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Magellen eXplorist series GPS is about $350, but will come with enough mapping software that will include lakes and lake depth, rivers and hiking paths, doubt that most software for a cell phone include that. Also the water protection issue would be big. The unit in question at http://www.magellangps.com/products/product.asp?segID=355 also has a 3.2MP camera built in, so you could take pictures of the best tree location or duck blind set of bushes and geotag. I have a much older version with B&W screen, but it does a great job in parks and in areas with rivers that are not normally easy to traverse. Mine will do 12 hours or more with the screen on and nearly 24 with just occasional use of the screen.

Just last night I found Magellan has GPS maps of some of the more popular amusement parks:

http://www.magellangps.com/products/map.asp?tab=0&PRODID=2047

Doesn't matter.. you aren't going to get better than 10m accuracy without DGPS and 1m with it. Surveys have to be right to centimetres - no GPS can do that (possibly some of the military stuff, but I'd be surprised if even they were that accurate).

You don't need military GPS to be that accurate, it can be done with differential phase GPS. See: here. By using a fixed base station at a location with known coordinates, one can expect to see accuracies in the 1 to 2 cm range as long as the receiver is within 10's of km from the base station. There are several manufacturers who make gear that can achieve this level of accuracy, see Leica, Magellan, and Sokkia. I've been using Leica gear at work mostly, and have see ~1cm accuracy under good conditions pretty consistently. A lot of legal surveying in remote areas is done exclusively with GPS, especially in the northern parts of B.C and Alberta. I've done legal surveys with GPS in the Vancouver area, but getting high accuracy in urban areas is more difficult because of multi-path noise and qoor signal quality from obstructions such as buildings. Also people in the city get mad when you cut down trees to get better reception ;)

From microsofts own webiste.
List of know applications that service pack 2 broke
Untest updates are always bad for business.

OL Toolbar 1.13.2 AOL 32-bit and 64-bit (NX) http://www.aol.com/ The Information Bar blocks access to the tool's edit boxes.
PhotoShop CS 8.0 Adobe 64-bit (NX) http://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop/main.html Program installs, but will not start.
BlackICE 3.6 crj Internet Security Systems 64-bit (NX) http://www.iss.net/ When you use this program, you may receive a Stop error that causes the program to quit.
BootSkin All Stardock 32-bit and 64-bit (NX) http://www.stardock.com/ When you restart your computer during the Windows XP SP2 Setup program, a Stop error occurs. For more information, see the following Microsoft Knowledge Base article: http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;%5Bln%5D;873159.
Command Antivirus 4.9 Authentium 32-bit and 64-bit (NX) http://www.authentium.com/ This program does not start.
Encyclopedia Britannica 2000 Deluxe 1 Encyclopedia Britannica 32-bit and 64-bit (NX) http://www.britannica.com/ Java rendering does not function after you install this program.
eTrust EZ Armor 1 Computer Associates 64-bit (NX) http://www.ca.com/ The EZ Firewall part of this program generates a Stop error during installation.
Freedom Force 1 Electronic Arts 32-bit and 64-bit (NX) http://www.ea.com/ When you start the program, a message appears that points you to the following EA Web site: http://techsupport.ea.com./
Kaspersky Anti-Virus (German) 4.5 and 5.0 Kaspersky Labs 64-bit (NX) http://www.kaspersky.com/ Real-Time scanning does not work in version 4.5 or 5.0. The vendor's Web site has available product updates that are designed to address this issue.
Live Motion 1 Adobe 32-bit and 64-bit (NX) http://www.adobe.com/ This program displays various errors that prevent typical operation.
MapSend DirectRoute 1.0 Magellan 32-bit and 64-bit (NX) http://www.magellangps.com/ When you start the program, a message appears that points you to the following Web site: http://www.magellangps.com/en/support.
MPEGcraft DVD All Canopus 32-bit and 64-bit (NX) When you try to save an MPEG file, you receive a "Failed to Edit" error, and the file cannot be saved.
NBA LIVE 2000 1 Electronic Arts 32-bit and 64-bit (NX) http://www.ea.com/ This program does not start in certain systems.
NOD32 for Microsoft Windows 2.000.11 Eset 64-bit (NX) http://www.eset.com/ When this program is started on an AMD64-based computer, all network connectivity is lost. To resolve this issue, upgrade to NOD32 version 2.12.2 or higher.
Norman Personal Firewall 1.4 Norman 32-bit and 64-bit (NX) http://www.norman.com/ Norman Personal Firewall Assistant will not start.
Norman Personal Firewall 1.4 Norman 64-bit (NX) After this program installs and restarts, the desktop does not load correctly
Norton AntiVirus 2003 Symantec 32-bit and 64-bit (NX) http://www.symantec.com/ At system startup, Scheduled Tasks in Norton AntiVir

