Originally Posted by stokell
You may be right. Here is what I want to use a GPS for:
- I usually use maps and charts to plan my trips. Often I go on sideroads, rail trails and tow paths, that apparently are not on the maps provided for the GPS units.
- I'm not sure I would do any route planning on tour other than to get around an obstruction. Since the maps don't indicate how bike friendly roads are, again the GPS is not that useful.
- I stealth camp and my wife is concerned that she doesn't know at night exactly where I am. She calls this 'knowing where to find the body'. I imagine just a plain GPS with longs and lats will provide CSI with the info.
So it seems I'm not buying a GPS this time around.
Thanks guys!
>>>>>I usually use maps and charts to plan my trips. Often I go on sideroads, rail trails and tow paths, that apparently are not on the maps provided for the GPS units.<<<<<
True.
>>>>>I'm not sure I would do any route planning on tour other than to get around an obstruction. Since the maps don't indicate how bike friendly roads are, again the GPS is not that useful.<<<<<
I can tell most of the time today. Here are some hints.
1. The Garmin map software will have fast roads painted red. Those roads are to be avoided.
2. If you see a road on a map that is a straight line for 10 or 20 miles, that highway is also to be avoided.
3. If you see a road that has the word "Hill" or "Mountain" named after it. Then it probably won't be too bad and will more be safe but a difficult climb.
4. Interchanges and that included on and off ramps are to be avoided
I still think you can get value from a GPS by knowing if you're heading in the right direction. I don't think you'll need a unit with all the bells but just one with a basic map.