From Book News, Inc.
Concentrating on handheld, consumer receivers used for land navigation, McNamara, a technology consultant, explains how the satellite-based global positioning system (GPS) works, how to select and use GPS receivers, how to find coordinates and places, and how to choose and get the most out of mapping software. The high-tech treasure hunting sport of geocachnig is also covered. Like other "Dummies" books, this one includes numerous tips and warnings, screenshots, and checklists, as well as digital map images.Copyright © 2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR


Book Description
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 you’re are planning on buying a GPS receiver or if you have one and want to get your money’s 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 geocaching—a 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 that’s 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, you’ll find yourself having adventures!


Download Description
Offers down-to-earth guidance for hikers, cross-country skiers, ATVers, and other outdoor enthusiasts who own or are thinking of buying a GPS receiver, as well as people interested in digital map-making GPS (global positioning system) receivers draw on satellite signals to precisely determine a person's geographic position; as prices for these devices have gone down-entry-level models now sell for $100-sales have risen dramatically Provides coverage of the increasingly popular sport of "geocaching," in which people hunt for a canister hidden at precise geographic coordinates Explains how to turn cell phones and PDAs into GPS receivers and what hardware is required for connecting a GPS receiver to a PC Shows how to use popular, inexpensive software packages to create topographic, aerial photographs, and three-dimensional maps, and discusses free Web-hosted map services The author's diverse background in archeology, outdoor rescue, adventure racing navigation, and dis aster response set him apart from other people writing about this topic


Book Info
Provides a basic understanding of how GPS works and shows how to select and use GPS receivers. Features step-by-step instructions and abundant halftone illustrations. Softcover.


From the Back Cover
Find GPS waypoint data, discover geocaching, and more Choose a GPS receiver, make your own maps, and get on – or off – the road Here’s what you need to make the most of that handy, portable GPS gadget and all its amazing features! Pick the right receiver for you, create a map from your front door to Aunt Tillie’s six states away, venture into new places with confidence, explore the high-tech treasure hunting sport called geocaching, and much more. The Dummies Way Explanations in plain English "Get in, get out" information Icons and other navigational aids Tear-out cheat sheet Top ten lists A dash of humor and fun Discover: Understand how GPS works Discover how to select and use GPS receivers Find places and coordinates Choose and get the most from mapping software Get into geocaching Navigate Web maps


About the Author
Joel McNamara first got involved with digital maps in the early 1980’s. 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 he’s had practical experience using GPS and maps for wildland firefighting, search and rescue, and disaster response and planning. He’s also an avid user of the great outdoors (which means there’s 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 (also published by Wiley), a reference guide for computer security practitioners and anyone interested in stopping sneaky spies.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Here's what you need to make the most of that handy, portable GPS gadget and all its amazing features! Pick the right receiver for you, create a map from your front door to Aunt Tillie's six states away, venture into new places with confidence, explore the high-tech treasure hunting sport called geocaching, and much more.

SYNOPSIS

Find GPS waypoint data, discover geocaching, and more

Choose a GPS receiver, make your own maps, and get on — or off — the road

Here’s what you need to make the most of that handy, portable GPS gadget and all its amazing features! Pick the right receiver for you, create a map from your front door to Aunt Tillie’s six states away, venture into new places with confidence, explore the high-tech treasure hunting sport called geocaching, and much more.

The Dummies Way Explanations in plain English "Get in, get out" information Icons and other navigational aids Tear-out cheat sheet Top ten lists A dash of humor and fun