The theory behind global positioning system devices is compelling: Since the devices can tell their position in longitude and latitude to within 20 feet, users can never be lost. In reality, though, GPS users are finding themselves ... lost.
Search and rescue volunteers base this conclusion on anecdotal evidence. But it seems GPS technology is making many hikers and backpackers feel overconfident in their backwoods skills.
I've heard stories of people being lost in the woods with thousand-dollar GPS devices," says volunteer Shawn Gillogly. The biggest problem with GPS "is that it assumes you know how to use it. Nothing can replace proper orienteering skills and training."
Sales of GPS devices have grown exponentially in recent months. Popular gadgets such as Garmin's eTrex were the craze in camping supply stores this summer, and navigational systems that use GPS are showing up in many high-end car models.
Still, even as the technology becomes more popular, consumers remain unaware of its limitations. Although the service is theoretically available almost worldwide, it may not work near high cliff walls or dense trees. It also demands some understanding of orientation.
A smart backpacker will always carry "a detailed topographical map and a compass, and not the battery-operated kind," Gillogly said.
The backcountry isn't the only place where GPS users are finding themselves lost. Buildings, underpasses and tunnels also confuse or stop GPS devices.
"I knew (the system) was off when it showed us driving into the Pacific Ocean," said Dan Faust, who used a navigation system in a Ford Taurus rental car.
Some GPS enthusiasts have discussed replacing physical addresses with GPS coordinates, especially in cities like Tokyo, which doesn't have a regular numbering system for buildings and homes. But don't expect GPS to solve city navigation problems in the near future.
http://www.wired.com/news/technology/0,1282,60379,00.html
Search and rescue volunteers base this conclusion on anecdotal evidence. But it seems GPS technology is making many hikers and backpackers feel overconfident in their backwoods skills.
I've heard stories of people being lost in the woods with thousand-dollar GPS devices," says volunteer Shawn Gillogly. The biggest problem with GPS "is that it assumes you know how to use it. Nothing can replace proper orienteering skills and training."
Sales of GPS devices have grown exponentially in recent months. Popular gadgets such as Garmin's eTrex were the craze in camping supply stores this summer, and navigational systems that use GPS are showing up in many high-end car models.
Still, even as the technology becomes more popular, consumers remain unaware of its limitations. Although the service is theoretically available almost worldwide, it may not work near high cliff walls or dense trees. It also demands some understanding of orientation.
A smart backpacker will always carry "a detailed topographical map and a compass, and not the battery-operated kind," Gillogly said.
The backcountry isn't the only place where GPS users are finding themselves lost. Buildings, underpasses and tunnels also confuse or stop GPS devices.
"I knew (the system) was off when it showed us driving into the Pacific Ocean," said Dan Faust, who used a navigation system in a Ford Taurus rental car.
Some GPS enthusiasts have discussed replacing physical addresses with GPS coordinates, especially in cities like Tokyo, which doesn't have a regular numbering system for buildings and homes. But don't expect GPS to solve city navigation problems in the near future.
http://www.wired.com/news/technology/0,1282,60379,00.html