Using GPS: GPS Simplified for Outdoor Adventurers (Paperback)

by Bruce Grubbs (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
The Global Positioning System, or GPS, is increasingly the tool of backcountry travelers. This pack-sized book is a guide to practical field use of GPS for anyone whose play takes them to remote or hard-to-find areas. Bruce Grubbs, veteran outdoor writer and technology enthusiast, offers helpful advice for hikers, backpackers, anglers, mountain bikers, kayakers, canoeists, and cross-country skiers. Written in simple language, with each term explained as it is used, Using GPS is a wealth of useful backcountry naviation advice for beginners and experts alike.

From the Back Cover
This pack-sized book is a guide to practical field use of the Global Positioning System for anyone whose play or work takes them to remote areas. Written in simple language, with each new term explained as it's used, this book is a wealth of useful backcountry navigation advice for beginners and experts alike. Bruce Grubbs is an avid hiker, mountain biker, and cross-country skier who has been exploring the American desert for over 30 years. An outdoor writer and photographer, he's written seven other FalconGuides. He lives in Flagstaff, Arizona.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Falcon; 1st edition (June 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1560448210
• ISBN-13: 978-1560448211
• Product Dimensions: 7.1 x 4.3 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,546,156 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Little GPS Guide, June 24, 2001

By	Michael J. Clifford "Frog Holler' GPS" (Jetersville, VA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

As a GPS-land navigation instructor, I have found that "Using GPS" is an excellent pocket-sized guidebook packed with practical land navigation information for the novice to moderately experienced recreational GPS user. The book gets right to the point in analyzing common features of GPS receivers as an aid in selecting the best unit for your needs. It correctly emphasizes the need to use GPS in combination with map and compass (and sometimes altimeter) for safe and efficient navigation...and then teaches you the 'how to' techniques. The book really shines in the chapters that give detailed, real-life scenarios for using GPS in trip planning, route building, cross-country navigation, and trail mapping. Although the book is not lavishly illustrated, the charts and maps are clear and effective. On the negative side, several statements regarding GPS accuracy in this 1999 edition really need updating now that Selective Availability has been deactivated. Also, on page 29, the distances at which trucks and pocket knives affect magnetic compass readings are rather exaggerated. The positives far outweigh the negatives, however, so take a look at "Using GPS" before heading out on your next wilderness adventure.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Time moves on, November 14, 2002

By	Geoffrey F. Beneze "geoffbeneze" (Tempe, AZ USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

As a TechnoDroid, I'm rather disappointed with this book. However, one must realize that it's now approaching four years old, so the technology of hand held GPS receivers has advanced significantly since the book was written. Battery life, continuous use of receivers and accuracy all are out dated when viewed in light of currently marketed GPS receivers. In particular, accuracy data are completely out of synch with my real life experience with various GPS units.

However, other than the time lag aspects, the book is reasonably complete and is well written, albeit, from my point of view, the data is more suited to a non-technical (i.e. beginner) GPS user. For those who deal with technical issues, or who have done any study on the GPS system, the book is rather rudimentary.