Luddite, no more...

I have recently installed a GPS onto my bike, i.e. Garmin GPSMap 60CsX. It might not be as cool as the Edge 705 or the touchscreen Oregon, but this handheld GPS is super fast in connecting with the satellites. One of its advantages is its dedicated button which provide easier & faster access to its functions. I have customised the display to show the speed, trip distance, moving time, stopping time, highest speed, moving average speed, elevation & odometer. In different page, it also show the road/topo map, compass & track profile.

I really love the road map because I don't have to stop to look at the map to find my way. With the Zoom In & Zoom Out button pressed, it's so easy to negotiate my way while cycling. And after my ride, I just hooked it to my notebook and view my trip using the Google Earth.

Garmin is a reliable name in the GPS market. In fact, I have used its e-Trex handheld unit since 8 years ago which doesn't have any installed map but good in tracking & marking waypoints. I'm also using the Nuvi 255W which I think is the best car GPS navigation system! It's so easy to drive around foreign roads by just listening to the direction by Karen the Australian female voice. (love the Australian accent when pronouncing the local roads' name!)

No one can deny the usefullness and practicality of GPS when travelling whether cycling, hiking or driving. And I have no doubt that this GPS handheld will be very handy during my in-coming Manali~Leh Tour.

What is GPS?

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a satellite-based navigation system made up of a network of 24 satellites placed into orbit by the U.S. Department of Defense. GPS was originally intended for military applications, but in the 1980s, the government made the system available for civilian use. GPS works in any weather conditions, anywhere in the world, 24 hours a day. There are no subscription fees or setup charges to use GPS.

How it works

GPS satellites circle the earth twice a day in a very precise orbit and transmit signal information to earth. GPS receivers take this information and use triangulation to calculate the user's exact location. Essentially, the GPS receiver compares the time a signal was transmitted by a satellite with the time it was received. The time difference tells the GPS receiver how far away the satellite is. Now, with distance measurements from a few more satellites, the receiver can determine the user's position and display it on the unit's electronic map.

A GPS receiver must be locked on to the signal of at least three satellites to calculate a 2D position (latitude and longitude) and track movement. With four or more satellites in view, the receiver can determine the user's 3D position (latitude, longitude and altitude). Once the user's position has been determined, the GPS unit can calculate other information, such as speed, bearing, track, trip distance, distance to destination, sunrise and sunset time and more.

Source: Garmin website.