Bonneville America Forums Forums Off Topic Discussion Forums Lounge Global backwoods positioning

Larry's thread, 'Motorcycle GPS' lead me into my own personal investigation into GPS as it applies to the back country. I could see I was going to derail Larry's thread so I started this one. Okay....

Am I barking up the wrong tree here in thinking that a GPS system wound and could tell me where I am at any given crossroads in the mountainous terrain all around me? Ed (oldroadie) was saying in Larry's thread... 'you're probably looking at a very different beast if you want to run thru the woods'. This leads me to thinking GPS is not suited for so-called 'alternative' usage such as what I have in mind.

I've been under the impression all along that GPS could tell a person where they are via satellite triangulation, with the coordinates superimposed on a map of the area. No? Yes? Is GPS in fact a useful tool for a guy like me who wants to head up some abandoned logging road on his Enduro to explore the back country in the surrounding mountains? Maybe all I need is Google Earth... but I doubt I'd find a wifi connection out in the middle of nowhere.

If you think you can educate the old guy on latest technology, give it a shot. I'm not so old I can't learn, just so ya know!!!

I'm thinking you need something more like a Canadian version of the Garmin 60CSX loaded with maps from your neck of the woods. You're right, all of these "gps" devices use the global positioning satellites to pinpoint your location but you really need a device that displays specific map to turn the coordinates into a mapped location you can actually use on the move.

A friend of mine has a bike sat nav . Which has a Green Lane map system . He does a lot of off-road trails riding. Over here we have a lot of footpath/bridle-paths (mainly for horse riding) This bit of kit has all the path's on it so you can go off road following the map for miles and brings you back onto main roads . Found link to a small post about it showing a photo. Would have thought there are similar systems over your way. Might be worth checking land-rover/off-road clubs sites as I think more people do this in cars than bikes . One good thing about having one is if you get into trouble .You can get help alot quicker to you as you Know exactly where you are.

http://greenlanecrew.proboards.com/index...2398&page=1

The sat nav
http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Memory%20Map-Adventure-3500-Handheld-GPS-Unit-Great-Britain_40729.htm

But I think you have to have something like this which you pay monthly/yearly
http://www.trailzilla.com/ Have put in canda for you . but does all over the world . Give's you something to check out keith and give you bit more understanding maybe.
Atb geoff

When I was quad riding out your way one of the guys had something like this.


With the local maps in it. worked well.

If you get a GPS that reads out actual co-ordinates, you can pinpoint your location on a map even if you are too far from a road for it to show on the GPS screen.

You got the gist of it Keith. The GPS coordinates are superimposed on a map of the area. If a road or trail is not on the map then you won't see it, but, your location will still show up on the map. It will show how close you are to roads that are on the map. As someone already said, you should be able to get a GPS that will allow you to add roads.

Keith,
I use automotive GPSs on the bike. Those GPSs all have a feature that will give you actual coordinates of where you are (even on that remote back road) however if that road has not been mapped that road will not show up. Surprisingly a lot of logging roads are mapped out.
Side road or backwoods roads that get you some piece of land you may own or even hiking trails WILL NOT show up on any GPS.

Had to come back to this...I forgot something...
There is a setting on the automotive GPSs (not all, but some) that lets it track your path. You can then save that route.
I do not know if this would work if you were traveling on backroads.

Some of the handheld GPSs that hikers use might be a better option. Also...there may be specific maps available for your needs but you would need to know which GPS you intend to use first.
Some of my nerdier friends do Geocaching and use these types of units.

I would check the REI website as they are one of the more reputable outdoorsy retailers out there (in my neck of the woods) then take what you learn and purchase accordingly.

One word in GPS: Garmin

Click the "Compatible Maps" tab
Click the "View additional maps for this product" bullet
Click on the " On the Trail Maps" located below.

The learning curve begins... I'll check out all the links provided here and get to talking to my snowmobiling, quading, hiking and hunting friends. Good stuff guys, thanks a bunch!

I have a hand held garmin i use when hunting around the Rock Creek area , i bought a set of maps on cd which can be loaded into the garmin that show logging roads, old towns ,railway lines ,mines etc etc . I will dig em out and get you more info if you need it Keith .

I have a DeLorme it can upload satellite images from my computer to be used as back country maps. I have had it for about 4 years and still cant quite figure it out. It seams to work good with maps anywhere you are at,even in the brush.

I've never used a GPS. Have been in cars with others that have them and it's either a love or hate relationship with the little "map". I hope you find what you need Keith.

I've never had one either, Kathy so am a bit in the dark with these gadgets. But with the fine help from people here I should be able to figure it out in due time.

My only use of a GPS was when I was on my buddies' boat, find a good fishing spot,set your GPS to it and be able to hit that spot any day! or set your way points and be able to find your way back to dock come fog or night fall.