How to Get the Best Accuracy With a Handheld GPS

Handheld GPS units are extremely helpful for many outdoor activities such as hiking, orienteering, geocaching and hunting. These units get signals from orbiting satellites to pinpoint your location on a map and help you navigate your route. Unfortunately, handheld GPS receivers are not always 100 percent accurate. There are many things that can get in the way of a satellite signal including heavy foliage, buildings and other things that obstruct the line of sight of the unit. Fortunately, there are some tricks you can use to get the best possible accuracy out of your handheld GPS device.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Purchase the most accurate handheld GPS receiver you can afford. Technology that uses differential correction like Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) dramatically improves the accuracy of GPS pinpointing. WAAS technology uses stationary reference stations to correct errors in data received from orbiting satellites and improves the positioning accuracy to within less than 3 meters.

2. Avoid standing near things that could block or bounce the signal. Buildings, hills, rock formations, trees, bridges and the like can affect the strength of the signal received from the satellite. Holding the unit at arm's length, level with your shoulder, is the best positioning because even your body can interfere with the signal quality.

3. Allow the unit to warm up in one place for 5 to 10 minutes before using it. This will allow it to download all of the relevant data it needs about the area.

4. Use the "averaging" feature on the handheld. Averaging is when the unit uses lots of data to identify an average position. Most units start automatically averaging when standing still, but others must be instructed to start averaging.

5. Use the handheld to record waypoints. A quality handheld will have the capability to store at least 500 waypoints in its memory. Recording the waypoint in the unit makes it easier to recall and it avoids errors that can occur when writing them down on paper.

Tips & Warnings

• Be careful to hold your unit properly. Depending on what type of antenna your unit uses, you may have to hold it flat or upright. Consult your user manual to see what is recommended.
• Keep the device on as you travel so that it can continuously download data from satellites.
• Some units that have WAAS capability come with the feature disabled. Consult your user manual to determine how to activate this feature.
• Don't put your handheld in your pack when you're using it. While some units have demonstrated accuracy when covered, it's best to allow them to have a clear "view" of the sky. Attach the GPS unit to your belt or the exterior of your pack if you don't feel like carrying it.