GPS
How does a GPS Work?
Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites orbit the globe. Each satellite continuously sends a signal that contains its position in space and the precise time the signal was sent.
Satellite positions and signal strength are shown on the Satellite Status screen. The GPS calculates the difference between the time the signal was sent and the time it was received. Because the speed of the signal is constant, this tells your receiver how far away it is from the satellite. At least three satellite signals are combined to triangulate your receiver's position on Earth.
How can a GPS show you where to go?
Enter any set of coordinates, or press GOTO to select a pre-loaded Point of Interest (POI) and your GPS will show you the distance and direction, ETA, heading, speed and more, and then guide you to your destination.
The Compass Screen shows your direction of travel, the direction of your target, plus sun and moon positions.
How does the GPS know where you are?
Your precise position is displayed on the Map and Location screens. As you travel, your GPS keeps a Track Log. View your track on the Map, or select Backtract from the simple menu screen to navigate your return, exactly the way you came.
Press Mark to save your current location to easily find your way back to a favorite hunting or fishing spot, campsite, parking spot or the Agassiz Environmental Learning Center!
Rent a GPS
We have eXplorist 100 GPS units for rent in the Nature Center. $6/day
Features of the Magellan eXplorist GPS receiver:
Rugged design, rubber-protected
Superior tracking with 14 parallel channels
14+ hour battery life on 2 AA batteries
TrueFix GPS technology
3 meter accuracy (WAAS/EGNOS)
Multiple track logs
Stores up to 500 points of interest and 20 routes
Pocket-sized and waterproof to IPX-7
Geocaching
