Garmin GPS with Inbuilt Camera

Wednesday, January 8th, 2014

If you prefer a GPS with Camera capability, you might be interested with our range of Garmin GPS with inbuilt Camera. We sell Garmin Oregon 550, 600 and Garmin Montana 600, 650. This series of Garmin GPS have an internal camera that automatically auto tags your images.

These GPS with camera are excellent for professionals doing field work and need to tag all the images. The main advantage is a user doesn’t need to tag the images manually because the GPS will do it for him/her.

Garmin Oregon GPS 650 with inbuilt camera

Oregon650_HR_029.1

Key features:
• Improved 7.6cm (3”) sunlight-readable colour touchscreen display
• High speed USB for faster map and photo transfers with your computer
• High-sensitivity GPS receiver with HotFix for improved performance and reception
• 850 MB of internal memory for map data and photos
• microSD card slot for optional mapping and data storage
• Built-in basemap with DEM (digital elevation model) data
• Wirelessly share routes, tracks, waypoints and geocaches between compatible units
• Waterproof standard: IPX7
• Interface: USB and NMEA 0183
• Approximately 16 hours of battery life
• 3-axis tilt-compensated electronic compass and barometric altimeter.
• 3.2 megapixel auto-focus digital camera with automatic geotagging

Garmin Montana 600 GPS with camera capability

Montana 650 - CF

Key features:
• Bright 4” sunlight readable, 65k colour TFT, touchscreen display
• High-sensitivity, WAAS-enabled GPS receiver with HotFix.
• Wirelessly share routes, tracks, waypoints and geocaches between
compatible units
• Worldwide built-in Basemap with shaded relief
• 3-axis compass and barometric altimeter
• microSD card slot for optional mapping
• 3.5mm audio jack
• High speed USB and Serial interface
• Rugged, waterproof (IEC 60529 IPX7)
•Battery: supplied with a rechargeable Lithium-ion battery pack
providing approx. 16 hours use or uses 3 x AA user replaceable
batteries (purchase required) providing approx. 22 hrs use5-megapixel autofocus digital camera with automatic geo-tagging

Best GPS Device for Research

Tuesday, September 24th, 2013

Including location data is becoming important in any research work. The location data in form of GPS coordinates will help in mapping and visualizing the research work.

One of the best GPS device that you can use to collect the location data is a Garmin handheld GPS.

hanheld gps for mappingThis rugged handheld GPS devices can work in some of the remotest parts of the world. The reason being, they rely on satellites above the sky rather than limited mobile phone towers. Satellite signal can be picked all over the world and the only thing required is a clear sky.

The Garmin GPS come with a USB data cable that connects to your PC/ laptop, enabling you to transfer data from GPS to computer.

If you are planning to use a GPS during your research work and are interested in buying one of these GPS, please contact us for a quote.

Garmin GPSMAP 78s Specs -GPS receiver

Thursday, September 5th, 2013

Garmin GPSMAP 78s  is quite easy to use and comes with easy to understand menus. The LCD display is bright even in sunlight. Features of this model is quite comprehensive for use during your field work.

GPSMAP78s

Garmin GPSMAP 78 pros

  • Excellent menu setup; fast access to features
  • Bright screen
  • Ability to load Garmin custom maps and BirdsEye aerial imagery
  • Paperless geocaching
  • Tri-axial compass
  • Extensive customization options
  • Advanced track navigation
  • Wireless data transfer with compatible units
  • Lightweight
  • Chipset firmware seems very mature, resulting in highly accurate tracklogs

Garmin GPSMAP 78S Specifications and Features

  • High Sensitivity receiver
  • LCD Display – Display resolution, WxH 160 x 240 pixels
  • Electronic compass
  • Weight 7.7 oz (218.3 g) with batteries
  • Battery life 20 hours
  • MicroSD slot
  • USB slot
  • Built-in memory 1.7 GB
  • Waypoints/favorites/locations 2000
  • Routes 200
  • Track log 10,000 points, 200 saved tracks

Price – Ksh 48, 500

Waypoints/favorites/locations 2000
Routes 200
Track log 10,000 points, 200 saved tracks

GPS Coordinates Gadget

Monday, August 19th, 2013

This is an electronic equipment used to show a global position of location. This type of device is used in research to gather location data that will be used in mapping the final results.

