Can those portable GPS units be used to determine how far a person walks?

[StormRider]

I think it would be neat if we could use those GPS units to help us determine how far we have walked. Can they do this?

 

[Viper GTS]

I haven't seen a car unit that will do it but there are plenty of GPS "pedometer" watches that use GPS.

I've even seen software for phones (only nextel, but still...).

Viper GTS

 

[Kaido]

You don't need a GPS for that. They make little devices called pedometers that can measure how far you've walked. They are usually pretty cheap for a basic one (> $10). You can buy higher-end models from Nike and Garmin. Here's a 101:

http://walking.about.com/cs/measure/bb/bybpedometer.htm

 

[everman]

Yes, my bike computer does this. Garmin edge 305. They also have a watch version.

 

[UNCjigga]

Phone-based GPS can track a pedestrian no problem. Check out BIM Active. Heck, even VZNavigator has an option for pedestrians vs. vehicles.

 

[nineball9]

If you walked around the block several times, geographically you have gone nowhere. A GPS device would tell you this (within its margin of error), but your legs may tell you otherwise.

 

[Rallispec]

Originally posted by: nineball9
If you walked around the block several times, geographically you have gone nowhere. A GPS device would tell you this (within its margin of error), but your legs may tell you otherwise.

I've got a garmin extrex legend - and it does have an odometer option which can be reset before each trip. It will measure total distance travelled, average speed, etc..

 

[IronWing]

Every Garmin model I have used gives total trip length (zero for a round trip) and a cumulative total (what you are after). Just remember to reset the trip computer. The models with barometers also plot out rise and fall.

 

[olds]

Moved from Off Topic.

 

[Capt Caveman]

I use a Garmin Forerunner 305 for running and biking. You can get the 205 which is less expensive and doesn't have a heart rate monitor.

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=349