Re: GPS Vs COMPASS


Norman Wrote:
> On Thu, 28 Jul 2005 16:49:51 +0100, Roger Roger@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> wrote:
> -
> The message bifhe15bgqsudajbcp23ods13vp8o47n9g@xxxxxxx
> from Norman nospam@xxxxxxxxxxx contains these words:
> --
> I would think that in another 10 years no-one will be using the
> magnetic compass and it will go the same way as the slide rule and
> logarithms when the pocket calculator became available.--
> --
> Think again. If I am still walking in 10 years time I will still be
> using my compass to orient my map and to take bearings when it is not
> immediately obvious from the lie of the land which way to go. Why?
> Because I find it much simpler and much more flexible than faffing
> around with routes and waypoints for every possible eventuality. A
> GPS
> (I am on my second) is a wonderful instrument for showing where you
> have
> been and, in extremis, where you are, but they are a waste of effort
> for
> fair weather navigation and only of marginally greater assistance in
> the
> clag.--
> -
> Clearly you must be using your GPS merely as an emergency device
> which
> is a shame considering the cost and benefits it has to offer.-
>
> Wrong again. I carry a GPS to tell me where I have been. I have
> sufficient confidence in my own ability not to (usually) need the
> comfort of absolute assurance of where I currently am.
>
> Having once been a production engineer I am always on the lookout for
> the easiest and simplest solution to any problem. As far as hill
> walking
> navigation in clear weather is concerned map and compass wins on both
> counts. It also wins on flexibility which is an issue with those who
> don't stick to a rigidly planned itinerary.
> -
> There is generally no need to bother with routes unless you want to
> keep to a clearly defined path which in the UK is nearly always
> visually discernable anyway.-
>
> Which begs the question about the nature of a "clearly defined path"
> which is not "visually discernable".
> -
> My technique with a GPS is to mark the position of my intended
> destination waypoint by saving the coordinates or transferring the
> position via my PC. Then do the same for the start point, eg car in
> car park at starting point at the beginning of a trek by pressing the
> appropriate buttons. This can be done quickly either at home or when
> you arrive at the start.-
>
> And if you happen to have chosen a route that does not lead almost
> directly to your target how does go-to really help you to navigate
> there?
> -
> Normally, with a map, if you are walking up a hill etc it is usual to
> start at the bottom and gradually follow the path to the summit
> checking your route is correct by consulting your map in combination
> with compass triangulation fixes with a compass and noting/comparing
> localised terrain features with what you see around you and what is
> printed on your map. Most of the time there is no need to even look
> at
> a map because in clear visibility the route would be obvious by the
> errosion caused by thousands of boots churning up the ground or
> polishing the rock surfaces.-
>
> I can't even remember the last time I tried to fix my position by
> triangulation. It presupposes that you don't have much of a clue where
> you actually are but can still recognise 2 prominent features as
> unique
> points. OTOH a majority of my walking (stretching back more than 40
> years) seems to have been on paths that either weren't visible on the
> ground or didn't exist in the first place.
> -
> My method is to make use of all three ie map, compass and GPS
> Using a GPS switch on and select find/goto the destination waypoint
> and set off walking towards the destination by walking in the
> direction the compass rose pointer indicates. If you want to use a
> magnetic compass with the GPS you can set the GPS to give magnetic
> variation compensated bearings and every now and then switch on your
> GPS note the indicated bearing to destination and then transfer this
> to your compass and use that bearing to steer with. Using this method
> you can wander around exploring as you go. If you want to get back on
> a path, find your position using the GPS, note coordinates, look at
> map and locate present position and then work out bearing to nearest
> point on path either by compass or entering coordinates of path
> waypoint and getting the bearing to this new path waypoint from GPS
> reading. Once on path put everything back in rucksack and plod up to
> the top.-
>
> Still unnecessary faffing about. As long as you know approximately
> where
> you are and can read a map (not always a given for some walkers) it is
> easy enough to find the nearest path should you need one to get you to
> your next target and just as easy to find a more direct route on the
> map. Using a go-to without consulting the map is the short sighted
> option. Not because you might walk off a cliff while blindly following
> your GPS, not even the stupidest of individuals are likely to do that
> (although it is worth bearing in mind that a German driver drove down
> a
> slipway into a river because he failed to realise that the road he was
> being guided along was interrupted by a ferry) but because the direct
> route could so easily lead down a spur, not along the ridge to the
> next
> summit.
> -
> At top use car or start position as new destination and just do same
> procedure as previous or follow path down hill.-
>
> If you can see where you are going you don't need the assistance of a
> GPS and with your crude usage it is difficult to see what advantage
> you
> actually gain other than confirmation that you are there when you
> eventually reach your target after following a path that is unlikely
> to
> be anywhere near the straight line that your GPS is indicating.
> -
> Interestingly all ordnance survey maps are now corrected using GPS
> derived coordinates. The triangulation points on hill tops serve as a
> nostalgic reminder of the effort that went into producing the maps.-
>
> Some of the trig points have been retained unlike the Prime Meridian
> that has been hijacked by the Yanks and is now fixed to some point in
> North America rather than at Greenwich Observatory. I wonder what the
> OS
> will do as the Greenwich Meridian gradually heads West.
> -
> I look forward to the day when one can buy a device that you can put
> in your pocket and when you want to know where you are you can just
> ask it to tell you or show you on a 1 in 25000 colour map.-
>
> Even then it will still be just as easy to use a map and compass
> provided the map is of a manageable size. Maybe even easier given
> current screen sizes.-
> Roger
> I am surprised when you indicate repeatedly in your comments how easy
> it is to use a map and compass compared to using a GPS. Having walked
> for a similar period as yourself mainly in Scotland and Yorkshire and
> used maps and a compass for the majority of the time I find a GPS much
> simpler to use. I dont have any fixed views about GPS receivers but
> write in support of them because I am fed up with people in this news
> group slating the things. It reminds me of when I used to go caving
> and had to endure criticism for using SRT gear instead of clambering
> up and down electron rope ladders and that I prefered wellies to
> leather boots.
> If you are quite happy using your system then there is no need for you
> to change to another system and I support you in your choice.
>
> Norman

Hi all

GPS - brilliant piece of kit - never failed me yet. Absolutely nothing
can beat it in a real white out or general heavy clag for telling you
where you are. GOTO function is superb esp' when using the PROJECT
function (in conjunsction with a map and compass!). Everything has its
place and use. I hardly ever use a map or a compass or a gps - but they
are dead handy when needed! I do get a bit fed up with the Luddites
poo-poohing new tech' - what about Goretex etc! Bet they wear that
whilst knocking new advances!

However, I do agree - each to their own, it's only walking after all
and not worth getting het up about.

Cheers

Nick


--
nickl
.