Do I need a GPS in Alaska?
I am planning a trip from Victoria BC to Alaska and was wondering if I need a GPS Navigation unit for use in Alaska? or is it map friendly enough. thanks
Forum Discussion
The GPS maps for the north are typically out-of-date. But then so are the print maps, if you're a stickler for accuracy. It isn't uncommon to have the GPS demonstrating that you're driving cross country, far from the highway. And there are few POIs for the north; apparently just not a priority for the GPS map developers.
But then we don't use our GPS to find our way on the highway. Because we do a lot of backroads and goat trails, the GPS is most useful for the topography. If we're rattling along a trail, I can tell how far it is to the lake's edge and how much elevation we'll be losing on the way there.
When we explore on foot, the GPS is also handy. Came in handy while kayaking an obscure lake in Northern BC too, we were able to get some folks pointed back in the right direction after they became disoriented.
If you plan to stick to the highways and main roads, print maps will do the job just fine and be more accurate than the GPS mapping.
For Northern BC, get yourself the applicable Backroad Mapbook. It is accurate. Their GPS mapping is also very good. I know...I used it when it first came out and then let them know corrections. They took the data, updated, and released a new GPS map SDHC card. They also gave me a lifelong subscription to updates. The rumour mill tells me they're working on a similar edition for the Yukon. Looking forward to it!
But then we don't use our GPS to find our way on the highway. Because we do a lot of backroads and goat trails, the GPS is most useful for the topography. If we're rattling along a trail, I can tell how far it is to the lake's edge and how much elevation we'll be losing on the way there.
When we explore on foot, the GPS is also handy. Came in handy while kayaking an obscure lake in Northern BC too, we were able to get some folks pointed back in the right direction after they became disoriented.
If you plan to stick to the highways and main roads, print maps will do the job just fine and be more accurate than the GPS mapping.
For Northern BC, get yourself the applicable Backroad Mapbook. It is accurate. Their GPS mapping is also very good. I know...I used it when it first came out and then let them know corrections. They took the data, updated, and released a new GPS map SDHC card. They also gave me a lifelong subscription to updates. The rumour mill tells me they're working on a similar edition for the Yukon. Looking forward to it!
