Mobile Crossing

A GPS can be a very useful item to have but many people wonder just what they can do with one. The list below is a sample of many of the things that can be done with a GPS. Some of these items can be done with any GPS while some require special features such as maps, points of interest lookup, or a laptop pc attached. In some cases you might even need a paper map.

They are a great deal of fun to use.
They are useful if you get lost and you have a paper map that gives UTM or lat/lon coordinates or have electronic maps available.
You can actually follow yourself on a map in real time display which allows planning turns, stops, etc if your unit has built in maps or can output to a PC or PDA with maps.
You can answer the question "Are we there yet?"
You can find where you left your car.
Lets you tell the AAA where to send the tow truck.
You can set favorite locations and see directions to get there.
You can record the exact path you took to get somewhere and play it back later for someone else to see.
You can prove how fast you were going when stopped by the cops.
You can use it as a compass (if you're moving).
When camping, you can use it to find your camp when you go on a hike or to town.
You can use it to estimate arrival times.
Did I mention they are fun?
You can calibrate your speedometer. (yes, a GPS is more accurate than most speedometers)
You can use it as a speedometer if yours is missing or broken.
You can use it as a trip meter (some models).
With the right database you can find restaurants and other things.
You can plan a trip ahead of time and the unit will even tell you where to turn.
You can use the info from a GPS to program your dbs satellite receiver.
If it is connected to a cell phone you can give the police your cell phone number and they can track your stolen vehicle (some extra cost accessories required).
You can locate the spot where the fish were biting.
You can amaze your friends.
You can find your altitude within a hundred feet.
You can find out exactly what time it is.
You can go back the same way you came easily.
If something flies out of the window you can mark the spot and return to the exact place.
You can amuse yourself on public transportation (planes, boats, rail).
You can use it to learn something about navigation.
You can remember the location of that place you only go to once a year.
It can be a great navigation calculator. For example it will tell you how far apart two places are if you know their locations.
Many units can tell you when the sun will rise and set.
Find a place when you only have the address. Some units will even guide you.
Find the nearest restaurant or gas station if you or your car are low on fuel.
Some GPS units have close to a whole set of yellow pages on board and they will find things for you and show you how to get there.