[OSM-talk] GPS Watch

[Craig Wallace]

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