Gone are the days where a person had to use a paper travel chart in order to navigate from one place to another -now they can use marine GPS systems. GPS systems, or global positioning systems have been used by the military for many years have recently become popular with the public for cars and are now making big inroads to the boating market. These are electronic devices that come in different forms, from handheld models to display models that are mounted or even a permanent fixture of some newer vessels.
One of the portable marine GPS systems on the market
These devices, which are controlled by satellite, work by punching in a starting location and the final destination location. Once that information is put into the GPS, marine GPS systems will guide the skipper way point by way point, feature by feature until the person has arrived at his or her destination.
Some marine GPS systems will actually talk to you and tell you exactly where to change course and when, others are simply an interactive chart that will show you on a display when and where to change course, but will not give verbal directions. Along with showing or telling the person where to change course, marine GPS systems also show where you are at, at which direction you are currently heading.
These marine GPS systems are very handy to boaties since the skipper does not need to be hassled with a large chart while he or she is trying to keep their hands on the helm and their eyes on the water. This is particularly true for those boaties that are travelling without someone else to navigate for them. They are also very handy if a person does become lost.
Because the system will tell the person where they are at, they could call for help and be able to tell another person their direction and exactly where they are. Of course, this new technology is very handy and can save a person a lot of hassle, but it is important to understand how to use the particular system, and to understand that not all marine GPS systems work exactly the same way.
It is also important to know that with any technology, they may not always work and it is still a good idea to have a traditional back up travel chart, just in case.
Whether using an electronic devices such as marine GPS systems, or using a traditional chart, it is a good idea to become familiar with it and familiar with your destination before you actually leave for any trip. Maps, whether traditional or electronic are only as good as the person that knows how to use and read them.
And don’t forget the batteries or the charger as these marine GPS systems are notorious for chewing through batteries.
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