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Whether you're hiking, Geocaching or just want to safely find your way back to your
car, a hand held GPS will be a great addition to your next outdoor adventure.
The key to selecting the right handheld GPS is to compare and match the features to your
particular needs.
This video will help you understand these features and how they can help you on your
next trip.
With a clear and open view of the sky, a simple but effective basic handheld GPS unit will
allow you to mark your starting point and display the distance that separates your current
position from your starting point.
When it's time to return, just walk in the direction as indicated by the compass.
Most handheld GPS units will allow you to set a pre-determined destination point by
keying in coordinates.
You can also set multiple Markers or Waypoints along your route.
To find your way back, you can either retrace your steps along your exact route by following
a displayed track of virtual breadcrumbs walk in a straight line to your start or head towards
any marked Waypoint in between.
Map capable handhelds generally come preloaded with a set of basic maps that will indicate
the position of major highways, rivers and railways.
Using internal or expanded memory, you can install optional detail intensive maps that
are specific to your needs.
This upgrade can be purchased in the form a Downloadable File, Optical Data Disc or
Preloaded Memory Card.
Optional Marine Maps of Canadian charted waters can be purchased as well.
Most handhelds are dust and weather resistant and many are sealed and waterproofed to IPX7
standards which enables a device to be submerged under three feet of water for up to 30 minutes.
If you are planning on using your handheld on the water, you will want to look for a
unit that is designed to float or one that comes with a base-set of mariner-friendly
maps.
Some handhelds feature full touchscreen operation and even an onboard camera.
If you typically travel where a view of the open sky is somewhat obstructed, you may want
to consider a unit with a High Sensitivity Receiver and a Patch or Quad-Helix Antenna
for better signal reception.
Units that are WAAS-Enabled offer increased accuracy by using ground signals.
Typically, the compass featured in most handheld GPS units is only usable when in motion.
In contrast, a unit equipped with a 3-Axis Tilt-Compensated Electronic Compass will reliably
display your heading even when you're standing still and without holding it level.
Most units use satellite positioning for estimating your present altitude.
If accuracy is important to you, look for a model with an Onboard Barometric Altimeter.
This allows you to pinpoint your exact altitude and can also be used to chart weather conditions.
Geocaching is an outdoor treasure-hunt game using GPS-enabled devices.
Enthusiasts will select a set of GPS coordinates from a Geocaching website and begin their
quest to find the hidden geocache.
Many handheld GPS units have been designed with features to make the procedure quicker,
easier and paperless.
Part of the fun of owning a handheld GPS is discovering new ways to use it and enhance
your experience in the great outdoors.
Canadian Tire has the selection and know-how to help find the right handheld GPS for you.