GPS for downloading routes to Google.

Arbu · 12-16-2007, 4:35 PM

I do quite a bit of hiking and cycling and it would be quite interesting to be able to download a record of my routes onto Google Earth. So I'm thinking of getting a handheld GPS. But there are a few things I need to clear up on before I buy a GPS:

1. Can I set a GPS to automatically store my location at set intervals (say every five minutes)? If I have to keep pressing a button to take a reading then it's not worth the trouble.

2. How certain can I be of obtaining a GPS position in any given place in the World? i.e. does it always work; and

3. How long will batteries on a GPS last? Ideally it would be good if it could record positions for a week or more. It would be a bit ridiculous to go off on a hiking trip with a whole pack of batteries just for this purpose.

If you can help me with my questions, and if I can achieve what I want, suggest a GPS to buy, I'll be very grateful.

Also, is there much advantage to using a GPS with a downloaded map to navigate with than simply buying a paper map? Paper maps seem a lot cheaper and to allow you to view a much bigger area at one time.

Andy · 12-17-2007, 1:02 AM

Welcome to the site!

GPS' that have a tracklog feature can record your position automatically. They store a bread crumb trail with track points. When you look at the specs of a GPS, some will say it has 10,000 tracklog points. That means it can store 10,000 points while you are moving. Some GPS let you pick either time or distance to automatically store a track point.

I've only had my GPS not work on time inside a military base that was jamming the signal.

Battery life depends on the GPS model you buy. Some last a long time, some not much.

GPS vs paper map...GPS tells you where you are. A paper map is just that, a map. You have to figure out where you are.

For hiking, take a look at Garmin's 76CSx or 60CSx. They have a nice feature of storing the tracklog to memory card. Which makes them only limited to the space on the card. I have mine set to record a point every .02 of a mile. Garmin currently has a software glitch for setting it to .01 of a mile.

Check Garmin's site and look at the "on the trail" models. It's going to come down to what features you want.

For cycling, Garmin's Edge line is really nice. The one I have works very well. The newer models since I got mine, can now do turn by turn directions and display street level maps.

Arbu · 12-21-2007, 4:51 AM

Thanks. On reflection, I think I won't get one. It will mean something else to pack and if I want a record of where I've been I can always do it manually from memory. Plus they're quite expensive. But thanks for the advice.

Scruge · 12-28-2007, 8:04 PM

You might check out the off brands. VideoSeven has a Nav730 that does everything you want for $100, plus it plays movies and mp3. I have one on my bicycle.

Arbu · 01-20-2008, 3:34 PM

The Garmin etrex became available in the UK for $100 equivalent, so I went and got one of these. I may have some questions about using it, in which case I'll post them on the Garmin subforum.

crossthread · 01-21-2008, 8:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arbu

Thanks. On reflection, I think I won't get one. It will mean something else to pack and if I want a record of where I've been I can always do it manually from memory. Plus they're quite expensive. But thanks for the advice.

try ebay for buying a gps. i bought a mint gps 12XL for 65.00 shipped

Max · 01-21-2008, 3:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arbu

The Garmin etrex became available in the UK for $100 equivalent, so I went and got one of these. I may have some questions about using it, in which case I'll post them on the Garmin subforum.

Glad to hear it, if you're looking to waypoint your journey that will be a good little unit to do it with

12-16-2007, 4:35 PM	#1
Arbu Join Date: Dec 16 2007 Location: London Posts: 5	GPS for downloading routes to Google. I do quite a bit of hiking and cycling and it would be quite interesting to be able to download a record of my routes onto Google Earth. So I'm thinking of getting a handheld GPS. But there are a few things I need to clear up on before I buy a GPS: 1. Can I set a GPS to automatically store my location at set intervals (say every five minutes)? If I have to keep pressing a button to take a reading then it's not worth the trouble. 2. How certain can I be of obtaining a GPS position in any given place in the World? i.e. does it always work; and 3. How long will batteries on a GPS last? Ideally it would be good if it could record positions for a week or more. It would be a bit ridiculous to go off on a hiking trip with a whole pack of batteries just for this purpose. If you can help me with my questions, and if I can achieve what I want, suggest a GPS to buy, I'll be very grateful. Also, is there much advantage to using a GPS with a downloaded map to navigate with than simply buying a paper map? Paper maps seem a lot cheaper and to allow you to view a much bigger area at one time.

12-17-2007, 1:02 AM	#2
Andy Survey Says? Join Date: Dec 29 2006 Location: Monterey, CA Posts: 618	Re: GPS for downloading routes to Google. Welcome to the site! GPS' that have a tracklog feature can record your position automatically. They store a bread crumb trail with track points. When you look at the specs of a GPS, some will say it has 10,000 tracklog points. That means it can store 10,000 points while you are moving. Some GPS let you pick either time or distance to automatically store a track point. I've only had my GPS not work on time inside a military base that was jamming the signal. Battery life depends on the GPS model you buy. Some last a long time, some not much. GPS vs paper map...GPS tells you where you are. A paper map is just that, a map. You have to figure out where you are. For hiking, take a look at Garmin's 76CSx or 60CSx. They have a nice feature of storing the tracklog to memory card. Which makes them only limited to the space on the card. I have mine set to record a point every .02 of a mile. Garmin currently has a software glitch for setting it to .01 of a mile. Check Garmin's site and look at the "on the trail" models. It's going to come down to what features you want. For cycling, Garmin's Edge line is really nice. The one I have works very well. The newer models since I got mine, can now do turn by turn directions and display street level maps.

12-21-2007, 4:51 AM	#3
Arbu Join Date: Dec 16 2007 Location: London Posts: 5	Re: GPS for downloading routes to Google. Thanks. On reflection, I think I won't get one. It will mean something else to pack and if I want a record of where I've been I can always do it manually from memory. Plus they're quite expensive. But thanks for the advice.

12-28-2007, 8:04 PM	#4
Scruge Join Date: Dec 28 2007 Location: TX Posts: 1	Re: GPS for downloading routes to Google. You might check out the off brands. VideoSeven has a Nav730 that does everything you want for $100, plus it plays movies and mp3. I have one on my bicycle.

01-20-2008, 3:34 PM	#5
Arbu Join Date: Dec 16 2007 Location: London Posts: 5	Re: GPS for downloading routes to Google. The Garmin etrex became available in the UK for $100 equivalent, so I went and got one of these. I may have some questions about using it, in which case I'll post them on the Garmin subforum.

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