Finding for Finding's Sake

As part of my work with GPS systems, I have been using a DeLORME Earthmate GPS PN-20. This is not your typical dash-mounted, or even shirt-pocket GPS. Rather, it is a ruggedized handheld unit specifically designed for hikers, backpackers, and others who rely less on paved surfaces and more on understanding the layout of the terrain.

There are a few features that make the unit largely unfit for use while you're driving, but spectacular for walking. It has a smallish color LCD and a cluster of controls you can operate with your thumb... no touch screen. It holds its data on a memory card rather than on a hard drive, and doesn't come preloaded with maps of the entire North American continent. The device connects to a computer (in my case, a laptop) and receives maps and directions from DeLORME's Topo USA software. Topo is like Street Atlas in many ways, but it is more focused on geographics than on driving.

But what is so interesting about the PN-20 is its use for a pastime called Geocaching. If you haven't heard of geocaching, first know that the hobby is perfectly suited to folks like us, who drive around the country visiting places we know nothing about, but would like to see more of where we are.

Geocaching can be described as a sport or as a hobby depending on the exuberance you approach it with. Either way, the point is to find a hidden object (the 'cache') using its GPS coordinates. Of course you need a GPS device that lets you enter, or better yet, download the coordinates, then carry it with you as you trek, stumble, climb, or just walk to the location. The PN-20 is perfect for this, though it is by far not the only unit that supports this kind of activity. Take a look here, for a nice description of how the PN-20 supports this sport.

There is a whole subculture of geocachers who go around the world hiding "caches" then posting the positions and a few clues online at www.geocaching.com. Of course these people also participate in finding caches and posting their finds online.

The reason geocaching is great for RVers is that no matter where you are, or will be, it's likely you can find caches nearby. And the fun is in following the directions on your GPS unit to a place you've never been, then finding the sometimes very well hidden object. It's a great way of discovering the places you visit beyond the campground and local restaurants. The folks who hide the caches are generally out to provide you a good time and often, a little knowledge of the local history.

For me, it beats driving around, looking at the local shopping mall, and some of the caches can be quite a challenge.

GPS for your other activities

There are plenty of GPS units that will help you stay on track while you're on the road. DeLorme's Earthmate GPS PN-20 is a little different.

The PN-20 is designed as a complete handheld unit to be used while you're out of your vehicle. If you're a hiker, biker, backpacker, or indulge in any other activity that takes you away from your RV and into the back woods, this is for you.

The PN-20 is designed to go with you and let you know where you are, even if there are no roads anywhere in the area. It's design is nothing like the pretty, shiny dash-mount or pocketable units you're used to seeing. In stead this baby is ruggedized with rubber grips, protective housing, waterproof seals, and a lanyard hole so you can hang it from a backpack or belt clip.

It runs on AA batteries since you're not likely to be near an AC adapter while negotiating the rapids, and rather than being optimized for road maps, it uses DeLorme's Topo USA map set.

The Topo maps are (as you might expect) topographical maps showing land and water features along with altitudes and foot trails.

The PN-20 uses flash memory rather than a hard drive. That means that you need to select the area you're interested in from the computer-installed Topo maps and copy them to the device before you start out. This turns out not to be as much a problem as you might think, since unlike cruising in your RV, you're unlikely to cover an area larger than what you can download while on foot or boat.

If you're planning a trek outside your vehicle this Summer, take a look at the PN-20. It sells for less than $400 at DeLorme.com and may be worth your life if you're lost in the woods.