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Mariah's avatar

Does such a device exist (similar to GPS)?

Asked by Mariah (25883points) March 28th, 2013

I’m working on securing equipment for a big school project I’m completing this summer. The project requires me to record my coordinates while I travel. I’m working on a limited budget and probably can’t afford a full-out GPS. A GPS would be excessive anyway, because literally all I need is a way to get my coordinates. Don’t need to plan routes or any of the other fancy features available on a GPS. Is there something available somewhat cheaply that can do this?

The coordinates obtained on a smartphone are not accurate enough for my purposes.

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6 Answers

bob_'s avatar

What about Google Earth?

Mariah's avatar

We need to know our coordinates every few yards on a hiking trail if that helps. @bob_ how do you get coordinates with google earth?

keobooks's avatar

GPS are coming down in price quite a bit. I found a TomTom on google for 43 bucks.

LuckyGuy's avatar

You need a low cost GPS. $69 for a cheap Etrex will work for you. Or buy an older, used one for about $25.
The deal that @keobooks mentioned is great!

2davidc8's avatar

Original response deleted by me. Sorry, you already said your smartphone is not adequate for your purposes.

On an iPad, however, there are several apps that are quite suited for your purpose. And you won’t have to bring pen and paper. You can copy your coordinates right into your note-taking app.

The cheap “pre-owned” GPS’s that others have mentioned are really the way to go. Or you may be able to borrow one from a friend, or contact hiking groups in your area and see if someone will lend you one.

REI stores rent camping equipment. Perhaps you can rent a GPS from them. Anyway, these are just ideas I’m throwing out there.

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