batteries (if your GPS unit uses an internal rechargeable battery you will not be able to replace the batteries once you're in the wilderness)
long battery life (color GPS units typically use more power; therefore consider a black and white unit)
memory for routes and waypoints

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