Handheld GPS Units Market

Handheld GPS Units Market Overview

A handheld GPS (Global Positioning System) unit is a boon in today’s world. It not only makes hiking and traveling much safer and easier by minimizing the chances of getting lost, but it also helps to find near-by places at any time of the day, without having to trouble individual asking for directions.

The handheld GPS units market was growing at a steady clip, however, outdoor and travel restrictions have led to a downward spiral. That said, the long-term outlook on the handheld GPS units market remains bullish. Increasing penetration of handheld devices such as smartwatches and the rising importance of digitization business strategies globally are the most prominent enablers for the adoption of handheld GPS Units Market.

Handheld GPS Units Market – Key Trends

GPS technology has evolved in short order over the past decade. The next-generation handheld GPS units have emerged successfully to offer wide information on geographical locations to satiate the expectations of millennials and Gen Zers all over the world. The recent advancements to handheld GPS units are easily added maps on its built-in global base map in its microSC card slot and 4GB onboard memory.

Supporting color-sunlight readable display screen easy sharing tracks and routes, geocaches, and waypoints wirelessly via Bluetooth or ANT+, BirdsEye Satellite Imagery subscription, and smart notifications by wirelessly receiving alerts, texts and emails without a smartphone. Therefore, increasing preference enhanced connectivity ruff and unfamiliar terrains is one of the prominent contributors for the growth of Handheld GPS units market.

Apart from its conventional function, the handheld GPS unit is widely utilized for an outdoor treasure-seeking game called Geocaching. This has become an international phenomenon that is gaining traction amid the players as the handheld technology has become more affordable.

Handheld GPS Units Market – Growth Restraints

One probable drawback for users in the market for handheld GPS units is its geographic reliability. Unlike its more prominent predecessor, the handheld GPS unit depends upon a minimum of three accessible satellites, thus making it less reliable, with a normal accuracy of about 100 feet (30 m). This can majorly impact the sales of handheld GPS units. Additionally, a military mandate limits the devices from upholding accuracy up to 16 feet (5 m) only.

COVID-19 Impact Analysis on Handheld GPS Units Market

The global outbreak of COVID-19 has led the world to function digitally and GPS technologies are being considered as a savior amid the crisis. GPS technology is helping the government and healthcare officials to track peoples COVID journey.

As smartphones maintain GPD history on an individual’s location, they’re distinctively suited for contact tracing, which helps healthcare professionals to determine whom the infected person has been in contact with. While nations such as the US and Europe are at present debating the benefits of contact tracing apps, Uk along with some other nations are developing a contact tracing app which only collects location data from users who opt-in.

Sneha Verghese

Principal Consultant

Talk to Analyst

Find your sweet spots for generating winning opportunities in this market.

Talk to Analyst

Handheld GPS Units Market – Region-wise Analysis

North America spearheads the global handheld GPS units market at present, followed by Europe and Asia. The region houses the majority of the rapidly growing handheld GPS device manufacturers and regions.

The region's dominance can also be attributed to the heavy usage of handheld GPS devices in logistics and warehouse, in addition to the military and defense sectors. Europe and Asian regions are expected to witness rapid growth owing to a constant rise in the adoption of GPS technology. 

Handheld GPS Units Market – Competitive Analysis

Prominent players in the global handheld GPS units market include Garmin, DeLorme, Bad Elf, and Magellan. The market players are using the expansion and innovations of their products and services across different geographies to attain a competitive advantage.

For instance, Garmin handheld GPS devices are widely preferred by the users, as the company offers a wide range of devices and technologies in different geographies such as GPSMAP 64 is also compatible with European Union’s Galileo network and includes topoactive mapping. Garmin’s GPSMAP 64 and eTrex 22x, also support touchscreen tech for easy navigation.

BAE Systems took over Collins Aerospace Military GPS business from Raytheon Technologies Corp. The took over will not only allow the company to amp up its precision-guided munitions assortment, however, additionally positions it for entrance into the potential market for recipients of the military’s encrypted GPS M-Code.

Global Handheld GPS Units Market: Key Players (this is an indicative list – full list of key players available upon request)

• Garmin
• Suunto
• Hawke
• REES52
• Sylvania
• LandAirSea
• Nikon
• Amber Connect
• AMG
• Cellcontrol
• Wearsafe

Regions and Countries Analyzed in the Report

• North America (U.S., Canada)
• Latin America (Mexico, Brazil, Rest of LATAM)
• Europe (Germany, U.K., France, Italy, Spain, Poland, Russia, Rest of Europe)
• East Asia (China, Japan, South Korea)
• South Asia (India, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia)
• Oceania (Australia, New Zealand)
• Middle East & Africa (GCC Countries, Turkey, Northern Africa, South Africa)

Handheld GPS Units Market - Market Segmentation

By Types

• General Handheld GPS
• Wireless Intercom Handheld GPS
• Digital Map Handheld GPS
• Others