GPS for Dummies.pdf - Engineering Surveyor

86Part II: All About GPS Memory: How much memory does the GPS receiver have and is it expandable?This is a critical question if you’re interested in a GPS receiver thatsupports uploadable maps. Visit the GPS receiver manufacturer Web siteto get an idea of how much memory maps can take up. Or better yet,check some of the Internet GPS information sources listed in Chapter 21,where users talk about how much memory they need for loading differenttypes of maps. Display screen: Find out the following:• How big is the screen and how well can you read it? Make sure toconsider visibility at night, in bright sunlight, and in poor weatherconditions. The size of the screen is directly related to the overallsize of the GPS receiver, so if you want a larger, more readablescreen, expect a larger GPS receiver to go with it.• Do you really need a color screen? A color screen makes readingmaps easier because different colors are associated with map features.Note: Color is more of a preference than a requirement. User interface: Does operating the GPS receiver make sense to you? Sure,some learning is required to come up to speed, but using a GPS receivershould mostly be intuitive. Be sure to compare different brands andmodels because user interfaces are far from standardized. External controls: Look at different designs:• Are the buttons and controls on the GPS receiver easy to use?Naturally, this is also related to the user interface.• Are the controls hard to operate while wearing gloves or mittens? Weight and size: Do you want absolutely the smallest package you canget? Note that there’s only about a 7-ounce weight difference betweenthe lightest and heaviest handheld GPS receivers. Computer interface: Do you plan to connect your GPS receiver to a computerto download and upload data? If so, make sure that the receiver caninterface with a computer to exchange data; I think this feature is a mustso you can upgrade the GPS receiver’s firmware. See Chapter 9 for moredetails on connecting GPS receivers to computers.To map or not to mapIn terms of features, probably the biggest decision you’ll need to make iswhether to get a GPS receiver that displays maps. If you plan to use your GPSreceiver for on-the-road navigation, you need a mapping model. If you’re primarilyusing your GPS receiver for outdoor activities, you need to decidewhether to spend the extra money and get a model that displays maps. Quitehonestly, no matter what a salesperson might tell you, a GPS receiver withbuilt-in maps isn’t required for activities such as hiking, geocaching, fishing,bird watching, kayaking, or other outdoor pursuits. Using waypoints (see