1. GPS maps when you are out in the open
Travelling out in the open could mean that you get lost if you have no idea where
you are and all you want to do is get back home. It adds to the frustration and it
ruins the whole experience of being in the great outdoors for an adventure when
instead it turns out to be a total nightmare. Navigating the wrong way could not only
end up in extending your trip and the distance you have to trouble, but you could
end up running out of petrol if you head in the wrong direction and you need to
make a stop on the way. If you are low on food and you are a few days from the
nearest store then you can at least navigate your way to a stream where you can
fish for food, or get close to a forest where you can find fruits at least.
If you have access to a smart phone or a GPS device that allows you to download
maps on to the device then you can at least take your GPS maps with you wherever
you go. In most cases, the devices will come with pre-loaded maps, but you
essentially want to make sure that you have the region you are visiting on there first
before you head out into the wild. The pre-loaded maps are often very basic and you
most likely have to do an update on them when you first turn the device on. Once
you have the maps of the place you are going loaded on there, you can plug in the
co-ordinates and the device will do all the work. All you have to do is follow the
directions it gives you and you will arrive safely at your destination in no time. A GPS
works by connecting to a network of satellites that constantly float high above us in
orbit all the time. The devices usually connect to a minimum of 3 at a time in order
to accurately pinpoint your position to within a few metres anywhere on earth.
However, just knowing your co-ordinates is not enough, you also have to know what
is around you. You need to know if there are valleys, rivers or mountains ahead of
you so that you can prepare for the terrain.
If you are not skilled enough to handle a specific area, then at least you can go
around it and if you are up for a bit of a challenge then at least you can pinpoint and
locate all the good spots and plot your route out so that you can head towards them
along the journey.