GPS concepts

[Smelly]

Hi Team!

As we know, some GPS units are just #an "electronic map" that shows your position on the map screen while other GPS units have no maps at all and can be just fine if you just want to know your longitude/latitude. #

What is the real advantage in spending bigger bucks on a chartplotter compared to a unit that simply shows your position?

What is in these charts that make them so popular for fishing?


Smelly

[25_ponies]

Smelly,

Your comment is kinda the wrong way around. I would have said "some GPS units just show your current lat/long, and others also have a map to show where you are relative to other landmarks"

The only problem with just knowing your lat/long, is that you need to know the lat/long of other landmarks to know how far away they are or how to get there. If you've got the GPS mark for them programmed in, that's a start. If you don't, you've got no chance. Even if you do have the mark, there may be some obstruction between where you currently are and where you want to go that you won't know about until you hit it. If you have a chart plotter, it will more than likely be shown. **

The benefits of a chart plotter are many, and (IMHO) justify the price uplift over a GPS only device. A chart plotter allows you to create complex routes while you are on the go, whereas a standard GPS requires more planning beforehand to build waypoints based on paper charts.


**Of course, we all know that GPS should not be relied upon for navigation and are only to be used a a supplement to paper charts and a liquid damped compass

[Smelly]

Thanks Ponies!

I needed to understand this distinction to make my choice in GPS / Chartplotter selection..

[Smelly]

Ponies - Your thoughts on the Garmin 172c Chartplotter?

And, what accessories should I expect to receive when I purchase this unit brand new?

This blue chart thing - should I get one of these as well?

Smelly