Re: GPS Question




"Paul Saunders" <pvs1@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:e2bq4a$gci$1@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
aj wrote:

i dont have a GPS but cant you just switch one on if you are unsure
of your position to get a grid reference & keep it switched off the
rest of the time

Yes, you could, but that would be a waste considering all the other things
you can do with it.

At the very least, leave it switched on to record a track. Not only will
it give you statistics on exactly where you went, how far you walked, how
long it took, walking speeds and times at different points, but it can
also act as a useful breadcrumb trail. Let's say the mist came down or it
got dark and you needed to backtrack for some reason - far easier to
follow the track back (there is a "trackback" feature than have to faff
about navigating the usual way.

As for reading the grid ref and comparing it to a map, that's the hard way
to use a GPS. Just load up some well chosen waypoints beforehand and
you'll rarely ever need to read a grid ref, or even get out the map.
You're probably thinking of using the map for navigation and keeping the
GPS in your rucksack for emergencies. It's much easier to do it the other
way around, use the GPS for navigation and keep the map in your rucksack
for emergencies!

However, you do need some extra software and a lead to connect it to the
PC to get the best out of a GPS.

Paul


great advice thanks,now recommend a GPS unit please,there seem so be 2
around £100 etrex & Geko
which is better any idea,or is it wise to spend a bit more cash & get a
better unit?


.



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