4. Navigation

Navigate with GPS

4b.
Demonstrate how to use a handheld GPS unit, GPS app on a smartphone, or other electronic navigation system while on a campout or hike. Use GPS to find your current location, a destination of your choice, and the route you will take to get there. Follow that route to arrive at your destination.

Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers and smartphone navigation apps are powerful modern tools that provide pinpoint location data anywhere on Earth. However, electronic devices rely on battery power and satellite visibility, making it vital to understand how GPS works and how to integrate it with traditional paper maps.

How GPS Works

A GPS receiver calculates its exact position by measuring the time it takes for radio signals to travel from an orbiting constellation of satellites. To determine a precise three-dimensional position (latitude, longitude, and elevation), your device must acquire signals from at least four satellites simultaneously (a process called trilateration).

Common Coordinate Formats

  • Latitude and Longitude: Measures position in degrees north/south of the Equator and east/west of the Prime Meridian (expressed as Degrees/Minutes/Seconds or Decimal Degrees).
  • UTM (Universal Transverse Mercator): Divides the earth into numbered 6-degree zones. Coordinates are given in Zone, Easting (meters relative to the central meridian), and Northing (meters north of the equator). UTM coordinates are especially easy to use with USGS topographic maps featuring 1,000-meter grid squares.

Demonstrating the Three Required Steps

To complete this requirement on a real hike or campout, follow this three-step sequence:

Find and Verify Your Current Location

  • Power on your GPS receiver or open your navigation app (e.g., Gaia GPS, AllTrails, or Avenza Maps).
  • Wait in an open area with a clear view of the sky until the unit achieves an accurate satellite fix.
  • View your location screen to read your coordinates and altitude. Cross-reference these numbers with your paper topographic map to verify that your digital location matches the physical terrain around you.

Select a Destination and Plan a Route

  • Choose a meaningful destination on your hike (such as a scenic overlook, trail junction, water source, or campsite).
  • Create a Waypoint (a saved coordinate point with a label like “LUNCH_SPOT” or “CAMP_WATER”).
  • Create a route or direct navigation line (“Go To” function) to that waypoint. The device will calculate your bearing (direction to travel), distance remaining, and estimated time of arrival.

Follow the Route to Your Destination

  • Use the navigation screen / digital compass pointer to guide your heading along the designated trail.
  • Monitor your progress on the map display or track-log screen.
  • Hike the route with your patrol until you arrive at the designated waypoint.

Critical Battery and Field Management

Electronic devices face unique failure modes in the wilderness:

  • Cold Weather: Freezing temperatures drain lithium-ion batteries rapidly. Carry your phone or GPS unit in an inside jacket pocket close to your core body heat.
  • Offline Maps: Cell towers do not reach deep backcountry valleys. Always download map layers for offline use before leaving home.
  • Power Backup: Carry a fully charged portable power bank and charging cable in a waterproof zip-top bag.