I've used the Garmin 76C series to map in individual
camp site locations as well as trail heads/trails for
a recreational impact assement study and found it
quite effective (cost approx. $500).  Of course,
accuracy will depend on satellite pickup, but it will
usually get you to within a few meters depending on
brush cover.  The etrex Legend (cost approx $300 and
vista C series (cost approx. $400) will likely achieve
the same results, the main difference being the amount
of data you will be able to store (500 waypoints
instead of 1000).

Sean

--- David Babson <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

> Can the Garmin unit provide UTMs?  I have been
> thinking of getting a GPS
> unit, one of these days--my primary use of GPS is to
> locate sites, test
> units, STP transect baselines, etc. during field
> projects, usually by
> UTM. $300.00 is much more accessible than $5,000.00.
>
> D. Babson.
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: HISTORICAL ARCHAEOLOGY
> [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of
> Jennifer R. Lynn
> Sent: Friday, October 22, 2004 10:57 AM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: Digital Recording
>
> A) What you are looking for is a Trimble GeoXT or
> GeoXM.  It is a
> handheld
> GPS unit/PDA.  You can install ArcPad on the unit
> and instantly make GIS
> shapefiles while out in the field.  This unit, which
> is very bulky, has
> great potential.  The problem: trying to obtain and
> maintain a signal,
> especially within wooded areas.
>
> B)The Garmin eTrex Vista, although does not have the
> same features as
> the
> Trimble, is a great little GPS unit.  It has 3-5 m
> accuracy, which is
> the
> same as the Trimble unit above.  It stores hundreds
> of waypoints and a
> few
> track and route logs, which can then be downloaded
> using a free program
> into ArcView 3x.  It is small and compact (smaller
> than my hand);
> therefore, easy to carry--wear it around your neck,
> stick it in your
> field
> vest/jacket, pants pocket, backpack. The great thing
> about the Garmin
> eTrex Vista or any in the Garmin eTrex family is
> that they WORK.
> Signals
> are easily obtained and maintained in a variety of
> settings, unlike with
> the Trimble unit.  Plus, this little piece of
> technology is under $300,
> while the Trimble unit costs closer to $5000.
>


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