other+navigational+aids

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GPS receivers
**GPS receivers must be viewed as a back up to map, compass and the knowledge to use these.** A GPS receiver with dead batteries is no use as a navigational aid . If you are planning to use your GPS receiver then make sure you pack spare batteries.

A minimum of 4 satellites must be "visible" to the receiver for it to work; this may not be the case in a valley with steep sides or a heavily wooded area.

Make sure your receiver is set to the correct "datum". The user guide will explain this. In the UK (on land) set it to OSGB datum.

If your GPS receiver has WAAS capability, turn this on for more accurate navigation.

The way you hold your GPS will affect its accuracy, depending on the type of antenna:
 * If there is an antenna sticking up from the top then hold the unit as vertical as possible
 * If there is a gap between the top of the screen and the top of the unit then hold the unit as horizontal as possible

If you use the "GOTO" function on your GPS to take you to a point, the GPS will take you the most direct not the safest route; this may involve cliffs, water features and other hazards so do not just follow the GPS blindly.

video on [|starting off your GPS] video on [|setting up your GPS for use in the UK] [|GPS beginners' guide] [|how to use a GPS] [|Garmin guide to using a GPS]

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">[|Photo] showing the perils of relying on your GPS

altimeters
[|advice on use of altimeters found in some watches]

finding north without a compass
This technique is most accurate around noon (especially so in summer and winter). The shadow from a stick in the ground is marked, then maked again a little later (and repeated a few times if there is time). The first shadow is the west end of the line passing between these points and the final shadow is the east end.
 * Stick and shadow**

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This can be used to creat a "sun compass" - if you make one of these be aware that the east west line needs to be redrawn if the length of the day changes.

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The use of a watch and the sun to estimate direction is widely described but is not accurate.