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When ancient explorers traversed the globe in search of new land, they used the sun and the mountains as their guide. They searched far and wide for unexplored regions they could make their own, even once believing the earth was flat.

The invention of the compass changed navigation and made it possible for explorers to always know which direction they were heading in. Maps of the early earth helped us to keep track of where we were and where we wanted to be.

In the 21st Century, we have come so far that all these things can be rendered obsolete. The reason is that information is all saved digitally. There is something called GPS (Global Positioning System) that allows us to connect to satellites to find the exact location of places, all from the palm of your hand.

Some of the fancier cars out there have GPS systems built into the dashboard which makes getting around even easier. Just key in where you want to go and you’ll get a visual map marking the exact route you should take. Voice directions make following the map even easier.

Those who have been lucky enough to experience the joys of travelling in a vehicle with GPS will be able to testify as to how simple it makes navigation. When you have a digital map in front of you with the route already set out, you can’t go wrong. With voice commands, you’d have to be an idiot to get lost.

Advancements in important fields like science and technology means human beings are constantly discovering ways of making life easier and more functional. Upgrades of things like computer chips and mobile phones means more technology can be fitted into smaller gadgets. GPS handheld devices are the smallest versions of maps and compasses we can use today.

GPS devices are not only useful for finding set places. They can also be used to find other GPS devices in a certain area. If more than one person has a GPS handheld, they can track the locations of others in public places, making trips to the park or zoo with the kids more assuring knowing that you will always know where they are.

So it would be worth getting GPS if you’re somebody who loves travelling, off-roading, mountaineering or any activity where you might need to know your whereabouts at all times. As a GPS handheld, it makes you geographically mobile. As a GPS system in a car, you’ll never get lost on the roads. GPS can make a lot of things easier to find in your life.

George P. loves his GPS handhelds and it has become one of his most prized pieces of outdoor gear. Research a garmin waterproof GPS model if you are serious about using a GPS hand held unit.

As GPS units become more and more common and mainstream, lots of people are discovering different uses for them. Almost all the newer devices have a voice system that is very good for safety if you are driving as it allows you to never take your eyes off the road. A selection of the newer cell phones also come with GPS included and it is a great feature to have in a kids phone. Parents who want to keep better track of their childs whereabouts can use these phones to ease their worry.

There are a few different manufacturers who make GPS units and if you are thinking of buying one this summer you will have to make a choice. Mio is a maker that has units that are trendier than some of the others and they are trying to reach a younger crowd. For instance, they have recently released their Knight Rider GPS devices that sit atop your car dashboard and let you experience a K.I.T.T like voice exactly like the television series.

The industry leader in America is a brand called Garmin. They have a sizable share of the GPS market and they have a variety of units for many different purposes. You can buy GPS devices for boating, biking, and airplanes as well as for other applications. Most of the ones from this manufacturer all have speech capabilities that help greatly with safety, as you dont have to take your eyes off the road or trail.

Prices for GPS units have come down somewhat in the last couple of years but the units are still expensive. Often times, new technology like GPS will be expensive at the beginning and then drop significantly as more and more units are made. The more units that are made and the refining of the technology will usually allow the price to drop. This has only happened to a small extent with GPS units as they remain quite expensive and cost more than many people want to afford.

The one industry that has fully embraced GPS devices is the rental car industry. Right now you still have to pay extra for one of these units to be included in your car but it is surely just a matter of time before they are standard with all rental cars. People who rent cars are most often from out of town and they are perfect matches for someone who would benefit from one of these GPS units.

GPS were originally used in military and other government applications. Today, it is also used in other areas like navigation and sports. Though GPS is composed of electronic devices, some handhelds can be used in water.

This is all possible because GPS is already made waterproof for practical navigation and sports. Though they were originally intended for land use in military and government applications, technology enabled GPS to be functional in water despite its electronic components.

Some features should be understood before buying waterproof GPS handhelds, as they can be found in its specifications, and worth the comparison among models. Such features are also suitable for older and non-waterproof units.

Some characteristics should be known before buying waterproof GPS handhelds. Such characteristics are used in specifications sheet, and are good comparison points between units. The following characteristics are not only applicable for waterproof units, but also to non-waterproof handhelds.

Augmentation System: This system serves as the corrector for the received signal by the GPS. It can be found in the specifications as WAAS, or Wide Area Augmentation System. It increases the accuracy of the signal for positions outside 10-feet from the unit. WAAS-enabled units are five times more accurate than WAAS-disabled units.

Points of Interest: Commonly known as POI and waypoints, it proves to be very useful for long trips. Some handhelds can store 1000 waypoints, but only few people will need that much data. It is used in storing important spots along the trip, like a stream with potable water, or coordinates where kayakers need to turn in another direction. GPS can calculate distance between waypoints, and can delete unnecessary data to make room for another. Waypoints are improved GPS implementation of tree markings done by primitive hikers to help travelers make their way back. Some units allow log tracking so that travelers can share their steps and route.

Maps: It contains topographical information about the terrain. GPS maps can either be 2D or 3D, and can have DEM, or Digital Elevation Model, technology to shade elevated contours when zoomed out. GPS handhelds can store additional maps by reading data cards or compact discs.

Advanced features of waterproof GPS handhelds include touch screen display, switch controls for various activities, expansion slots, and digital compasses. High-end units have the feature to display water depth, harbors, and other marine information. Some also comes in floatable packages for easy retrieval when dropped in water. In addition, some unit incorporates GPS with two-way radios, enabling sportsmen to have a 5-mile range communication. However, such units should first acquire FCC license before using to ensure that it will not interfere with other electronic device.