From microsofts own webiste.
List of know applications that service pack 2 broke
Untest updates are always bad for business.

OL Toolbar 1.13.2 AOL 32-bit and 64-bit (NX) http://www.aol.com/ The Information Bar blocks access to the tool's edit boxes.
PhotoShop CS 8.0 Adobe 64-bit (NX) http://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop/main.html Program installs, but will not start.
BlackICE 3.6 crj Internet Security Systems 64-bit (NX) http://www.iss.net/ When you use this program, you may receive a Stop error that causes the program to quit.
BootSkin All Stardock 32-bit and 64-bit (NX) http://www.stardock.com/ When you restart your computer during the Windows XP SP2 Setup program, a Stop error occurs. For more information, see the following Microsoft Knowledge Base article: http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;%5Bln%5D;873159.
Command Antivirus 4.9 Authentium 32-bit and 64-bit (NX) http://www.authentium.com/ This program does not start.
Encyclopedia Britannica 2000 Deluxe 1 Encyclopedia Britannica 32-bit and 64-bit (NX) http://www.britannica.com/ Java rendering does not function after you install this program.
eTrust EZ Armor 1 Computer Associates 64-bit (NX) http://www.ca.com/ The EZ Firewall part of this program generates a Stop error during installation.
Freedom Force 1 Electronic Arts 32-bit and 64-bit (NX) http://www.ea.com/ When you start the program, a message appears that points you to the following EA Web site: http://techsupport.ea.com./
Kaspersky Anti-Virus (German) 4.5 and 5.0 Kaspersky Labs 64-bit (NX) http://www.kaspersky.com/ Real-Time scanning does not work in version 4.5 or 5.0. The vendor's Web site has available product updates that are designed to address this issue.
Live Motion 1 Adobe 32-bit and 64-bit (NX) http://www.adobe.com/ This program displays various errors that prevent typical operation.
MapSend DirectRoute 1.0 Magellan 32-bit and 64-bit (NX) http://www.magellangps.com/ When you start the program, a message appears that points you to the following Web site: http://www.magellangps.com/en/support.
MPEGcraft DVD All Canopus 32-bit and 64-bit (NX) When you try to save an MPEG file, you receive a "Failed to Edit" error, and the file cannot be saved.
NBA LIVE 2000 1 Electronic Arts 32-bit and 64-bit (NX) http://www.ea.com/ This program does not start in certain systems.
NOD32 for Microsoft Windows 2.000.11 Eset 64-bit (NX) http://www.eset.com/ When this program is started on an AMD64-based computer, all network connectivity is lost. To resolve this issue, upgrade to NOD32 version 2.12.2 or higher.
Norman Personal Firewall 1.4 Norman 32-bit and 64-bit (NX) http://www.norman.com/ Norman Personal Firewall Assistant will not start.
Norman Personal Firewall 1.4 Norman 64-bit (NX) After this program installs and restarts, the desktop does not load correctly
Norton AntiVirus 2003 Symantec 32-bit and 64-bit (NX) http://www.symantec.com/ At system startup, Scheduled Tasks in Norton AntiVir

See my posts above, but essentially... yes, it is possible to get a better position. The methods are different from what you have described however. If the same receiver can receive signals from all of the systems, there are more satellites available giving you the potential for better geometry. Another big factor is the addition of a third frequency, which carries another civilian-accessible code, this signal will allow the effect of the ionosphere to be removed from the range measurements, meaning that your position accuracy will increase.

