GPS, or "global positioning systems", are everywhere today. They're on phones, in cars, and they're even part of many of people's favorite apps. Currently, GPS can be used to get to an address or find a place to eat or play. Learning to use them can sometimes seem difficult due to the variety of types of GPS that exist. However, this is not so. Fortunately, all GPS devices are quite easy to use.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Use Simple GPS Devices
Step 1. Buy a smartphone or car GPS if you want to know your location and get directions to get somewhere
Unless you plan to use your GPS in nature or for research experiments, a smartphone or car GPS will be sufficient to quickly and easily get directions or know where you are. Most devices have a touch screen and come with a rechargeable battery.
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Smart phones:
Most smartphones come with a preloaded "Maps" or "Navigation" application that uses GPS. If you don't have any apps with these characteristics, look for one in the app store and download it (for example, Google Maps).
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Devices with GPS:
They are small rectangular devices that specialize in giving navigation directions and searching for restaurants, airports and other points of interest. Among the best known are TomTom and Garmin. They cost around $ 170.
Step 2. Open the "Map"
It is the basic screen of a GPS. It shows a location, usually with your current location in the center of the screen, and all roads along with the closest major landmarks.
Step 3. Click on "My Location"
Some GPS have touch screens, some have keyboards, and some have scroll wheels and buttons. Click the compass, navigation arrow, or crosshair button to see your current location.
- The location is sometimes shown under a heading that says "Where am I?" or "Favorite locations" or "Current location".
- If you are an iPhone user, you can see your current location using the "Compass" application that is already installed. Make sure to "Allow location services" for the compass in the menu "Settings" → "Privacy" → "Location services" → "Compass".
Step 4. Choose the destination address
Using the search bar at the top of the GPS, type the address where you want to go. On many touchscreen GPS, you can choose a location by keeping your finger on a location on the map.
- Some GPSs display a button labeled "Get Directions." Select that option if there is no search bar where you can enter an address.
- If you know the exact latitude and longitude for your trip, use those coordinates. They will give you the most accurate location possible.
Step 5. Follow the GPS instructions to get to the location
The GPS will give you directions every time you have to turn. Don't worry if you ever fail to turn, most GPS's automatically correct the path and give you a new route to get to your destination.
If you are having trouble following the trail, check your GPS settings and set a longer "turn warning frequency" time. That will give you more time to listen to the next instruction
Method 2 of 4: Use GPS to Research and Explore
Step 1. Learn how to read latitude and longitude coordinates
Latitude and longitude are measured through numbers, which are represented by degrees and indicate the distance from two "zero lines". Longitude measures the distance east or west from the prime meridian. Latitude measures the distance north or south from the equator. This is the most accurate measurement system that GPS has.
- Here is an example of coordinates (guess where it is!): 37 ° 26'46, 9 "N; 122 ° 09'57, 0" W.
- Addresses are sometimes expressed in positive and negative numbers. North and East are considered positive. The example above could also be written as: 37 ° 26'46.9 "; -122 ° 09'57.0".
- Unless stated otherwise, latitude always goes first.
Step 2. Mark your current location as a landmark
Waypoints are saved to GPS for later reference, allowing you to easily take notes, draw maps, and maintain landscape information. On your GPS, select "Save location", "Add to favorites" or "Mark waypoint".
- More complex GPS systems for scientific use allow you to mark specific landmarks such as artifacts, streams, rock formations, etc.
- The more points you save on your GPS, the more accurate the map of the area will be when you return home.
Step 3. Set landmarks in advance if you don't have directions
Load the latitude and longitude coordinates of some water sources, campgrounds or ranger stations in the "Get directions" or "Find location" section. Then save them by selecting "Add to favorites". Now you can access them whenever you want.
- "Add to favorites" can be represented with a star or a flag.
- When you want to see the waypoints, click on "Saved Locations" or "Favorite Locations." You can click on them to get directions no matter where in the world you are.
Step 4. Connect the GPS to the computer to download the data
Most of the more complex GPS systems come with a program that allows you to save the data on your computer. That program will import your waypoints and use them to create a complete map of the area where you were, with the elevation data and the notes you created from the GPS.
If you are mapping a specific area, add as many landmarks as possible to make the map accurate. The more data the program has, the better the end result will be
Method 3 of 4: Troubleshoot GPS Issues
Step 1. If the addresses shown are not correct, download the latest map updates
If you use a phone, this will happen automatically. However, some GPS devices must be updated manually. In this way, it will be able to give you updated information, including the latest changes in topography and directions.
