Using Your SmartPhone as a GPS

 Do you walk, run, hike, cycle, wonder or do any form of outdoor activate? Outdoor activities are one of the most popular pastimes in our beutiful county and for good reason! Whether you are out for a picnic or training for a race sometimes its nice to know how far you have gone, or how long it took you, or what kind of speed you walk at on your weekly sunday morning stroll. All of this information can be easily recorded with a GPS, however if you already carry a smartphone with you that might be all you need. Almost all smart phones have GPS capability build in that you might of used to navigate in your car. That same technology allows your phone to track you smaller excursions as well, all you need is the proper software. There are two applications I use and recommend RunKeeper is a free application for both apple iPhone and Android phones that is very simple and easy to use. Although it is named for runners it is excellent for tracking most outdoor activities including walks, cycling, hiking, and rowing. RunKeeper keeps a history of your activities so you can watch yourself improve as you work towards a goal. The second Application is only available on the iPhone and is for the more detailed person who wants to replace a standalone GPS with their phone to save on the expense and bulk when traveling. MotionX GPS ($1.99) has great maps, and can track your walk, run, drive or just about anything else. It allows you to save waypoints, track routes ahead of time and much more. If you are interested in using a GPS but do not already own a smartphone I recommend Garmin handheld units depending on the size and features they range from $90-$250 and are extremely reliable and well built.