How to use a gps to
make navigation easier

Being able to know how to use a gps receiver can be very helpful for you as wilderness backpacker. But first, what is GPS? GPS (Global Positioning System) is a satellite based radio-navigation system.

The system is capable of providing extremely accurate worldwide, 24 hours, 3-dimensional location data (latitude, longitude, and elevation). It was designed and is maintained by the US Department of Defense (DOD) as an accurate, all-weather navigation system.


X and Y coordinates

A GPS receiver displays your location in latitude and longitude (your coordinates) and you can find this position on your map. You can also enter the map coordinates of your objective into the receiver and the receiver will tell you the direction and distance to your objective.


Store your route

A great way to plan your wilderness backpacking trip is actual to store the coordinates of crucial route junctures into the receivers memory. With a few keystrokes you can at any time in the wilderness get the direction and distance to any of your stored objectives. Navigation becomes a lot easier with this type of modern instruments.


Handheld digital compass

An electronic compass function is more or less standard for a handheld GPS receiver. Just like a traditional compass, an electronic compass, detects the Earth's magnetic field and shows direction whether you are moving or stationary. Make sure it will automatically compensate for the local magnetic declination and show you the true compass direction so that you can concentrate on navigating.

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