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Gps Devices In The Desert
By James Coates
Navigating wastelands pose numerous problems – even with a device. Scarce landmarks mixed with undulating sand dunes challenge even the best navigators attempting to chart a course. In addition, the underlying danger of hidden canyons to navigate around heightens the degree of difficulty.
Luckily devices can help you navigate a clear path through the desert. Since vegetation is sporadic, your device will have continuous communication with satellites – unlike trekking though densely covered forests that block signal paths. Using waypoints, one can easily chart distances in the desert which can then be indicated on maps that truly reflect the landscape.
Distances are difficult to judge in the desert since usual points of reference (steep drop-offs, unusual tree formations, etc.) are all but absent. To get around this, identify any landmark that is easily distinguished from the background and indicate it as a waypoint on the unit. Seek out one more and indicate that point as well. From those two waypoints distance can be calculated. Judging distance with the naked eye alone can be deceptive.
Since desert topography shifts more than forested areas, maps can contain erroneous information. Nevertheless, using a paper map and a unit allows you to indicate on the paper map the locations of erratic landscapes and places to avoid on the way back, which leads to a safer crossing of the desert.
Taking along a can save your life if
used wisely. But it can also carry a false sense of security. Bring your unit but also remember to do the following:
•Always check weather conditions and routes thoroughly before setting off into the dusty horizon. Conditions can change rapidly so check them often..
•If traveling by car, remember to check the oil and gas at the last stop.
•Bring road and trail maps that correspond to your maps and waypoints.
•Bring at least a gallon of water per person per day.
•Never set off into the desert alone. Use the buddy system and inform others of your whereabouts.
•Bring extra batteries for your unit - its not just your body that can become overheated.
Since most areas in North America have been explored, finding a detailed map to bring with you for any of the four major desert systems causes no problem. However, even if you have all the necessities for your trek into the barren lands, remember each desert is different and contains unique dangers. James W. Coates has trekked across deserts in India and Africa and knows the importance of sticking to the beaten path – sometimes! Join him at Nomadik.com and share your desert stories.
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