(NC)-GPS tracking and mapping has become all the rage for folks with a love of the great outdoors. And there are lots of ways you can use a device to map out a trail or go treasure hunting. But the one thing your run-of-the-mill GPS tool can't do is let you send messages to family members, friends or an emergency response call centre when you need to.
So if you looking for a gift that's just right for an intrepid adventurer, the SPOT Satellite Messenger™ (www.findmespot.com) might just be the perfect accessory this holiday season. Compact, colorful, waterproof and easy to use, this little GPS signaling device is a one of a kind - and a potential life saver. In fact, it's the only personal satellite tracker that lets you transmit your GPS location coordinates and needs from just about anywhere around the world. All it takes is the press of a button.
If you're out on the ski slopes, travelling snow covered highways to visit friends and family over the holidays, or heading into uncharted territory and outside of cell phone coverage, SPOT will let you send preprogrammed messages to up to five email addresses and five cell phones - complete with details of your GPS location.
There are four buttons choose from:
• Alert 9-1-1 will send an emergency call centre a signal every five minutes until the battery dies, potentially up to seven days.
• Ask for Help can be used for less critical emergencies (e.g. you need supplies or having mechanical problems) and will also send signals every five minutes until the battery dies, potentially up to seven days.
• Check In lets friends know when you've arrived and/or where you are at any given time.
• Track Progress lets you send your location coordinates at designated intervals for tracking on a Web site using Google Maps™.
Since its introduction less than a year ago, the award-winning SPOT Satellite Messenger has delivered over 2.5 million message transmissions and helped save dozens of lives. SPOT is not only easy to use, it's affordable ($169 plus an annual $99 subscription fee); and is widely available at major electronic and specialty outdoor retailers.
- News Canada