GPS and Modern Navigation Group.

A WAI group to help walkers and hillwalkers learn and discuss how to use GPS units and other modern navigational tools.

In our experience there is huge interest in using GPS and other
new tools such as OSI Trail Master.  Many people have got GPS units perhaps
after buying them or receiving them as presents.  They do not necessarily
know how to use them.  Understanding and getting the best out of GPS units
and other navigational software does require some effort and a bit of collective
help can go a long way.  Seeing either of these demonstrated by experienced
users is often a revelation to new users.

The rewards can be considerable however including:

GPS Workshop Nov 21st 2007

a.  Confidently following complex routes in difficult
terrain in low visibility situations.

b.  Spending much less time navigating while out on the
hills. 

c.  Reaching hard to find places such as less well known
summits or other points of interest.

d.  Never getting lost.

e.  Gaining an understanding of a particular piece of
landscape before visiting it using techniques such as "flying around".

The initial activity of the GPS group so far has been running a "GPS Workshop"
covering both GPS issues and also using OSI Trail Master and Gartrip.  The
first workshop occurred on Nov 21st 2007.  Some 28 people attended which
was about the capacity of the premises in Dublin.



A note of caution.  This group believes that people on the hills should
have conventional navigational skills including map reading, understanding the
land from maps and compass work.  Skills in GPS and modern methods are an
addition, not a replacement to conventional navigational methods.