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GPS were originally used in military and other government applications. Today, it is also used in other areas like navigation and sports. Though GPS is composed of electronic devices, some handhelds can be used in water.

This is all possible because GPS is already made waterproof for practical navigation and sports. Though they were originally intended for land use in military and government applications, technology enabled GPS to be functional in water despite its electronic components.

Though they used to be expensive, waterproof units are now available at an affordable price. For sea kayakers, it provides accurate data about their path in the middle of the sea. Bikers can also benefit from waterproof units because they encounter varying weather conditions aside from moist and humidity. It is also portable and easy to use, making it an indispensable navigational tool for sportsmen.

In buying waterproof GPS handhelds, some characteristics should be understood because they often appear in specifications sheet and are good measures when comparing units. The following terms are also applicable for non-waterproof GPS.

Augmentation System: This system serves as the corrector for the received signal by the GPS. It can be found in the specifications as WAAS, or Wide Area Augmentation System. It increases the accuracy of the signal for positions outside 10-feet from the unit. WAAS-enabled units are five times more accurate than WAAS-disabled units.

Topographical Maps: Most GPS can electronically display 2D or 3D maps, but older models do not. For such models, plotters will be required to have a printout of the map. Advanced models can go beyond normal topographic information by implementing Digital Elevation Model technology, commonly called as DEM. It is a feature to have better visualization of contours at different zoom levels. Moreover, handhelds can store new maps by accessing data cards and compact discs.

Maps: It contains topographical information about the terrain. GPS maps can either be 2D or 3D, and can have DEM, or Digital Elevation Model, technology to shade elevated contours when zoomed out. GPS handhelds can store additional maps by reading data cards or compact discs.

Advanced features of waterproof GPS handhelds include touch screen display, switch controls for various activities, expansion slots, and digital compasses. High-end units have the feature to display water depth, harbors, and other marine information. Some also comes in floatable packages for easy retrieval when dropped in water. In addition, some unit incorporates GPS with two-way radios, enabling sportsmen to have a 5-mile range communication. However, such units should first acquire FCC license before using to ensure that it will not interfere with other electronic device.

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