# As we become more reliant on technology in all

![](https://www.chelmerandblackwater-ramblers.org.uk/administrator/cache/preview/cf03c2fca563a4a89ca4e20025929b07.jpg)

**walks of life, it’s important that** we understand the benefits and limitations of GPS devices and **•** You should assume that you will not always **maintain ‘traditional’ navigation skills, using** have mobile reception while on your walk.
technology as a helpful complement to a map
**•** How and is your and compass.
phone? You may need to purchase a water
Increasingly is used to assist us and/or shockproof **case**.
navigate when we are out walking. Technology
**•** How reliable is the of your phone, can be helpful so long as you know how to use it especially in cold weather? Do you have a and understand its limitations.
back-up power supply? How can you limit the
There are a wide range of designed use of your phone when walking to conserve for walkers and a growing number of battery life?
that provide detailed digital
**•** Do you have a to use in an maps and route finders. GPS devices and emergency?
smartphone apps can be helpful navigation tools when used in conjunction with a traditional map **•** When you are wearing will the and compass. touchscreen still work? Some gloves are made with fabric designed to work with touchscreens.
**•** Will the touchscreen work if it is ?
**•** How will you cope if you , the or your ?
Use this factsheet alongside
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These are also available on the
Assemble document hub.
and compass. Your in particular conditions,
There are some that all walkers the device may fail, or the batteries may run should bear in mind, but despite their limitations, **flat, particularly if you’re unexpectedly** technology offers some for delayed navigation and is a valuable back up to Constant use of these apps can competent navigation skills. , leaving you unable to use your **It can:** phone in an emergency Provide a very useful tool in the The battery power on some phones can be stages compromised or lost altogether in Help to clarify Most smartphones are Provide on your pace, elevation and and if they are distance travelled dropped Provide a tool to your walk to use again later Always carry a map and Offer a tool to with other compass, even if you use them walkers primarily as a back-up.
Provide **up** that may have changed since a physical map was printed (e.g. changed woodland, new built features etc)
Mobile phone apps offer very map quality
Some apps offer a desk-top version so you can plan your walk on your computer You can watch a helpful summary of using technology to navigate **here**:
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One of the many benefits of members of the
Ramblers is our membership app. This app gives
OS Locate is an for your you access to thousands of led walks each year smartphone that also gives you an accurate as well as a library of thousands more walks to longitude and latitude reading and your current elevation. enjoy at your leisure.
Apps such as OS
Locate are designed to provide basic information that is a very useful addition to a map. It may help to confirm your current location or help you relocate when you are lost or if visibility becomes poor. OS locate relies on GPS satellite signals so is not reliant on your phone network The library of routes features descriptions and signal. waymarks to guide you along the route. Your smart phone can track your progress on the digital map against your chosen route. Photos We strongly recommend that all and waymarks also help to keep you on track.
walk leaders have access to You can save routes to your phone so that they on their walks. work even if you are out of mobile phone range.
Never store your phone near a magnetic compass as your phone can damage the magnetic charge on your compass needle.
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A device is a hand-held receiver that picks up signals from
**•** The more channels a receiver has the more satellites circling the earth, enabling you to locate chance the unit will find enough satellites to your current position to an accuracy of 10-20m.
pinpoint your location accurately
Most modern GPS devices can then show that position on a map and, if you have stored a pre- **•** An external power socket is a useful feature, programmed route, help you navigate along it. for example if you want to save power when using your GPS in a car connected to a Many walkers find GPS devices a useful gadget, mobile charger or cigarette lighter or use it but they **aren’t a substitute for traditional maps** with a solar powered charger and compasses in outdoor navigation. This is because: **•** Good battery life is essential **–** and make sure you pack some spares **•** To use a GPS successfully you will already need to have a reasonable **•** A good screen that displays quality colour will of map reading and make the map more readable.
navigation.
**•** GPS , especially Large screens are easier to read in remote areas where accurate navigation is but are likely to use more battery safety critical: power.
The signal may fail in particular conditions (tunnels, gorges for example)
**• Will the buttons work if you’re wearing** the device may fail gloves? Will they be pushed accidentally the batteries may run flat, particularly if when you put the unit in your pocket?
## you’re unexpectedly delayed
**•** If you want to store lots of routes, then you will need plenty of memory space **•** Will your GPS connect to your computer (most will by using USB connections), and will it integrate with any electronic maps and mapping packages you want to use? Will it accept routes from your favourite online sites?
**•** Is it also equipped with a magnetic compass?
This is a useful feature to have as a failsafe if connection with the satellite fails **Page 4 of 4 Last updated: 25/02/2021**