With the latest breakthroughs in technology, golf GPS devices are incredibly accurate, and are more than adequate for even the most professional of golfers. But like many gizmos, exactness is mainly a result of the caliber of the receiver unit itself.
If the item is designed and constructed properly, exactness could be in between plus-or-minus 1-2 meters, that is great for veteran golfers. With other GPS-based technologies, such as those utilized in cellular phones, precision could be plus-or-minus 10 meters.
GPS precision can be affected be several factors. Interference, radio 'noise' and large objects like trees or mountains in between the receiver and the satellite can all impact accuracy by several meters. This can be reduced, nonetheless, via a number of technologies like WAAS, AGPS and DGPS, that use surface-based information (like phone towers) to supplement to satellite signals.
In addition, the caliber of the course info/maps is essential too for accuracy.
A GPS system measures its location to a series of pre-mapped “fixed point” info. In terms of golf, the fixed points include the middle/front/back of each green, hazards, bunker edges, and so forth And as these points are not registered automatically in a Google Map/Satellite, they typically have to be mapped manually.
There are essentially two ways that course data is mapped for golf gps units.
A “manually-mapped” course typically requires a manufacturer’s agent walking the course with innovative GPS mapping devices. This is normally accepted as the most exact method, although it can be costly and time-intensive . Other professional mappings are done via computer with maps (like Google Earth), or other geotagging software. While this is cheaper, it relies upon the currency and precision of these satellite maps (recent or newly remodeled golf courses may not be accurately represented ). Even the
best inexpensive GPS systems use this method these days.
“Player Mapped” courses are alternatives. This typically requires a golfer utilizing their GPS device to revise or map a golf course while playing. Although this is often less expensive for a business, the potential negative is that the data itself can be susceptible to user error or differences of opinion (i.e. figuring out the exact front edge of a green can be debateable).
Utilizing GPS Devices on the Golf Course
Golf GPS devices are really user-friendly, and provide loads of info.
Most devices require that you initially download the golf course map before playing. This is normally accomplished on your home PC (however some units vary). All units let you store a number of course maps on the gadget at one time.
When you arrive at the course, you simply turn on the unit, wait a couple of moments for it to figure out your location (the device can figure out which course you're close to, based upon your GPS location), and you are good to go.
When you’re confronted with a shot, you just press the button and look at the display. You are given precise yardages to the front, back and middle of the green, plus (on some devices) distances to hazards or even lay-up zones. Some units show a map of the hole (helpful if you have never played that golf course before), while other units even provide a video “flyover”.
One of the more helpful functions on GPS devices is the ability to monitor the distance of shots. After hitting a titanic drive, for example, you just press the button and then travel to your ball. The device measures precisely how far the shot went (fantastic for boasting to your mates later). More importantly, it helps you track distances for each club in the bag; so you will know with certainty, for instance, precisely how far you consistently hit your 9-iron.
Most devices provide score keeping and statistic tracking. Fairways hit/missed, sand saves, GIR, putts, penalty shots… it is all included for post-round study.
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