ADVANCED GPS FEATURES BUYER'S GUIDE
by Joe Keller

There are literally thousands of different GPS units and outdoor GPS devices available on the market today. Each GPS manufacturer has their own special features and advanced capabilities that they claim to put their unit above their competitor’s. When shopping for a GPS unit, wading through all the different features and finding the ones that are right for you can become overwhelming. This article will highlight some of the more popular features and what they really mean to you.

Waypoints

Most outdoor systems and vehicle GPS units will have a built-in database of waypoints. Waypoints are the GPS eastern and northern coordinates for a given point on a map. Most databases will include waypoints for popular restaurants, gas stations, service garages, tourist locations, hotels, and hot spots. While you will find specific way-points pre-programmed into your GPS unit when you purchase it, some GPS units will allow you to program your own waypoints, or download up-dated and interest specific waypoint databases.

Route Mapping

Route mapping allows you to create a pre-defined set of Waypoints for an area you plan to visit. Once the waypoints are programmed into the GPS unit, the unit will guide you in the best way possible from one waypoint to another. This can be especially useful for long trips that have predefined stopping locations, allowing you to plan your trip before leaving, without ever needing to re-program your GPS along the way. Some GPS units will automatically create waypoints for you as you travel, useful if you get side-tracked and need to find your way back.

Altimeters

Some outdoor handheld units will have altimeters that will indicate the altitude or feet above sea-level. This feature is especially useful for hikers and campers that are in mountainous terrain, and may need to refer to topographical area maps.

Antennae configuration

Some GPS units have external antennas that can be adjusted to get better reception. Other GPS units will have optional plug-in antennas that are useful when mounting the GPS in a hard-to-reach location, such as inside a car or tucked away in a boat, allowing you to route the antenna to a more open area. Another antenna option is a built-in antenna, which will protect the antenna from being broken or damaged. This option is often seen in hand-held and fitness style GPS units.

Connectivity

With cables and software carried by most GPS vendors, you can connect most GPS units to computers or other GPS units to download databases, backup of waypoints and information, sharing of data from one GPS to another, and much more.

Size

GPS units come in all different shapes and sizes. Be sure to choose a size unit that is specific to your needs. If you plan on hiking or using GPS for outdoor activities of one kind or another, you may want to consider a smaller, lighter, portable unit. However, size and weight may not be a consideration if you are planning on mounting your unit to the inside of your vehicle. Battery life is often relational to the weight of the GPS units. Heavier batteries will have a longer batter life than lighter models. Make sure to be certain of your specific requirement, you may decide to carry a slightly heavier GPS unit in a backpack, if you plan on going on a long hike deep into the wilderness, while, you may require a light fitness style GPS unit that you can mount on your wrist for a short jog around town.

Weatherproofing

You will find that there is a GPS unit specifically designed for your requirements. A heavier duty, more rugged GPS will stand up to the weather elements better than some of the lighter less protected units will. If you plan on using your GPS in a boating situation, you will find many marine style GPS units that will specifically be waterproofed. A carrying case is sometimes a valid compromise, allowing you to carry a lighter, less expensive unit, while at the same time, maintaining complete weatherproofing.

Screen size

The display screen should be big enough to fit your individual requirement. You will want to make sure if you have a vehicle mounted GPS unit that you will be able to read the GPS display from a reasonable distance, so you will not have to be distracted and take your eyes off the road. However, if the GPS is going to be used in a hiking situation, you may be able to deal with a smaller screen display, in order to get a lighter, more compact unit. Some GPS units will come with illuminated screens which will be especially useful at night-time and low-light situations.

Memory

GPS units will come with a pre-determined memory limitation, which will usually translate to the number of way-points and route information it can hold. Some units will accept additional memory card add-ons for increasing the unit’s memory space at a later time. Other units will allow you to connect to a computer to save programmed information, to be retrieved at a later time, thereby allowing you to maintain plenty of memory space on your GPS unit.

Hopefully this guide will help you better understand the many different options that are available when you are shopping for your GPS unit. There are many different options to consider, so make sure to ask plenty of questions and spend your time enjoying the GPS buying experience.

Joe Keller is the owner and operator of www.gpsgearonline.com, and avid GPS enthusiast.

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