msar-riders@lists.ibiblio.org
Subject: Mounted search and rescue
List archive
- 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 KJ6JCD
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[MSAR] Compass or GPS?,
Karen Nesbitt, 01/23/2010
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Re: [MSAR] Compass or GPS?,
Irvin Lichtenstein, 01/23/2010
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Re: [MSAR] Compass or GPS?,
E.S., 01/23/2010
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Re: [MSAR] Compass or GPS?,
emboote, 01/23/2010
- Re: [MSAR] Compass or GPS?, Lila Corey, 01/23/2010
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Re: [MSAR] Compass or GPS?,
Irvin Lichtenstein, 01/23/2010
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Re: [MSAR] Compass or GPS?,
Dan, 01/23/2010
- Re: [MSAR] Compass or GPS?, Jorene Downs, 01/23/2010
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Re: [MSAR] Compass or GPS?,
Lila Corey, 01/23/2010
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Re: [MSAR] Compass or GPS?,
Philip & Bonnie Easley, 01/24/2010
- Re: [MSAR] Compass or GPS?, Lila Corey, 01/24/2010
- Re: [MSAR] Compass or GPS?, Una Smith, 01/24/2010
- Re: [MSAR] Compass or GPS?, Marie Lester, 01/24/2010
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Re: [MSAR] Compass or GPS?,
Philip & Bonnie Easley, 01/24/2010
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Re: [MSAR] Compass or GPS?,
David leadbetter, 01/24/2010
- Re: [MSAR] Compass or GPS?, Una Smith, 01/24/2010
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Re: [MSAR] Compass or GPS?,
Dan, 01/23/2010
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Re: [MSAR] Compass or GPS?,
emboote, 01/23/2010
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Re: [MSAR] Compass or GPS?,
E.S., 01/23/2010
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Re: [MSAR] Compass or GPS?,
Irvin Lichtenstein, 01/23/2010
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