Getting from A to B isn’t always easy, even if you know the start and end points of your journey. That’s why so many people get excited by the idea of GPS receivers, because they love the idea of something (rather than someone) telling them how to get where they want to go.

But if you don’t buy carefully, you could end up being disappointed. There are a lot of products on the market, so it’s worth understanding how they work and what differentiates them. You wouldn’t want to carry a top-of-the-range car GPS system for your car when hiking up a mountain.

To make finding the right GPS receiver easier, we answer the questions you should ask yourself before you buy:

Click on any of these links to get some valuable advice, and tips on how you can use PriceRunner to find the perfect GPS receiver.

Alternatively, go straight to any of these to read more:

• This is how a GPS works
• GPS type
• GPS accuracy
• DGPS
• Included databases and maps
• More features
• Summary

This is how a GPS works

The global position system was created by the US Army and now consists of between 24 and 32 satellites that circle around the Earth. The satellites continually transmit information of their position, and with a little bit of trigonometry, the GPS receiver calculates its position by measuring the distance to four or more satellites.
In some receivers data coordinates with maps which gives you the information as graphics, informing of streets and the environment close to you.

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GPS type

You can find GPS receivers in different models for specific uses. They can be in a watch, handheld, mounted in the dashboard of a car or boat navigation system or as modules for computers.

The most common type of GPS receiver is the car navigator which can be attached to the windshield or the dashboard. It comes with built-in maps, that are adapted for use when driving a car, and sometimes have functions as speedometers and speed camera detectors.

Marine navigators usually have some kind of protection preventing moisture or stains to ruin the GPS when used at sea. The maps for these products are almost always adapted for maritime activities and comes with sea charts. Some of them can also be plugged to a sonar.

Handheld receivers fit for those who like to be outdoors. This kind of receiver usually comes without a map. It may be in the form of a watch and contain functions like heartbeat- and step counter. A gadget for physically active people.

GPS accuracy

When the US army stopped to put in random errors in the GPS system, most of the GPS receivers got an accurate of 15 meters or better. For best precision, the receiver should be under open sky. Reflections from tall buildings can change the time it takes for the signal to reach the receiver and by that ruining the accuracy.

Warm/Cold start

Warm/Cold start is the time it takes for your GPS receiver to calculate its first position. If the unit has been shut off for a longer time (4-6 hours), it's "schedule" (a list of where the satellites are at a certain time) will be too old and has to be updated. This is called a cold start and it will take more time to calculate the first position. If the GPS receiver was used more recently, the first indicated position will be given within a shorter time warm start).

DGPS

To improve the accuracy, transmitters have been placed all over the world. They have a fixed position and, together with the satellites data, work as a correction factor. This is called differential GPS and it gives the GPS receivers better precision.

Included databases and maps

Many GPS receivers have maps and city databases loaded into their memory when you buy them. Some common map versions are Scandinavia, Europe (whole or half) and North America. Variations in prices between the same GPS receivers can depend on exactly which map that’s included. Think about what you will need and be careful about what kind of software that the reseller gives you with your receiver.

More features

Waterproof

If you are after a handheld GPS receiver to use outdoors, perhaps when hiking, you should look for information regarding some type of weather durability. It is perhaps even more important for marine GPS receivers.

Memory

Many GPS receivers support memory cards that can store more data than the built-in memory. If you want to upload large map sheets and other softwares to your GPS, it’s wise to choose a unit that supports expandable memory or a large amount of built-in memory.

POI

You can store a number of destination positions in a GPS receiver, for example your home address, good fishing areas, your parked car on the gigantic airport parking place. With help from the GPS’s “go-to-function”, you can be guided straight to the point you have selected.

Trip computers

A list of the functions that your GPS receiver has, as for example average speed, when the sun goes up and down, and a trip meter.

Summary

A GPS receiver makes life easier, both for the adventurer and the all day traveler. The adventurer doesn’t need to be unsure of his/hers position anymore when he/she go away from the already trod paths. The car driving traveler gets access to detailed maps and roads even in the smallest cities which facilitate an effective planning of the trip. When the world is mapped by a receiver, we don’t have to be scared to get lost on our way around it.

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