Hiking 411 | Navigating Using a GPS Device

GPS stands for Global Positioning System. Although there are plenty of components, the most important elements are a chain of satellites and the devices people carry. 3 satellites are used to determine your location across the Earth's surface and another is used in concert with them to gauge your elevation in a manner called triangulation.

GPS devices are available at an array of different prices, with the most expensive units presenting the most features. A very simple unit will have a display and keypad that permit you to find your latitude (east-west lines radiating around the Earth) and longitude (north-south lines drawn from the North Pole to the South Pole).

Inside that main structure there are a range of models and types, most of them from a company called Garmin, the primary producer. There are others, however. Whatever model you prefer, you'll find options for varying battery duration, position of the controls, and weight.

Some designs are waterproof - very useful when crossing lakes and rivers or if you get trapped in a storm. Various models have different numbers of waypoints. A 'waypoint' is another word for physical coordinates - longitude, latitude, elevation, etc. ('etc' because there are, actually, many ways to find a point in space rather than longitude, latitude, and elevation).

Another meaning of the word 'waypoint', and one which is built into different GPS devices, is the amount of landmarks shown on the display. That will differ based on which map is queued up, but the ability to show more can be a double-edged sword. You want enough to orient yourself, but the display can become too congested to be helpful.

As units get more expensive, most devices will have features such as a digital compass. Other features can comprise the ability to download local maps into the device, or varying maps, zoom and relocate, and lots more.

One trendy Garmin model (the eTrex) is water-resistant, shows up to 500 waypoints, and has controls along the side to amplify the display size. It's also lightweight (150g with batteries.)

Prices span from $100-$300 or more. On the GPS battleground you mostly get what you pay for. The Garmin eTrex Summit, for instance, is around $200 and has some versatile features. Some GPS devices need movement in order to provide a bearing, but the built-in compass of this model returns a reading even while you are stationary.

It also has an altimeter for determining height. It's very helpful when you're attempting to use the GPS in concert with a local map and the contour lines designating elevation are puzzling. Like other types, it has 12 channels. Those additional channels - just like a cordless home phone - give you different options when you get interference from other close units.

Various models have some nice-to-have options like backlighting so you can read the display at night without using a flashlight. Many have a tracking log so you can see where you've been on the hiking trails. That's very effective for drawing on a hiking map to pin down your course.

Do some study and look at many models before choosing. If you do, you'll surely find one that suits your wants and budget.

Hiking Trails

Navigating Using a GPS Device