GPS for Dummies.pdf - Engineering Surveyor

Chapter 6: Using GPS with a PDA113 ALK Technologies: www.alk.com DeLorme: www.delorme.com EMTAC: www.emtac.comFor outdoor use, you can easily mount your Bluetooth GPS receiver on a highspot, such as on top of a pack (or some other location that’s in an optimal positionto receive satellite signals) and wirelessly record GPS data with your PDA.OtterBox also makes waterproof cases for Bluetooth GPS receivers that don’tdegrade the transmitted radio signals so you can create a rugged wireless PDAnavigation system for use in harsh conditions. (See the sidebar, “OtterBoxes.”)For an extensive list of the GPS receiver devices available for Pocket PC PDAs,including reviews and detailed specifications, check out www.gpspassion.com/en/hardware/gpslist.htm.GPS-integrated PDAsThe most expensive option when creating a PDA navigation system is to purchasea PDA that comes with a built-in GPS receiver. In 2003, Garmin introducedthe iQue 3600, a PDA that runs the Palm OS and features an integratedGPS receiver.The iQue 3600 looks like a normal PDA but has a flip-up, adjustable antennathat pops out of the top. It has extensive mapping capabilities, including turnby-turnvoice directions and integration with the calendar and address bookprograms in which you can click an address and get instant directions. Formore information about the iQue 3600, visit www.garmin.com.If the iQue becomes popular, look for other integrated GPS PDAs to bereleased by Garmin and other manufacturers in the future; especially as GPSreceiver components become smaller and cheaper. As this book went topress, Taiwanese manufacturer MiTAC announced the Mio 168, an integratedGPS/Pocket PC.Reviewing PDA Mapping SoftwareIf you buy a GPS receiver specifically designed for PDA use, it will probablycome bundled with mapping software that includes map data and a programthat displays the maps and interfaces with the GPS receiver.In addition to the program that runs on your PDA is a program that runs onyour PC; this program installs the maps on your PDA and can be used forroute planning. You select the maps that you want to install on your PC and