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Oct 23, 2022 · 1) Nearly all new cell phones sold in America have some GPS receiving capability built in. 2) Those that don’t can connect to a server that uses techniques discussed in the last section to analyze their signals and determine their location. 3) The GPS receiver in a smartphone can help you find your way around if you’re lost.
Apr 20, 2024 · This is convenient and safe if you do it right. We’re all carrying smartphones anyway for photos, communication, and more. I always have my smartphone with me when I’m hiking, and it’s usually my primary navigation device. Even if I’m also using a GPS nav device I still have my smartphone loaded with offline maps as a backup.
Jul 25, 2022 · Pros. Durability comes in as the most notable and apparent advantage of handheld GPS devices. Most hiking GPS devices are waterproof or splash-proof, so they’ll keep in performing even in poor weather conditions. A standalone GPS can also withstand manhandling on the trail. Another great benefit of a handheld GPS is battery life.
These gadgets are like social butterflies but for satellites. GPS units often have the ability to connect to multiple satellite systems (like the American GPS, Russian GLONASS, and European Galileo). Translation: They're pretty darn accurate and reliable when it comes to finding out where the heck you are. Smartphones: Dependent on Cellular Network
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- For die-hard adventurers, the Garmin GPSMAP 64sx and the Magellan eXplorist 510 are top picks known for their durability, accuracy, and extra featu...
- While phone GPS can be convenient, it may not offer the same level of reliability and battery life as a dedicated GPS device, especially on long or...
- A-GPS (Assisted GPS) uses both satellite and cell tower data, usually providing faster and more accurate positioning; however, it requires a cellul...
- Generally, yes—a handheld GPS is designed for high-precision mapping and can work independently of cell networks, making it more accurate in remote...
- While smartphones are incredibly versatile, they usually don't match the durability, battery life, or accuracy of specialized devices like a Garmin...
- Relying solely on a smartphone for hiking isn't recommended due to limited battery life, potential lack of signal, and durability concerns; it's al...
- Dedicated GPS units are usually superior in remote locations as they can tap into multiple satellite systems and don't rely on cellular signal, mak...
- The In-Car Sat Nav
- The Case For A Dedicated Sat Nav
- The Handheld GPS
- The Case For A Handheld GPS
Every modern smartphone has GPS capabilitythat works just as well as that of a dedicated device. In fact, in some cases they may actually get a faster fix on your location since smartphones are able to use cell tower triangulation to augment the GPS technology.
It's hard to argue the advantages for the dedicated sat nav these days. Apart from a few small areas, the smartphone is at least as good, if not better. If you're a professional driver, you might prefer to have a device you can just leave in the car. Everyone else, though, will find that what they've already got does the job well enough.
The other most common type of navigation device is the handheld GPS. Used for hiking, cycling, geocaching, or any other outdoor pursuit, it is also based on technology that has been subsumed by the smartphone. Yet it also has a different set of strengths that the smartphone is less adept at competing with.
A handheld GPS is a much more specialist device than an in-car system. As a result, it has certain requirements that a smartphone cannot yet provide. If you're just taking the dog for a walk in a nearby forest, then your smartphone and Google Maps (with cached maps for offline use) will ensure you don't get lost. But for more serious use, whether h...
- Former Editor
Jun 28, 2011 · Using a smartphone for the in-car navigation is not without issues, but in my opinion they are outweighed by the benefits over a dedicated navigation device. The main arguments for and against the ...
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Feb 9, 2011 · Here’s what he says: “Reliability in a GPS is an important, but also relative factor considering that even field-grade GPS units suffer battery drain and might not lock-on under dense canopies. Today’s smartphones are evolving rapidly, and the array of navigation apps makes for tough picking, depending on your needs and level of interest.
