GPS watches are a great choice if you’re looking for a way to track your activity levels, whether running, cycling, or swimming. They use GPS tracking technology to accurately measure distance, speed, pace, elevation, and other parameters.
If you own or planning to get one, here are 5 common things to know about GPS watches.
What improves GPS accuracy?
GPS watches use the Global Positioning System or GPS satellites to determine the position of your watch. The Global Positioning System is a network of satellites that orbit the Earth. When the GPS signal is received, your watch uses this data to calculate your exact position.
You have to be careful if using a GPS watch because the data it collects and uses is not exactly 100% accurate. Typically, when there is a strong GPS signal, a standard GPS watch can pinpoint your location to within about three meters or 10 feet and accurately provide information on speed and distance.
But if the signal is weaker, accuracy will be lost. There are a few things you can do to improve your watches accuracy:
- Start the satellite acquisition period in a position with a clear sky
GPS signal isn’t powerful enough to penetrate through objects like trees, buildings, and walls. So try to find an open area that isn’t obstructed by these things when starting your tracking.
- Activate the ‘Auto Pause’ feature on your watch
This will pause your workout when you stop moving and resume it again automatically when you start moving. Thus, this eliminates GPS drift which shows you’re moving even when you’re standing.
- All GPS soaking
This is when you leave your GPS watch out in the open while you’re not using it to give the watch time to lock on to available satellites. That makes it easier for the watch to regain connection when you start tracking.
Do GPS watches work in the woods?
“YES” – GPS watches work in the woods. GPS systems are getting better and better each day, and GPS watches are no exception. This has made GPS watches extremely accurate when used in more remote areas than ever before.
Today, with the increased accuracy and fine-tuning of GPS technology, these watches can be used in various settings, including dense woods and other varied terrains. If you get the GPS watch for hunting, you can be sure it will work perfectly in the wilderness.
However, remember that with any GPS watch, there may be some slight inaccuracies due to signal disruptions or loss of reception due to being in more remote or dense areas.
Likewise, while trail running, a GPS watch may be more or less accurate depending on the type of trail and the distance. For example, a trail that winds through the mountains or is heavily covered by tree canopy may not give accurate readings for a GPS watch.
Similarly, the watch may not provide accurate readings on switchback trails that lead to the summit.
Is a range finder better than a GPS watch?
Both a golf rangefinder and a GPS watches have their own unique set of capabilities and benefits. At the core, a rangefinder is better for providing accurate distances to your target, whereas a GPS watch can show you detailed maps and hazard information.
Ultimately, which tool is better depends on your individual preferences and needs. On a golf course, a rangefinder can quickly measure the distance to any point. In contrast, a GPS watch may be better suited for more advanced golfers who want detailed data about their game performance.
Out in the field, a rangefinder may be the better choice for those looking for precise distances and elevation measurements. Thus, a GPS watch may appeal to users who want the convenience of a watch combined with advanced features.
Military-grade GPS watches, however, have shown to be much more accurate and reliable than rangefinders, making them the preferred choice for many users.
So which tool you choose will ultimately come down to personal preference, budget, and the activities you plan on using it for.
Is GPS watch worth it for hunting?
One feature you will mostly never miss when looking for the best GPS watch for hunting is the ability to pinpoint your location. According to product descriptions, this feature is especially important for those who hunt in remote locations, such as in dense woods or rugged terrain.
Is that true, and does it make a difference? Yes, GPS watches can be an incredibly useful tool for hunters. They provide location information in remote and often challenging environments, giving you a better sense of where you are and where your target is located.
In addition to helping you find your way in the wilderness, the best GPS watch for hunting can also provide weather and other updates to help keep you safe during your hunting adventures.
Even though the GPS location accuracy might drift at times, using a GPS watch can help ensure that you don’t get lost or become disoriented while in the middle of your hunt. Ultimately, a GPS watch can be incredibly useful for hunters of all levels.
Are GPS watches worth it for hiking?
Let us start by recapping what to expect from a GPS hiking watch by checking out the outstanding features of such a device.
A GPS watch for hiking needs can provide accurate information on distance and speed. It should be able to offer a compass, altimeter, and barometer for measuring elevation, direction, and air pressure. Those are a few of the requirements to look for when choosing one.
With these features in mind, it’s safe to say a GPS watch that meets these requirements is well worth investing in for hiking.
A good example is a watch that provides accurate information on speed and distance can help you keep track of your pace and distance covered on each hike. This is especially useful for more experienced hikers looking to push themselves further or perhaps even set a new record on their favorite trails.
Additionally, an altimeter and barometer watch can be particularly useful for measuring elevation changes and predicting weather patterns. This is especially useful when hiking in challenging or remote environments where you need to be aware of the weather and potential changes in your surroundings.
Overall, a GPS watch for hiking is well worth the investment if it has all the features you need to help you stay safe and enjoy your outdoor adventures.
Conclusion
Those are the five things that you should know about GPS watches. They work best in the open sky and auto-pause, and GPS soaking improves tracking accuracy. They can be used in the woods and offer competitive functionality to range finders.
Are they worth it for hiking and hunting? That depends on your needs, but for many people, a GPS watch can be a valuable tool that helps make outdoor adventures more enjoyable and safe.