Suunto GPS Plotter Compass
By Jeff Porcaro

Suunto created the first liquid filled precision compasses in Finland over 60 years ago. Since then Suunto has developed many navigational tools. We recently ran a field test on GPS receivers and used the GPS Plotter compass for navigation.

The GPS Plotter is a good compass to use with a GPS receiver. It includes UTM grids on the base, for use with maps. The following scales are included: 1:24,000, 1:25,000, 1:50,000, and 1:62,500. Using coordinates from your GPS receiver, you can use the base of the compass to locate the position on a map, using the UTM marks. When you find the approximate position you can use the marking holes to mark the position. The marking holes are measured to scale for 200 meters. Because GPS receivers are accurate to 100 meters you will be within the circle that you draw using the marking holes.

We found that in most of our GPS receiver tests we were 50 meters or less from the actual position, so the our testers didn't care for the large marking holes. Our testers found the compass simple to use. It has a larger base than other compasses which makes lining up a landmark easy. The numbers are easy to read. The compass includes a tool to quickly set the declination.

Summary:
The GPS Plotter is a workhorse compass from Suunto, it has the GPS UTM grids built into to the base plate. We found them to be useful if you donít have a UTM floater grid. The GPS Plotter compass is also available in a global needle model for worldwide use.

The suggested retail price is $35.99. Global needle version $45.99.

Jeff Porcaro is the Field Manger at GearReview.com, and co-founder. He specializes in stoves, GPS navigation, mountaineering, and trips to Utah's remote backcountry.

For more information, contact:
Suunto USA
2151 Las Palmas Dr. #G
Carlsbad, CA 92009
(760)931-6788 (800)543-9124
suunto@ix.netcom.com