GPS data collection of bus routes

I am interested in collecting lat/long coordinates for bus routes
within cities. Can anyone recommend a handheld GPS data collection
device?

I am a bit worried about losing signal strength because I will be
riding a bus within major metropolitan areas, however I do plan on
sitting in a window seat.

Some considerations I have:

Cost - I will need to purchase multiple units, as this will be a
coordinated, team effort.

Data storage - # of waypoints a device can hold, as well as # of
routes, as I would like to be able to cover more than one busline a day
(ambitious, I know).

Ease of use - Potential volunteers may not necessarily have experience
using GPS devices, and I would like for them to be able to easily mark
a waypoint as well as label that waypoint (ie what bus route the
waypoint is for or an intersection).

Thank you!

Matt

hs.matt@gmail.com wrote:

A non mapping GEKO 201 with 10,000 track points and

a $120 price should do just fine IF the internal antenna

works from/thru the bus window......

hs... wrote:

This could well be a problem. Unlike cars, the windows on busses are
vertical and don't provide decent reception unless the antenna is right
up to the window. In addition, some busses use metallized coatings to
cut down on the amount of light and these can block the GPS signals. A
few trial runs on the bus lines you plan to study would be worthwhile
to see if such coatings are being used.

I'd suggest using models that can accept an external antenna. That way
it can be placed right by the bottom of the window and be much more
convenient that trying to hold the receiver in the best position. The
Lowrance iFinder is one such model. Garmin's old eMap was also an
inexpensive one with an external antenna jack but is now discontinued.
It might still be available pretty cheaply on eBay.

hs.matt@gmail.com wrote:

Depending on where you live, it may be possible to purchase the bus
route data (as SHP files or some other digital format) from your
city's GIS department. Even at a few hundred dollars, this would
be cheaper than buying a GPS and spending many hours riding the
transit system. It would also be a lot more accurate. :)


Cheers,
-+JLS

--
\ carpe cavy!
seagull @ aracnet.com \
http://www.aracnet.com/~seagull/ \ (seize the guinea pig!)

Seagull wrote:

Surely the transit system publishes maps of the routes. Why not get the
GPS coordinates from the map software of your choice?

Roy Lewallen