Ridecamp: Re: [RC] GPS

Bob,

The GPS was developed for military use by the USAF. The development started
in 1972 - that's right 30 years ago. At some point because of growing cost
they were directed to get support from the civilian sector. The primary military
users are ether on the sea, in the air or in space. There's no problem with
visibility, no foliage, no canyons, etc. there. Better coverage could have
been obtained with the original 28 bird cluster, but it was to expensive.

Truman
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Bob Morris wrote:

To see just how inaccurate your GPS is, and it is inaccurate, down load the route from the GPS and overlay it on a Orthophoto.? I have done this numerous times and found that the normal handheld GPS can be off the trail by 100 meters. They are not accurate.

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With the newest ones there is a built in correction system but it is only available when you can see down to 10 degrees above horizon. Wonderful for coastal navigation for which it was designed but worthless in our mountains.

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Now if you want to spend 6 - 8 grand for a survey grade unit you might get a bit better track after corrections are done but the hand held, while it will get you in the area you want to go to, will get you no closer than seeing distance as an average.

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Bob

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