- Look for the "About" button. Generally, it is located in "Settings".
- Scroll down to view map information. If it is more than 6 months old, an update is necessary.
- Connect the GPS to a computer with Internet access using the cable that came with the product.
- Search any Internet search engine for "your GPS + map update". Follow the onscreen instructions.
Step 2. You should know that GPS uses satellites to locate you
There are more than 25 satellites orbiting the Earth that receive signals from your GPS and use those signals to determine your latitude and longitude. GPS was developed by the military and can tell you your location anywhere in the world with just a few feet of error (as long as GPS can capture the signal from satellites).
The GPS of cell phones use cell signal towers and the Internet to find your location so they do not work in places far from towns
Step 3. Go to an open space
GPS needs a clear view of the sky in order to communicate with satellites accurately, so stay away from overhangs or tall trees and go outside if you have signal problems. In general, if you can see the sky, the GPS can too.
GPS generally cannot communicate with satellites in tunnels, caves, and basements, so it is common for them to malfunction in these places
Step 4. Initialize your GPS after purchasing it
Many GPS are made in Asia and are used to communicate with satellites in that area. By initializing the GPS you will be able to familiarize yourself with the area where you are. To initialize a GPS, go to "Settings" and click "Initialize". If you have trouble finding this setting, follow the instructions in your GPS manual. Please note that this process can take up to 20 minutes.
- If you have problems, turn off your GPS and restart it.
- Make sure you have a clear view of the sky.
- You may need to reset your GPS before using it for the first time after purchasing to clear the memory. Consult the manual for instructions.
Step 5. Please use the "Satellite Lock" feature before leaving
This is especially useful if you go hiking on trails. You can find the satellite lock setting and activate it in the parking lot (it usually takes a few minutes).
You will find that there is no good sign when you notice changes in addresses, erratic locations, or error messages
Step 6. Keep in mind that GPS is not a substitute for maps or compasses
Because these devices can run out of battery, lose signal, or break, it is not advisable to rely entirely on them if you go out for a walk. While they are very useful, you should be prepared in case you cannot use it for any reason.
Method 4 of 4: Get the Most Out of Your GPS
Step 1. Find businesses, restaurants, and events near your location
Today, most GPS's can find much more than just directions. Try searching for "Indian food", "post office", "gas station", "rock climbing gym" or whatever interests you and see it come up. This can be incredibly useful if you are in a city you are unfamiliar with or just want to search for the closest burrito restaurant.
- GPS in applications or with an Internet connection (such as those of cell phones) always have this function.
- Many handheld GPS devices have a section called "Nearby Locations" or "Find Locations", from which you can search for businesses within a radius close to your current location.
Step 2. Have fun doing Geocaching
Geocaching is when people hide objects somewhere in the world with GPS coordinates. It is a global community in which people share and explore. It can be an excellent option for outdoor activities. If you are interested in participating in Geocaching, buy a GPS and subscribe to one of the many services and forums that you can find on the Internet.
Step 3. Record your training
Newer GPS devices and applications can be activated while running or cycling to save information about speed, elevation and distance that you can access later. To take full advantage of these features, you need to install a specific app, such as NikeFit, MapMyRun, or Apple's Health app.
Step 4. Find a lost phone
Because smartphones are constantly connected to GPS, you can take advantage of this to find a lost or stolen phone (if you act quickly). Download an application to track your phone and synchronize it with your computer to know the location of your phone at all times.
- You can use "Find My iPhone" by visiting the "Find My iPhone" website and logging in with your Apple username.
- If you want to find a lost or stolen Android phone without installing any tracking app, please log into Google's online "Device Manager". You can also download "Android Lost" to your phone remotely to get the coordinates of the phone.
Advice
- With a GPS it is easier to reach your destination than with a map, since with a map you must stop to observe it and then continue. This is a great advantage, especially if you are driving and there is no one else in the car.
- Your phone may have a GPS or navigator, so use it if you can. It is handled in the same way as any standard GPS.
- Go to the "expert-village" YouTube channel if you want to learn more about using a GPS.
- Practice with the GPS before going on a big trip or going on an adventure.
Warnings
- Always use common sense when using GPS and always have an alternate navigation method handy.
- Take care of your GPS, it is an expensive device and fixing it or buying a new one costs a lot of money.