Hello, just joined the forum to ask this question. Sorry if it's been asked before but I didn't see anything quite right when I did a search...
I'm using a Garmin Montana 650, and I've been getting increasingly frustrated by the inaccuracy of the tracks it records. e.g. if I go out for a walk/hike, and follow the exact same route out and back, the two tracks are often many metres apart, or they have lots of jumps and bends even if I was walking in a straight line, etc. This is important to me because I create a map of my recorded tracks, and when several trails intersect, or come near to each other, the inaccuracy on the map is annoying and confusing.
I understand the system's limitations, but I'm wondering if there are high-accuracy GNSS receivers out there. Surveyors use them but they're super expensive. Is there anything available for recreational users?
I looked into those devices that pair with a smartphone via Bluetooth, like the Garmin GLO, and Bad Elf and Dual products, but I'm not sure if I want to carry 3 devices around with me when I go on a hike (smartphone, Bluetooth device, AND the Montana (to have my trail map)). Plus, the more accurate ones are a few thousand bucks (Trimble R1, etc).
Would upgrading to a unit that tracks both GPS and GLONASS satellites help much? e.g. the Montana 610? The Montana 650 tracks only GPS.
I've also just read a few articles online about upcoming new GNSS technologies that should give sub-meter accuracy for the mass market, but I don't know if there are any recreational devices coming down the pipe using those technologies.
I'm using a Garmin Montana 650, and I've been getting increasingly frustrated by the inaccuracy of the tracks it records. e.g. if I go out for a walk/hike, and follow the exact same route out and back, the two tracks are often many metres apart, or they have lots of jumps and bends even if I was walking in a straight line, etc. This is important to me because I create a map of my recorded tracks, and when several trails intersect, or come near to each other, the inaccuracy on the map is annoying and confusing.
I understand the system's limitations, but I'm wondering if there are high-accuracy GNSS receivers out there. Surveyors use them but they're super expensive. Is there anything available for recreational users?
I looked into those devices that pair with a smartphone via Bluetooth, like the Garmin GLO, and Bad Elf and Dual products, but I'm not sure if I want to carry 3 devices around with me when I go on a hike (smartphone, Bluetooth device, AND the Montana (to have my trail map)). Plus, the more accurate ones are a few thousand bucks (Trimble R1, etc).
Would upgrading to a unit that tracks both GPS and GLONASS satellites help much? e.g. the Montana 610? The Montana 650 tracks only GPS.
I've also just read a few articles online about upcoming new GNSS technologies that should give sub-meter accuracy for the mass market, but I don't know if there are any recreational devices coming down the pipe using those technologies.
