GPS for Dummies.pdf - Engineering Surveyor

Chapter 5: Selecting and Getting Started with a GPS Receiver85 How much do I want to spend? How much money you’ve got in yourwallet or purse is obviously going to influence which models you end upconsidering. The more features a GPS receiver has, the more it’s going tocost. So if you can figure out exactly what you’re going to use the receiverfor (see the preceding bullet) as well as which features you really need(versus those that are nice to have), you’ll end up saving some money.Generally, figure on spending anywhere from a little under $100 to $500for a handheld GPS receiver, although note that a few specialized automotiveand aviation models can cost up to $1,000.For the most part, the cost of a GPS receiver really has nothing to do withaccuracy. An expensive GPS receiver isn’t more accurate than a cheapermodel. The only exceptions to this rule are GPS receivers that support WideArea Augmentation System (WAAS), which can be more accurate than GPSreceivers that don’t have these enhanced location features.Figuring out how much you want to spend and what you want your GPSreceiver to do narrows your options considerably, but you’re likely stillgoing to be faced with a number of choices. The next step is to narrow downthe list of candidates with some more questions and things to consider,including Map display: Do you want to view maps on your GPS receiver? If so, youdefinitely need a mapping model — a GPS receiver that displays maps.See the later section, “To map or not to map.” Function: Will you use your GSP receiver primarily for road navigation oroutdoor recreation? Models are better suited for one or the other. See theupcoming section, “Road warriors.” Accessories: Does your budget include accessories such as cases, cables,vehicle mounting brackets, a case, and uploadable maps? Battery needs: Consider the following questions:• How many hours does the GPS receiver run on a set of batteries?Remember two things: Different models (and their features) havedifferent battery diets, and different battery types have varying lifespans. (See the upcoming section, “Battery basics,” for the skinnyon the different types of batteries and their life expectancy.)• Will you need to carry spare batteries (always a good idea), and ifso, how many? I recommend always carrying at least one fresh setof spare batteries.• Will you be using a cigarette lighter power adapter as an alternativeto using batteries?