GPS Handheld Guide Introduction


Welcome to the GPS Handheld Guide. What is a handheld GPS? Any device that you can carry around that has GPS functionality built into it. These can be anything from GPS PDAs, GPS cell phone, GPS laptops and GPS navigation systems. Handheld GPS units have become very popular in recent years and they now come in many models and purposes. The first thing we will talk about is what GPS is and how it works.

GPS in an acronym that stands for “Global Positioning System”. It was first developed by the US Navy in 1960 and it became publicly available in 1983. The way the GPS systems work is that there a multiple satellites orbiting earth and they each send a signal that your GPS receiver picks up and then does a calculation on to determine how long it took to arrive from the satellite. The length of travel time determines the distance the signal traveled from the satellites and with 4 signals the receiver does a geometric triangulation calculation to discover exactly where you are located. From that knowledge all kinds of mapping and navigation applications are possible.

GPS based mobile phones have come on strong due to FCC requirements that all mobile emergency calls require positioning information to be broadcast with the 911 call. Mobile phone applications that take advantage of the GPS features are still relatively new and are still maturing.

Key features of GPS Handheld Units

When you are looking to buy a handheld GPS system, there are a key set of common features that you will want to review. If your primary purpose for an GPS unit is automotive navigation then you needs will be different that somebody looking to buy a GPS handheld unit primarily for hiking. Key features include…

  • Points of Interest
  • Audible turn by turn directions
  • Traffic Updates>
  • Downloadable maps (and computer connectivity)
  • Battery life
  • Weight
  • Waterproof
  • Color – yes this can big a big issue if you set your handheld GPS down while out in the woods and can’t find it again because is blends in with the environment!

Major brands of GPS Handheld Systems

  • DeLorme GPS
  • Garmin handheld GPS – One of the more popular Garmin models is the Garmin Etrex GPS handheld.
  • Magellan handheld GPS
  • Mio handheld GPS
  • Tomtom handheld GPS
  • Lowrance handheld GPS

GPS Handheld Accessories

Here is a short list of some common GPS handheld accessories…

  • GPS Antennas
  • GPS Maps
  • GPS Carrying cases
  • GPS Mounts and Mounting stands

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