1. GPS for Rockhounding GPS: Global Positioning System
GNSS: Global Navigation Satellite System
PNT: Positioning, Navigation, and Timing

2. GPS for Rockhounding Global Constellations (satellites)
GPS - USA (24+3)
GLONASS - Russia (30)
Galileo - EU (27+3)
Compass - China (27+3 IGSO + 5 GEO)

3. GPS for Rockhounding
Obvious features:
Free to use
Available worldwide

4. popular handheld units Garmin Magellan
GPS for Rockhounding
popular handheld units Garmin Magellan
< $100 - $400+

5. Popular standalone units Garmin TomTom Magellan
GPS for Rockhounding
Popular standalone units Garmin TomTom Magellan

6. GPS for Rockhounding
There is a lot of misinformation on the Internet regarding GPS tablets (and other political topics)
Real GPS is available on most tablets & phones now
My favourites are the Android devices

7. GPS for Rockhounding
Some popular tablets & phones now on sale May NOT have GPS capability
the location services are cellular and/or WiFi only
They are not suitable for remote areas where rockhounds frequent nor any off-line location or navigation use

8. Don't think 'Location Services' means GPS
GPS for Rockhounding
Don't think 'Location Services' means GPS
However, you can likely use a GPS receiver with the tablet if it has Bluetooth or a USB port

9. You can choose a dongle or cord connect perhaps with a magnetic mount
GPS for Rockhounding
You can choose a dongle or
cord connect
perhaps with a magnetic mount

10. GPS for Rockhounding Android devices use apps to provide GPS services
Android apps are available from 'Google Play'

11. GPS for Rockhounding Most free apps have ads
When used off-line ads usually don't appear
Paid 'Pro' versions are often available without ads

12. GPS for Rockhounding
I have non-pro 'GPS Status & Toolbox' installed for simple GPS services
Sometimes I use it to save and share coordinates of my current location

13. GPS for Rockhounding
'My Tracks' is a good app for recording routes, markers and pictures
Photos can be included on tracks
Recorded tracks can be followed without maps
It's a good way to find your way back along confusing routes

14. or just use a different route to the coordinates of the picture
GPS for Rockhounding
I can return to this rock by following the recorded track back to the location where I took this picture
or just use a different route to the coordinates of the picture

15. I use the free version of MapFactor Navigator on both
GPS for Rockhounding
Navigation is one of the most useful capabilities of a GPS tablet or phone
I use the free version of MapFactor Navigator on both

16. GPS for Rockhounding Maps are required for navigation
I only use free maps I don't have any experience with paid versions
The free versions are good for my needs

17. GPS for Rockhounding
Google maps have the best content but off line cover small areas and are time limited
Google navigation limits are too restrictive for long journeys – where I need navigation (30 days storage and a few small areas)

18. GPS for Rockhounding
I use OpenStreetMaps for international travel (maps.me)
I use MapFactor Navigator for navigation with the free version of OpenStreetMaps
Together there are no annoying restrictions!!! (yet)

19. Tomtom is a well promoted navigation system
GPS for Rockhounding
Tomtom is a well promoted navigation system
It has a 'Free' version but the restrictions make it useless for my needs

20. GPS for Rockhounding
I only found the fly in the Tomtom ointment when I installed it on my phone
Free Tomtom has a 75 mile per month limit
Totally useless for me!!! I uninstalled it immediately

21. GPS for Rockhounding
Pre-planning your trip is best for trouble free navigation
Set up the route well before leaving
Selecting waypoints may be required to ensure the desired route
Be careful there are sometimes flaws in routing that may take you off course

22. GPS for Rockhounding
Reviewing the route is important check for anomalies and errors
No mapping system is perfect
Imperfections in maps can be troublesome
You can submit corrections to most map producers

23. GPS for Rockhounding Good planning can help make a good trip
Plan stops along the way and enter them as waypoints
I use GasBuddy to find the cheapest places to buy gas

24. GPS for Rockhounding
Be careful to delete waypoints when you are past them
Undeleted waypoints can interfere with the remaining trip route

25. Plan fully maintain the route as you go
GPS for Rockhounding
Plan fully maintain the route as you go
Happy navigating!