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msar-riders - Re: [MSAR] Compass or GPS?

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Subject: Mounted search and rescue

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  • From: "Jorene Downs" <Jorene@CEOates.com>
  • To: "'Mounted search and rescue'" <msar-riders@lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: Re: [MSAR] Compass or GPS?
  • Date: Sat, 23 Jan 2010 19:02:06 -0800

Compass or GPS? Both, if the budget allows.

 

Know your terrain and where you are in that terrain, including recognizing your back trail. The “no batteries needed” compass is the most reliable long term, so invest in one that will perform reliably, and know how to use it. (I prefer one that provides you with the ability to make declination adjustments for local application, but you need to remember to adjust when out of area.)

 

The GPS provides additional tools and options for management, but if the satellites are down or you’re out of battery power, the GPS becomes useless extra weight you’re carrying around. It is also notably less valuable as in investment if the user isn’t familiar with how to use that GPS correctly, particularly if in a group / team / incident with multiple GPS devices that don’t have consistent settings.

 

Many who often travel into deep backcountry carry a back-up compass, even if they carry a GPS. Map and compass is a key survival tool that can also be used successfully in SAR. GPS offers additional tools in a single device, and is often used in SAR or disaster response by management and field personnel.

 

Assuming the user knows how to use them effectively, a good compass is the tool that will work unless you break it, and the GPS is a valuable supplement.  

 

I know of teams that require the personal compass, then invest in some GPS devices owned by the team for team use since everyone on the team may not need to carry a GPS into the field. This model may not work for all, and may not be as successful since all potential users may not go hands-on to learn and retain knowledge for correct operation of the device. If feasible, a personal GPS added to the compass is a better strategy.

 

If management uses the GPS, make sure your personal or team GPS is compatible with cables, etc. It is also convenient if team members carry similar GPS units so if needed you can borrow / share batteries, cables, etc.

 

- - - - - -

Jorene Downs

SAR & CERT

Mounted SAR

www.ceoates.com/msar  

KJ6JCD

 

 

 



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