GPS Facts and Figures | Technology | Ordnance Survey Leisure Page 1 of 2

GPS Facts and Figures Enter keyword(s) Search

GPS has revolutionised navigation over the last 30

years. Many walkers now pack their GPS device in
their day sack alongside their map and compass and
see it as a vital piece of kit. If you’ve never given a
thought to the technology involved in getting you
from A to B then read on for some facts and figures
you may not have considered before.

What is GPS?

• The Global Positioning System (GPS) was

developed by the United States Department
of Defense as a reliable means for accurate
navigation.
• Some elements used by GPS were
developed as early as the 1950’s but the first
satellite, called NAVSTAR 1 (an acronym for
Navigation Satellite Timing and Ranging), was launched in 1978. This followed the development
of GPS a few years before.
• It is based on a network of 24 active satellites which travel at speeds of around 7 000 miles per
hour
• They orbit the earth at a very high altitude of approximately 12 500 miles.
• GPS Satellites circle the earth twice a day in a very precise orbit
• They transmit signals to earth.
• GPS receivers take this information and use triangulation to calculate the user's exact location.
• Each satellite is built to last 10 years. Each one is replaced after this time by a new one which is
launched into orbit.

Using GPS technology you can determine:

• Location (where you are)

• Velocity (speed you are travelling)
• Time
• Speed
• Bearing
• Trip distance
• Distance to destination
• Sunrise and sunset

Use:

• It can be used 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, in any weather conditions, anywhere in the
world.
• GPS receivers are line-of -sight instruments, they need to see the sky to operate. This means
you may have reduced signal if you are in heavy tree cover.
• A GPS receiver must be locked on to the signal of at least three satellites to calculate a 2D
position (latitude and longitude) and have the ability to track movement.
• With four or more satellites, the receiver can determine the user's 3D position i.e. their latitude,
longitude and altitude.
• Horizontal and Vertical Positioning - Once the user's position has been determined, the GPS unit
can calculate other information, such as speed, bearing, track, trip distance, distance to
destination, sunrise and sunset time and more.

A GPS will give you current position accuracy:

• Typically +/- 15 metres 95% of the time

• Less than 7 metres 50% of the time

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GPS Facts and Figures | Technology | Ordnance Survey Leisure Page 2 of 2

• However, the new generation of GPS receivers have typical positioning of +/- 4-5 metres.

Where to buy a GPS device to suit you?

The Ordnance Survey shop stocks a large range of Garmin GPS devices to enhance your outdoor
activities. The range is suited to those looking for all the functionality you would expect from Garmin.
Ordnance Survey maps can be accessed at the touch of a button allowing you to locate your position
and safely navigate around your route.

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A Guide to Geocaching | Technology | Ordnance Survey Leisure Page 1 of 3

A Guide to Geocaching Enter keyword(s) Search

Geocaching is on the rise. Not only is it a great way

to engage your children in walking, it is also a good
way to liven up your own weekly hikes. If you are
one of the many people who now own a GPS you
might be thinking about giving this exciting activity a
go yourself. Read on to find out exactly what it is
and how it’s done.

What is Geocaching?

Geocaching (pronounced gee-oh-cash-ing) is an

outdoor adventure game, where GPS technology is
used to create a modern treasure hunt.

Caches are planted in hidden locations across the

landscape in town or country areas. A cache is a
small, waterproof box containing a selection of items
including a logbook and pen or pencil. Geocachers seek out these hidden treasures guided by
information and GPS coordinates, or ‘waypoints’ posted on the Internet.

Using a Garmin GPS device, you can explore an area to find where a cache has been hidden. Once you
have located the cache, you may find it contains a reward for you to keep. If you take something out of a
cache, you should leave something in return. This can be anything from a small toy to a coin or a pencil
(see below).

You must leave the cache in the same place and in the same condition as it was found for the next
visitor. Sometimes a cache will contain a clue to find more hidden treasure.

Once back from your adventure, return to the cache website and leave your comments for the hider and
for other Geocachers inspired to track it down. You could also create and hide some caches of your own
to widen the opportunities for Geocaching.

The Rules

Once the Geocacher finds a cache, they must:

1. Fill in the logbook

2. Take something out of the cache (if desired or available)
3. Put something into the cache (if requested)
4. Return the cache to the exact position and condition in which it was found
5. Log the details of your discovery, and any helpful comments on the cache website

As well as a logbook and pen or pencil, a cache may contain any number of non-perishable, non-
valuable items such as toys, books, money, jewellery or trinkets. You never know what the person who
created the Geocache or previous visitors may have left. Enter the time and date of your visit in the
logbook and consider leaving something for the next Geocacher to discover.

How to mark a Way Point

To turn on the GPS press the bottom button on the right. (insert image)

Stand outside in an open area with no trees over head.

Wait for the GPS to gain satellite reception (this can take a few minutes)

Once you have satellite signal press the FUNCTION button on the top right of the GPS. This switches
between screens available. (image) This button also acts as a BACK button so will return you to the
previous screen in standard operation.

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A Guide to Geocaching | Technology | Ordnance Survey Leisure Page 2 of 3

Once you find the MAIN MENU, use the button

on the front to select the MARK icon (This is
how you plot a WAY POINT or the location of
your chosen geocache). By pressing down on
the button this selects your option.

You can rename your WAY POINT by selecting

the number on the flag and putting in the name
of your waypoint.

Select the location and input the coordinates of

the geocache you have chosen from
geocaching.com. Once you have done that
select the GO TO button located at the bottom
of the screen and the GPS will guide you to
your selected location.

The compass screen will tell you the speed you

are walking at, how far away you are from your
WAY POINT and your HEADING.

The Trip Computer screen will tell you how far

you have travelled (TRIP ODOMETER), your
current speed, your average speed (MOVING
AVERAGE) and how long you have been
walking for (MOVING TIME).

How to plot a route

To plot a route first you have to plot the WAY POINTS.

These mark points on the route you need to follow to
reach your end destination. You can plot up to 20 Way
points.

From the MAIN MENU select ROUTES. Then select

NEW. You can rename your route by selecting the
name field which will be displayed as EMPTY.

Select the dotted line, this will show you the FIND
menu. Select the WAY POINTS option. This will
provide you with a list of your saved WAY POINTS.

Select the WAY POINT you want to find first. This will
be listed as the first WAY POINT. Select the dotted
line underneath the list of WAY POINTS to add further
WAY POINTS.

Once you have plotted your ROUTE via your saved WAY POINTS select NAVIGATE and the GPS will
direct you to your first way point. Once you reach your first way point the GPS will lead you to your next
way point until you reach your final destination.

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http://www.magazine.ordnancesurveyleisure.co.uk/magazine/tscontent/editorials/tech... 25.07.2012