| Orienteering, GPS and Geocaching |
| Orienteering, GPS and Geocaching |
From "Family Outdoors"
episode FAO-205 |
|
|
|
advertisement
|
A global-positioning system (GPS) receiver is a navigational device used to provide information about your precise location practically anywhere on the face of the globe. It can display your location on a computer-generated map or give it to you in coordinates of latitude and longitude. The recent proliferation of GPS devices, especially for use in outdoor activities such as hiking and backpacking in remote wilderness areas, has made possible a new sport called geocaching -- a high-tech, recreational variation on the science of orienteering. Orienteering is the practice of using a map, compass and list of coordinates to find specific locations in a predetermined course within a specified geographic area. Geocaching is an activity similar to orienteering, but it uses a GPS receiver instead of (or in addition to) a compass. The other factor that distinguishes geocaching is its end goal -- to find a hidden container and set of items known as a geocache. Clues to the whereabouts of geocaches are typically made available to potential geocachers via the Internet. As such, geocaching can be likened to a sort of high-tech scavenger hunt. The first well-publicized geocache was hidden near Portland, Oregon, in 2000. The person who stashed it put the word out on an Internet news group. The cache was found just two days later. Since that time, geocaching has grown into a full-fledged craze with huge reach. At the time of this writing, there are geocaches hidden in all 50 states and on at least four continents. Information on the locations of geocaches is available at numerous Web sites and news groups on the Internet. The technology that has allowed this hobby to develop is the GPS receiver. In recent years, these devices have become so affordable that they're now quite common. Improvement in the technology has also made them more accurate and more precise. What enables GPS technology is a network of more than two dozen satellites, each orbiting the earth at an altitude of more than two miles and traveling at about two miles per second. At any given moment, anyone with a GPS receiver -- anywhere on Earth -- can receive signals from at least a few of those satellites. The signal includes the time, satellite location and other data. The receiver's job is to take in signals from at least three of those satellites, instantly run some sophisticated calculations and provide information back on exactly where the receiver -- and its user -- is located. The navigational technique that the GPS uses is triangulation. Some GPS receivers just give digital readouts of latitude and longitude, leaving it to the person receiving the information to then plot the location using a map (figure A). Other receivers generate a map display on a small screen and show the location of the receiver using a small pointer or cursor. Some have a zoom feature allowing the map to show more or less of the surrounding area. Some receivers have a built-in compass readout (figure B). Some also generate and display other readouts including the heading and speed at which your are traveling (figure C). Although prices for GPS receivers may very considerably, based on their features and level of accuracy, a fairly good one can be purchased for around $100. In fact, some geocache enthusiasts actually prefer the simpler, less expensive models since the lesser degree of precision keeps more of the challenge in the sport. In addition to geocaching, GPS devices are good for a number of outdoor activities. Their most common function is as a navigational aid for backpackers, campers, trekkers and hikers, providing a safeguard against getting lost. Fishermen can use them to mark their favorite fishing location, making it easy to find again. Runners can even use them to measure the distances of their runs. They can also be handy for helping drivers find their way around a city or surroundings to which they aren't accustomed. Tip: Here are some factors to consider when shopping for a GPS device: - Look for a model with 12 receiving channels for greater accuracy.
- Built-in map displays make a GPS easier to use.
- The ability to upload new maps will expand the device's usefulness. This feature allows the user to incorporate general maps for driving and more detailed maps for hiking.
Tip: GPS receivers are fairly technical pieces of equipment. Efforts have been made by manufacturers to make them user-friendly and easy to learn. If you're not especially technically inclined, however, you may want to consider taking a course in how to use one. Courses are offered that explain how to use a GPS in conjunction with a map and compass, and how to be an accomplished orienteer. Check with your local outdoor outfitter or GPS dealer to learn more. At the very least, practice with your GPS around your neighborhood or other familiar surroundings to understand its uses before heading into the outback.
RESOURCES :
Geocaching - The Official Global GPS Cache Hunt Site
The official online headquarters for the sport of geocaching, including thorough explanations and lots of web links.
Web site: www.geocaching.com
or, for a direct link to their frequently-asked-questions page:
Web site: www.geocaching.com/faq.asp
GARMIN International (GPS technology)
An industry leader in Global Positioning System (GPS) technology.
Web site: www.garmin.com
International Orienteering Federation
Web site: www.orienteering.org
TopoGrafix (GPS software)
Innovative software for Garmin, Magellan, or Lowrance GPS.
Web site: www.topografix.com
| 
)
)
)
)
)
REAL VIDEO
