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Today’s Handheld GPS units are about a whole lot more than
just finding a waypoint or position. Sure, you can still get a
cheap GPS to give you a simple Lat/Lon position, but why
would you, when you can get a host of built-in features for
only a few dollars more? Many of these small units are truly
marvels of technology. The spectrum of features include
built-in basemaps, a range of optional detail maps that
includes topographical, waterways, and streets, external
memory storage capability, and huge volumes of points
of interest. Some units even feature a built-in electronic
compass and barometric altimeter. No more moving just
to get a heading reading or having to shoot an azimuth
with a separate compass. Climbers can even get a graphical
picture of their climb.
Street mapping has improved the versatility of the
Handheld GPS dramatically. Most Handheld GPS units
that provide a basemap include the Interstate highways.
While this can be helpful, true street navigation usually
requires optional street mapping software. Some
of today’s high-end units even include turn-by-turn
direction capability. Now you can literally step out of
the woods with your GPS, drop it into an automotive
mounting bracket, and get a full In-car Navigation unit
that will provide turn-by-turn directions with points
of interest like restaurants, gas stations, shopping, and
entertainment. This lets the user take his unit to the
scariest jungle of all… the freeway.
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