How can I be lost when I'm carrying a GPS?

[Bush Walker]

I've sometimes been acutely embarrassed when my high-tech equipment has been worse than useless on a difficult walk where spot-on navigation was essential. More than once, I've found myself on the opposite side of a creek or on the wrong ridge-line. Sometimes I've returned from a walk to find that my route lay parallel to that shown on the map, but about 200m away. How could my GPS get it so wrong?

Well of course my GPS hasn't got it wrong, it has been simply calculating position based on the incorrect settings I gave it. The indication that you've incorrectly set your GPS is when every feature is in the wrong place by a consistent amount.

Fortunately, all you have to do is to make sure that the map datum, to which you set your GPS, matches the one shown in the legend on your map.

More info http://www.bushwalkingskills.com/2010/08/disappointed-with-your-gps.html

[ILUVSWTAS]

Yep, a good tradesman always blames his tools for a poor job.

[ollster]

I'm never lost. I'm always where I mean to be.

I'm about to buy a GPS though, so I expect I'll be getting myself into all sorts of bother. Incidentally, I have seen 3 people with 3 GPSs walk in three different directions trying to find a pad. This was an important lesson...

[corvus]

Murphy's Law 5 GPS on walk = 5 diverse directions ,my law 5 GPS only use one to navigate /confim position that those who use map and compass and or who know the area has stated
corvus

[Bush Walker]

I am glad my experience with GPS mirrors others

[sthughes]

Yep, just like a compass, useless if you don't use it properly. GPS's are just better at making you think that you are using them properly
I had a section of a map scanned and printed off that I was absolutely 100% sure that it was definitely ADG based, but nup it was GDA and I was confused!

[north-north-west]

... ADG based, but nup it was GDA and I was confused!

It's the DAG based ones you have to watch.

[Bush Walker]

Yep, just like a compass, useless if you don't use it properly. GPS's are just better at making you think that you are using them properly

I think that is the problem with a GPS.

New users think they are the solution to all navigation problems and place to much faith in them, until its too late to recover from an error. Without using a map and having the big picture, it is often very difficult to find yourself again if you have been relying too heavily on your GPS and suddenly can't do so.

[photohiker]

Without using a map and having the big picture, it is often very difficult to find yourself again if you have been relying too heavily on your GPS and suddenly can't do so.

If I (hypothetically) was not using a map and got myself lost while using a GPS, surely the problem is that the GPS is showing me where I am, but somehow I am unable to use that information to 'unlose' myself?

Doesn't make sense to me sorry? I haven't seen a GPS yet without trackback... Are you talking about GPS failure or navigation failure?

Hmm, perhaps an example would be a good idea, I'm not getting along with the proposition in your statement.

[tasadam]

Yes, the datum is important. Some other topics on this forum that discuss GPS navigation, datum etc. -

The importance of grid conversion to lat and long

Converting between WGS60 & WGS84 and between AGD66 & GDA94?

Converting between Tasmap 25k Map numbers and coordinates

GPS use

DISCUSSIONS on Datum in the "when buying a GPS" topic

DISCUSSIONS on Datum in the "Western Creek Track and Whiteleys Hut" topic

THIS POST in the Mt Anne 1:25K discussion

[tastrax]

I haven't seen a GPS yet without trackback...

In some models you need to turn on the track feature - it doesn't automatically show on screen (if that is what you are using for trackback). I use this when mapping fires - fly from helipad to fire and then turn tracking on and off as you fly around the boundaries. Saves lots of clutter. Of course when walking you need to hope that you have tracking on all the time if you are relying on the trackback feature.

[photohiker]

Yes to the tracking on requirement for backtrack.

I guess you could get around this by dropping a waypoint at regular intervals or something, but I log tracks all of the time when using a GPS. Why have technology in your pocket and not use it?

[Bush Walker]

Yes to the tracking on requirement for backtrack.

....but I log tracks all of the time when using a GPS. Why have technology in your pocket and not use it?

I bet you need lots of batteries on a 10 day walk! I've found the best position for my GPS is clipped to my hat band or shoulder strap of my pack, near the top

[photohiker]

Last one was 14 days with a large screen colour mapping GPS. I took a spare rechargeable and a 5400mAh backup battery. I could stretch to 4 days between power points. For longer gaps between powerpoints, I'd probably go with a more frugal GPS - the Vista I have gets 20 hours from a pair of AA's, so about a battery a day or better.

Clipped high on the backpack harness is good for the vista. The satmap seems more forgiving, I can get away with tucking it into an outside pocket of the camera bag.

[ILUVSWTAS]

I've found using the lithium batteries, i can get 5 days out of a set easy. And thats having it switched on for around 12 hrs per day.

[flyfisher]

What type of gps are you running, ILUVSWTAS, sound like a good gadget.
ff

[Macca81]

im unsure of what sort they are, but my rechargeables get me 4-5 days with my eTrex Vista. if im using features it drops considerably, but for tracking my route it lasts ages

[Taurë-rana]

I've found a GPS very useful, after I learnt to trust it, until it decided to completely stop working in the middle of a walk. I was very glad not to be relying on it at that stage.

[ILUVSWTAS]

Mine is a Garmin 60 CSX FlyFisher. And yes it is good.
I've been in a group where we had delornes and etrax units and while they have lost reception due to the over head canopy, mine has still gone strong.

[flyfisher]

Not one I'm familiar with ILSWTAS , mine is a Garmin venture hc and that has a pretty good reception under trees but two AA's usually last no more than 20 hrs. Also got a Garmin Geko 200 which is good on the central plateau but not under trees and doesn't hook up to the computer as easily.
ff

[ILUVSWTAS]

It's a great unit, until recently it was the latest model.
They can now be bought for $300. Fantastic mapping software, excellent sensitivity, very reliable, waterproof (a friend has dropped his in a creek) and drop proof. Attaches to my PC very easily and quickly.

Read about it here if your interested...

http://www.asiteaboutnothing.net/g_60csx.html

[doro]

I always carry a gps with me when hiking, but only use it set a way point for where the car is parked... I find my compass the quickest and most comfortable navigation tool I have.

At the end of the hike, I get the bearing for my car from my gps and then use it on the compass.

[Bush Walker]

There are several reasons why the mere carrying of a GPS will not prevent you from getting lost.

Some are obvious:

don't know how to use the GPS
the batteries become flat
can't read the screen (eyesight, rain, darkness)

Less obvious:

you have the datum incorrectly set
the clock has not been set correctly
you entered your planned waypoints incorrectly

I never go on a bushwalk without a compass and map in addition to my GPS (or smartphone)

[taswegian]

what worries me about the modern walker is the total reliance that some place on theses little bits of electronic 'marvels' and the lack of real life saving navigation skills that never get learnt.
When the battery fails, unit gets lost, or as has been pointed out the wrong datum applied then users can be literally 'up the creek without a paddle'.
Reliance on GPS can soon (if it was ever there) fade the ability to sense directions, recognise features and landforms, judge distances etc.

No offence to those who rely on their GPS but it can desensitise the users and leave them bereft of those skills we all once would have needed for basic living.

As a surveyor it is interesting when I am out with my GPS to listen to the comments and questions of the people in the street.
It is obvious there is a perceived belief from many in the community that GPS is the panacea of anything related to measurements and locations.
GPS, high heels, umbrellas - modern bushwalking essentials. Where does it end and where are we heading? No pun intended.

[Bush Walker]

what worries me about the modern walker is the total reliance that some place on theses little bits of electronic 'marvels' and the lack of real life saving navigation skills that never get learnt.

Hear! Hear!