GPS leads walkers off beaten track

Published on Saturday 11 July 2009 20:00

IT IS the high-tech must-have for people heading into the hills, from the Cairngorms to the Cheviots. But mountain safety chiefs have warned that walkers who splash out on expensive global positioning system (GPS) equipment are often putting their lives at risk because they have no idea how to use it.

Now, a series of training courses are being held to put clueless climbers on the right track.

The Mountaineering Council of Scotland (MCofS) claims people are placing themselves in danger by failing to ensure they have the right navigation skills.

The organisation's mountain safety adviser claimed that state-of-the-art gadgets were little help unless they were backed up by knowledge of how they work.

Heather Morning said: "Through my work with the Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team it is very obvious that many folk who own a GPS can only turn the thing on and get a grid reference.

"They have no idea how to use it as a tool to navigate themselves down off a mountain when they become disorientated. Because of this we are organising GPS training courses."

GPS uses satellite technology to allow users to determine their exact location.

MCofS's chief officer, David Gibson, hoped the training events could be a potential lifesaver.

He said: "Over the past five or six years GPS units have become extremely popular.

"A lot of people have them, but don't know how to use them to their full capacity. They're only a navigation aid if people know how to use it properly.

"The courses will educate people about GPS, learn how to get the best out of it, but also find out about its limitations."

Gibson claimed it was a popular misconception that electrical gadgetry meant that time-honoured mountain knowledge was no longer necessary.

He said: "There is a feeling that people can somehow rely on technology, but it is no substitute for good map-reading and compass work.

"It is absolutely essential that people master traditional navigation skills before they head out into the mountains."

The courses will also stress that relying entirely on computer systems is a high-risk strategy. "You can't use GPS as a compass. The other major problem is that these systems rely on batteries and, of course, batteries run out."

The MCofS is running two one-day courses to "familiarise participants with GPS units so they feel confident to navigate safely" at Glenmore Lodge, near Aviemore.

By the end of the 25-a-head sessions, those taking part will use their new-found skills to negotiate themselves through the nearby countryside.

Students are warned that the weather in the Cairngorms in October is pretty harsh and are encouraged to bring boots, gaiters, waterproof jackets, over-trousers, hats and gloves.

Electronic navigation systems frequently provoke debate on the rambling website go4awalk.com.

A spokesman said: "GPS navigation systems for walking and hiking have their fans and detractors in seemingly equal measure.

"Some think they are just unnecessary gadgets used by overgrown schoolboys who would buy anything if it was yellow and had lots of buttons to press.

"Others consider it to be a valuable navigational aid that any serious walker should carry and learn how to use properly."

The site's editor warned people not to become too reliant on technology, stating: "It is all well and good until you run out of batteries, your GPS gets dropped or wet or you cannot locate any satellites for one reason or another, which is an all too regular event.

"Then you are in deep, deep trouble, lost and, since you can no longer check where you are, unable to negotiate home.

"Instead of relying on gizmos that might let you down, put your energy into learning to navigate with a map and compass.

"If you don't know how to use a map and compass, learn – as this knowledge could save your life as well as the life of anyone else in your party."

GPS was developed by the US Department of Defense and became fully operational on 27 April 1995.

It uses a network of up to 32 Earth orbit satellites that transmit precise radiowave signals which allow receivers to determine their location.

The position is usually displayed on a moving map display and can include the time, direction and speed calculated from position changes.

Last month a new mapping system was adopted by Scottish mountain rescue teams in a bid to speed up search-and-rescue operations.

The scheme allows detailed maps of areas to be created digitally, containing information specifically tailored to the current operation, which can be shared with teams across the country.

The programme uses data profiles that predict the likely behaviour of individuals – such as an Alzheimer's sufferer or an experienced hillwalker – to create likely radii within which that person may be found, and important information such as base camps and last known sightings.