[OSM-talk] GPS Watch

[Mike Thompson]

Craig,

Thanks, very helpful, especially the info about the FIT format.

Mike

On Sat, Dec 23, 2017 at 10:33 AM, Craig Wallace <craigw84+osm at gmail.com>
wrote:

> 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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