Author: Joel McNamara
Publisher: WILEY PUBLISHING, May 2004
Binding: Softcover
ISBN: 0-7645-6933-3
Synopsis
For use in many activities, including hiking, mountain biking, cross country skiing, geocaching, hunting, ATVing, mapping. If you're planning to buy one or need to learn about one you have. Concepts such as waypoints, routes, tracks, and coordinate systems. 7.5x9 inches; 400 pgs.
More Information
GPS For Dummies gives new meaning to finding yourself. In fact, with a GPS (global positioning system) receiver, you can determine precisely where you are anywhere on this planet. If youre are planning on buying a GPS receiver or if you have one and want to get your moneys worth, this guide tells you what you need to know, including:
* Basic GPS principles and concepts such as waypoints, routes, tracks, and coordinate systems
* Recommended features for GPS receivers to be used in various types of activities, including hiking, mountain biking, cross country skiing, geocaching, hunting, ATVing, mapping, and more
* How to do digital mapping on your computer, including software packages you can use to work with aerial photos, topographic maps, and road maps
* The main providers of digital map data for the U.S. and their Web sites
* The scoop on geocachinga high-tech treasure hunt
Written by Joel McNamara, avid outdoorsman, adventure racer, search and rescue team member, and author of Secrets of Computer Espionage, GPS for Dummies is ideal for both ordinary travelers and exotic explorers. It covers a world of GPS info such as:
* Choosing features for a GPS receiver, including the screen, an alarm, built-in maps, an electric compass, an altimeter, antennas, interface modes, and more
* Systems for traveling on the main roads and systems for exploring off the beaten path
* Using GPS with a PDA (personal digital assistant)
* Computer requirements for different mapping choices
* Topographic map software from Maptech, DeLorme, and National Geographic thats for off-road use
* Using Web-hosted mapping services, including street maps, topographic maps, aerial photos, and U.S. government-produced maps
* Incorporating GPS receivers into outdoor workouts, with tips for specific sports including cycling, golf, rowing, and more
A companion Web site has links to all kinds of free maps and resources. So explore on your computer and then explore for real! With GPS for Dummies, youll find yourself having adventures!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Joel McNamara first got involved with digital maps in the early 1980s. At the time he was studying archeology and instead of going out and playing Indiana Jones, he found himself in front of a computer monitor trying to predict where archeological sites were located based on LANDSAT satellite data.
The lure of computers ultimately led to his defection from academia to the software industry, where he worked as a programmer, technical writer, and manager; eventually ending up at a rather large software company based in Redmond, Washington. Joel now writes and consults on technology he finds interesting, such as GPS and digital maps.
Over the years hes had practical experience using GPS and maps for wildland firefighting, search and rescue, and disaster response and planning. Hes also an avid user of the great outdoors (which means theres way too much gear in his garage), competes in adventure races and other endurance sports, and so far has always found his way back home. In his spare time he volunteers for a federal Disaster Medical Assistance Team.
This is his second book. The first was Secrets of Computer Espionage: Tactics & Countermeasures, a reference guide for computer security practitioners and anyone interested in stopping sneaky spies.
