Classes of Units
1. Basic Non-Mapping
GPS Units
Technically there are two types
of Basic units, those with a display and those without.
GPS devices with no display require an attachment to a second
unit such as a PDA or laptop to display the information.
This section is devoted to GPS devices that do have their
own display and are therefore true standalone units. This
does not mean, however, that they cannot be attached to
a PDA or laptop for enhanced functionality. Originally all
GPS were what we now call basic units.
A Basic GPS is most suited to a
person who:
- Does not want to spend a lot
of money.
- Have Paper maps to use with the
GPS.
- Just wants general guidance information
such as the way back to camp or to home.
- Wants to record a trip so that
they can get back home or visit the same place in the
future.
- Is willing to do trip planning
on a PC and then download the route to the GPS.
- Wants a GPS for Geocaching.
- Wants a really small and light
unit for emergency use.
- Wants a unit to hook to a PC
or PDA but likes the ability to use it separately if needed.
2. Mapping
GPS Units
When mapping units first appeared
some users said that finally the GPS has become useful.
Having maps directly on the unit meant that your position
could be shown directly on a map and you could relate this
map image to your surroundings. Generally a mapping GPS
unit only includes rudimentary road level maps while detailed
street level or topo maps are an extra cost accessory. There
are a few exceptions where the detailed maps are bundled
in or preloaded.
A Mapping GPS is suitable for people
who:
- Wants or needs maps on the unit.
- Are willing to pay for maps to
add to the unit. Note that road maps get out of date fairly
quickly so they will need to be upgraded from time to
time.
- Still requires all of the features
of a basic GPS.
- Are willing to plan their trips
manually on the unit on a pc but want to see the route
and their position on a map while being guided to a destination.
3. Autorouting
GPS Units
The latest advanced GPS units will
provide door to door automatic route generation and navigation
guidance. For some people this is the only reason to buy
a GPS receiver. However, many of the auto-routing units
are missing basic GPS features and are focused only on auto-routing
road solutions. These units provide good functionally for
those people who are not really interested in GPS but want
automatic guidance. The handheld auto-routing units usually
do not provide voice prompts but beep when a message is
on the screen. The user would then read the message from
the screen. Some have different beeps for different things
so the user may not actually have to look at the screen.
Some GPS units try to fulfill the functions of a mapping
receiver and an auto-routing receiver. Vehicle oriented
units will have voice prompts as well. A PDA can bridge
the gap between a vehicle unit with voice prompts and a
handheld for field use. However, they are not particularly
rugged in the field since they are not waterproof and the
screen is breakable.
An Autorouting GPS is suitable for
people who:
- Get lost a lot.
- Want to pay a little more for
the advanced functionality.
- Are interested in GPS guidance
with door to door routing.
- Want the GPS to find restaurants,
filling stations, and other businesses using a preloaded
database.
- Want a Color display and are
not so worried about battery life.
- Are willing to buy upgrade maps
every year or two.
