Waterproof GPS Handhelds – Benefiting Modern Sportsmen With Practical Features
Posted in GPS by Peter Jordan on July 21st, 2009 The Feasibility of GPS in sports originated from its primitive use in military and government purposes. But technology enabled receivers to be usable in water though they have electronic components.
This is all possible because GPS is already made waterproof for practical navigation and sports. Though they were originally intended for land use in military and government applications, technology enabled GPS to be functional in water despite its electronic components.
Some features should be understood before buying waterproof GPS handhelds, as they can be found in its specifications, and worth the comparison among models. Such features are also suitable for older and non-waterproof units.
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.
Waterproof handhelds were expensive when they entered the market. During those times, it is considered as a luxury and only high-profile sportsmen can afford it. Now, even ordinary people and beginners can have it in a reasonable price. Non-water sports also benefit from it because of exposure to weather changes and humidity. In addition, it is portable and user-friendly, making it an essential navigation and sports equipment rather than a luxury.
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