We sell GPS coordinates gadget. The most popular brand in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania is the Garmin eTrex series.

hanheld gps for mapping

Yellow – Garmin eTrex 10

Orange – Garmin eTrex 20

Black – Garmin eTrex 30

Garmin eTrex 10 is the basic entry level unit. If you just want to collect global position of a location? The eTrex 10 will do the job. But for people who need things like compass, custom maps or altimeter, the eTrex 20, 30 are recommended.

Best GPS Devices for Mapping in Kenya

Wednesday, August 14th, 2013

Handheld GPS devices have come a long way. They were originally used by elite armed forces but today handheld GPS are used by individuals to track movement and organizations for mapping field data.

The most popular handheld GPS for mapping in Kenya are Garmin eTrex series, these include, Garmin eTrex 10, 20 and 30.

hanheld gps for mappingYellow – Garmin eTrex 10(The basic entry level model)

Orange – Garmin eTrex 20

Black – Garmin eTrex 30

The all have a USB slot to transfer data from the device to your P.C. or laptop

They all perform similar function(i.e ability to collect coordinates). The differences are memory size and ability to add external maps.

Main Features of Garmin eTrex

  • Portable, easy to use, robust, waterproof to IPX-7 standard (withstands 30 minutes under water up to 1 meter (3 feet) deep).
  • Easy to read display with background illumination. The etrex 10 has a monochrome display with 128×160 pixel, the etrex 20 and 30 have a color display with 176×220 pixel.
  • Profiles to manage multiple collections of settings for different purposes.
  • Easy to use with buttons and thumb stick.
  • High sensitivity receiver
  • Etrex 20,30 are equipped with a slot for a standard micro SD memory card
  • The etrex 20 and 30 have 1.7 GB built-in memory to store user data and to receive additional, more detailed maps
  • Stores up to 1000 waypoints (etrex 10) rsp. 2000 waypoints (etrex 20 and 30) with name (up to 30 characters), icon (choice of 135 symbols) and coordinates

How to purchase

Please call 072735544 or email info@galileogps.co.ke or simply contact us via contact page.

How to Get Better Accuracy with Garmin Handheld GPS

Saturday, August 3rd, 2013

The modern Garmin handheld GPS such as the eTrex 10/20/30 and the gpsmap 62/62s connect to GLONNAS that enables the devices to get better accuracy.

GLONNAS alone won’t guarantee a user accurate readings, to get accurate readings, a user needs to follow basic guidelines of using a GPS.

1. Determine the type of internal antenna in your GPS. This information will likely be listed in a table of “specifications” in the back of your owner’s manual. There are two main types:

  • Patch antenna, and
  • Quadrifilar helix antenna

2. Hold your GPS properly to receive a stronger signal from the GPS satellites:

  •  If you have a patch antenna hold your GPS flat
  • If you have a quadrifilar helix antenna hold your GPS erect

3. Stand where you have a clear view of the sky. Buildings, hills, trees, etc., will block the signals from the GPS satellites. The goal is to receive the signal from as many GPS satellites as possible.

4. Hold your GPS at shoulder height. Even your body can block the signal from the GPS satellites.

5. Use “position averaging”. This is a feature that allows your GPS to take many measurements and then calculate an average position before saving it in the GPS receiver’s memory.

6. Turn on the WAAS/GLONNAS capability. The WAAS/GLONNAS signal is broadcast from several geo stationary communications satellites. The WAAS/GLONNAS signal provides corrections for your GPS measurements and enhances the accuracy of your GPS receiver.

