GPS for US and Canada?

Question

I'm going to be taking a road trip soon from New York to West Canada and i'll be stopping at a number of places. Do any GPS systems out there work for that sort of US/Canada combination? If so, what GPS is good to get?

Answer 1

A GPS will work anywhere in the world. Now if you want a map of the area, as well as latitude and longitude, you may need to get a download of the maps for that area. You may need more than one to cover that large an area. I used a Magellan GPS while flying an ultralight aircraft. I liked it. Check http://www.magellangps.com/

Answer 2

There isn't a huge difference between GPS Navigation units. Almost all GPS units sold in North America will have complete maps for Canada and the United States. In addition, all GPS units will have Points of Interest (POIs) built-in including things like restaurants, hotels, campgrounds etc.. Where it varies is some models have more POIs than others. The key features that tend to distinguish GPS models are things like: 1) 2D vs 3D mapping. This is really a matter of preference... The 2D maps can show further distances in front of you and provide a more complete picture of your current route. The perspective of 3D maps are a little easier to relate to however. Units with 3D mapping usually have a 2D feature if you prefer. 2) Text-to-Speech. This allows the GPS to actually read out the names of the streets and/or exits you should turn on to. Otherwise the unit will make vague voice commands like "Turn right in 200 metres" which can be confusing if you don't know how far that is or if there is a complex intersection with many places to turn. 3) Speech Recognition. This allows you to set a destination using only your voice. When prompted you use the expected speech commands to request a destination like an address, intersection or type of POI like restaurant. 4) Traffic. This feature will listen for special digital radio traffic broadcasts that are available in various cities in Canada and the USA. It allows the GPS to avoid traffic jams and accidents and other traffic congested areas so you can get to your destination in a timely manner. Sometimes the traffic service is a monthly or yearly subscription, other times you are given a life-time use license depending on the model. It's also worth noting how expensive a map upgrade costs because sometimes the maps cost as much as the unit itself and that's one way the GPS companies can make a lot of money. It's also a bad idea to buy an old model or used GPS unit because the maps are probably a few years old. A lot can change in that time which can cause confusion and can potentially be dangerous (e.g. sending you down the wrong way of a one-way street because it only recently changed to a one-way street).

Answer 3

most of them have canada and the states in them...Garmin is a good one that does have both countries