A GPS, or Global Positioning System, is a satellite-based navigation system that provides location and time information in all weather conditions, anywhere on or near the Earth. The system is made up of a network of satellites, ground control stations, and user receivers.
GPS works by using a network of satellites orbiting the Earth to send precise location and time information to GPS receivers on the ground. The GPS receiver uses this information to calculate its own location, which can then be used for a variety of purposes.
GPS is widely used for navigation, for example in cars, boats, and aircraft, and for tracking the location of people and assets, for example for search and rescue, wildlife tracking, or fleet management. It is also used in a wide range of other applications, such as mapping, surveying, and precision agriculture.
In GIS field, it is used to georeference data, and for field data collection, it also used for navigation and for the creation of digital maps. GPS technology also enables the collection of accurate location data, which can then be analyzed and visualized in GIS software to provide insights into patterns, trends, and relationships in geographic data,
GPS has become an essential tool in various sectors, and it’s usage has become an integral part of many modern technologies like smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches.
There are several things you should consider before buying a GPS:
- Purpose: What will you be using the GPS for? Different GPS devices are designed for different purposes, such as hiking, biking, boating, and driving. Make sure you buy a device that is designed for the type of activities you will be doing.
- Features: Consider the features that are important to you. Some GPS devices come with features such as pre-loaded maps, touchscreens, real-time weather updates, and altitude/barometer readings.
- Battery life: Consider the battery life of the GPS device. Some devices have longer battery life than others. If you will be using your device for long periods of time, you may want to look for a device with a long battery life.
- Screen size and resolution: Consider the screen size and resolution of the GPS device. If you plan to use the device for navigation, you’ll want to make sure the screen is large enough to be easily readable and that it has a high resolution.
- Durability: If you plan to take your GPS on outdoor adventures, make sure it is rugged and durable. Look for features like waterproofing and resistance to extreme temperatures.
- Connectivity: Some GPS devices come with built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and/or cellular connectivity, which can be useful for downloading new maps and software updates, or for sharing your location with others.
- Reviews and Price: Consider the reviews and price of the GPS device. Read reviews from other users to get an idea of the pros and cons of different devices and compare the price, it helps you to identify which device fits your needs and budget.
- Brand and Manufacturer: it is important to know the reputability of the brand and manufacturer, also try to look for devices from well-known and reputable manufacturers, as they are more likely to produce high-quality devices that will last a long time.
It’s also recommended to have a clear idea of your budget and what you expect from the device, based on that you can narrow down the options and make a better choice.
Which devices do you recommend?
There are many different GPS devices on the market, and the best one for you will depend on your specific needs and budget. Here are a few popular options in different categories:
- Outdoor/hiking: The Garmin eTrex 30x is a popular and durable GPS device that is ideal for hiking and outdoor activities. It has a long battery life, pre-loaded worldwide basemap, and a user-friendly interface.
- Driving: The Garmin DriveSmart 55 is a great option for drivers, with features like built-in WiFi for easy map updates, real-time traffic and weather updates, and hands-free calling and messaging.
- Cycling: The Wahoo Elemnt Bolt is a popular GPS device for cyclists, with a long battery life, customizable data fields, and the ability to connect to other devices such as heart rate monitors and power meters.
- Marine: The Garmin Striker Plus 4cv is a great option for boaters and fishermen, with features like a built-in GPS receiver and support for CHIRP traditional sonar and ClearVu scanning sonar.
- Handheld: The Garmin Oregon 700 is a high-performance handheld GPS device, with a built-in 3-axis compass and barometric altimeter, as well as advanced mapping and navigation capabilities.
These are just a few examples, and there are many other GPS devices on the market that may be a better fit for your needs. It’s important to do your own research and compare the features and prices of different devices before making a purchase.
Here are a few examples of advanced GPS devices that offer RTK differential correction:
- Trimble R8s GNSS Receiver: It is a highly configurable and multi-frequency receiver that can provide centimeter-level accuracy for surveying, mapping, and GIS applications. It supports various satellite systems such as GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, and SBAS.
- Topcon GR-3: It’s a high-precision receiver that offers RTK and GNSS positioning, with a dual-frequency system that can achieve sub-inch accuracy. It’s built for rough conditions, rugged and waterproof for long-term use.
- Ashtech ProMark 220: It’s a powerful and flexible receiver that supports multiple satellite systems and offers a wide range of RTK and GNSS positioning modes. It’s ideal for professional survey, mapping and GIS applications.
- Hemisphere S320: it’s a compact, high-precision GNSS receiver that provides RTK and GNSS positioning with sub-inch accuracy, that can be integrated easily with other devices and software, it also have built-in WiFi connectivity.
- Septentrio AsteRx-i UAS: It’s a multi-frequency, multi-constellation GNSS receiver, specifically designed for use in UAVs and other Unmanned Systems, it can provide centimeter-level accuracy and support for advanced features like real-time atmospheric correction.
These are just a few examples, and there are many other advanced GPS devices with RTK differential correction available on the market, it’s important to do thorough research and compare the features, accuracy and pricing of different devices before making a purchase, also make sure it will suit your specific needs and budget.