Find waypoints on the Internet and load them on your GPS

By visiting a Web site like http://www.swopnet.com/waypoints/, you can find a variety of waypoints (i.e. stored GPS locations) for famous landmarks, trailheads and other notable places. Imagine having a GPS receiver loaded with sites you intend to visit on your next vacation. The kids can observe your progress on the GPS screen without constantly asking, "Are we there yet?"

Discover how fast you're really going

GPS receivers can calculate speed in real time. This can be useful for biking, running or other athletic pursuits, not to mention checking the accuracy of your speedometer.

Make a visual record of your travels

Most GPS receivers have some capacity for recording "tracks," which document exactly where the unit has been. By transferring this data back to your computer, you can create an electronic "breadcrumb trai"* superimposed onto a map or aerial photograph. The visually impressive Google Earth Plus has an importing feature for GPS tracks. GPS Visualizer is a free, but less user-friendly, alternative.

Go on a "geocaching" treasure hunt

Geocaching is a growing outdoor hobby where you download waypoints from an Internet site, transfer them to your GPS and use its navigation system to find objects hidden in caches. For some idea of how prevalent this hobby is, http://www.geocaching.org lists 25 geocaches within 3 miles of Hinsdale.

What should I consider if I decide to buy a GPS receiver?

Will I use it mainly on or off-road?
Basic handheld GPS receivers without mapping capabilities are a great choice for off-road use (e.g. hiking). Fortunately, these devices are small and inexpensive. Expect to spend $100 to $300 for a simple GPS receiver. Color GPS receivers with mapping abilities are perfect for those who frequently travel on the road. They cost anywhere from $300 to $1,000.

Pay close attention to the screen.

Try the GPS under varying light conditions, from bright sunlight to complete darkness. A good screen should perform well regardless of ambient light levels.

Are there downsides to this technology?

A GPS receiver needs a strong signal from three or more satellites in order to work. Unfortunately, this signal can be blocked by heavy precipitation, tall buildings, canyons or dense foliage, so you should always have a backup plan in case your GPS fails to work.

Final thoughts

A GPS receiver can offer the user a sense of security in unfamiliar areas and can even save lives under certain circumstances. Current models offer good value to travelers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Resources

Web Sites

• GPS Information
  GPS Information is one of the best review sites for GPS receivers. The reviews are thorough and include a number of screen captures and other images to help prospective GPS buyers get their bearings.
• GPS Passion
  This is another great source of information on GPS devices, particularly those with navigational capabilities. It also discusses GPS solutions for laptop computers and personal digital assistants.
• Groundspeak Forum
  Groundspeak is a popular discussion forum for geocaching enthusiasts. If you want a GPS receiver optimized for geocaching, you can get some great suggestions here.
  

Books

• Burns, Bob. Wilderness Navigation: Finding Your Way Using Map, Compass, Altimeter & GPS (New Book 796.58 BUR)
  
• Egbert, Robert I. The GPS Handbook: An Outdoorsman's Guide (796.58 EGB)
  
• McNamara, Joel. GPS for Dummies (623.893)