Receivers that can use both GPS and GLONASS signals already exist, but they do not treat the two systems as separate, they use all the available information from both together to generate the best possible solution. The catch? Price. A receiver capable of GPS and GLONASS measurements will undoubtedly also be capable of carrier-phase measurements and receiving both L1 and L2. This type of receiver will have a geodetic type antenna (not the kind you can carry in your pocket), and probably cost on the order of $10,000-$30,000. These are widely used in land surveying, you are unlikely to find someone who owns one without using it to make a living.

For info on these high-end receivers, see http://trimble.com/, http://leica.com/, http://novatel.com/, or http://professional.magellangps.com/en/

Ive been playing with my GPS for a few months now and Ive only gotten really excited about it this past week when I purchased Google Earth Plus. I use a Magellan Meridian Platinum (http://www.magellangps.com/en/products/product.as p?PRODID=1) , though you probably wont need all of the extra features this model provides. Google Earth Plus (http://earth.google.com/) can download information from both Garmin and Magellan (most models) GPS devies and map them instantly. For a few examples images visit http://1101001.com/

Most handheld GPS devices out these days offer this functionality. You can dump raw NMEA data to a PDA/LAPTOP as well if the built-in speed logging isn't sufficient. Take a look around Garmin and Magellan's web sites for a starting point.

Nothing to yawn at to me...

Well GPS is GPS whether you're on a road or a lake. And GPS was big with boaters long before they could make them small enough to fit in your hand. The only question is if there are map products for that area. Browse around the marine sections of Garmin and Magellan. You'll probably find something that will work for him.

Also, I'm a geocacher and used to have a Garmin eTrex GPS. I found that it cut out WAY too often and therefore was inaccurate with distance calculations. Since switching to the Magellan Meridian Platinum, I've never looked back at the Garmin. So, how does the Garmin GPS for jogging fare?

• Etrex Venture
• Pro: Small, lightweight
• Pro: Easy to use
• Con: Does not work indoors
• Con: Put it in your pocket or walk under tree cover, *poof*, no more signal.
• Con: Almost too small of a display to read.
• Con: Joystick can be fragile.

• Magellan Meridian Platinum
• Pro: Can insert MMC cards to store maps, uncluding roads and topo maps
• Pro: Works indoors to some degree and works very well under treecover and in your pocket/backpack.
• Con: A bit larger/bulkier to carry around.
• Pro: Comes with an initial U.S. Map installed.
• Con: Doesn't have a neat "range ring" based on your satellite reception.

YMMV, but those are my observations. My father got an ETrex for Christmas from someone this year, and I told him not to even open the package, return it and get the Meridian. The Etrex's patch antennae works for sh*t in my experience.

Also be sure to check the forums over on Geocaching.com -- this subject has been talked to death there.

It also has routing capabilities (ie; MapQuest directions) and will route on both the PC and the PDA. Also, with this configuration I am not limited by the PDA's low battery capacity and only go to it when I need to look at the map (ie; I set up waypoints in advance in the GPS). I do a lot of outdoor activities mtn bike/camp etc; and this scenario, although not as elegant as an all-in-one, works for what I need it for.

My airplane-rated gps loses signal in heavy overcast. Science 1, bookworms 0.

For surveying and high-precision positioning they switch to "carrier phase" processing, which is both more expensive and can be accurate to less than a centimeter.

More information on Magellan's site

Are you on crack? I have a GPS unit that I use when driving all the time. After a few minutes it has no trouble getting a perfect 3D fix.

After reading their web page, it seems they do use a 3rd party provider for their messaging, ORBCOMM, who's web site was down when I tried to access it. If your parents already have a computer, it might be easier to find a satellite modem like the one offered here. Too bad theirs is an OEM unit without even a case. How good of a provider is ORBCOMM? And do others manufacture satellite modems for their service? Sounds like a lot more research has to be done...

Get a clue, bro. You can buy this stuff from any Magellan GPS dealer. Almost every GPS has the ability to output coordinates over a serial port. Interface this with a guidance system and you're within 3 meters of your target.

A civilian differential GPS reciever always was able to do better than what selective availabilty should have allowed. These units gave (and still give) accuracies within 15 meters or so. Given a Loran compensation reciever (used to pick up posititioning signals meant for boats), one can improve on this accuracy by using additional known transmitters located at ground-based reference points.

