GPS were originally used in military and other government applications. Today, it is also used in other areas like navigation and sports. Though GPS is composed of electronic devices, some handhelds can be used in water.
People engaged in activities like kayaking and canoeing can take advantage of it while on a trip. Basic features of waterproof GPS handhelds are similar with traditional GPS. It can calculate distance between locations, and display maps in terms of latitude and longitude.
Though they used to be expensive, waterproof units are now available at an affordable price. For sea kayakers, it provides accurate data about their path in the middle of the sea. Bikers can also benefit from waterproof units because they encounter varying weather conditions aside from moist and humidity. It is also portable and easy to use, making it an indispensable navigational tool for sportsmen.
In buying waterproof GPS handhelds, some characteristics should be understood because they often appear in specifications sheet and are good measures when comparing units. The following terms are also applicable for non-waterproof GPS.
Waypoints: It is also called POI or Points of Interest. Waypoints are useful in storing landmarks and important locations along the trip. Sportsmen can store data about the location of their last campsite, or the coordinates where they changed directions. Some units can store 1000 waypoints, but for common usage, 500 will be enough. Waypoints are analogous to tree markings implemented by past sportsmen when in a forest. In addition, GPS units can do calculations on two waypoint data, or delete past waypoints to free some memory for another. Sophisticated units have the feature to exchange waypoint data among GPS handhelds, allowing sportsmen to share their experience and past routes.
Points of Interest: Commonly known as POI and waypoints, it proves to be very useful for long trips. Some handhelds can store 1000 waypoints, but only few people will need that much data. It is used in storing important spots along the trip, like a stream with potable water, or coordinates where kayakers need to turn in another direction. GPS can calculate distance between waypoints, and can delete unnecessary data to make room for another. Waypoints are improved GPS implementation of tree markings done by primitive hikers to help travelers make their way back. Some units allow log tracking so that travelers can share their steps and route.
Wide Area Augmentation System: Commonly known as WAAS, augmentation system corrects the signal received by the GPS for distances beyond 10 feet. Enabling WAAS can increase accuracy up to five times.
Touch screen and switching between urban driving, hiking, and water sports are some advanced features of waterproof GPS handhelds. It can also have memory slots and digital compass. Since its main feature is usability in water, new models also show sea depth, docks, and other related information. Its package was designed to float to get it easier when dropped in water. Some units have built-in radios to provide communication within 5 miles, as long as there will be corresponding FCC license. - 16887
People engaged in activities like kayaking and canoeing can take advantage of it while on a trip. Basic features of waterproof GPS handhelds are similar with traditional GPS. It can calculate distance between locations, and display maps in terms of latitude and longitude.
Though they used to be expensive, waterproof units are now available at an affordable price. For sea kayakers, it provides accurate data about their path in the middle of the sea. Bikers can also benefit from waterproof units because they encounter varying weather conditions aside from moist and humidity. It is also portable and easy to use, making it an indispensable navigational tool for sportsmen.
In buying waterproof GPS handhelds, some characteristics should be understood because they often appear in specifications sheet and are good measures when comparing units. The following terms are also applicable for non-waterproof GPS.
Waypoints: It is also called POI or Points of Interest. Waypoints are useful in storing landmarks and important locations along the trip. Sportsmen can store data about the location of their last campsite, or the coordinates where they changed directions. Some units can store 1000 waypoints, but for common usage, 500 will be enough. Waypoints are analogous to tree markings implemented by past sportsmen when in a forest. In addition, GPS units can do calculations on two waypoint data, or delete past waypoints to free some memory for another. Sophisticated units have the feature to exchange waypoint data among GPS handhelds, allowing sportsmen to share their experience and past routes.
Points of Interest: Commonly known as POI and waypoints, it proves to be very useful for long trips. Some handhelds can store 1000 waypoints, but only few people will need that much data. It is used in storing important spots along the trip, like a stream with potable water, or coordinates where kayakers need to turn in another direction. GPS can calculate distance between waypoints, and can delete unnecessary data to make room for another. Waypoints are improved GPS implementation of tree markings done by primitive hikers to help travelers make their way back. Some units allow log tracking so that travelers can share their steps and route.
Wide Area Augmentation System: Commonly known as WAAS, augmentation system corrects the signal received by the GPS for distances beyond 10 feet. Enabling WAAS can increase accuracy up to five times.
Touch screen and switching between urban driving, hiking, and water sports are some advanced features of waterproof GPS handhelds. It can also have memory slots and digital compass. Since its main feature is usability in water, new models also show sea depth, docks, and other related information. Its package was designed to float to get it easier when dropped in water. Some units have built-in radios to provide communication within 5 miles, as long as there will be corresponding FCC license. - 16887
About the Author:
Waterproof GPS handheld systems are a super improvement for all kinds of outdoor activities. Learn more about them at the GPS Handheld Guide.
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