Short for Global Positioning System, GPS is a network of satellites put up by the U.S. defense system and opened for public use by President Reagan in 1983. By using four satellites in view over any area of the earth, GPS receivers can give precise locations on land or sea. An atomic clock in the satellites allows signals to be timed in distance from the receiver, and a location by map points or latitude and longitude is calculated. There are 24 constantly orbiting satellites used by GPS receivers to calculate position. A working GPS receiver and a clear view of the sky are all that's needed to find your location anywhere on earth.
Hand-held units have a receiver tuned to the satellite's frequency and a stable clock as well as some type of display for the user to pinpoint his location. While the operation of GPS technology is fairly complicated, many outdoor recreational users such as hikers and hunters have found them easy to use and reliable.
What to Look for
Besides ease of operation, reliability, accuracy, portability and pricing are the main considerations in buying a GPS.
Pre-loaded maps, voice prompts and touch screens are options to consider. For the hiker or boater, water resistance and high sensitivity are things to look for in a GPS also. Two-way radios and mapping are possible options, but a basic handheld with good sensitivity is a good place to start.
A simple, high sensitivity hand-held GPS unit can be had for about $100 to $200 and can plot locations as the user moves which can lead the user back to the starting point by reversing the plot points. Sophistication beyond plotting position may only confuse a neophyte to GPS use. Plotting position can also be done with less accuracy using a map, compass and pacing. Map and compass use is a good backup to a GPS unit and should accompany its use just as basic math skill should accompany a calculator.
Common Pitfalls
Buying a GPS based on using one in a car or looking for one with extra gadgets attached like voice recognition is liable to be over-complicated, over-priced and little used. A basic hand-held position finding GPS with easily understood directions for the beginner will more likely be satisfactory until the user gains a higher level of expertise.
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