If you want "new" GPS units that were recently releaesd in the past year or so, look for units with the Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS). Implemented alongside with the FAA, these units rely on two additional satilite signals for an average accuracy of three meters.

Obligatory manufactuers links: Garmin's GPS description page and Magellan, another GPS supplier.

88I'd find it more interesting just to see where I have driven over the past twelve months.

Just get a GPS with a 12VDC adapter and leave it running in your car. Periodically download your track log to your PC -- voila!

Your GPS manufacturer probably has software to do this. I have a Garmin; there are shareware utilities for managing the tracklog and waypoint database. Alternatively, there are open perl modules that talk the Garmin protocol -- very nice for owners of the cheap etrex.

(Personally, I think the etrex antenna sucks but it is otherwise a sweet little box that works fine in the car where you don't have to worry much about tree cover.)

Alternatively, I'd like to see what cell phone cells I drive through. That'd be neat, and perhaps more nerdly than the purpose-built paths of the site.

The really alpha-geek thing to do would be to hack your cell phone to tell you. Otherwise, you could approximate this by plotting the centroids of the cell as waypoints and downloading them to your GPS.

An even nicer thing would be to do a PDA application that talks to your GPS so you could have a more sophisticated database. I've toyed with several for the palm: the Magellan unit for Vx form factor and the Rand-Macnally unit for the III form factor (These are somewhat obsoleted by the new form factors). Both of these work by sending standard NMEA strings with position, heading and speed information over RS232, so acquirign fix information and parsing it is a snap. The Magellan unit is excellent; it locks on fast and comes with first class software that turns your palm pilot into a handly little GPS with a full GUI.

The Rand Macnally unit is pretty much junk: the mapping software that comes with it is very crashy on the palm. However the desktop software is fine and very useful for street mapping and the hardware unit is acceptable: it takes a long time to lock on, but it performs acceptably thereafter if you have good coverage. The big advantage is that if you look in the store specials bin it can be got really, really cheap: the III form factor is gone and because of the crappy software the Streetfinder/GPS for palm package has a very high return rate. This makes it good for experimenting if you have a III* palm, or can get your hands on one. The most important strings for position, heading, signal quality etc. are standard across all manufacturers.

There are some clip on units for WinCE too; I expect the also work by sending serial signals. In any case, your other choice is to make a null-modemish cable for your GPS to connect it to your PDA or laptop. The connectors on GPS's are non-standard (they have to be water proof) and very expensive: a cable with the GPS connector on one end and bare wires on the other cost about $40. There was a guy who had molded some connectors for a couple of Garmin units and was selling them for a reasonable price over the internet -- try a google search.

There used to be a Rand-Macnally package with the streetfinder package and a small, puck like GPS unit with a DB9 DCE wired connector that plugged straight into your laptop to transfer data and to get power. This cost me under $100, for which I got the GPS (sans any hardware user interface which was fine for my purposes) and street maps of the entire US (albeit windows only). This might make a good experimenter's unit if it's still available. If you want to use it with a PDA, simply make a little straight through dongle that separates power leads and runs them to a small battery pack.

By the way, interfacing with GPSs and other NMEA capable equipment is one fault I found with the Linux PDA discussed a few days ago. Sure, USB is better for desktop integration, but you have to get a CF format serial card (such as the Socket corp I/O card) to interface with this kind of equipment. Hopefully, there are drivers for serial cards, otherwise they're useless for many kinds of apps you'd particularly want an open software based platform for.

For those that don't know, SA is a set of two different time signals broadcast by the satelites. The military time signal is pure, but the civilian one had some noise injected into it to degrade the accuracy. Now that the signal degradation is no longer being done, your commercial receiver is just as accurate as the military versions.

Khadaffi | Saddam | Osama Bin Laden | Joe Militia just needs a unit from Garmin | Magellan | Trimble, and they can pick off anything in range. This has been the case for quite a while, as even with SA in use, the accuracy was about 100 FT. A good large bomb/missile has a blast radius larger than that.

You mean something like http://www.magellangps.com/wirele ss/a_vision2.htm?
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