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