NB. WAAS signal is not available over African continent. So, you won’t pick this signal if you are using your GPS in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Southern Sudan, Burundi or any other African country.

GPS for Field Data Collection in Kenya

Tuesday, July 2nd, 2013

Field data collection in Kenya has traditionally been done with paper and pen. This type of data collection was cumbersome and prone to errors. Nowadays, modern handheld GPS devices are available in Kenya to make field data collection easy, accurate and fun.

The Garmin handheld GPS we sell are good at doing the job of field data collection.

The Garmin eTrex (10,20,30) have USB slots that makes it easy to transfer you saved filed to your computer or laptop.

These GPS are excellent for field work. They are rugged, water proof, and use replaceable AA batteries. It doesn’t matter what the weather is, dusty, wet, dirty, cold or hot. They will work in extreme conditions.

Handheld GPS for Marking Underground Water Pipes

Thursday, June 27th, 2013

Handheld GPS can be used to mark the exact location of underground water pipes. This is important to a multitude of water companies across Kenya. Traditionally, water pipes were located through guese work by digging up all over until you found the exact pipe. This was time consuming and wasteful. Today, with a GPS receiver, field patrollers can locate the exact location of  an underground water pipe.

A handheld GPS system is a tiny and compact GPS device utilized for navigating or pinpointing varied locations.

The construction of GPS receivers has changed phenomenally. Older, bulkier handheld GPS receivers are being replaced with a smaller pocket-sized GPS units.

GPS features may include:Availability of additional GPS softwareMap databaseVoice activated GPS

Waas technology

Reflectionless screen

Theft prevention functions

Option for personalized screen icons

wireless file transfer

Choosing a GPS for use in marking underground water pipes

The particular handheld GPS receiver you choose is personal and will depend on the type of gps software and gps mapping programs best suit your needs. The size of the receiver, its weight and the antenna are things that can affect the mobile GPS unit. What you want or need in these areas will determine what options will come with your choice of model. If you opt for the smaller, cell phone sized unit, you know the viewing screen will likewise be small. Be sure that you select a portable GPS receiver that has mapping capabilities, updateable software and the ability to download from your computer. You will also want to make sure that the unit you are considering is waterproof or water-resistant and it should also be shock resistant just in case it is subjected to being dropped. Asking the right questions will assist you in making sure you get the handheld GPS receiver that will fill your wants and needs and, at the same time, fit your budget.

Handheld GPS for Land Surveying

Thursday, June 27th, 2013

Handheld GPS devices are used extensively in the world of land surveying. 10 years ago you would find a civil engineer or land survey in kenya using papers and a compass to survey land, today the most sophisticated are using a handheld GPS receiver.

Understanding two types of GPS

Handheld GPS devices represent a special category of all available GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver units used in various situations and for different applications. The major applicability or usefulness of handheld, portable GPS devices can be divided into two distinctive categories, i.e. for outdoor leisure and sport activities like hiking, trekking, climbing, camping and running and, secondly, for industrial applications like land surveying and position measurements at construction sites. Utilizing the GPS navigation satellite system, correct location of the GPS receiver can be determined by retrieving exact longitude, latitude and altitude coordinates. Today, most GPS receiver units, whether handheld or not, communicate through radio signals with at least four GPS satellites, whereby three satellites determine the exact location of the receiver and the fourth satellite is used for correcting the receiverâEUR(TM)s clock. After the Selective Availability regulation, which provided certain accuracy reservation for military use, was ended in 2000, the precision of civilian GPS improved from about 100m to about 20m.

