Hi all,

General questions on how the GPS devices work. I think these are a cool gadget, so am interested in what they can be used for. Some posts even say they are good safety devices to have, too :-).

In short, I'm just curious as to how these work, and what are the best uses of them. I see many posts that map the trails that you have been on. How does this work? When you start your ride, do you tell the gps device to "record" where you've been? Then, you go home and download it to some computer software? Is there a certain mapping software you need to purchase/install either on the device/home pc, and also - are the map results stored in a common format, or is it native to the software? The answer to this i presume helps decide which device people buy.

Any other thoughts / uses / comments? Thanks a bunch. Its september 1, and its now time to ramp up my prep for the season (i got 75 miles in last season, if you could call it a season , ugggh).

You pretty much got it.
-Best use for them is that you've got a live/moving map (and compass) that shows exactly where you are at all times. If you enter waypoints into it (i.e. Hotel and destination), you can then select them on the GPS for the direction to go to get to them, with almost turn-by-turn instructions.
-Not really any snowmobile "maps" for them yet, but folks are working on them. (see "Map File" posts)
-My Garmin Lexend Cx has a setting for auto-recording your route/tracks, sort of like a bread-crumb trail that you could always use for back-tracking in case you get disoriented.
-Once back home (or at hotel with laptop) you upload your recorded tracks/routes from GPS to computer using mapping software for the unit. Mine came with a basic map program...many other programs with more detailed maps/areas are available. You can then see where and how far you traveled, speed, etc..
-All Garmin units use the same/common format, so easy to exchange info between them.

I love my little Garmin handheld unit, cheap and compact. Would never leave trail without it.
And IMO, their service and support is the best!.
First 2 units I had fried within first week due to a bad 12v adapter cable. Garmin sent me brand new ones both times (FedEx overnight), plus threw in their new City Navigator map software for my troubles.
The second one came with a 64mb memory card installed, instead of the standard 32mb one.
If you've got the money, the 60Cx and 76Cx units are real nice with the larger screens!

what is a good gps to buy

garmin gpsmap 60csx