Handheld GPS : What is it?
| Handheld Global Positioning System (GPS) units are navigation devices that use satellite signals to determine specific places in the world. Originally designed for the military, handheld GPS units were made available to civilians in the 1980s by the US government. They can work anywhere in the world at any time and in any weather condition. Their use does not require any network subscription, set-up, or installation.
Handheld GPS units are intended for outdoor use, which makes them weather-resistant. They have smaller screens and are less expensive than vehicle-mounted GPS units. Each unit usually comes with an electronic compass, an altimeter, and a barometer. Handheld GPS units can be easily mounted on vehicles, but they do not usually provide audio driving directions. |
|
view recommended products
Kinds of Handheld GPSs include the following: |
Non-mapping handheld GPS units
Non-mapping handheld GPS units are designed to compute basic GPS information only.
Some units have display screens, while others do not. Those without display screens have to be connected to laptops or PDAs where information can be displayed.
Some non-mapping handheld GPS units can record certain routes for future use.
They are generally inexpensive and can work well with paper maps. They are ideal for geocoaching and helping lost people get back home.
Mapping handheld GPS units
Mapping handheld GPS units have built-in screens for displaying maps and other information. They show the user's position on the map and relate it to the surroundings. They also have all the features of non-mapping GPS units.
Most mapping handheld GPS units can display rudimentary road level maps only, while the more expensive models can feature detailed topographic and street level maps. Most models require regular road map upgrades.
Auto-routing handheld GPS units
Auto-routing handheld GPS units are the most advanced GPS units available. They provide automatic door-to-door route displays and navigation assistance. However, most models lack the basic features of handheld GPS units and only feature auto-routing road solutions. They are ideal for travelers who are not very familiar with GPS but need the assistance of automatic devices, those who easily get lost on the road, and those who are interested in door-to-door routing.
Some auto-routing handheld GPS do not have voice prompts and only beep when a message is on the screen. Some models are combined auto-routing receiver and mapping receiver units. |
view recommended products
Upgradeable unit: Choose a handheld GPS unit that can be updated and upgraded regularly since road maps are modified constantly.
Built-in maps: Choose a handheld GPS unit with comprehensive and up-to-date built-in maps. This type of GPS unit is helpful when you go to new places, places that you can easily get lost in, or places that require constant orientation and distance estimation.
Memory: Look for a handheld GPS unit with sufficient built-in memory for storing maps and other information for future use. Get one with at least 20 megabytes of memory. |
view recommended products
Are you a manufacturer or supplier? Be listed here! EMAIL US |
Do you have something to add to this guide? If your suggestion passes our editorial standards, we will add it in and acknowledge you as a contributor. |
view recommended products
|
|
QUICK JUMP:
|
