GPS Notes
« previous | Main | next »
Do you "need" a GPS with an electronic compass?
November 24, 2005
I'm thinking of buying a GPS. Do I really need a GPS receiver with an electronic compass?
Unless you are moving a standard GPS cannot tell you which way north is (the receiver can't tell which way it is pointing from the signals it receivers from the satellites). The addition of a electronic compass means that a GPS is "direction aware" whether it is moving or not.
But are they worth the extra cost?
It depends.
I find the electronic compass most useful when geocaching. This is because the electronic compass allows the receiver to show you an accurate navigation arrow for navigating to the next waypoint even when you are standing still. Without an electronic compass the navigation arrow will just point in random directions until you start moving again. This can give you an enormous advantage over other geocachers!
Note - Remember that the electronic compasses in a GPS is susceptible to interference from metallic objects and other magnets just like a regular compass is. This means that they might be inaccurate when used in locations such as cars.
Technorati Tags: GPS, Satellite Navigation, Global Positioning System, geocache, geocaching
Posted by Kathie on November 24, 2005 7:20 PM.
TrackBack URL:
http://www.hacking-gps.com/cgi-bin/movabletype/mt-tb.cgi/115
« previous | Main | next »
Featured Item