Tuesday, November 19, 2013

GPS: Rely on it exclusively, at your peril...

Many times, my GPS unit has indicated that I was right near a trail, while I've been in the desert.  A look outside my Cherokee's window confirmed that the "trail" referred to on the GPS display was completely over grown.  A look at my paper map revealed several alternate trails that would get me to my destination.

As a result of situations like the one which caused the demise of little Carlos Sanchez, GPS map database makers have been working with park rangers in order to correct these deficiencies.

While GPS is a good navigation tool, it should be but one tool in an arsenal of several.  I always carry paper maps and a compass when I travel off-road.

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