For the most part, a GPS alone will be useless. Hey, you know where you
are, but that's about it. ANd you don't get instant feedback on whether
you're going in the right direction or not (a compass updates
accurately, continuously). GPS also has trouble in deep valleys, under
heavy clouds, and in thick forest. I've also had a GPS get totally
confused on a completely exposed peak (Mt. Marcy, highest in the state)
with 6 sattelites in "sight" and not a cloud in the sky.
IMO, a GPS is a nice supplement to a map & compass to help you figure
out just where you are, but unless you're in a featureless area (like,
say, Death Valley) it's only a couple minutes' work to triangulate your
position w/o the GPS.
I've tinkered with GPS units a few times, but I haven't found anything
to convince me to buy one when I have a decent map & compass.
fawcett@uism.bu.edu wrote:
>
> Hey! Wait a minute! Don't take this off-line just yet... I know what GPS is
> but I can't picture it's value over, let's say, an ordinary compass and map for
> the "ordinary" citizens use.
>
> Can you guys give me some practical uses for it? I'd also like to know what
> info. it displays for you. Like can you enter, "I am here and I want to go
> there" and it will give you a compass heading or something? Please explain
> before you go off-line! This has potential use for me and my Kota! Thanks.
> Tom
>
> ______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
> Subject: DML: Re: New Dak Toy
> Author: <dakota-truck@buffnet.net> at smtpout
> Date: 12/16/99 5:46 PM
>
> Kyle, I've got a 320 I use. Email me off list if you want to talk GPS
>
> --Mike
-- -andyhttp://home.twcny.rr.com/andylevy/ --- andylevy@bigfoot.com ---------------------------------------------------------------- Remember, amateurs built the ark. Professionals built the Titanic. ----------------------------------------------------------------
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