Great Uses for Your GPS Device

Even if you don’t have a dedicated Global Positioning System (GPS) device, odds are that you have a GPS device within hand’s reach as you read this; it is in your smartphone. The good news is that even that basic GPS embedded within your phone can be used for some very cool purposes.

Geocaching

If you have kids or are young at heart, you must give geocaching a try. Described as being a real-world treasure hunt, geocaching is done by more than six million hiders and seekers around the world. A geocache is something that someone hides, say, under a rock or behind a park bench, and then gives hints as to where the geocache is online at geochaching.com. I promise you that no matter where you are right this second, there is at least one geocache within five miles of your current location.

Tracking your Kids

Most kids have smartphones these days. If yours do, you can contact your service provider and turn on the family location service to be able to know where your children’s phones are 24/7 and give a whole new definition to helicopter parenting.

Catch Gnarly Waves

The smartphone and tablet app Surfline Surf Report gives users free daily surf reports, tide charts, weather forecasts and conditions complete with GPS-specific locales. If you are a surfer, this is probably the best use of GPS.

Dedicated GPS Devices are Even Greater

If your phone’s GPS ability is not enough for you, you need to get a dedicated GPS device. Some of these dedicated GPS devices come with more features than you shake a sextant at. Not only can they tell you where you are, these GPS devices can plot your course on a topographical map, give your elevation, give your average speed, and plot the quickest route to your destination. Some GPS devices also have dual auto and walking GPS functions and the ability to be controlled by your voice.