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Hi,

I am researching the purchase of a gps and would like some help narrowing down my choices. The main project I am interested in using the gps for is to create maps of wildlife habitat in wooded areas. I would like to mark sign and trails in the gps and then also create a layered map on my computer where I could compare seasonal and yearly changes in the wildlife’s use of the habitat. A secondary use for the gps would be general farm use where I may be interested in mapping out different crop plots, specific timber management areas, and searching for property corners.

Please help me with a list of features I should look for and suggestions for the best model that has those features. I am excited to create and learn from building these maps. Here is my start to a list of features:

1. Most accurate sensor/antenna in a consumer handheld gps for use in the woods to mark not only points but also follow/record trails

2. Ability/ease to download points and trails to create maps on the computer

3. Quality onscreen maps and aerial photos

4. Multiple waypoint and trail icons/colors so I can easily distinguish between different wildlife and different types of sign.

5. Waterproof


Please share your experience.

Thanks,
wildlife

Aerial photos displayed on the GPS receiver will limit your choices a great deal. See delorme.com(link) and in particular the PN-40 model.

Hi,
Thanks for the reply and the link to the pn-40. It has good reviews on their site.
I didn't know that aerial photos on the unit would be so limiting. Thats why i am asking for features and models to compare for my first purchase. Thanks.

If i can print my own aerial photo after building it on the computer then that will be ok. If the topo on the gps screen is a good image then that will work. What other options does that open up?

This may show how new i am to this but i have seen some models have a little nub sticking up which i presume is the antenna. Other models look smooth all around. Is there a difference in antenna and is that an indicator of accuracy?

Also, when i see descriptions of tracklog capacity or route capacity and waypoint capacity what is that describing. Will one unit record more individual points along my route and therefore be more accurate or do they all record your movement just as accurately?

thanks for helping get me started,
wildlife

I'm a happy Garmin user so I'll give you some suggestions for this brand. (link). Hopefully others will chime in for other brands too.


Look for newer models with a high sensitivity receiver. Generally this is indicated by a "H" or "x" in the model name. Saving waypoints and tracklogs is a basic feature on most models.


A computer interface to transfer data to/from a computer is also a basic feature on most models.


Garmin offers a wide selection of street maps and topographic maps. As well Garmin has a huge user base which has resulted in the production of homemade maps for many areas. See the GPS File Depot (link) for some examples.


These are standard features on most models.


Most Garmin® GPS units are waterproof in accordance with IEC 529 IPX7. IEC 529 is a European system of test specification standards for classifying the degrees of protection provided by the enclosures of electrical equipment. An IPX7 designation means the GPS case can withstand accidental immersion in one meter of water for up to 30 minutes. An IPX8 designation is for continuous underwater use.

I'd recommend looking at the Garmin 60 or 76 Cx models.

Each type of antenna has it's fans but I believe a high sensitivity chip set in the receiver is more important. Some models will allow the use of an external antenna which has the advantage that the antenna can be better positioned (usually higher) for better reception.


Accuracy might be the wrong term here. More points will allow you to record a more detailed tracklog. Any single point recorded will be as accurate as any other.