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Rating: 
Summary: Great Little GPS Guide
Review: As a GPS-land navigation instructor, I have found that "Using GPS" is an excellent pocket-sized guidebook packed with practical land navigation information for the novice to moderately experienced recreational GPS user. The book gets right to the point in analyzing common features of GPS receivers as an aid in selecting the best unit for your needs. It correctly emphasizes the need to use GPS in combination with map and compass (and sometimes altimeter) for safe and efficient navigation...and then teaches you the 'how to' techniques. The book really shines in the chapters that give detailed, real-life scenarios for using GPS in trip planning, route building, cross-country navigation, and trail mapping. Although the book is not lavishly illustrated, the charts and maps are clear and effective. On the negative side, several statements regarding GPS accuracy in this 1999 edition really need updating now that Selective Availability has been deactivated. Also, on page 29, the distances at which trucks and pocket knives affect magnetic compass readings are rather exaggerated. The positives far outweigh the negatives, however, so take a look at "Using GPS" before heading out on your next wilderness adventure.
Rating:
Summary: Great Little GPS Guide
Review: As a GPS-land navigation instructor, I have found that "Using GPS" is an excellent pocket-sized guidebook packed with practical land navigation information for the novice to moderately experienced recreational GPS user. The book gets right to the point in analyzing common features of GPS receivers as an aid in selecting the best unit for your needs. It correctly emphasizes the need to use GPS in combination with map and compass (and sometimes altimeter) for safe and efficient navigation...and then teaches you the 'how to' techniques. The book really shines in the chapters that give detailed, real-life scenarios for using GPS in trip planning, route building, cross-country navigation, and trail mapping. Although the book is not lavishly illustrated, the charts and maps are clear and effective. On the negative side, several statements regarding GPS accuracy in this 1999 edition really need updating now that Selective Availability has been deactivated. Also, on page 29, the distances at which trucks and pocket knives affect magnetic compass readings are rather exaggerated. The positives far outweigh the negatives, however, so take a look at "Using GPS" before heading out on your next wilderness adventure.
Rating: 
Summary: Time moves on
Review: As a TechnoDroid, I'm rather disappointed with this book. However, one must realize that it's now approaching four years old, so the technology of hand held GPS receivers has advanced significantly since the book was written. Battery life, continuous use of receivers and accuracy all are out dated when viewed in light of currently marketed GPS receivers. In particular, accuracy data are completely out of synch with my real life experience with various GPS units. However, other than the time lag aspects, the book is reasonably complete and is well written, albeit, from my point of view, the data is more suited to a non-technical (i.e. beginner) GPS user. For those who deal with technical issues, or who have done any study on the GPS system, the book is rather rudimentary.
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