On 2017-12-22 18:48, Mike Thompson wrote:
I am looking at getting a GPS Watch. Does anyone have any advice? My
primary concerns:
1) Ease of getting GPX tracks out of the watch so they can be uploaded
to OSM. Seems like a lot of the devices require you to first upload
the track to their proprietary site from where you can download the
GPX... sounds like a hassle.
2) Positional accuracy
3) Recording fidelity (e.g. once per second, once per five seconds, etc).
4) Battery life. Ideally > 10 hours on a single charge while recording
tracks.
You could look at a Garmin Forerunner. Probably the most popular GPS
running watches.
Most of the newer models record tracks in FIT format, and work as a USB
mass storage device. So you can just plug it into your computer, then
copy the files off.
There are a few options for converting from FIT to GPX. eg GPSBabel
works, or Garmin Basecamp. You don't need to upload to any website. Some
more advice here: https://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/FIT
Accuracy is usually not bad for the newer models. Though can sometimes
be a bit out, especially under trees. Not too surprising for such a
small GPS receiver, and swinging your arms about etc.
Recording rate depends on the model, most of the cheaper models only
have "smart recording". This usually gives 1 point per 5 seconds or 10
seconds or so. Though it should record more points where needed, ie a
twisty path. The higher end models can record 1 point per second.
Battery life again depends on the model. Some of the cheaper ones are
only about 8 hours, or up to 15 or 20 hours on others. Especially if you
disable extra features, eg heart rate or Bluetooth. Some of them have
"UltraTrac" mode, which gives longer battery life, but a less detailed
track.
Or another option is the Garmin Foretrex 601. It is much bulkier and
heavier than most watches, maybe a bit too big to wear on your wrist.
But OK if you attach it to a rucksack strap. It has much better battery
life - it claims 48 hours. It uses AAA batteries, so you can carry
spares if necessary. And probably more accurate - should be a bigger
antenna, and it can use GPS, GLONASS and Galileo.
Craig
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