GPS For Dummies

Need directions? Are you good at getting lost? Then GPS is just the technology you’ve dreamed of, and GPS For Dummies is what you need to help you make the most of it.

If you have a GPS unit or plan to buy one, GPS For Dummies, 2nd Edition helps you compare GPS technologies, units, and uses. You’ll find out how to create and use digital maps and learn about waypoints, tracks, coordinate systems, and other key point to using GPS technology.

Get more from your GPS device by learning to use Web-hosted mapping services and even how to turn your cell phone or PDA into a GPS receiver. You’ll also discover:

• Up-to-date information on the capabilities of popular handheld and automotive Global Positioning Systems
• How to read a map and how to get more from the free maps available online
• The capabilities and limitations of GPS technology, and how satellites and radio systems make GPS work
• How to interface your GPS receiver with your computer and what digital mapping software can offer
• Why a cell phone with GPS capability isn’t the same as a GPS unit
• What can affect your GPS reading and how accurate it will be
• How to use Street Atlas USA, TopoFusion, Google Earth, and other tools
• Fun things to do with GPS, such as exploring topographical maps, aerial imagery, and the sport of geocaching

Most GPS receivers do much more than their owners realize. With GPS For Dummies, 2nd Edition in hand, you’ll venture forth with confidence!

Introduction 1

Part I: All About Digital Maps 9

Chapter 1: Getting Started with Digital Maps 11

Chapter 2: Dissecting Maps 23

Part II: All About GPS 49

Chapter 3: GPS Fundamentals 51

Chapter 4: Grasping Important GPS Concepts 73

Chapter 5: Selecting and Getting Started with a Handheld GPS Receiver 87

Chapter 6: Automotive GPS Receivers 113

Chapter 7: Cellphones, PDAs, and Other GPS Devices 131

Chapter 8: Geocaching 155

Part III: Digital Mapping on Your Computer 179

Chapter 9: Digital Mapping Hardware Considerations 181

Chapter 10: Interfacing a GPS Receiver to a Computer 189

Chapter 11: Using GPS Manufacturer Software 207

Chapter 12: Finding Places and Coordinates 225

Chapter 13: On the Road with DeLorme Street Atlas USA 237

Chapter 14: On the Ground with TopoFusion 253

Chapter 15: From the Sky with Google Earth 269

Chapter 16: Creating and Using Digital Maps with OziExplorer 285

Part IV: Using Web-Hosted Mapping Services 299

Chapter 17: Saving and Editing Web Maps 301

Chapter 18: Navigating Web Road Maps 313

Chapter 19: Exploring Web Topographic Maps 327

Part V: The Part of Tens 339

Chapter 20: Ten Great GPS and Map Web Sites 341

Chapter 21: Ten Map Printing Tips 345

Chapter 22: Ten GPS Resources for Boaters 351

Index 361

Joel McNamara is a technology consultant and author. He first worked with LANDSAT satellite data during an earlier career as an archaeologist, and has used digital mapping and GPS in search-and-rescue missions, wild land firefighting, disaster response and planning, and outdoor recreation activities.

You are here. Read on to see how to use GPS to get where you're going!

Got a GPS unit? Planning to buy one? Here's how to get all the benefits from that handy device. Most GPS receivers do much more than their owners realize. This book covers the basics (waypoints, tracks, coordinate systems) but also tells you all about using digital maps and Web-hosted mapping services, so you can venture forth with confidence.

• Get the latest — up-to-date information on the capabilities of popular handheld and automotive Global Positioning Systems
• Make sense of maps — learn more about how to read a map and how to get more from the free maps available online
• A little technology — discover a bit about GPS technology and understand its capabilities and limitations
• What to look for — when choosing the right GPS receiver for you
• Compute this — find out about digital mapping software and how to interface your GPS receiver with your computer
• Where am I? — understand what can affect your GPS reading and how accurate it will be
• Get me there — find your way around with Street Atlas USA®, TopoFusion, Google Earth, and other tools

On and off-road — explore topographical maps, aerial imagery, and the sport of geocaching

• GPS at sea — navigate the waters using your GPS with fish finders and nautical charts
• Open the book and find:
• The difference between smart and static maps
• What a Geographic Information System is
• How to work with map coordinate systems
• How satellites and radio systems make GPS work
• What GPS features you need for different activities
• Why a cell phone with GPS capability isn't the same as a GPS unit
• How to compare mapping software
• What you need to start geocaching