FAQ

What is GPS?

GPS is an acronym for Global Positioning System.
The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a space-based radio navigation system, consisting of 24 satellites and ground support, that provides accurate, three-dimensional position, velocity, and time, 24 hours a day, everywhere in the world, and in all weather conditions. It was initiated in 1973 and the first GPS satellite was launched on 21 February 1978.

Currently there are two main systems in the world used for Global Positioning and navigation, that of the United State's NAVSTAR GPS and that of the Russians, called the GLONASS (GLobal Navigation Satellite System). Due to the inherent limitations and relative inaccurate positioning obtained from the GLONASS , all commercial and most military use is based on the United State's GPS system.

How does a GPS work?

GPS units are dependent on signals from the sky, so won’t work underground, underwater or inside most buildings. They work fine in rough terrain and most of the time in the forest. Don’t expect a fix in a steep gully under heavy bush canopy. They will work in your car.

What power does a GPS need?

GPS needs power to work. If you depend on field GPS take spare and emergency batteries. Keep the GPS warm when in sub-zero conditions, and if it's very cold consider using lithium batteries, for better battery life.

Are GPS waterproof?

Most models are water resistant. We suggest operating your GPS inside a waterproof case for all wet sports and offer a range of waterproof accessories.

Is a GPS easy to use?

A GPS is a tool - a navigational tool, and like any tools, you will need to spend some time familiarising yourself with its features. Use your GPS before you need it. Test it out in the local park and get familiar with basic navigation concepts. Read a book, do one of our courses and read the manual.

Why should you use a GPS receiver ?

• No more getting lost - Get to your destination on time.
• Have confidence when traveling - no more wondering which way, left or right.
• Ease of use - It is easier to use a GPS receiver than to navigate by using a map. On the GPS screen you can see where you want to go (as in a map) but also where you are!
• GPS receivers are going to replace traveling maps - GPS receivers are smaller to carry, easier to handle, much more versatile and updateable.
• Personal navigation with a GPS also means you can customize maps as you go along - plotting points of interest and marking all those wonderful places in an easy, neat and ordered manner.
• GPS receivers will also provide you with traveling support information, such as your :
• Estimated time of arrival (ETA) at your selected destination,
• How much fuel you have left (much more accurate than your fuel gauge in the car or truck)
• Your true speed (with an accuracy of +/- 0.1 km/h).
• Log your route as you travel to keep an accurate record of your traveling in case you need to trace back your steps. This is true for walking distances of a few meters to routes of many hundreds of kilometers.
• GPS maps are scalable with scales ranging from 30 meters to many hundreds of kilometers.
• Time information on all GPS receivers are continuously adjusted from the atomic clocks used in the GPS system - the most accurate time and timing sources available today.