[pct-l] GPSs & compasses

[Yoshihiro Murakami]

Yes, Steel-Eye,  you are right.

I did not mention that maps and compass was unnecessary. The GPS
system must be added to the maps and compass system. I did not write
because it  was too natural.  The electronic device will  break.



2010/6/16 CHUCK CHELIN <steeleye at wildblue.net>:
> Good morning, Yoshihiro,
>
> I believe it is unwise to encourage a wilderness hiker to rely upon GPS as
> their sole – or even primary – method of navigation.  I find GPS to be very
> useful and technologically appealing, but having been a GPS user since the
> mid-‘90s and I know from personal experience that GPS receivers can fail so
> I always carry maps and a compass; further, I know how to navigate with
> them.
>
>
>
> There is a great difference between training and education.  It’s easy for
> someone to be trained to use a GPS – whether it has maps or not – but if the
> GPS fails there may be no alternate capability.  It is much more difficult
> and time-consuming to become educated about GPS’s place in the overall
> effort to become a competent navigator under various conditions and with
> wide variety of equipment.
>
>
>
> Since I know I’m always going to have maps the redundancy of GPS mapping
> does not seem to be worth the weight and expense.  In terms of overall
> mission reliability I would much rather carry two simple and cheap 4-ounce
> receivers than one expensive and complex 8-ounce receiver.
>
>
>
> The good news is, with the exception of individuals hiking over extensive
> snow-pack, true navigation isn’t really necessary on the PCT.  The trail is
> generally well marked and well maintained so typically one can hike without
> any reference to maps or coordinates.  If there is confusion – or an
> inability or unwillingness to navigate – one has only to follow the herd or
> wait a while for another hiker to pass by with guidance.
>
>
>
> Steel-Eye
>
> Hiking the Pct since before it was the PCT – 1965
>
> http://www.trailjournals.com/steel-eye
>
> http://www.trailjournals.com/SteelEye09
>
> On Tue, Jun 15, 2010 at 6:24 PM, Yoshihiro Murakami
> <completewalker at gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>> If you buy a GPS  as like Garmin eTrex Vista HCx with an electronic
>> map as one package. It is very easy to use. It works as an electronic
>> map. You can see where you are. I recommend this type of GPS, since it
>> is easy to use.
>>
>> But, if you buy a GPS as like Garmin Foretrex 401, you must learn more
>> about GPS as Steel-Eye indicated, because this type of GPS cannot
>> indicate maps. So, you need to know what the waypoint etc is. and how
>> to cooperate with personal computer and how to use with the printed
>> maps.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> which can indicate map
>>
>> 2010/6/15 Cate White <cwhite at mcn.org>:
>> > Would it be foolish to think I could learn how to safely navigate with a
>> > GPS, map, and compass in the store at REI? Apparently my long awaited
>> > trip
>> > from Ashland to Tuolomne starting July 1st might involve snow. I REALLY
>> > don't want to alter my plans unless I have to. Whatcha think?
>> >
>> > c
>> >
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>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> Sincerely
>> --------------- --------------------------------------
>> Hiro    ( Yoshihiro Murakami )
>> HP:http://psycho01.edu.u-toyama.ac.jp
>> http://picasaweb.google.co.jp/CompleteWalker/
>> Backpacking for 30 years in Japan
>> 2009 JMT, the first America.
>> ------------------------------------------------------
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>
>



-- 
Sincerely
--------------- --------------------------------------
Hiro    ( Yoshihiro Murakami )
HP:http://psycho01.edu.u-toyama.ac.jp
http://picasaweb.google.co.jp/CompleteWalker/
Backpacking for 30 years in Japan
2009 JMT, the first America.
------------------------------------------------------