GPS for mapping new field

[Busterbunny]

I've recently bought a field, and roughly 150~175 acres are forest. I have plans to improve that forest to make it suitable for airsoft games.

Now, the first thing I need is to map it correctly. There are some paths already established, and we will work on some spots to create spawn points, bases, fortifications, etc.

To help me get my bearings, I'd like to buy a GPS that would allow me:

a) not to get lost, e.g. has a good compass to it and a map.
b) can track the paths I used, and waypoints I established along the way
c) I'm not looking to pay much more than 200$, except if I'm told I cannot do anything at that price.

It doesn't need to be particularly rugged in any way, since I won't be using it during arisoft match.

Thanks in advance!

[XZIVR]

Surely there must be an app available for whatever breed of smartphone you have?

[Busterbunny]

Originally Posted by XZIVR

Surely there must be an app available for whatever breed of smartphone you have?

I have a Samsung S3, and I actually have a Rogers transmission tower on my field. Unfortunately, as I found out, the compass doesn't always point in the right direction, and the GPS feature eats alot of battery.

[Conker]

You can get all of that except the map with the Foretrex 401. Plus it's very light, so you can use it while running/biking/whatever. Otherwise... the Garmin eTrex series would be the closest option.

...or keep an eye on your local Kijiji or whatever to find one used.

[danhay]

A friend just picked up a Garmin eTrex 20 on evil-bay for under $200 if I recall. That GPS should meet your needs although I'm not sure if it has a compass.

[Conker]

Some versions have it... not the cheapest one though.

[DustMagnet]

Garmin Dakota 20. It has a compass and can be found for $250 or less.

[Busterbunny]

Do these allow for waypoints, so that I can download the path and waypoints on my computer afterwards?

[Drake]

Most modern GPS systems (standalone or even software for mobile devices) will have to ability to save what's called a Track: it saves your current position on a regular interval, usually along with other data (such as speed and heading), allowing you to see the path you've traveled on a map (built-in map if the device supports it, or on a computer); GPS devices/software also all have a variety of waypoints, including POIs (Points Of Interest) which come with the map as well as user-definable Markers which you can use to mark positions or your own POIs and/or navigate to.

Pretty much all modern devices/software will let you save/export data to common formats which can be read into various software such as Garmin's BaseCamp or Mapsource, or Google Earth (and vice versa if you're using Google Earth to calibrate a map [like a field/game map] to import into your GPS device)


Also, note that with a device like the Dakota (or anything that has a map, really) you will probably want to also purchase a more detailed (1:20k) topo map since the stock maps are usually pretty rudimentary. TrakNav and TopoNav both produce nice Garmin maps for Quebec. Expect to pay $100-150 for the maps. The maps will also load into the Garmin software (BaseCamp or MapSource).


It may seem expensive ($250+ for the Dakota and another $150 for maps) but its probably the best option for what you want to do -- which is more than just navigating.


The cheaper alternative is getting software for your S3. Make sure the compass is properly calibrated (you'll find tutorials online); but just test it around your home with Google Maps Mobile or something and make sure its accurate. As long as it correctly displays your position you won't get lost and will be able to figure out which direction you're "pointing" just by looking at your map position and moving forward about 10 feet.

I have a Garmin Oregon (similar to the Dakota with a larger screen), GPS software on my smart phone (running Windows Mobile), as well as a Bluetooth GPS receiver that can be used with a laptop or my pocketPC (also running WM) and having compared them I can say the quality of the GPS software is excellent on mobile devices. The biggest difference on the Oregon (asides from physical differences -- it's a lot more water resistant and robust than a smartphone) is the much more detailed topo maps and a better GPS receiver (which gets a lock quicker and keeps a lock even under a pretty dense foliage canopy). The chip in the bluetooth Holux is a close second and the built-in Qualcomm GPS One in my phone is the most troublesome, although surprisingly accurate once it gets a GPS fix.

The Galaxy S3 being a new, flagship device, I would expect the GPS to be of similar or better quality to the Holux. So if you don't need topo maps and aren't going to game it, and you don't want to spend $400+, this is probably the way to go.

[m102404]

Most of the Garmin handheld devices are very good. They basically differ in how many buttons/how much memory/colour/etc.. I was told that aside for one or two models they all have the same antenna and accuracy.

I bought the Garmin eTrex 20 with the Canadian topo map package. The software definitely needs to be updated until it's current before you use it. Update the software and the unit and it'll work really well.

It's all rubber-ized...which is good for bumping/dropping it. It seems water resistant...I've had it out in the rain but not submerged. It's handheld...and doesn't weigh much if you hand it from your neck. I'd recommend that you get a GPS holder for your pack and put it on the shoulder straps or top of the pack. The screen is big enough to see things...but a little too small for car-navigation (it's ok, but you end up zooming in/out). Battery life is very good...larger screens and touch screens will use up more power.

Bought it at MEC...and I think it was sub-$200.

It can be setup to track where you've been...and mark waypoints automatically (every x minutes or every y distance, etc...). Lots and lots of different icons for streams/huts/stuff. There's a decently long field to put the waypoint name...and a description field for more wordy descriptions (which I almost never use...but you can say mark a buddy's house...name it John Doe and then put his actual address in the description). **When buying a unit...practice putting in a waypoint and adding all the text to it...that will be the single biggest annoyance in the field**

When you save a route/track and then upload it to the basecamp software it's quite good and highly customizable. You can add more info/details. You can also overlay it onto google earth and can produce very good hand-out maps.

There's nothing I'd want more out of it aside from a slightly larger screen for navigating when I'm driving.

[FOX_111]

My Garmin 60cs can upload the track to GoogleEarth. It's pretty cool if you plan on making a map.

If you have a topographic map (sometime more expensive than the GPS itself) then you can also upload your track on it.

The 60cx is very powerfull. You could find one for 200$.

Having a topographic map on it will be day and night. I strongly encourage you to get one. You can find some free on the net, but finding your region in 1:20 000 could be more a lucky strike than anything.

I bought a map of Québec in 1:20 000 for about 200$.

[EagleDriver]

I would also recommend the Garmin Etrex (I have the 30.) They are a smaller unit so easy to carry, have a moving map, and also the ability to upload custom maps. The custom map feature lets you take a game map and geo reference it in the GPS. That way you can see where you are on the game map itself. I used mine when at Berget (and definitely benefited from the GLONASS reception too).

For being in the field, one great feature is that they take standard alkaline batteries. So if you are out for several days you don't have to find a place to re-charge it.

[Drake]

On a sidenote, I switched to Lithiums in my Oregon and I found the battery life to be significantly better than when I was using Alkalines.


And by far the worst was rechargeables: if you're just going out to test stuff for an afternoon they're okay but if you're really going into the wilderness and will be depending on your GPS receiver, avoid rechargeables at all cost!

[Busterbunny]

Very useful info. Thank you all for taking the time to answer. I'll try out mapping with my S3 during the weekend (with calibration tutorial). If I see it doesn't work well, I'll check something like the Dakota 20, eTrex 20 or Oregon with map.


edit: As for battery life, since I will be moving around with my New Holland Rustler, it has a lighter connector that I can use to recharge my phone, so I might be all right.

[Drake]

Note that the calibration is just for the compass functionality. Your GPS receiver should display your position properly regardless of the compass; some devices don't have a digital compass, like my phone, so the software simulates a compass based on your movement. I use a program called GPSTuner for off-road nav (on WM but its also available for Android, WinPhone and iPhone) and it adds a "Sun" reference on the compass as well -- so even without a solid GPS fix and/or digital compass, you can still get a general bearing with time/date (and your general geographic location) alone.