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I'm a brand new member and since I'm looking for a way to use (operative word here is « use ») my gps in arctic weather condition (arctic canada), I thought about making a box with a small light in it that would be connected to my 12v plug on my snowmobile. Hopefully, the small light would generate enough heat to keep the gps lcd screen working.

The box I chose is a a small Pelican case with a transparent cover (so I can see the gps display). I also have an extra 12v adapter cable for my gps that I wanted to splice so that it would at the same time power the small light.

Any idea if it will work and how I can improve upon the design?

haver I'm not a snowmobiler so I'm not positive but aren't there electrically heated gloves available (or maybe it's heated handle bar grips I thinking of). Something like that might make a better heat source than a light bulb. Also if your GPS is an outdoors unit (waterproof) the box would not be necessary if you found a flexible wrap around heating pad/glove.

There are a few snowmobilers who have posted on the forums (mainly about making trail maps) so hopefully they will respond with some suggestions.

I thought about using handwarmer, but they get really hot and I'm afraid they would burn the unit.

GPSSledMaps.com has forums. Maybe if you post there they will have some good insight in to this.

http://www.gpssledmaps.com/forum/

Sorry I took so long to respond, I just saw your post. I had a box made out of vinyl snowmobile seat cover material, the box is large enough to line with 1" foam. The top is clear vinyl and velcroed to the vinyl box, a strap is also attached so I can carry it around my neck to free up my hands.
I use hand warmers to heat the GPSr, a slot is cut into the side for external antenna and enough room in the box for a lightweight rechargeable battery pack. This works in -40° temperature.
I hope this helps I'm kind of late responding.
Good Luck
Rick