Handheld GPS devices, although, are devoted entirely to navigation and are most oft used by trampers, mounters and mountain bikers. Users interested in buying a handheld GPS device should first learn how GPS technology perform and become companion with the capacities and features of most handheld GPS devices so that they can detect a device that best suits their requirements.

Function & Benefits of Handheld GPS Device

All GPS navigational devices use the Global Navigation Satellite System made and kept by the United States Department of Defense to measure a user’s position via satellite. The basic operation of handheld GPS devices, also called as "receivers," are to give users with the exact coordinates of their present position and to help them navigate tracks and roads using coordinates consumer input into the device.

The most important benefits of handheld GPS device are their movability and strength. Though other GPS devices, such as those in cars, are normally more potent, their size and power need make them impossible for use in outdoor actions. Other handheld electronics that contain GPS technology, such as mobile phones, are not produced for energetic outdoor use, as are handheld GPS device, and are used only for road travel.

Features & Considerations

Many handheld GPS devices are durable and waterproofed. All are fitted with a screen, with some providing color screens, and most commonly have a backlighting for comfortable use at night. Every handheld GPS receivers also have a set quantity of memory space for putting in maps and other details. One of the most significant features of a handheld GPS device is its antenna, which is gets signals from the satellites. Aerials can be outside or inside and may be a flat-patch aerial or the more high-tech quadrifilar helix antenna, which is perfect for navigating areas with heavy trees.

Before purchasing a handheld GPS receiver, users should find what, if any, accessories are included with the model. Most do not contain cords, add-ons or extra map software that may be important for best use. More costly handheld GPS receivers will contain add-ons, such as hardware and software needed for using the device for road mapping and traffic functions, and may also have Bluetooth capacities.

Relying entirely on a handheld GPS device when tramping or biking in big areas can be unsafe. These devices should be taken only as one part of a bigger navigation program. When preparing any outside action outdoorsmen should forever bring a published map and compass in case the handheld GPS device misfunctions, becomes broken, or drains of battery power.

GPS receivers are quickly becoming the coolest gadgets around. Today’s GPS devices are nothing like their gargantuan predecessors; they can easily be held in one hand and even stuffed into the pockets of the tightest jeans. Some GPS receivers are even specially designed for vehicle use, and can give elaborate, real-time tracking to any destination.

For those who want to make the most of their GPS, it is necessary to load the correct GPS software into both the device and a home computer. Specialty GPS software is available to complement a host of pastimes.

GPS Software and Hiking

So you know your GPS can help you avoid getting lost, but did you know that you could also download software for your GPS that pre-loads topograpgical maps into your receiver? Specialty hiking GPS software contains detailed topographical maps complete with contour lines to show relief such as hills and valleys, as well as hiking trails, rivers, lakes, roads, and every other manmade or natural topographical feature. This GPS software can replace expensive hiking maps, which can cost up to $5.00 each and are hard to find. For lightweight backpackers covering a long distance, this type of GPS software is especially attractive, and can save pounds of backpack weight, as it eliminates the need for bulky sets of maps.

GPS software containing topographical maps is also useful when geocaching. Geocaching is a hobby where participants hide and search for caches all over the world. Using GPS coordinates, the game is like a huge version of hide and go seek. While traditionally geocachers would have to search for coordinates to these treasures online, there are several applications now, such as the Geocaching GPS software for the iPhone that allows users to download these coordinates directly to smart phones and other handheld computers.

GPS Software for Fishing and Boating

Garmin is one of several software providers that sell a suite of GPS software that includes maps of U.S. waterways, including rivers, lakes and coastal waters. This GPS software also shows fishermen where to find the best fishing hot spots. Garmin GPS software does not have to be loaded on a boat-mounted system, and can instead be carried in the same handheld device you use for huking or driving.

GPS Software for Driving

Many GPS software applications make driving a breeze. This GPS mapping software literally contains all of the large and small roads of a country, and also includes major landmarks, even waypoints for businesses, such as restaurants and stores. Using GPS software in your car guarantees you will never get lost.

All you have to do to use this software is enter an address where you want to go. The GPS software does the rest. Using the GPS receiving function, it automatically calculates your current position, and leads you to your destination. If you do happen to make a wrong turn, or if construction blocks your route, the GPS software automatically calculates a corrected route, allowing you to get where you are going safely.

Many companies provide free or cheap GPS navigation software. Free GPS software applications include OpenStreetMap, Freedrive, MapMonkey, and Google Earth. Pay software offers even more options than free GPS software and tends to be kept much more up-to-date. These applications include the Garmin suite, TomTom Navigator, Nav N Go and Microsoft Streets and Trips.

The new GPS tracker device admits just anyone to track anyone else. Additionally almost all new mobiles have GPS tracking device built in to them. Few even have the power to send position information even with out the battery. All of which make one to wonder what happened to individual secrecy. The answer is that there actually is no secrecy.

There are basically two types of GPS tracking device technology available to the public. The simplest is called a passive or logger tracking device. This device is also the most difficult to detect and defend against. These devices can be as small as a matchbook and can be hidden just about anywhere. They are attached to a vehicle or individual and after a specific amount of time they must be retrieved. After retrieval the device is usually attached to a personal computer and the information is downloaded into a data base that is provided by the device manufacture.

Probably the best defense against passive/logger tracking devices comes in the form of a GPS blocker. These small units normally plug into your automobiles cigarette lighter port and provide protection for about 30 feet in any direction. Small handheld units are also available that run on batteries that also provide short range blocking. These units can range in price from $200 to $850.

The second type of GPS auto tracker or personal GPS tracking device are called real time tracking devices. These units do just as the name implies, provide current real time location information on the individual or vehicle that is being tracked. This accomplished through the use of cell phone technology. Recent technology improvements have greatly reduced the size and reliability of these tracking devices. You can purchase a battery operated unit the size of a small cell phone that will provide tracking information for up to a week before the battery requires charging. More commonly these units are attached to a vehicle and use the vehicles power supply to provide power to the tracking unit.

Real time tracking devices generally require the user to contract with a GPS tracking device service company. These companies frequently provide the tracking devices and the software necessary to track the device on your personal computer. Depending on the contract the information is uploaded to you at time specific intervals. The most common information uploads range from 5 to 10 minutes.

Defending against this type of tracking device is relatively easy with a combination cell phone/GPS blocking device. These units range in cost from $300 to more than $1000. Of course either a cell phone or a GPS blocking device may accomplish the same affect.