Navigating with a GPS

About this book

In this practical guide to navigating with a GPS, navigation expert Pete Hawkins explains how to get the best from your GPS. He breaks down the jargon into understandable English and takes you through GPS navigation in a clear and structured way. He recognizes that strong traditional navigational skills are the basis for effective GPS navigation, and gives a potted summary of how to navigate with a map and compass.

He also takes a look at digital mapping and how that can benefit the outdoor user and how GPSs and mapping software can be used positively together.

Contents

Chapter One: IntroductionChapter Two: What GPSs show youChapter Three: Building navigation skills: using a map and compassUnderstanding mapsGrid lines and referencesSetting the mapThe map keyContoursPlanning aheadThe compassWhat is a bearing?Holding your compassWalking on a bearingBack bearingsTiming and pacingChapter Four: Basic Navigation with a GPSHow are you planning to navigate?Where am I?Entering a new locationUsing your GPS with a mapCreating a routeNavigating a routeChapter 5: Advanced navigation with a GPSTracing your routeDownloading routesPre-planningUsing your GPS abroadChapter 6: What to do if technology failsChecking your GPSRelocating yourselfAiming offDon't panicChapter 7: Computer mapping softwareInstant explorationGetting in shapeDrawing routesLinking your GPS to your computerFrom computer to GPSTransferring your route from GPS to computerOpen source and non-Windows softwareChapter 8: Developing your GPS skillsPractice makes perfectAppendix 1: Further informationAppendix 2: Further reading

Customer Reviews

Biography

Pete trained as a geography teacher and taught in schools for a year before escaping to the Peak National Park's Environmental Centre for an outside job. He took over map and compass training by default and over the years has taught more beginners how to read a map and compass than there are hairs on his head.He has written for a variety of outdoor magazines, has worked for the BBC as a local radio reporter and leads walking holidays around the world for his own company, Peakland Walking Holidays and others. He has a cat, two children, a big motorbike and a wife, although not necessarily in that order.