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GPS for Walkers | Do I need a SAT-NAV for walking? |
Pet Tracking Devices
You can now track your Dog using a mobile , PC or certain GPS devices.
For more information search for
'Pet Tracking devices'.
Do check reviews for range , durability, water resistance and subscription fees.
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| FREE UK hiking maps for Garmin GPS devices & watches Includes Dartmoor and Exmoor,Lake & Peak Districts,Scotland & Wales |
Do You Need a GPS Device for Walking?
Getting the Best from Your GPS
When you switch on your GPS, it begins searching for satellites to determine your location.
This can take up to two minutes, depending on factors such as your surroundings (e.g. being between buildings or trees), your activity (moving or stationary), and even the weather.
Tip: To speed up satellite acquisition, turn on your device and place it on your car dashboard — open sky above helps a lot!
Extra Help: Enabling EPO (Extended Prediction Orbit) downloads can also reduce the time it takes to get a fix.
On many devices, you can improve GPS accuracy by selecting additional satellite systems like GLONASS, GALILEO, or WAAS/EGNOS.
Establish your location
While smartphones pinpoint your location almost instantly, a standalone GPS device can take up to a minute to get a signal fix.
To speed up your device's satellite connection
- Avoid standing between tall buildings or dense trees.
- Do not walk while your GPS acquires satellites.
- Displaying the satellite status screen often helps the device lock onto a signal quicker.
Once the necessary satellites are found, your GPS will automatically re-centre the map around your current location.
GPS accuracy can be affected by tree cover, steep valleys, buildings and satellite visibility. Open ground generally provides the best reception.
If the screen appears blank, it may mean:
- Your device doesn’t have map data for your area, or
- You may need to zoom in to see the map details.
You’ll typically follow a track (usually in GPX format) saved on your device. This track appears as a highlighted line superimposed on your map.
When you start navigation, your GPS will notify you if you're on or off track.
Be aware that poorly created tracks can give the impression of a path running through buildings or dense forests!
Most tracks aren't 100% accurate, and GPS precision is often within 3 meters.
You’ll soon learn to mentally filter out these small inaccuracies.
Note:
- The OS50 map isn't ideal when accuracy is crucial.
- If you're using a Garmin device, you're in luck — high-quality, free OSM maps are readily available and much more detailed - - see example.
Why Use a handheld GPS for walking?
Yes, your smartphone does have GPS — but it's not always up to the task when you're out walking in the countryside
Here’s why handheld GPS devices are still worth considering:
Why Phones Fall Short:
- Limited sensitivity & accuracy — especially in dense forests or remote areas.
- Lack of detailed maps — many phones don’t show footpaths, bridleways, or lesser-known trails.
- Screen visibility — smartphones often suffer from sun glare, making them hard to read outdoors.
The Case for a Handheld GPS
: A handheld GPS isn't essential if you're walking in a region with clearly marked trails and signs. But, when you’re:
- Crossing vast forests or open fields,
- Navigating farmland with barking dogs or curious cows,
- Unsure where the next stile or gate is.?
the reassurance of an arrow pointing the way can be a real comfort.
Safety & Convenience
- : Always shows your exact location and ETA — vital in an emergency.
- Can help navigate through towns and cities, guiding you to a specific point of interest (pub, café, shop… even a loo!).
Why Not Use a Car Sat Nav?
- Not designed for footpaths or trails.
- Awkward to carry.
- Most don’t let you follow a custom route you've planned on your computer.
What a Walking GPS Can Do
- : Follow circular or custom routes with ease.
- Track your exact journey, including any deviations or detours.
- Export your route to view later in Google Earth or other mapping software.
A Middle Ground
Apps like OSMAnd (based on TOPO maps) are a great option for mobile users — they offer good detail, including paths and tracks.
