Functions and Features
Which functions and features are right for you?
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It's the functions and features of the different models that really sets one apart from another. How much you want each feature should be the main factor in choosing which one to buy.
Position
All units will give you an accurate location in three dimensions. You can choose between international grids such as longitude/latitude and the national grid of the country you're in - e.g. British Grid and will be presented in a unit as say NY 12345 BNG 67890.
Direction/bearing
All units will give you the option to take a bearing between your position and a known point. This feature can vary from obtaining a bearing to a grid reference you enter, to the ability to reverse an entire walk using bearings from point to point.
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Waypoints
A Waypoint is simply a place whose position you wish to record. You can use waypoints to record points of interest, places you took photographs from or important deviations in a route. Entire walking routes can be made up of a series of waypoints, and advanced GPS receivers and PDA based systems can often store thousands of waypoints. Basic units will be able to store waypoints internally, and a recall facility to view the waypoint positions. Advanced units will expand on this by allowing the export and import of waypoints between the receiver and digital mapping software on a computer.
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Waypoints
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Route and track storage
One of the best features of having a GPS is the ability to store a record of exactly where you've been. At its most basic level this means that should the weather close in you can use the record to retrace your route in safety. At the other end of the scale connecting a GPS to digital mapping software lets you check out routes on your computer once you get home, or even plan a route at home and transfer the route to your GPS for following once on the hill. Different manufacturers use different terminology, but essentially a route is a series of connected waypoints, whereas a track is a recording in real time of the route you take.
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Route and Track Storage
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Altimeter
Although not particularly useful in the UK, an altimeter comes into its own when in the Alps or similar mountain environments. Many alpine routes require direction changes at known altitudes, and in reduced visibility an altimeter can literally be a life saver.
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Other functions
Most GPS receivers will include additional features such as the local time and the speed of travel. While occasionally useful for working out how much longer you have to go before the end of a route these are minor features and pretty much universal.
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Other Functions
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Digital Mapping
The ability to combine a GPS with digital mapping software is where GPS really comes into its own. A handheld GPS comes with, at the most, a base-map which when zoomed in to the scale a walker requires shows next to no detail on the map page. Most users end up using Digital Mapping Software on their PC as a route planning tool and Topographical Mapping to supply a map in the GPS.
Companies like Anquet, Memory-Map, Quo,Tracklogs and Fugawi offer DMS in OS versions that you can load to your PC or laptop in both Explorer (1:25k) & Landranger (1:50k) scales.
These clever software packages will allow you to display the output from GPS recorded routes using high quality digital OS maps on your PC (Mac versions due some time). Depending on the software (eg. Anquet Memory Map etc) you can overlay your routes on standard, aerial or 3D maps, or do the process in reverse and plan the route on your PC then export the route to the GPS. Portable Navigation Devices with integrated GPS have the ability to show the same OS maps on screen with the GPS located position marked on the map and can be set to scroll constantly showing your position as you move. As with all GPS units, you can transfer routes and tracks in either direction.
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Digital Mapping
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Accessories
Like most modern gadgets, buying the unit is often only the start of things. Once you've got your GPS you find there's a whole catalogue of extras you can buy. One of the most useful accessories is undoubtedly a connection cable for linking the GPS to a PC (although in most cases this will come in the box.) Most manufacturers offer accessories like belt & carabiner clips, handlebar mounts for use on a bike, and auto mounting kits.
Beyond that you need to think about waterproofing and spare batteries. In general a stand alone GPS should be able to cope with a weekend away without needing a battery change, but if you're looking at PND based systems don't expect your batteries to last more than 6-8 hours of constant use. Most GPS units are waterproof to an acceptable British Standard however some PND particularly PDA’s will not be and you will need to carry in a waterproof cover.
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GPS Basics
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Getting Started
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GPS Buyer's Guide
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Using Your GPS
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GPS and Your PC
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