GPS for Dummies.pdf - Engineering Surveyor

Introduction7this book from turning into an encyclopedia. So please don’t get upset ifI didn’t mention a program you use or you feel slighted because I endedup talking about one program more than another. On some occasions while you’re reading this book you’re probably goingto think I’m starting to sound like a broken record on one point I feel isvery important. If you venture out away from civilization with your GPSreceiver, please bring a compass and a paper map with you, and knowhow to use all of them. That means really knowing how to use them, notjust kidding yourself that you do. From many years of doing search andrescue work and finding lost people, I’ve discovered the following truths:• GPS receiver batteries die at the most inopportune time; especiallywhen you didn’t bring spare batteries with you.• If a GPS receiver breaks or gets lost, it will be at the worst possiblemoment.• GPS receivers are not Star Trek teleporters that will instantly transportyou out of the wilderness and trouble (this is also true when itcomes to cell phones). All the information in this book should set you on your way to becomingan expert with a GPS receiver and maps. That is, if you go out and practice!If you want to have guru status you need to be out there applyingwhat you discover in this book. Even if you don’t aspire to becoming onewith GPS and a master of maps, in order to get the most use out of yournavigation tools you need to become both comfortable and confidentwith them. Discover, experiment, and have fun!