GPS
Can anybody recommend a handheld GPS?
I am a keen walker and intend broadening my horizons. I would like a handheld fit for a starter that will take me into intermediate level and possibly into advanced. I know it's a tall order but not as tall as this next request. Can it be used abroad (outside Europe) and will it have supporting software? Thank you very much in advance.
Public Comments
- I use a GOTO handheld - cheap and cheerful, works well with an OS map (It does have on-screen mapping but it's not very good for walking in the countryside) It will give your position to within 3m using either Lat / Long or British OS grid co-ordinates, Give compass bearings or a direction arrow and you can set quite sophisticated way points and routes. It's not full Sat Nav, it is really for walkers who have good map reading skills but need a good position fix and direction hints. And it only cost 48 quid from Maplins! You can configure it for overseas use, although I never have.
- I would rec th etrex line. there are a few models ranging from just over 100 to about 300. They have both black and white and color screens and some have altimeters. I just upgraded from a legend to the vista-cx model this gave me color and the altimeter for a trip we took out west. This model though a little more pricey has a great screen even in bright sun. The newer ones all have pc connectivity either via usb or serial connection. three reasons this is good to have. One - you can upgrade maps or add to them. (as an example you can get more detailed bluecharts for the water or topos for national parks etc...) two you can download your tracks and look at them on some mapping programs or against sat maps. and lastly if you have a laptop you can hook it up and use a pc based mapping program and know where you are.
- I think GPS can be good, in a whiteout for example to pin point your location but I wouldn't rely too heavily on one - Good old map and compass and navigation skills are still the best way.
