Originally Posted by
axolotl
I've never used GPS but I'm curious whether GPS coverage extend to third world countries. I could have used a better map when I was approaching the Sukkothai area in Thailand because there were lots of wonderful little lanes that I hadn't encountered further north in Thailand. I got by with what I had and by occasionally asking locals. In northern Laos, there were so few roads that my map was quite sufficient for navigating. While my map had topographic information, I could have used additional contour lines. Does GPS currently provide topographic information, contour lines, or detailed altitude information for places where there is coverage?
In France, I love the IGN 1:100,000 series maps. It's easy and quite enjoyable for me to devise a nice route with the wealth of information these maps have. For example, there are symbols for castles, ruins, orchards, vineyards, caves, viewpoints, detailed contour lines, steep grades, etc. Does GPS provide that sort of information at present?
The G in GPS stands for Global. GPS will work anywhere in the world. What might be lacking is a nice coordinated set of maps. With GPS you can know, in latitude, longitude and altitude, exactly where you are. GPS provides your location. You need paper maps, or maps integrated in your device, or some other form of electronic map to do something useful with the location.
Speedo