GPS for Scouts LEAD 2018

Transcription

1 GPS for Scouts LEAD 2018 Steve von Ehrenkrook 1

2 Introductions Steve von Ehrenkrook Geographer Cartographer Scoutmaster Orienterrerrerr 2

3 MOST Important Goal as Scouters? SAFETY!! 3

4 GPS Question of the Day Q: What role does GPS play for Scouting world? Cubs, Boy Scouts, Venture A: Go to the Scout Handbook. What priority does it give to Map, Compass and GPS? How important to Scoutcraft? Navigation has it s own SECTION of the Scout Handbook 1.5 of 29 pages addresses GPS GPS augments Map & Compass skills, but should not attempt to replace them! 4

5 What should Scouts be taught? Spatial awareness Surroundings always TOOLS 1. Topographic Map and Compass 2. Tool-less navigation (Sun, Moon, Stars) 3. GPS and Electronic Maps Remember who your student is! 5

6 PROS / CONS MAP & COMPASS vs GPS Map & Compass (+) Inexpensive ($10-50) (+) Lightweight, pocket-sized (+) Doesn t require batteries (+) Works in almost all conditions (+) Can make one yourself (-) Learning curve (-) Requires a map or it doesn t help much (-) Accuracy is in hands of user GPS (+) Electronic Compass easier (+) Can carry digital maps covering large areas (+) Tells altitude (-) Expensive ($ ) (-) Relies on and eats batteries (-) Can break (-) Doesn t work in buildings, canyons, heavy forests, caves, struggles in intense weather 6

7 What IS GPS? Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) Origins go back to 1957 and tracking of Sputnik Multiple Military projects started it. Combined as NAVSTAR. US D.O.D. owns and operates it Opened to commercial use by Reagan Administration in 1983, after Korean Air Lines Flight 007 shot down in Russian airspace Two qualities originally Military & Civilian By 2015 there was selective availability By 2015 both have a minimum accuracy of 3.5 m / 15 feet By 2015 GPS III deployed with 3x more accuracy and better longevity in space Multiple systems now with consumer access Navstar, GLONASS, Galileo 7

8 Due to their precise orbit, any spot on the Earth can see a minimum of 4 satellites at any time. The more satellites that are visible, the more accurate the signal is. Currently there are 31 GPS/GLASNOSS satellites useable in consumer-based GPS receivers. Most good quality GPS receivers will see

9 How does it work? GPS is based on time and known location. Trilateration pinpoints location. More sources create higher accuracy 24 NAVSTAR satellites currently orbit the Earth twice a day in very precise patterns, travelling roughly 7,000 miles per hour 31 GPS/NAVSTAR & GLASNOSS orbit 12,000 miles above Earth Satellites continuously transmit their current time and position to ground receivers of all kinds 9

10 How does it work? Once your position has been determined, the GPS unit can calculate other information, such as: Speed, Bearing, Track Trip distance, Distance to destination, Sunrise and sunset time Consumer GPS receivers are accurate to within 10 meters With advanced correction tools, they can be good to within 3 meters A minimum of 4 satellites must be in view of receiver for it to compute four unknown quantities (Lat, Long, Altitude and Time) Most modern devices track 8-12 devices simultaneously 10

11 Enhanced resolution for autos and planes from Cellular Cellular towers provide extra ground points for increased accuracy Ground receivers track their position and correct for small errors or changes 11

12 What use do we have in Scouting? Remote H.A.T. and Safety Emergency reaction teams are more effective with accurate location of victims Altitude can help diagnose Acute Mountain Sickness Water-based activities benefit most Training Augments Map & Compass for greater accuracy Geocaching is a great troop/crew activity 12

13 How do we use GPS in the backcountry? Recommended Process 1. Orient with best guess 2. Zero out compass, orient to Magnetic North and confirm best guess 3. Orient paper map with compass, adjust declination to True North 4. Use natural features to identify rough location 5. Look for more details on map to attempt to confirm 6. Pull out GPS and pinpoint X-Y-Z (Lat/Long/Alt) 13

14 Recommendations Don t over-buy. Know your groups skill level and needs (1) GPS per crew minimum is wise in the backcountry. (2) for redundancy on treks Multi-use devices save weight, but may limit features Professionals likely only ones to notice missing features Shared features make the weight worth carrying Know battery life and plan accordingly Use USB chargers or solar sources BSA W&RFA recommends satellite phones or communicators in backcountry 14

15 FEATURES to look for NAVSTAR and GLASNOSS combined for best resolution A-B-C s (Altitude, Barometer, Compass) are minimum add-ons Digital Maps are nice, but require storage and planning. Can t add areas once in the field where there s no Internet Battery Life Satellite phone combo is nice, but expensive 15

16 Handheld GPS Comparison Table Source: 16

17 Newest Coolest Combo Tool Garmin in-reach Explorer+ Satellite Communicator $450 includes: GPS Pre-Loaded maps GEOS SOS 2-way satellite texting 7.5 ounces Rechargeable Lithium ion battery Monthly communication plans to be thrifty, which use satellite to push messages 17

18 Handheld GPS Alternatives Garmin and Suunto major players Athletic devices Cycling computers Run/Hike tracking Triathlon wearables Expensive but very functional Watches can be valuable in a pinch Small screen and short battery life limit usefulness GPS, Altimeter, Barometer, and Compass are all included often 18

19 Handheld GPS Alternatives Smartphones - Android and Apple major players Most Smartphones have adequate features for supplemental GPS GPS Altimeter, Compass (some have Barometer) GPS apps are free or very affordable ($5-10) When used in combination with Map & Compass, they offer most of what you need for navigation Search the App Store and Google Play for GPS 19

20 iphone GPS app ($5) (GPS by onwhat.net) At home with GPS, Cell & WiFi Philmont On top of Mt. Phillips with Cell & GPS 20

21 Android Polaris Navigation GPS (free and enhanced) Most of the key information you need on a phone you re already carrying for free. Works when on Airplane mode (no cellular or WiFi signal to help). Just pure GPS, Altimeter and Compass. 21

22 SUMMARY SAFETY is the #1 goal, especially in the back country Wilderness is defined as 100 yards from car or building GPS is a valuable add-on but not a replacement for Map & Compass Every member of a trip should have their OWN compass on them at all times Reading a map is a crucial backcountry skill, which can be confirmed with GPS Price, battery life, weight, connection options, and features can be mixed and matched 23