The Bushnell BackTrack Mini incorporates several sensors and features, some of which do not require a GPS signal to operate. According to the official manuals and product information, the sensors and data that function independently of GPS include temperature, elevation, and barometric pressure. These environmental sensors provide useful information for outdoor activities without the need for satellite connectivity.
Temperature sensor: This sensor measures the ambient temperature around the device. The BackTrack Mini can display this information to the user regardless of GPS signal availability.
Elevation sensor: The device provides elevation gain and decline information. This sensor uses internal data and calculations to estimate the current elevation, and it is not dependent on GPS signals.
Barometric pressure sensor: The BackTrack Mini includes a barometer that measures atmospheric pressure. This pressure reading helps users anticipate weather changes and plan their day, operating independently of GPS.
Additional features that do not need GPS include the display of sunrise, sunset, moonrise, and moonset times. These times are calculated based on the device's internal software and stored data rather than live GPS input.
Apart from these, the BackTrack Mini also has a digital compass that shows direction. The compass functionality allows the user to hold a bearing and navigate without active GPS signals.
In summary, the sensors and data provided on the BackTrack Mini that do not rely on GPS signals are the temperature sensor, elevation tracking, barometric pressure sensor, digital compass, and internal algorithms that provide astronomical timing (sunrise, sunset, moonrise, moonset). These features enable the user to obtain key environmental and navigational information even when the GPS signal is unavailable or weak. This makes the BackTrack Mini particularly useful in remote outdoor settings where GPS signals may be intermittent or absent.