GPS Units

GPS Accessories

GPS Software

GPS Instructional Books

Whether driving, hiking, skiing, running, boating or hunting - a Garmin Global Positioning System (GPS) unit is a great investment. Browse our large selection of Garmin GPS units, accessories, software and instructional books.

Which GPS is right for me? 

Often, the hardest thing about buying a GPS unit is deciding which one to buy. Deciding between one and another can be overwhelming: at Map A Mia, our trained, knowledgeable staff will help you find the perfect GPS unit. We are pleased to stock Garmin GPS Units and Accessories - the leading brand in GPS technology. 

What is GPS?

Global Positioning System (GPS) is a navigation system comprised of a network of satellites placed into orbit around the earth. Although originally intended for military applications, in the 1980s the system became available for civilian use. GPS is a great addition to every situation requiring accurate navigation: walking, hiking, biking, driving, skiing, flying, sailing, etc.

And for those of you travelling to distant and remote locations don't fret, GPS works in any weather condition, anywhere in the world, 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year.

How Does GPS Work? A system of 24 satellites orbitting the earth send signals from their positions back to earth's surface. The GPS unit detects the radio signals sent from the satellites and calculates the unit's position. Generally a minimum of 4 satellites cover any spot on the earth at all times, this allows for a three Dimensional signal, thus increasing accuracy.

How Accurate is a GPS Unit? A GPS receiver calculates it's three dimensional position on earth based on the relative latitude, longitude and altitude. Position is calculated based on the difference in time between when the satellite sends the signal and when the receiver detects the signal. The position the receiver calculates for latitude and longitude (horizontal position) is accurate to approximately 15 m (49.2 ft) without WAAS or about 3 m (9.8 ft) with WAAS. The position the receiver calculates for altitude (vertical position) is accurate to approximately 22.5 m (73.8 ft) with out WAAS or about 4.5 m (14.8 ft) with WAAS.

What is WAAS? Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) is a correction system that provides precision guidance to aircraft and is designed to improve accurracy and to ensure integrity of information coming from the GPS satellite. Land stations (in the United States) calculate the amount of error for any GPS satellite. The corrections are up-linked to WAAS satellites that beam the correction to USA and Alaska. WAAS enables GPS receivers use the correction to make their positions more accurate. Please note: Reception in Canada is possible, but not in all areas. There a number of factors (altitude, proximity to nearest station, obstructions such as mountain range, etc)  that may hinder the signal. Your GPS will always pick up a signal, WAAS will simply make it a stronger signal.