Waterproof GPS Handhelds – Practical Features For Modern Sportsmen
The Feasibility of GPS in sports originated from its primitive use in military and government purposes. But technology enabled receivers to be usable in water though they have electronic components.
This is all possible because GPS is already made waterproof for practical navigation and sports. Though they were originally intended for land use in military and government applications, technology enabled GPS to be functional in water despite its electronic components.
Though waterproof GPS receivers seem to be a luxury before because of its high price, it is now affordable for common people and sportsmen. Sea kayakers can have accurate course information while they are in sea. It is also applicable for non-aquatic sports like biking, because of exposure to weather changes as well as moist and humidity. Because of its portability and user-friendliness, sportsmen see it not as a luxury but vital sports equipment.
Some characteristics should be known before buying waterproof GPS handhelds. Such characteristics are used in specifications sheet, and are good comparison points between units. The following characteristics are not only applicable for waterproof units, but also to non-waterproof handhelds.
Waypoints: It is also called POI or Points of Interest. Waypoints are useful in storing landmarks and important locations along the trip. Sportsmen can store data about the location of their last campsite, or the coordinates where they changed directions. Some units can store 1000 waypoints, but for common usage, 500 will be enough.
Waypoints are analogous to tree markings implemented by past sportsmen when in a forest. In addition, GPS units can do calculations on two waypoint data, or delete past waypoints to free some memory for another. Sophisticated units have the feature to exchange waypoint data among GPS handhelds, allowing sportsmen to share their experience and past routes.
WAAS or Wide Area Augmentation System: It is a corrector for the signal received by the handheld. GPS have the tendency to have higher deviation as distance increases. Enabling WAAS increases the accuracy of GPS up to five times for distances beyond 10 feet as opposed to disabling the WAAS.
Wide Area Augmentation System: Commonly known as WAAS, augmentation system corrects the signal received by the GPS for distances beyond 10 feet. Enabling WAAS can increase accuracy up to five times.
Touch screen and switching between urban driving, hiking, and water sports are some advanced features of waterproof GPS handhelds. It can also have memory slots and digital compass. Since its main feature is usability in water, new models also show sea depth, docks, and other related information. Its package was designed to float to get it easier when dropped in water. Some units have built-in radios to provide communication within 5 miles, as long as there will be corresponding FCC license.
