GPS Assistance Required

Share navigation tips, discuss map-reading, compass use etc.

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The Lost Legionnaire
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GPS Assistance Required

Post by The Lost Legionnaire »

I have recently acquired a Garmin 'etrex' GPS navigation system.

Could any 'GPS experts' do me a favour and tell me the exact elavation, longtitude and latitude readings for:

a) The centre of the Avon Dam
b) The island on Meldon Reservoir
c) The TV mast on North Hessary Tor


so I can check I'm doing it properly.

Thank you.
"So I find myself among brave south western hills....................running like a madman on the moor"
Boo Boxers
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Post by Boo Boxers »

I'm sure Dizzy will be along shortly to help you out!
www.4x4prejudice.com

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Post by Dizzy »

Boo Boxers wrote:I'm sure Dizzy will be along shortly to help you out!
Errm..................well.......................sorry, but I've never used a GPS device! I'm the old school with a sighting compass. Heck, I feel as though I've let the side down now. :cry:
(Edited by me)
Well, you got me interested (as usual!). I've spent the past hour researching on the internet and came across a fantastic interactive map of Dartmoor, well all over the world as well. You can select a tool, click on the point you need info on the map, zoom in (keep zooming in, bit slow though but worth the wait) and then be presented with a grid reference AND.............GPS bearing!!!! What about this for a search result then! :D

Check this site out ....
http://www.magic.gov.uk/website/magic/v ... ale=500000

Just check North Hessary TV Mast.........
Full grid ref: 257818, 74201
100mm grid ref: SX 578 742
Latitude, Longitude 50.55, -4.01


Not sure about the elevation bit though :(
Paul
Last edited by Dizzy on Tue Sep 26, 2006 8:15 am, edited 4 times in total.
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Boo Boxers
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Post by Boo Boxers »

No, apologies - thats completely my fault!

I though you used a gps - must have been someone else! :oops:
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676 found only 324 to go!
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Post by Dizzy »

Boo Boxers wrote:No, apologies - thats completely my fault!

I though you used a gps - must have been someone else! :oops:
See above Boo Boxers, I think I've got the answers at hand!

Paul
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Post by Boo Boxers »

All along I knew you would have the answer!
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676 found only 324 to go!
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NUMBER 70
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Post by NUMBER 70 »

A word of warning, make sure your GPS Unit is set to the correct 'map datum' setting, ie not WGS84, as this will affect the grid refs you are using. You will need to consult you manual on the correct setting, there should be a list to scroll through on the set up page.

I only found this out from Geocahing as they set it to WGS 84 and degrees, minutes seconds or one of the other three which im not going to list

Where as Letterboxers use ORD SRVY GB and 12345,12345

The default datum for garmin is WGS 84
World Geodetic System

Just happen to have my instruction book to hand, did not write this off the top of my head, not that clever!!!!
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The Lost Legionnaire
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Post by The Lost Legionnaire »

Thanks guys, problem sorted Number 70 to the rescue. Map Datum changed and BINGO. I also did a test to see if it could navigate me back to my car from 3 miles away..........................result, 3 yards from the vehicle it informed me that I had reached my destination. Top Toy.
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Post by Nik - KOTM »

That is the only real reason I use my GPS to get me back to my car - hopefully never to use it to find my way back to a casualty - though I would use it for that
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Post by wooiee »

the only problem i've found is that it will take you the most direct route.
which doesn't always mean its the quickest. if you get the map out ther can often be a bridle way or track winding its way beside you.
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Last edited by wooiee on Fri Feb 18, 2011 8:41 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Post by Brinnie »

I use a Garmin Etrex and I thinks it great, so much quicker especially if you are walking a long distance into the moor. I use it in OS and WGS84 depending whether I am letterboxing or geocaching, I often have to change from one format to another on a walk it only takes a few seconds. The only thing it doesn’t convert it exactly, it’s only the last figure that would be wrong, and that’s only a pace or so.
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Post by The Lost Legionnaire »

I keep mine in OS mode, this geocaching nonsense doesn't interest me in the slightest. :x
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Post by Brinnie »

I would always put letterboxing before geocaching. I have been letterboxing for 15 years now. I visit the Dartmoor caches when I am letterboxing in the areas where there are caches. I find caching very useful when the weather is too bad to walk on Dartmoor. A while ago I had arranged with a friend to have a days letterboxing on Dartmoor unfortunately the weather was too bad to attempt to go onto the moor, so we headed for Cotehele in East Cornwall, the weather was so different down there and we had a good walk in a new area and found several caches, much better than canceling our walk.
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Post by Brinnie »

http://www.dartmoorgps.co.uk/

Try this site. Brrinnie
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Post by wooiee »

thanks added it to the links...
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Last edited by wooiee on Fri Feb 18, 2011 8:41 am, edited 1 time in total.
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