Flor and Kevin, I think you're both right but GPS to me is a lot more as well. While it's a definite solid tool in ones way finding tool chest, I think some of the other features, especially the POI aspects are a lot more interesting. Being able to "look around" or find out what's going on around you just outside your abilities is amazing. For example, I walk to a lunch spot I really enjoy at least once a week. Sure I know where the lunch spot is but for the first time two weeks ago when I made that trip with GPS I realized there's an A1 storage, Sony electronics and several other businesses on the way. I feel more connected to that route now so in my own mind instead of thinking ok I walk down past that big building thingy and hang a left now I think, ok I walk past A1 storage and hang a left towards north 1st street. If that's not enough the car possibilities are just as exciting. We don't discuss that as much on this list but it was huge for me on our travels last weekend to be able to perceive what types of businesses we were traveling by. I could participate in lunch selection as an example and had the same sign / local information that the sited folks in the car had. When we reached our destination (the Gilroy Garlic Festival) unlike my sited companions I wasn't hindered by the bad signage. While they were trying to figure out where the park was from the parking location I simply noticed that Christmas Hill (the center of the park) was 875 feet in front of me at 10 o'clock. We decided to follow the GPS and nailed our destination. My point is that not only are navigation and way finding clear winners but my ability to interact with my companions is enhanced greatly. It's just cool as hell! By no means a magic bullet but definitely a groovie tool to have.
----- Original Message ----- From: "Flor Lynch" <florlync@xxxxxx>
To: <gps-talkusers@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> Sent: Monday, July 28, 2008 10:31 AM Subject: [gps-talkusers] Re: GPS not indicating direction properly
And people mean different things using the same words. However, I see GPS as an enhancement to already-existing O & M accurate wayfinding skills.----- Original Message ----- From: "Kevin Chao" <kevinchao89@xxxxxxxxx>To: <gps-talkusers@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> Sent: Monday, July 28, 2008 6:14 PM Subject: [gps-talkusers] Re: GPS not indicating direction properly Like all things, we have different views. Personally, i see GPS being an Orientation Tool that will allow for one to be oriented to the different streets different POIs, different ways of getting from point a to point b and theother wealth of information around that is available to him/her. A cane or dog is the mobility aid that will allow for one to avoid/find obsticles andto safely get from point a to point b. Kevin _____From: gps-talkusers-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx[mailto:gps-talkusers-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Jim Stanga Sent: Monday, July 28, 2008 9:20 AM To: gps-talkusers@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: [gps-talkusers] Re: GPS not indicating direction properly A GPS system is an enhancement not a replacement. A very exciting enhancement.I am new to GPS and I am pleased to say that I am really enjoying this list.Jim Stanga _____From: gps-talkusers-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx[mailto:gps-talkusers-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Baracco, Andrew W Sent: Monday, July 28, 2008 12:01 PM To: gps-talkusers@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: [gps-talkusers] Re: GPS not indicating direction properlyThis seems to be an issue with all such GPS systems. This is one reason whythese systems are no replacement for your other orientation and mobility skills. Andy _____From: gps-talkusers-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx[mailto:gps-talkusers-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Eric Brinkman Sent: Saturday, July 26, 2008 7:58 AM To: gps-talkusers@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: [gps-talkusers] GPS not indicating direction properly Hi, So I was walking around town last night trying to get used to using Sense Nav. I was with a sited person, and noticed that while it identified the near POIS correctly, it always said that they were to the left even though they were in fact on the right side of the street, where I was walking.Also, there were a couple of instances where I was literally right next to aplace but I never got a "look around poi" message indicating it was there. Do I need to ajust my settings? Could I be wearing the receiverincorrectly? I am using the Hollux M-1000 clipped to the shoulder strap ofthe VS/SyncBraille carrying case. I normally hold it so the port used to charge it is facing downward and the light that flashes is on the front.Sometimes it ends up being sideways when I'm walking, but the light is stillfacing forward. Thanks in advance. Eric No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com Version: 8.0.138 / Virus Database: 270.5.6/1577 - Release Date: 7/28/2008 6:55 AM