Gps and Paper Maps

Not a competition!

Each of the 500 walks on this website has a link to a GPX file. Personally I do not use a prescribed route but plan any walk from the paper version. The paper maps allow me to gain a feel of the land you are about to walk in and I love spreading one out on the walk to reference the land around. However I also use the O/S mapping app on my phone to pinpoint my exact position.

There is some misunderstanding about how GPS and paper can be used and when they are best used. Hopefully the following will help explain.

How a GPS works

GPS (Global Positioning System) works by finding your exact location via the use of a series of satellites drawn from the American military satellite system. Your device (weather handheld or an app on your smartphone) pull these together to work out your location. At a basic level this can simply provide a 6 or 8 figure grid reference (I use Grid Reference FreeOS app) and then convert this location on to a paper map). Easy and useful.

At a second level the location from the satellites can be used to pin point a position on an O/S map (1.25 or 1.50k). Like a satnav in a car it positions you on a map, in this case an online map. There are a number of devices and apps available for this but I prefer the O/S mapping app which I use on my smartphone. For roughly £25 a year you can (nearly) always use the 1.25,000 online map provided to show your position. I find this useful if I am unsure exactly where I am (which of course as a Mountain Leader never happens!!).

Downloaded Routes

On a third level you can pre plan your route (either by yourself on your laptop or downloaded from websites such as this). Then the route is simply added it to either the on line map or used as a series of coordinates. Therefore your route is clearly outlined on the GPS device/phone (and not in your head or drawn on a paper map) . Personally I do not like to use an exactly prescribed route anyway and prefer the flexibility of making my choices whilst out and about.

There is no need to have a phone signal to read a GPS. However some of the older mapping tools only load (or load very slowly) without an internet signal. The location my be there but not the map!

When does a GPS not work?

From a practical point of view failing to get a ‘fix’ only happens when batteries run down on the device (usually the smartphone). Alternatively the device may get wet and does not work, the tracking on the device is not switched on or if the American military decide to turn their signals off! This happens rarely. One word of warning however. If you have on line maps open on your phone for an extended period they will run your battery down quickly.

Using Paper Maps (and Compass)

The Mountain Rescue teams and 95% of any outdoor walking companies will strongly recommend the use of a paper map on any walk and the ability to use it. I certainly do.

The main reason is that using a GPS makes map readers lazy. In essence the GPS device/phone gives you your location at any point in time which is great. What it does not do is help you interprate the land by understanding how a map works. You cannot learn how to navigate without learning on a large scale map. There are numerous examples of things that can go wrong which entail moving off a prescribed route of having to look at a larger map which cannot be seen on a small screen. ie: it tells you what the problem is but not how to sort it out.

There may be an accident, members of a party may struggle, a river on route may be impassable after rain or you simply fancy shortening or changing the route. Any change of route requires the individual to interpret the map, look at the contours, the boundaries, paths and navigate successfully. This is much more straightforward by using a paper map (as long as you understand how it works).

Another practical reason for not being wedded only to a GPS’s is that anyone heading for the higher hills may need to use a compass. On line compasses are hopeless.

How I use a Paper Map

The previous sections describe the more practical aspects of using a GPS or/and a paper map. The following reasons are why I will continue using paper maps and recommend everyone to, at least learn the mechanics of navigation, on them.

• To Plan a Walk. There is nothing better than laying out a paper map in the warmth of your home and ‘looking for walks’. Discover the best options by using the features on the map to picture the day, look for alternatives and work out some rough timings.
• Route Alternatives. Once on the walk you can have some alternatives depending on the terrain you are on and how you and the party feel. Spread the map out and look.
• Compass Bearings. It is much easier to take bearings on an ‘orientated’ map when you are in cloud or low visibility. I enjoy using compasses; following a bearing in such conditions is very satisfactory.
• Looking at what’s around. The size and detail of a paper map enables you to stop, look around and work out what is where eg: which mountains, villages etc: A great excuse for a rest but make sure the map is orientated correctly.

Difficulties of a Paper Map

The O/S paper maps can be difficult to manage in bad weather, it can be easier to pull out your phone. I do not like the laminated O/S map versions (they are too large and the features fainter. Therefore I usually pre fold the normal non laminated maps to the appropriate walking area (take the cover off if necessary) and have a handy sandwich bag if it rains. The maps therefore fit neatly in to my jacket map pocket.

The O/S maps do contain a lot of detail. Some of it is difficult to read particularly if the light is not good. However if you are really struggling have a look at Harvey Maps. They are very good and clearer. Much of the clutter has been removed (such as parish and council boundaries) yet the principles are the same as O/S maps. Once you can read an O/S map you can read a Harvey’s map.

Summary

My preference is to use both! A GPS locater can be extremely useful to see exactly where you are (although of course everyone should know) and sometimes having a peak on your phone when there is a route choice is more convenient. However any use of GPS is no substitute for a paper map, simply an addition.

Enjoy your Walking

Jonathan