by Ian Loft

Created on: April 06, 2007   Last Updated: April 27, 2007

A global positioning system or GPS is one of the many products that emerged from the space race, and satellite technology where the earth is ringed by hundreds of different communications and observational devices. Geostationary satellites form the basis from which ground signals can accurately determine location with pinpoint accuracy. GPS is considered a must have' for nearly all navigational purposes however there is one problem that sometimes leave users high and dry failure!

Sputnik orbited the earth for a short time and transmitted a signal faithfully to the millions of excited radio hams and scientists tuned into the frequency. Ultimately the signal faded and Sputnik faded into history. Maps and compasses on the other hand served for as long as navigation came into existence until the 1950s when the first satellite heralded the dawn of satellite communications. Using a picture of the ground the definition of a map navigation using a compass is not difficult to learn and requires no power source or signal to continue working.

Experienced navigators understand the magnetic variation and will also have the skills to know their position with a glance at the map. Natural features used to give direction and distance remain fixed, and from any place where they can be seen offer a perfect target from which a compass bearing will accurately place the user on their map.

In combination, the most effective navigation will be using a GPS with map and compass. Many experienced navigators will use the GPS as confirmation because they rely on their magnetic compasses and maps for their primary direction and positions. Either system in isolation will work as effectively therefore it is really up to the individual to select and use what is best for a given situation. It always pays to remember that any electrical and mechanical device can fail relying on GPS alone without ensuring a map and working compass is available will be a folly.

Learn more about this author, Ian Loft.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.