GPS for Dummies

Old Sep 28th, 2005, 12:05 PM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 13,402
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
GPS for Dummies

On our next safari, I'm thinking of dipping my toes into the world of GPS. I started looking at different models last week and am getting ever more confused. There seems to be quite a range of mapping capability and memory capacity.

Do I need a unit that can download maps and how much memory is sufficient? Can you download maps of East Africa? If so, where and how much do they cost? Mostly what I've seen are maps of North America, Europe, etc.

What can I do with a non-mapping unit? I'd like to record the locations of our camps and other points of interest along the way and maybe make a rudimentary route map of our trip. I'd also like one with an altimeter (or do they all include this)?

Can anyone recommend a simple to use, idiot-proof model to start out with? Does Playskool make a My First GPS?

For now, I don't forsee using it as a navigational device when I'm home, but who knows maybe I'll get addicted to it.

Here's the best part... I'm prepared to spend, get ready for this, up to $150! Yep, I'm a big spender

Thanks for any advice.
Patty is offline  
Old Sep 28th, 2005, 12:41 PM
  #2  
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,354
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Hi Patty

Now you're talking. It is great fun to upload the game drive routes into Google Earth afterwards. The 3D capabilities and "movie" features of GE than enables your friends and family to "fly" with you from place to place and look at your pictures and more! Really cool!

There are many ways to start as you know already!

GPS with decent mapping features are still expensive. It is better IMO to start with a simple Garmin eTrex ($89 at amazon) with a cable (extra) that can hook up to a PC (for up/downloading waypoints).

As you travel, you let the GPS "track" your movements. Then you load the waypoints or routes into Google Earth afterwards.

To get more fancy (if you want to see your position on a map while in Africa), you need a Pocket PC or notebook with GPS attached, map software and maps. But this will be more expensive.

Eben

climbhighsleeplow is offline  
Old Sep 28th, 2005, 05:13 PM
  #3  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 13,402
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thanks for pointing me in the right direction, Eben!
Patty is offline  
Old Sep 28th, 2005, 05:22 PM
  #4  
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,367
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Hi Patty
Send me an email to luangwablondes at juno dot com. I will direct you to a site in South Africa that will be more specific in your needs. And you can aid in mapping Africa in the process.

Robbie
luangwablondes is offline  
Old Sep 28th, 2005, 06:24 PM
  #5  
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,354
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Patty

On our personal page www.go-safari.com, you can see the routes of my two recent Kilimanjaro climbs in 3D!

I used the Garmin and "TRACKED" the climb before uploading it into Google Earth!

Seeing the mountain in 3D and "flying" around it is really something!

Go to Tanzania, then Kilimanjaro and download the GE file!
climbhighsleeplow is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Tony2phones
Europe
13
Nov 12th, 2014 05:16 PM
5swissmiss
Europe
15
Oct 1st, 2008 06:56 PM
210
United States
21
Sep 27th, 2007 04:59 AM
Momliz
Africa & the Middle East
8
Apr 15th, 2007 09:03 AM
Ile
Africa & the Middle East
6
Jun 5th, 2006 04:29 AM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -