Friday, April 1, 2011

Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx Handheld GPS Navigator (Electronics)


This review is from: Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx Handheld GPS Navigator (Electronics)


Great Advanced-Featured GPS for Historical & Genealogical Research



One of the strengths of GPS technology is the myriad uses of a hand held GPS device, ranging from hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, camping, and a host of other outdoor applications. Many hunters and fishermen also enjoy the many features of a good GPS device. I have even used my device to report nesting pairs of eagles and pollution sites.



While I also use my device for these other activities, I also use my GPS frequently in my historical and genealogical research. Selected examples include reporting the precise location of a gravestone of interest in a very large cemetery; accurately reporting locations of gravestones or small family cemeteries that are located well off the road and in some cases completed overgrown with thick brush and coverage; using waypoint features to pin the boundaries of very early deeds or historic locations; doing field surveys of historic or family sites; translating historic locations back and forth between maps, aerial photographs, and actual boots-on-the-ground field surveys, and many similar applications. In one of my own applications, I have accurately reported the sites of over 79 grist mill locations dating from the late 1700s, and well as a number of very remote Civil War entrenchments. Many of these sites are now only accessible by kayak, canoe, or hiking in, and GPS makes finding theses sites a snap.



While the Garmin GPSMap 60CSx is a bit pricey, this is a top-of-the-line device that will truly impress even the most experienced GPS users. I have been a frequent GPS user since 1998, and this is my forth device.



* The most dramatic improvement over previous models is the sharply increased sensitivity. This provides for a much quicker lock on more satellites, and the ability to hold the lock much longer when moving in and out of heavy tree cover or in deep canyons. My unit is so sensitive, I can even get a lock inside my house if I am reasonably close to a window.



* I like the large, bright, easily read color screen display. This unit is easily read even in bright, direct sunlight.



* I also like the durable, compact, waterproof design; the easily understood menus and controls; and the excellent battery life. And, it just feels "right" in my hand...



* A major selling feature for me was 64mb of memory to hold plenty of waypoints, routes, tracks and such, as well as the ability to download a truly huge number of USGS topo maps or other mapping software. I immediately loaded about 5 entire states, and have plenty of space for many more.



* The unit comes with a handy lanyard and belt clip pouch, but I also bought a windshield mounting device, and as well as a mount for the handlebars on my mountain bike.



If you are an experienced GPS user needing advanced features and an incredible amount of storage for topo maps, this is a great GPS for not only your routine recreational use, but also for the historical and genealogical applications I outlined above.



This is my GPS of choice -- I never leave on field research trips without it.



CHT in Virginia
Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx Handheld GPS Navigator (Electronics) at amazon.com
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