Why You Need A GPS AND A Compass
Rugged handheld GPS units and, more recently, iPhones and other mobile devices seem, at first blush, to be great substitutes for a lightweight backpacking compass. That may be the case for a short hike on a well-known trail, but serious adventures require a compass (and a map) in addition to a handheld GPS. Here’s why.
Determining Directions with GPS Only Works while Moving
Directional readings will vary wildly when standing still or moving very slowly, which is not very helpful if you are standing on top of a mountain trying to figure out which direction you are facing.
Some handheld GPS units and newer iPhone models have built-in electronic compasses that work independently of GPS satellite communications through a technique called magnetic induction. These electronic compasses detect the Earth’s magnetic field, producing the same result you would get with an analog compass. Accuracy of sophisticated electronic compasses for marine navigation can be very high (to match the 4-digit price tags), but don’t expect more than 2 to 5 degrees of accuracy with your handheld GPS or mobile device compass.
Working with Distant Terrain Features Can Be Difficult With GPS Alone
The overview you get from studying a map, which always displays its finest-scale features, provides great information about distant features that you may be able to recall when you need to. GPS screens either have to be panned or zoomed, or both, to show you the same information. So a good old-fashioned paper (laminated) map is a must for adventurers. Unfortunately GPS units and phones make poor protractors for plotting courses on a paper map. A baseplate compass does the job perfectly.
Analog Has Staying Power, Not Battery Power
Finally, the possibility of a malfunction is much smaller with a handheld compass. Rugged GPS units rarely just stop working, but it does happen — especially when they get dropped on hard surfaces. They also go through batteries very quickly if you are referring to them constantly. A better solution is to use your GPS power sparingly and refer to your battery-free compass often.
Want to find out more about why you should have both a compass and GPS? Head to Compass-HowTo.com to learn everything you need to know about this and all kinds of other compass topics. You’ll find compass recommendations and reviews, and practical information on learning how to use a compass.
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- Where should I start with Handheld GPS? (February 26th, 2012)
- If You Are Going To Be Hiking You Should Have A GPS (February 7th, 2012)
- Memory Map Adventurer Series Handheld GPS (February 3rd, 2012)