Re: Basic questions about GPS devices
- From: Jack Erbes <jackerbes@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Mon, 12 May 2008 07:01:08 -0400
UncleStoner@xxxxxxxxx wrote:
<snip>
1. How are maps made available to GPS devices? Do they come with pre-
loaded map data, do you typically download it from the device
manufacture for free or for charge, do you typically download it from
a 3rd party company for free or for charge, or do you typically get it
free from "the community".
Most handheld GPS receivers (that is the most appropriate type for what
you want to do) come with a basic base map. That shows major roads and
highways and geographical features and has some points of interest (POI)
in a database (airports, etc.).
The assumption is that the mapping needs will vary from one user to
another so detailed mapping of various types is sold as an optional
purchase.
2. Specifically for hiking trails as opposed to roads, are trails part
of most maps? Or is there third-party trail map data available? I
will be hiking on well-known "official" trails maintained by the state
government (I believe).
They are generally not shown on street and highway detail mapping but
are shown on topo mapping.
3. How good is GPS reception in a heavily forested/mountainous area
these days?
The newer GPS receivers that have the better GPS chip sets and good
sensitive antennas do a pretty good job under moderate to heavy cover.
And external amplified antennas can be added to many of them. In use
people mount the antennas in a more visible positions atop caps and
backpacks.
4. Any other advise/information I should have.
I'd recommend looking at these Garmin handhelds as the best candidates
for what you want to do:
60Cx or 60CSx, 76Cx or 76CSx
You can choose and compare the various models here:
http://www8.garmin.com/outdoor/compare.jsp
And look at the online viewers for these mapping packages to see the
kind of detail you'll see and difference between street and highway and
topo mapping:
City Navigator North America NT
http://www8.garmin.com/cartography/mapSource/citynav.jsp
Topo 2008 (full U.S. 100K coverage)
http://www8.garmin.com/cartography/mapSource/topous.jsp
U.S. Topo 24K (selective coverage)
http://www8.garmin.com/cartography/mapSource/topo24knpeast.jsp
If you compare the views of known locations in the online map viewers,
you can quickly see what is missing or how it compares to the real
world. I consider the 100K topo (U.S. Topo or Topo 2008) do be adequate
for casual hiking needs. If I want better detail and a backup against a
failed receiver or poor reception, I would also have a 24K paper USGS
topo map and a compass with me when hiking.
Garmin has a new line of handhelds, the Colorado series, that may be
candidates for your use. My initial impression of them from early
reviews is that the the older models have more features and much better
battery life and I'm not interested in Colorados for that reason. You
can read a comparison review here:
http://garmincolorado.wikispaces.com/Colorado+vs+60csx
Jack
--
Jack Erbes in Ellsworth, Maine, USA - jackerbes at adelphia dot net
(also receiving email at jacker at midmaine.com)
.
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