GPS or Global Positioning Systems are a relatively new invention for consumers although they have been around for the military for a while now. While we’re used to seeing in car navigation systems to help us navigate our countries streets. We’re less than used to seeing GPS used for sports. The thing is they are incredibly useful for sport. They can help improve your performance in your chosen sport as well as your enjoyment.

What is GPS

GPS uses the network of 24 satellites that orbit the Earth. The GPS system works when the GPS receiver can “see” 4 satellites at once. When this is the case it can accurately plot it’s location. The signal is continuously received and as your location changes then differences or speed of differences can be recorded. The GPS system are advanced electronics and can now fit into the palm of a hand and their reliability is now unquestionable.

Why GPS is so useful in sports

GPS is so useful in sports because the measurements that can be made as the system picks up different satellite signals as it changes location are speed, distance and to a lessor extent elevation. This is incredibly useful as most sports record these items as a matter of competition. With the size of the receivers now being very small you’re able to carry a receiver with you while doing the sport and have it record your progress.

Running GPS

Running is all about speed and distance. Running competitions are how fast you can cover a certain distance. Training involves covering a certain distance in a certain time. Running GPS systems are the size of a wrist watch. You where them on your wrist and they record your speed and distance as you run. They often have heart rate monitors too. You’;re then able to review this data on a PC afterwards and can compare different runs and see your progress.

Golf GPS

Golf has nothing to do with speed so that measurement from a GPS system is not required. However your location and distance from the hole is of paramount importance. Golf GPS systems are able to give you precise measurements of your distance from the hole from your given location. Therefore you’re able to choose a more accurate club and improve your game.

Cycling GPS

Cycling like running is all about distance and speed and your location at a certain point. Because cycling GPS systems are mounted on the bike they can be larger than that for runnning. Therefore you can find cycling GPS systems with maps on and you can see the route you’re going and plan further routes for you to ride. All this while showing your speed, distance, time, climb or descent.

Conclusion

As you can see GPS can make a big difference in sport. They can give you a real edge in being able to track your performance in the moving sports and track your location successfully for sports like golf using handheld GPS systems. GPS systems are quite expensive so you have to be quite a keen sportsmen to buy one. But they are coming down in price and will soon be reachable to everyone.

By Simon Gould. For further information about cycling GPS systems in particular do a Google search for the phrase “cycling GPS” and you’ll find plenty of useful information including reviews of Garmin cycling GPS systems.