What Handheld GPS

[kennyc]

I have Garmin E-Trex, now a few years old. I have it mounted on my back woods motorcycle for simple navigation and speed. It has been sterling and gotten me back to my Jeep in the dead of might through some very nasty Montana canyon country. Less than $100 US. No maps, no bells and whistles. Just there and back again.~Muir

I also have an e-trex, it came with a Burris scope as a package from Natchez, saved my bacon on a pub crawl through Brugges got me back to the hotel no worries (unlike the previous time when we tried to head for the church spire next to the hotel, seems there are dozens of church spires in the center of Brugges )

 

[monarman]

We used the garmin Etrex for the mink eradication scheme in the outer hebrides, Marked al the traps on it as waypoints and then the info was downloaded onto an accompanying map programme on the computer. brilliant bit of kit, i never knew where any of the traps were at all when i arrived and just used the etrex and it got me to within 2 feet of the traps. The computer programme i think was OS and it was a really good idea for data collection.

 

[bambislayer]

I use gps, gis mapping systems on a daily basis.

I use the bog standard e-trex, good kit and works in glens and under tree cover.
Plenty of good mapping systems out there, I'd stay clear of google sat maps, they are good for a cursary glance but many are getting dated, so don't show restocks etc. Keep to a good OS map, the contours won't change.
I've found smart phones to be pretty unreliable.
My mapping/survey kit consists of

Garmin e-trex [cheap yellow one]
OS map in waterproof folder
Compass

In the office I use Arc GIS & we've just launched a company specific mapping system [powered by ESRI, so a simple version of Arc].
I am considering buying a Mobile mapper to work in tandem with our office system, rather expensive !!!!!!

 

[caorach]

OS map in waterproof folder
Compass

Maybe you've thought about this and rejected it but...

Take a look at Aqua3. They will coat maps with a waterproof and very thin plastic film. Not only does it keep the maps dry and stops them falling apart in the rain but it also makes them more robust even for dry use or if a gust of wind should catch the map. Another big, big plus for the Aqua3 film is that you can write on it with a Sharpie and then wipe the writing off with some IPA, or probably even vodka, allowing you to mark up maps in the field and then remove what you've written.

 

[bambislayer]

Maybe you've thought about this and rejected it but...

Take a look at Aqua3. They will coat maps with a waterproof and very thin plastic film. Not only does it keep the maps dry and stops them falling apart in the rain but it also makes them more robust even for dry use or if a gust of wind should catch the map. Another big, big plus for the Aqua3 film is that you can write on it with a Sharpie and then wipe the writing off with some IPA, or probably even vodka, allowing you to mark up maps in the field and then remove what you've written.

Cheers, I'll have a look.

It would come down to cost? during survey season we can have 20+ folk out each day, scattered all over the place!!
I can see it being a handy excuse for the supply of Absolut

 

[Ben82]

E-trex seems to be the peoples choice, might treat my dad to one for xmas too!! Was going to be an eka swing blade but not much in it in the £££ department.

Thanks - Ben

 

[caorach]

It would come down to cost?

They are quite expensive but you might make a saving in terms of not having to replace them so often. Oh, and they will also do custom maps centred anywhere you like. Again they are costly but if the area you are working happens to be spread over 3 or 4 standard OS sheets there might be a saving in only having one map plus it is a lot easier to handle.

 

[badbob]

I use google earth a lot, get a satelite print it and laminate it,
waterproof. you can see individual trees, secret clearings, etc

keep it in the roe sack. you can mark paths, routes ,high seats
get the range in yards across open areas from vantage points etc
you can have as much fun doing virtual recees as when you go out(well nearly)

 

[Spoony]

ebay etrex legend hxc about 50-60 quid on ebay all you need.

 

[HuN73R666]

Can you use the O/S maps with this device?

ebay etrex legend hxc about 50-60 quid on ebay all you need.

 

[Tam the Gun]

the Garmin Foretrex 301 is a very useful GPS, very simple once set up and you can strap it to your wrist or Quad handle. they can be found cheap on ebay for a second hand one.

ATB

Tam

 

[glen13]

I use a garmin 62st most days in the forest, a fine bit of kit. Take spare batteries AND a map and compass too. Not cheap i know, but what cost safety?