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Gone are the days of magnetic compass which only guides you fro the east, west, north, and south directions. With the new age GPS i.e. Global Positioning Systems, devices you know within a margin of few feet your exact location. So, no need of asking for directions or making a goose chase with the conventional compass. Instead get yourself a modern GPS handheld device and footloose on a camping or hiking adventure and know where you are.
There is a wide array of the handheld devices available in the market. These devices are so small that they can easily slip into your pocket. To select the best handheld GPS device you need to understand the following factors,
- Consider the size of the device you want to purchase. The one which is smaller is easier to carry and handle. While you carry the device in your pocket secure it with proper carrying cases.
- It is best to Pick a system that is capable of using UTM grid data maps or local grid maps. Make sure that the system can use the common datums used worldwide.
- The system you choose should have a good memory to store several routes.
- Pick an intelligent GPS device which can give you the distance and direction of a point from your current position.
- A GPS device which can store 100 or more waypoints is very useful. The waypoints are geographic points which can be used as markers.
- Choose a GPS system that has multi-parallel channels. This ensures that several satellites are tracking you at one time rather than just one. You get faster fixes in difficult conditions.
- Make certain that it has a backlit display to make it handier during night. Also ensure it has a sufficient battery backup for extended use.
- Get the complete operational details before you buy the device.
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