Re: GPS Devices


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Posted by RedScout2 on May 03, 2002 at 11:36:40:

In Reply to: Re: GPS Devices posted by randall on April 29, 2002 at 13:52:29:

Randall:

I use GPS a lot. Here are a few of the things that I think GPS is better at than a map & compass:

1) If I encounter a road/trail that does NOT appear on my paper maps, I can run the trail and collect an accurate plot track. I can append this track to my maps back home (whether paper or electronic). Many USGS maps are not frequently updated, and when they are, it's rarely from the ground.

2) I use the National Geographic "State Series" topo maps on CD-ROM a lot. Especially Colorado, Utah and California. I have located a desired trail on these electronic maps, programmed the GPS from the electronic maps, and then used GPS in the field to navigate to an otherwise very obscured trailhead. In dense cover there simply aren't enough visible-yet-sufficiently-distant landmarks from which to take bearings and plot an accurate position.

3) If you want to communicate your trail experiences and discoveries to others in a concise and meaningful way, there's nothing like GPS.

GPS doesn't "supplant" map & compass skills, but it sure does take them to the next level.



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