Wednesday 22 July 2009

Waterproof GPS Handhelds - Benefiting Modern Sportsmen With Practical Features

By Alice Rea

The Feasibility of GPS in sports originated from its primitive use in military and government purposes. But technology enabled receivers to be usable in water though they have electronic components.

People engaged in activities like kayaking and canoeing can take advantage of it while on a trip. Basic features of waterproof GPS handhelds are similar with traditional GPS. It can calculate distance between locations, and display maps in terms of latitude and longitude.

Though waterproof GPS receivers seem to be a luxury before because of its high price, it is now affordable for common people and sportsmen. Sea kayakers can have accurate course information while they are in sea. It is also applicable for non-aquatic sports like biking, because of exposure to weather changes as well as moist and humidity. Because of its portability and user-friendliness, sportsmen see it not as a luxury but vital sports equipment.

Maps: GPS maps show topographical information like elevation and terrain of the surroundings in 2D or 3D. It can also improve visual representation by shading elevated contours in different zoom levels through DEM or Digital Elevation Model. DEM offers its users with enhanced mapping visuals for better analysis.

Augmentation System: This system serves as the corrector for the received signal by the GPS. It can be found in the specifications as WAAS, or Wide Area Augmentation System. It increases the accuracy of the signal for positions outside 10-feet from the unit. WAAS-enabled units are five times more accurate than WAAS-disabled units.

Topographical Maps: Most GPS can electronically display 2D or 3D maps, but older models do not. For such models, plotters will be required to have a printout of the map. Advanced models can go beyond normal topographic information by implementing Digital Elevation Model technology, commonly called as DEM. It is a feature to have better visualization of contours at different zoom levels. Moreover, handhelds can store new maps by accessing data cards and compact discs.

Wide Area Augmentation System: Commonly known as WAAS, augmentation system corrects the signal received by the GPS for distances beyond 10 feet. Enabling WAAS can increase accuracy up to five times.

Touch screen and switching between urban driving, hiking, and water sports are some advanced features of waterproof GPS handhelds. It can also have memory slots and digital compass. Since its main feature is usability in water, new models also show sea depth, docks, and other related information. Its package was designed to float to get it easier when dropped in water. Some units have built-in radios to provide communication within 5 miles, as long as there will be corresponding FCC license.

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