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Panasonic and Nikon have both announced new digital cameras featuring built-in GPS capabilities. Panasonic has announced the LUMIX ZS20 ($350), a slim Digital Camera with a 20x optical zoom lens. Map data can be installed onto the LUMIX ZS20 via a bundled DVD, giving the camera detailed worldwide maps of 82 countries/regions on a scale of 1/25,000 or more precise with one million landmarks.

A user can copy the map data of a designated city to the memory card and get quick geographic information to know their location and if any landmarks are located nearby. Geo-tagged images are automatically sorted and can be played back along a map so that users can literally trace their photographic journey. The LUMIX ZS20 shows the name of the Country/Region, State/Prov./County, County/Township, City/Town/Village and Landmark – all of which is saved in the EXIF data.

Lumix TS4
Another newcomer at Panasonic is the LUMIX TS4, a ruggedized camera combining a GPS, compass, altimeter, barometer with waterproof, shockproof and freezeproof features. This camera is coming mid-March 2012 with a suggested retail price of $400.

COOLPIX S9300
Nikon is also announcing a new GPS-enabled camera: the COOLPIX S9300′s that also boast a slim form factor with a 18x optical Zoom. Besides the built-in GPS, the cameras displays a map as to where the user has been. It will be available for a suggested retail price of $350.

Suunto, the Finnish sport instruments maker has announced a new watch that combines a GPS, barometric sensor, 3D compass and heart monitoring. With the built-in SiRF IV low power GPS chipset, the battery lifetime is said to hold up to 15 hours with continuous GPS tracking and 50 hours with GPS tracking every 1 minute. The watch is also water resistant to 100m.

AMBIT, the new Suunto range comes in two colors, black or silver, with or without a heart rate belt. It will be available in March 2012 in selected outdoor stores and the price is estimated to be between 400-500 Euro.

GPS technology has changed the way we travel. While exciting, traveling and exploring foreign countries can be stressful. Everything is unfamiliar. You may not be able to read the road signs or speak the language well enough to understand directions. A GPS loaded with area-specific maps helps you to enjoy your travels with peace of mind. In order to take full advantage of GPS benefits, it is essential to take the time to prepare both the GPS and yourself before your adventure begins.

Learn Your System
One of the first mistakes people make when using a GPS system is taking it out of the box as they begin their journey. If you do this, you may find that there is a learning curve to most GPS systems. They each work in slightly different ways. While new technology often excites us to the point that we just want to go, it is important to slow down and read the manual. At least give it a quick flip through so that you understand the functions of the system. After you understand the basic functions of the system, you will want to explore how it actually works. Take a road trip as a passenger. Set up a route that you travel routinely and pay attention to how the system actually functions in real life.

Experiment with setting benchmarks, orientating yourself and what happens if you need to re-route. If you plan on using the GPS for walking around cities or exploring nature areas, place yourself in those situations on a small scale. Walk around your home town with the device. Take a small hike. Actually using the GPS in a real situation will prevent stress when in an unfamiliar place. You will know exactly how to read and use your device when you need it the most.

Prepare your GPS
Download the maps for your travel with plenty of time to review them and ensure that they give you the necessary information for the area you are exploring. Compare the generated routes to physical maps to ensure that they are routing properly. Take a test run at finding specific addresses, locations and POI’s.

Remember the Power
Power can be a problem when traversing rural areas by GPS. Be prepared by making sure that you have more power than necessary – in case you become lost or change your travel plans. Make sure you have extra battery power, universal adapters, solar chargers or other power systems. If you are relying on a GPS, you don’t want to have it run out of power just when you need it most.

Considerations for GPS Travel
Be smart when traveling with a GPS. Avoid leaving the device exposed in your vehicle. It could easily be stolen, taking your route with you. Carry a physical map with you, just in case. While it may not be as detailed or updated as your GPS maps, it could help you navigate in an emergency. Keep in mind that wondering around a city while blatantly using a GPS can target you immediately as a tourist or lost. Many GPS devices allow you to use ear buds to listen to directions, allowing you to keep the device in your pocket. This can also free up your hands.
Taking the time to understand your GPS and prepare the device helps prevent the stress that often comes from travel situations, leaving you able to enjoy every minute of your adventure.
Source: MemNav.com