Handheld GPS devices provide tremendous flexibility and convenience for the user. Not only can the user continuously monitor his, or her, exact and current geographical location and path of travel, but handheld GPS devices can be fitted for relaying with central offices or base stations that can track or follow the user for security and safety reasons. For example, GPS devices that can communicate with and supply coordinates to a central station are very popular by mountain climbers and hikers. As the GPS system has developed and improved over the past years, many new applications have emerged for the users of handheld GPS devices. Not only can users determine their current location, but also obtain a multitude of additional and supportive information through geographical maps, inserted in the GPS receiver units, such as precise navigation, locations of restaurants and hotels, weather reports, tourist attractions, etc. Currently, there are a number of companies producing and offering many different handheld GPS devices. Some of the best known include, Garmin, Magellan and DeLorme. The devices have a broad range of features, attributes and, of course, price tags. Before selecting a particular handheld device, it is important to know what you will be using it for. For example, a GPS device used for hiking may be less applicable for mountain climbing or, even less, running. Obviously, devices for industrial applications have particular requirements and qualities. If you are looking for a handheld GPS device that can be used in different circumstances, a multipurpose unit could be the answer. Furthermore, you need to have an idea of what features you are interested in or require in addition to the standard GPS and mapping functionality, e.g.:

  • Touch screen window
  • Color screen or black and white
  • Built-in camera (like in mobile phones)
  • SD (memory) card expandability
  • Voice recorder
  • Built-in electronic compass
  • Barometer
  • MP3 Music Player
  • External antenna connector
  • Etc. etc.

Obviously, as the feature list increases, so does the price. Another important thing to keep in mind is considering what geographical maps may be included or applicable to your needs, e.g. outdoor and recreational maps, street maps or marine maps. Most handheld GPS devices come with some pre-loaded or built-in geographical maps, for example a base map of the USA and Canada containing major highways, city centers, bodies of water and more. You need to find out whether you need additional detailed maps that can be added to the handheld device, for example detailed cartographic maps, topographic maps, and more.

Still another important issue to keep in mind is the GPS software that is normally included with the purchase of a new handheld GPS for uploading GPS data to a computer. By that you can conveniently view all your maps, waypoints, trails and routes from your computer screen. Many other interesting advanced features and possibilities can be implemented with an appropriate handheld GPS receiver including, playing “hide-and-seek” and “treasure-hunting” through geocaching or importing your tracks, waypoints and routes into Google Earth for tracking and monitoring. In short, handheld GPS devices offer a plethora of wonderful possibilities and options.

Handheld GPS for Field Work by NGOs and Large Organizations

Thursday, June 27th, 2013

The biggest buyers of hadnheld GPS devices in kenya are NGOs(Non Government Organisation and corporate bodies. These organization are using GPS for field work operations. They are using handheld GPS to obtain a multitude of additional field work data and supportive information through geographical maps, inserted in the GPS receiver units, such as precise navigation, locations of key subjects, exact path etc.

How to Choose GPS for your organization.

How Many Waypoints are There?

Waypoints are reference points and they help to show your location. They are extremely useful in helping to sort the best routes for your trip as they leave a kind of breadcrumb trail for you. It is suggested that a decent handheld GPS should be capable of storing at least 500 waypoints. That way you are covered whether you are on the water, in the wilderness or on the road.

What are the Maps Like?

Maps of course of an extremely important feature of any GPS device. Each receiver will come with different types of maps. It would be wise to decide beforehand what type of maps you will need the most as well as how detailed you would need them to be. A typical handheld GPS will come with a certain amount of maps already stored within and some will have the capability of adding more maps if you need them.

Enough Storage

Check to see if the model has enough storage space to be able to upload specific maps that you may need down the road. This is not such a big issue this days because most GPS devices can with a slot for inserting an external memory card.

Is it Waterproof?

A waterproof unit is far more versatile and can be used in the rain, while riding a motorcycle, or even while boating or kayaking.

If you choose a waterproof unit then look for a waterproof rating of IPX7. This means that it can withstand accidental dunks, rain as well as splashes from water. It can also float.

Deciding Which One to Buy

After considering all of the important features above do a little research and watch out for units that offer a lot of unique features that not only drive the cost up but also may never get used