So, do I need GPS?
It’s here, it’s there, it’s everywhere, but is GPS any use? GPS (global positioning system) was once a technology used only by dedicated explorers, emergency services and the military. But now it seems like every other device has it integrated. It’s even available on mobile phones.
So briefly: What is it, how does it work, is it any use, and who is making the best ones?
What is it?
A GPS (global positioning system) is a navigation tool that uses orbiting satellites.
Sparing the physics and trigonometry, GPS takes bearings from these satellites, and by taking several it can find your location on the ground.
Traditionally, with a map and compass, you orientate the map, and look for prominent features and take bearings to them. By reversing these bearings you should be able to find where they intersect, thus finding yourself.
This is what GPS does, without all the map and compass work, and by using 24 orbiting satellites.
GPS by Garmin
The first time you use GPS, the experience is enlightening. You can plot grids, make routes, constantly find yourself on the ground, measure speed, and check elevation – it really is a wonder and great for watersports fans too.
However, it also has a few drawbacks: Only the most expensive feature updateable mapping data, batteries run out, and GPS use can lead to an over-reliance on computer data at the expense of map skills.
In navigation, there is still nothing to beat what the military refer to as ‘The Mark1 Eyeball’. Even with Google Maps thrown in, it is never good to go from just GPS data when out trekking. Travelling at night, in winter, could lead you into a lake, which in summer months was a dust bowl.
Just what do you do with it?
Many people use it as a complementary navigation tool. A good 1:25000 map to help you read the ground, utilising said eyeball, and GPS to enable you to check immediately where you are proves a useful combination
GPS, when built into phones, helps enable Internet tools that give users’ search results based on their location.
The most basic models have no maps, and just give you locations and bearings, while the most advanced let you upload data.
For the sports community they are invaluable safety devices; the rugged, waterproof variants have long found their way into off-piste skiers’ and snowboarders’ packs
As for who is making the best ones, check back here; we are planning a review and you’ll be the first to know…
But for now here’s a few links to manufacturers:
http://www.garmin.com/garmin/cms/site/us
4 Comments to “So, do I need GPS?”
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Mark Pawlak
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I don’t normally use GPS but it did come in handy when I was training for the marathon, I was able to track my movements, how fast I was going and the exact distance!
It was installed on an Android mobile phone.. I was pretty impressed with the advanced technology we had however it did drain the battery pretty quickly which makes it pointless when you’re out on long trips?
I could imagine it’d come in handy for lots of sports such as running, walking/trekking, climbing and sailing perhaps?
A real ‘technophobe’, I resisted using a GPS as long as I could, convinced that I’d never figure out how to understand, let alone operate one. Then the fateful day came in the middle of the Scottish Highlands, when I was put on the spot, having lied about being able to use one.
“Errr, could someone just quickly run me through how to take a bearing? This one looks quite different to the one I’m used to.”
“Sure. The ‘on’ switch is here.”
I went as red as the big red button marked ‘ON/OFF’
And that’s all there was to it. Switch it on and it tells you where you are. By the end of the day I was merrily plotting way-points, navigating unknown territories and felt ready to find my way out of an under-sea white-out, in the dark (if such a thing exists).
I remember following people who had only GPS skills, really worrying. It’s so accurate you quickly get drawn in, expecting it to solve all your problems. Every time I’m ‘geographically embarassed’ this advice saves me: “Take your lazy arse around the next corner and look again, nature will provide the clues.”
Navigating at night, well that’s another story…
I have resisted the urge so far as I feel GPS takes away important skills you need to know – in a similar way to how a calculator is now used to do easy maths. It also takes away a lot of the pre planning you might normally do and leads to a gun ho attitude. If it breaks or the battery runs out you are up sh!t creek without a paddle….