toyrunner95
Explorer
In overland travel it is essential for one to know where they have been and where they are going. The DeLorme Earthmate LT-20 is the perfect option for a person on a tight budget. At a minimal $60 it has the potential to be a very versatile tool. From the options for topographic maps to the more advanced travel atlas; the Earthmate proves to be rather indispensable in the back country.
My friend Abraham and I tested the unit through varying types of terrain and weather conditions. The only other product I needed to buy was a power inverter from my local auto parts or marine supply store for a minimal cost, to run the lap top. However we found out the GPS unit draws little to no power or CPU usage in operation; which was an added bonus.
We started in Pullman Washington and decided to head South East toward the Snake River. The unit had no trouble connecting to the Global Positioning network while navigating steep canyons and river basins. It did have a bit of trouble when it encountered a change in the map accuracy. We were using the point to point direction finder when it suddenly had a minor spaz attack and repeatedly told us that we were off course or in fact off the road. We were impressed that it recognized that we were only feet off course and not entirely lost. There was a minor discrepancy in the original road location and where the road lies today so the unit thought we were off course.
Another thing that is important to note, is the unit’s inability to “calculate” easily from town to town. The simple solution is to use an address or a specific location to simplify the route. The mapping software has restaurants and gas stations marked so it is easy to select one of those for it to calculate the fastest route.
The amazing ability for the GPS unit to accurately pinpoint a location within about two feet was spectacular. The route planning software is not necessary for backcountry travel but still knowing where you are in relation to rivers, highways, cliffs (if you are using the Topographical application) and gas stations is rather indispensable.
Overall we were so impressed that Abe went and bought one for him self. The maps are easy to read and well marked including forest service roads and national/ state parks. Furthermore the turn by turn direction voice is fully customizable from the generic Stephen Hawking voice to a very sultry female robot. We both found that map reading is much easier to understand when you know exactly where you are.
My friend Abraham and I tested the unit through varying types of terrain and weather conditions. The only other product I needed to buy was a power inverter from my local auto parts or marine supply store for a minimal cost, to run the lap top. However we found out the GPS unit draws little to no power or CPU usage in operation; which was an added bonus.
We started in Pullman Washington and decided to head South East toward the Snake River. The unit had no trouble connecting to the Global Positioning network while navigating steep canyons and river basins. It did have a bit of trouble when it encountered a change in the map accuracy. We were using the point to point direction finder when it suddenly had a minor spaz attack and repeatedly told us that we were off course or in fact off the road. We were impressed that it recognized that we were only feet off course and not entirely lost. There was a minor discrepancy in the original road location and where the road lies today so the unit thought we were off course.
Another thing that is important to note, is the unit’s inability to “calculate” easily from town to town. The simple solution is to use an address or a specific location to simplify the route. The mapping software has restaurants and gas stations marked so it is easy to select one of those for it to calculate the fastest route.
The amazing ability for the GPS unit to accurately pinpoint a location within about two feet was spectacular. The route planning software is not necessary for backcountry travel but still knowing where you are in relation to rivers, highways, cliffs (if you are using the Topographical application) and gas stations is rather indispensable.
Overall we were so impressed that Abe went and bought one for him self. The maps are easy to read and well marked including forest service roads and national/ state parks. Furthermore the turn by turn direction voice is fully customizable from the generic Stephen Hawking voice to a very sultry female robot. We both found that map reading is much easier to understand when you know exactly where you are.
