Navigating Using Compass and GPS

Introduction

  This lab consisted of using the navigation maps created in the Creating a Navigation Map lab to navigate a five point orienteering / navigation course at the UW - Eau Claire Priory. The goal of this lab was to complete the course and to mark the course points with spray paint. Figure 11.0 is a map of the UW - Eau Claire priory where the navigation course was located.

Fig 11.0: UW - Eau Claire Priory Location

Methods

  First, the navigation maps were handed out. Figure 11.1 is a photo of the navigation map used. Although there were three people in each group. The best map created in the group was chosen to be used. This is the same map that was created in the Creating a Navigation Map lab. Also, Professor Joe Hupy set up a GPS tracker so that he could see where the group traveled to. This will be used in the results section of this lab.

Fig 11.1: Navigation Map Used.

  Then, each group was assigned 5  UTM coordinates of which they were to navigate to using whatever method they chose. The group the author was in chose to use a compass, a navigation app called Bad Elf GPS, and a Garmin GPS unit. The set of coordinates which were navigated too can be seen on the below in figure 11.2.

Fig 11.2: Course 1 UTM Coordinates

  Next, these coordinates were plotted on the map and lines were drawn from point to point so that a bearing could be easily gotten using the compass. The lines have been edited using Adobe Illustrator to help display the navigation points and lines. Also, the parking lot and Priory halls were labeled for reference.

Fig 11.3: Navigation Points and Lines

  After that, the group was ready to start navigating. This was done by using the Garmin GPS, the Bad Elf GPS, and the Compass App. A bearing was taken with the compass using the navigation map, and then, a tree was picked in the distance which was in line with the bearing. Once the group reached that tree, then another tree was picked which was in line with the bearing. Because the group didn't know if each point was marked, when it was thought that the group was close to the course point, a tree was chosen to be the navigation course point. The group used the UTM coordinates from the Garmin GPS, and the Bad Elf app to get within at least four meters of each navigation point.

  At each course point, spray paint was used to mark the trees. Figure 11.4. shows Ben marking the first point.

Fig 11.4: Marking Point One With Spray Paint

  The course points were specific trees and were supposed to marked with pink tape. If they didn't have pink tape on them, they were marked with yellow tape. Figure 11.5 shows Ben marking a previously unmarked tree with yellow tape.

Fig 11.5: Marking The Tree With Tape

  The letters C1 P1, C1 P2, C1 P3, C1 P4, and C1 P5 were also painted on the tree. These markings can be seen below in figures 11.6, 11.7, 11.8, 11.9, and 11.10.

Fig 11.6: Point One

Fig 11.8: Point Three

Fig 11.7: Point Two

Fig 11.9: Point Four

Fig 11.10: Point Five

Results

  Unfortunately, Professor Joe Hupy incorrectly set up the GPS tracker for the authors group and no track log was collected. Therefore, no track-log map can be created. However, to prove that the group at least made it to one of the points correctly, a photo was taken of the Garmin GPS while at point three. This can be seen below in figure 11.11.

Fig 11.11: Location of Point Three

  The coordinates for point three were E 617640  N 4958159. The coordinates of the Garmin GPS unit are E 617639  N 4958159. This means the the group was only one meter off of the actual navigation point location. For the other locations, the group made sure to be within at least 4 meters of both the false easting and northting.

  Figure 11.12 is a map of the navigation points and the ideal path the group would have taken to navigate to each point. However, it is likely that the group didn't walk in a straight line. There were a few points where it was difficult to find, but for the most part it was pretty easy. There were already markers on the trees for points one four and five. The group did the whole navigation course in one hour which means that it took about 12 minutes to navigate from point to point. 

Fig 11.12: Navigation Points and Lines Map

Conclusion

  Navigating with GPS and map and compass is a good field experience. Although this lab only consisted of finding course markers. The skills learned in this lab could be applied to many things. A good example is if one wanted to find and mark the property corner of a persons property in a remote area. One could use the techniques learned in this lab to locate and mark the plot corners. Another example could be if one got lost while walking a stray from a hiking trail. One could use these geospatial tools to help find their way.