Posts Tagged ‘Bearings’

Nowadays It Is Unwise To Go Hiking Without A GPS

March 23rd, 2010



If you are among the tens of thousands of people who get pleasure from hiking then you ought not to leave home without the proper equipment and that means water, food, a basic first aid kit and the best GPS hiking system you can find. Taking a hike in the woods, or in one of the many lovely state parks, can be very exciting and you will enjoy a lot of exercise and see many animals and plants that you may not get to see at any other time. However, if you manage to get yourself lost while you are out hiking, especially if you get injured at the same time, your lovely day could well turn out very differently to the day that you planned. This is why taking a GPS tracking device is vital as it can help to get you back on track and home again safely.

Should you suddenly discover that you are lost when you are out hiking you easily can program your GPS device to find out the direction you are heading and this will stop you from accidentally heading the wrong way. Then, once you have regained your bearings, you can also find your way out of the woods and will find that many state parks have rest areas and other similar places that can be used as landmarks. Even when you are unable to find your way out using the GPS system then usually rescue units will be able to find you simply by tracking your signal.

If you are out hiking alone and have taken a GPS system for emergencies then you can also use it to indicate how far you have walked. By keeping track of the distance you travel you will then be able to find your way back onto the proper path by merely retracing your steps and will know exactly how far you must travel to return to your starting point. As a consequence you will not simply be walking for miles speculating about just how far you need to go before you get back on track. In addition it is an excellent way to make sure that you do not travel too far in the first place and will often stop you from ending up lost at all.

Anybody who has ever found themselves lost in the woods will know that it can be a frightening experience and the ability to know where you are and how you can get out again will help in keeping you and the remainder of your group calm. You will find that you can find significant areas and landmarks using your GPS system. Just as importantly, having calculated how far you want to walk during the day, your GPS system can indicate when you have reached your goal and stop you from going too far which could be dangerous. Knowing when to stop is very important and can help you to stay healthy and avoid injury to your body.

Going for a hike alone is not recommended but if you want to set off alone remember to carry your GPS so that you will feel safe and you will be ready in case of an emergency. Lastly, do not forget to tell someone where you are planning to go and when you expect to be back so that they can alert the rescue teams if you fail to return when expected.

By: Donald Saunders

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Using A GPS Receiver

December 23rd, 2009



As the Global Positioning System – or GPS – continues to rise in popularity, a host of GPS-related products continue to hit the shelves. The GPS receiver is an interactive map that can show you exactly where you are at all times; this can be enormously helpful when finding your way around unfamiliar surroundings.

GPS was initially launched by the United States Department of Defense in the late 70’s when the first operational satellite was sent into space. By the mid-90’s, 24 satellites circled the earth and continue to be in operation today. What was originally designed for use exclusively for the military, now functions as a navigational system for military and civilians alike. More and more consumers, eager to take advantage of the timely and accurate information supplied by this network of satellites, choose to have GPS navigational systems included as standard equipment in their new vehicles.

But portable GPS has become just as popular. The GPS receiver is a compact navigational system that literally fits in the palm of your hand. The GPS receiver interfaces with the government’s network of satellites and can instantly perform a series of latitudinal and longitudinal calculations that can precisely target the user’s location. The screen of the GPS receiver displays a map of the area – including roads, landmarks, and other points of reference – and the user’s location in relation to it.

For outdoor hobbyists the GPS receiver has been enormously beneficial, allowing them to navigate possibly unfamiliar terrain without ever losing their bearings. Travelers who may not be using one particular car can still access satellite navigational information through the use of the GPS receiver.

The GPS receiver comes in a variety of styles and is manufactured by numerous companies. The models can be differentiated largely by price and included features. For anyone interested in a GPS receiver, certain things must be considered prior to purchase including manner and frequency of use. Those who plan to use their GPS receiver may be interested in those models that have a greater range of features. While this particular GPS receiver will likely come at a greater price, it could be well worth the investment to ensure safe and enjoyable travel. It’s wise to research each GPS receiver before you make a purchasing decision. But no matter which model you choose, you will likely find a GPS receiver to be a convenience you become used to very quickly.

By: Michelle Bery

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