Idiots question about GPS

[tmt77]

Hi all

Never had a GPS before as I've always stuck to the old map and compass. However I've recently been looking at the Garmin Foretrex as a useful check nav.

My question is this does the GPS provide a grid that is transferable to an ordinary paper map or can you only use it to nav on its own.

Sorry if this is a very bone question, but its not quite clear to me from the blurb on the website.


Thanks in advance

[Kepis]

My question is this does the GPS provide a grid that is transferable to an ordinary paper map

In a word - 'Yes'

[tmt77]

Haha ok thanks

I thought it should but couldn't see anything specific about it

[Mick w.]

I think it's to do with the settings; you'll probably get them in latitude/longitude format and may well have to change them over. Straightforward enough once you find the relevant 'page'.

[ged]

The OS and GP datums are different, but not by enough to worry you.

[Kepis]

I think it's to do with the settings; you'll probably get them in latitude/longitude format and may well have to change them over. Straightforward enough once you find the relevant 'page'.

yup, you can alter the settings to show location by UK OS grid ref, lat/long ect, there are literaly dozens of different ones to choose from, well you can with my Garmin

[Jackdaw]

They are very usefull as a check nav and for much more. They even have a primitive map that will trace your route and allow you to cache.

In answer to your question about grid references: if they are set up correctly (the user manual will show you how) it will display a 10 figure grid reference including the British Nation Grid two-letter code. This is transferable to the map. If a 1:50000 map then you should probably change it to a 6-figure grid reference for ease of use.

http://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/oswe...d/nghelp1.html explains the BNG system.

http://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/oswe...gps/index.html gives a good guide on use of a GPS.

Please feel free to ignore if you suddenly find eggs in your mouth!