Handheld GPS units have dramatically changed outdoors travel, replacing map and compass with moving digital maps, and precise location, elevation, topographic and other data. These handhelds let you enter waypoints -- precise locations -- for a favorite fishing spot, safe passage across a stream, a campsite; anything of importance to the user. Handhelds can enhance outdoor safety, as well, making getting lost much less likely, and providing precise position information that can be relayed to rescuers in case of an emergency. Handhelds are fun to use, and they have even made a new sport possible, geocaching, an outdoor treasure hunt which tests navigation skills.
Outdoor handheld features include:
- Color touchscreen
- Moving map
- Multiple waypoints
- Trip information such as compass direction, speed, and arrival time
- Altimeter
- Digital compass
- Time
- Alarm
- Camera
- Link to computer
You can use outdoor handhelds for in-car, marine, or aviation duty, but they are not nearly as well-suited to these tasks as purpose-built units. Outdoor handhelds range in price from $99 to $500.
