A Gps Device May Save Your Life
Posted by Mean on 01/14/08 in Communications
Every year we hear about campers or hikers lost in dense bush somewhere across North America. Search and rescue teams find most but occasionally we hear of those who wander for days without ever being found in time. Fortunately, we have a method today that can spare any family the travails of a lost loved one. A GPS or Global Positioning System device may mean the difference between life and death.
A handheld GPS unit can be an invaluable tool and can be as easy to use as your TV remote control. The system of satellites in the sky and a simple GPS receiver can be all the experienced camper needs to know where he or she is. But we highly recommend utilizing the remarkable map capabilities of so many GPS units available on the market today. By downloading maps from various companies or even Google earth you now have a valuable resource for safe camping, hunting, fishing or hiking. Some users even add aerial photos [where available] to give you added landmarks and local details to confirm where you are. You can easily save your starting location and set your intended route or end point before you start for the day.
Some GPS devices have back track features that allow you to back track to each waypoint that you set along your route. Just remember to set the points as you travel. Better still [and highly recommended] is to have one that sets these points automatically as you travel. Some can hold over 500 waypoints and you can have each one added automatically every few minutes for you as you leisurely enjoy nature along the trail. Often, when someone suddenly realizes they are “lost” they panic and set off in the wrong direction. But even if that happens to you, the unit will still continue to automatically mark where you travel. Once you remember that you have your GPS device you will have all these waypoints available to find your way back home. Some web sites are now busy collecting lists of waypoints around the world, giving you latitude and longitude of many landmarks. Check these out before you leave home as well to increase the safety factor of your outdoor adventure.
It is also good to keep in mind that these GPS units runs on batteries, so put a few extra in a secure pocket. If you want to conserve the batteries then only switch it on when you need to set a waypoint or to see where you are on the way back. This will conserve power and extend its use.
Without a doubt, investing in a GPS unit and even upgrading to better map software is a great method of insuring you always know where you are and how to get back to where you started from.
Garmin, Magellan, Navman and Lowrance are all popular brand names that sell handheld GPS devices. Some garment merchants have even created GPS shorts and pants that have a special pocket to make it easier and more convenient to carry your portable GPS receiver.
Don’t become a statistic among other lost campers and hikers. Add to the safety of you and your loved ones by using the amazing capabilities of GPS technology and related devices.
To find a great Garmin GPS device you can shop online at Shopping Onlne Galore.
Tags: gps, handheld gps, online shopping
tag this
Post a Comment