GPS for Dummies.pdf - Engineering Surveyor

346Part V: The Part of TensHere are a few ways to address GPS accuracy issues for training: Repeat and average: If you’re measuring a specific running or bikingcourse, do it several times and average the results to compensate forany GPS inaccuracies. Watch for breaks: Watch for any possible breaks in satellite coverage onthe course that might affect accuracy. This is usually easy to spotbecause track points displayed on a map will suddenly be off-course andare easily distinguished by jagged lines.How to carry your GPS receiver on footIf you use a GPS receiver for your outdoor workouts, one of your biggest decisionswill be how to carry the GPS receiver. The simplest way is just to hold itin your hand, if it’s free. Of the number of other different ways to carry a GPSreceiver (which I discuss next), the best carry methods will Provide optimal GPS satellite signal reception: Where you work outmight dictate how you carry your GPS receiver. If you live on the plains(flat) without any trees and have excellent satellite reception, you havemore options than in the Pacific Northwest (heavy tree canopies). Be comfortable: Carrying a GPS receiver should not distract you fromyour workout. However you carry it, it should be comfortable, and youreally shouldn’t notice carrying or wearing it.Here are some different ways to carry a GPS receiver while working out. Howyou carry a GPS receiver usually ends up being a personal preference. Try afew of these methods to see which one works best for you.ArmbandsArmbands, especially with smaller, lightweight GPS receivers, are one of myfavorite forms of no-hands carry. An armband is simply a GPS receiver casemounted to an adjustable elastic band.When worn on the upper arm, the GPS receiver isn’t blocked by your body asmuch as wearing the receiver at your waist, which means better satellitesignal reception. In areas without many sky obstructions, armbands can alsobe worn on your forearm, so you can look at the screen while you exercise.I use an armband with a plastic case that’s produced by Endless Pursuit(www.endlesspursuit.com). The case fits a Garmin Geko like a glove. Afteryou adjust the elastic band, it’s hard to tell you’re wearing it. (See Figure 23-1for an illustration of the armband.)