This is a great time to tune-up
and practice with a GPS receiver. There
are several things the hiker can do before leaving home. Here are a few
recommendations to consider.
Setup
- Dump those old AA batteries, put in new ones. If you leave your GPS on all day in the
Garmin Image
- “Match the map” with the receiver’s navigation selection options. Specifically, match the coordinate system (e.g., UTM or Latitude/Longitude) and map datum that are found on the map. Consider shifting the receiver’s compass to degrees true. Further, let’s have everyone in a hiking or hunting group use the same settings too; let’s all be on the same page.
- Keep you navigation simple. It’s easier to work with a handful of waypoints rather than list of 300. Dump the Junk - Delete the old waypoints, the ones you will never use again. Log important waypoints (e.g., that lake side camp site) on your PC or in a notebook. Visit www.easygps.com or www.garmin.com for a place to store waypoints.
- Install maps on your GPS receiver. Maps on the receiver are a natural
complement to your paper field map.
Quality maps are available
from huntinggps.com and GPSFiledepot.com (free).
- Adjust your map pages’ zoom setting to see what works
best. For general trail hiking I
keep my zoom setting at 800 feet.
This setting allows me to view trails, water sources, roads and
elevation contours.
- Visit the manufacture’s web site to see if there are
any firmware updates. I do this
every couple of months.
- When batteries are replaced calibrate the electronic
compass.
Tune-up
- Verify that you are receiving enough satellite
signals. Check this on the satellite status screen. Four
satellites are the minimum. Give
older receivers the time to collect satellite data; don’t rush the
navigation process.
- Give key waypoints names. When marking a waypoint
enter names like “camp” and “truck.” It’s easier and more meaningful
to find “truck” in the list of waypoints than is waypoint 542; or was it
245.
· After marking a waypoint,
verify that it has been saved to the receiver's memory by checking either
the map page or in the waypoint file (select “where to” or “find.”) If the waypoint is on the map or in the list
of waypoints, the hiker is ready to go.
If the waypoint is not found, start over.
·
When it’s time to return
to a destination chose “Where To” or “Find” on your keypad or menu.
Select the waypoint from the list provided. Press the “Page” button and
rotate through the many displays to the “Compass” page. A large red arrow
should appear on the face of the compass pointing to the selected waypoint.
When on course to the destination the arrow points to the top center of the
receiver. Practice this specific process
at home before heading to the field.
Outdoor Quest Image |
- Navigation is a perishable skill. I recommend that two weeks before an
outing take the GPS receiver everywhere.
Add waypoints, delete waypoints and find a saved waypoint. This process develops familiarization
with the unit and allows the user to develop confidence with the receiver
and personal ability.
- Compliment GPS skills with a good review of map and
compass fundamentals. Learn to back up electronic position fixing with
bearing triangulation. Worst case, a broken GPS becomes a paperweight
for your map while afield. For more
information visit www.outdoorquest.biz (click on “Post on Land Navigation.”)
·
When on the trail
compare GPS position data with a map.
Compare what is presented electronically with what is on the map.
I suggest checking out
Lawrence Letham’s book GPS Made Easy
from the library. This book compliments the owner’s manual. An
excellent reference for map and compass use is June Fleming’s Staying Found.
Taking a class can
further enhance you GPS knowledge. Classes are frequently offered through
the local community college’s continuing education program or at local
retailers such as REI.
A map and compass always goes with me into the field. I carry a Silva Ranger compass and get my maps from Caltiopo.com (their maps are free.)
Have fun while building
on your fundamental navigation skill sets.
Consider setting up a treasure hunt or a geocach
for a family get together. Make it fun,
make it simple and explain that these skills could one day make a huge
difference if the ever got lost in the woods.
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