You’ve probably noticed that in order to get a handheld GPS receiver with mapping features you would have to spend quite a bit more money. But is having mapping worth the extra cost?

Choices When it Comes to Mapping on a Handheld GPS Receiver

When it comes to a mapping for a handheld GPS receiver, there are several levels of mapping available. Let’s take a look at each, to help you determine what level of information you need.

First of all, the basic handheld GPS receiver hasn’t mapping at all. It does have a screen, where the user can see an overhead view of where they’ve been (track logs) and see where they’re heading via waypoints and input data. On the screen you can see where you are in relation to these things. For some models there is an extra database of cities.

The next level is a handheld GPS receiver with mapping that is very basic. Some GPS receivers come with a basemap. This might be sufficient for your needs, depending on what they are. The basemap includes many things. It has interstates, including exit information for many of them, state and federal highways, major freeways, lakes, railroads, cities, airports, rivers, coastlines, etc. Will this be enough information for you? You be the judge.

The highest level of mapping information for handheld GPS receiver is the type with full mapping capability. This type of unit can download very detailed map data through the computer. The information comes from CD-ROMs. This information can include streets – both residential and business, restaurants, gas stations, boat ramps, banks, tourist attractions, marine navigational data, topographical data, trails that are off-road, etc. What wonderful things you could do with this much data!

This information can enter your handheld mapping GPS unit by a data cartridge or from a CD. Sometimes the GPS manufacturer offers cartridges (like GARMIN, a popular manufacturer of GPS receivers) for certain areas. Other use a more flexible system, where you can download the particular area you want detail for. Some units can just download the information without using a data cartridge at all.

A handheld GPS system is a wonderful way to keep track of where you are and where you want to go. You can navigate via “waypoints”, which are locations that you input that mean something to you. They could be your house, the airport, where you parked the car, or a special fishing hole. It could even be just a particularly scenic location that you want to come back to. Only you can decide if you want to pay the money for a handheld GPS receiver with mapping…but even if you decide not to, the other types have a lot of capabilities without full mapping.