Handheld GPS devices have fallen out of favor due to the increased capabilities of smartphones. However, serious explorers can still find good use in these rugged units.
Most handheld GPS devices rely on AA batteries, which are cheap and easy to replace. Some models offer rechargeable battery packs as an alternative. Screen brightness and readability in direct sunlight are essential features to consider, too.
Accuracy
Most GPS devices include software to manage, display, and analyze waypoints and tracks. Some manufacturers also provide an app for downloading and viewing waypoints and tracks on smartphones.
If your work requires high-quality data, you’ll want to invest in a professional-grade GPS. Check some here at https://www.retailmenot.com/view/Garmin.com. These units have been engineered and built to achieve better quality coordinates. They’re also more rugged than smartphones, designed to withstand drops, harsh weather, and signal blockage.
Some GIS users require submeter accuracy, which can only be achieved with a professional GPS device. These units also feature customizable interfaces and routines for detailed attribute collection.
A GPS is necessary for navigation and route planning for those who spend extended periods in the backcountry. Thru-hikers, in particular, may find that a GPS device with more storage space is worth the investment, as it can be used to keep track of photos and other trip information.
A GPS with satellite messaging capabilities is another excellent option for backpackers and backcountry explorers. This is an inexpensive safety feature that could be crucial in the event of an emergency when you’re miles from a cell tower. This is becoming common in handheld GPS devices.
Navigation
While the technology behind GPS has become so pervasive that it is a core part of our modern lives, it came from humble beginnings. It’s worth remembering how important this critical technology is when deciding whether to invest in a system.
Despite their impressive accuracies, GPS units are costly. They can cost several thousand dollars. Suppose you’re not planning to use them in a commercial capacity. In that case, it may make more sense to invest in a smartphone or similar device that provides basic navigation functionality for less.
Many handheld GPS units have a complex user interface that can intimidate a beginner. They typically have a variety of buttons that must be pressed in the correct order to get them to work, which can be challenging to do with gloves. Fortunately, touchscreens are becoming more popular in the GPS market. They’re more intuitive and easier to use with gloves but require more time to master.
Some GPS devices are designed with specialized telematics capabilities that allow them to connect to a cellular data network. This enables them to send alerts for various issues, including poor driving, maintenance, and even accidents. These telematics systems are commonly used in construction, mining, and trucking to improve efficiency and safety on the job.
Safety
Whether you’re a hiker or an emergency responder, GPS technology can improve your safety in many ways. For instance, some GPS devices paired with cellular signals and Wi-Fi technology can communicate with remote monitoring centers in the event of a medical emergency to give the exact location of an individual. This feature can significantly reduce the time needed to dispatch an ambulance or other help to someone in need.
GPS tracking technologies are also helpful in reducing vehicle theft. In addition, most insurance companies offer discounts for installing anti-theft technologies in fleet vehicles. This makes GPS devices a worthwhile investment for many organizations and businesses.
Another way GPS technology is improving safety is by connecting to multiple satellite systems for faster and more accurate location fixes. This capability increases accuracy and battery efficiency compared to devices that connect to only one satellite system.
Using rechargeable batteries in your GPS device can reduce the weight and bulk of your pack while significantly extending your battery life. This is especially important for backpackers who want to carry their GPS unit as lightweight and compact as possible. Most GPS devices that use AA batteries can also be fitted with a rechargeable pack.
Data
The ubiquity of GPS means that it’s a valuable tool for collecting data. From monitoring fleet mileage to improving preventative maintenance processes, GPS is capable of helping businesses reach their goals and boost productivity.
When choosing a GPS device, consider what kind of data you’ll want it to collect. Most manufacturers have software designed to organize, analyze, and display the waypoints and tracks that GPS devices record. For example, Garmin’s Basecamp is simple, intuitive, and cross-platform, and it is included with some of the company’s more expensive GPS devices.
For businesses, a powerful onboard GNSS unit can collect and transmit data via satellite, making it possible to track equipment and employees in remote areas where cell service isn’t available. In addition to logging fuel usage, vehicle performance, and driver behavior, these units can send alerts for maintenance needs, accidents, or theft.
Many GPS devices can connect to multiple GNSS systems, which allows them to collect more accurate data. This is useful for outdoor enthusiasts and professionals that need to know their exact location, and it can help avoid collisions or other navigation issues. In addition, some GPS units can receive weather reports through text messages. This neat feature helps reduce the time spent in traffic by providing users with up-to-the-minute information.
