GPS

Map and Compass skills are vital for any Scoutmaster on an outing.  That said, a GPS will come in handy on many outings and will take some of the guess work out during an emergency situation. 

Types of GPS

The two main options are dedicated GPSs and Smartphones.

Dedicated GPS

A dedicated GPS such as a Garmin eTrex comes in handy.  It is simple and can be loaded with maps, routes and waypoints

Pros:

• Reasonable cost (if you use it a LOT)

• Use of regular batteries are easy to replace

• Does everything you need

• Works

• Generally waterproof

• Rugged 

• Extra batteries are lighter than a powerbank

• Pings satellites more frequently than smartphone - so faster and more accurate reads

Cons:

• Very fussy setup and use - Once you load it up, it's fine, but learning how to use it is not intuitive

• Painful to use in age of smart phones

• Depending on model - limited battery life if you leave them on all the time

• Not multifunction (No messaging or camera)

• It is possible to upload new maps, but it can be pricy or painful

• Uploading routes is not intuitive 

Smartphone

The smart phone has come a long way and does everything.  It can work as a reasonable GPS once set up with proper apps and Maps

NOTE: most apps require cell service to access maps!

• Paid version of apps generally allows you to download off-line maps

  • Maps should ALWAYS be downloaded prior to an outing

• Some apps allow you to zoom in to a map when on-line and keep the most recent views when you go offline

  • This is DANGEROUS if you are relying on your app for navigation!

Apps:

• Google Maps

  • Great for Urban Areas

  • Can be used to map out many popular trails

    • Great for sharing map links with adults who can't reliably follow a map in an urban area

    • Use for Urban Hikes and Bike Rides

  • Limited trails 

  • Can download entire regions for offline use

• AllTrails

  • AllTrails is preferred app for On-Trail treks

    • Best option for most Hikers and Backpackers

      • Great for day hiking on established trails

      • Extensive crowd-sourced suggested hiking routes and reviews

  • User Interface

    • Easy to use

    • Less expensive than other apps

  • Utility

    • Designed for Smart Route Making for hikers and bikers

      • Trails easily snap to trails

    • No Bearing support

      • Used to measure bearings from different points

      • Helpful if using a compass to travel off trail

    • No Lidar

      • Used to help visualize slope-angle imaging

  • Map Making

    • Paid version allows you to download offline maps for Smartphone or GPS

    • Supports creating and sharing routes and tracks

    • Limited selection of maps

      • No USGS map option

    • Easy to created custom maps

      • Save as PDF and share with everyone on outing - since everyone should have a map

• Gaia GPS

  • Allows for finding new trails, recording your route, and saving hike statistics and performance

  • Great app for hiking and scrambling

    • Great balance between On-Trail AND Off-Trail support

  • User Interface

    • Easier to use than CalTopo

    • Simple item storage system for Waypoints, Routes & Tracks

    • Mountaineers membership gives you 1 year free

  • Utility

    • Bearing support

      • Used to measure bearings from different points

      • Helpful if using a compass to travel off trail

    • Lidar

      • Free version does NOT include Lidar

      • Used to help visualize slope-angle imaging

  • Map Making

    • Paid version required to download and use offline maps

    • Large selection of world wide maps

    • Decent printing features

• CalTopo 

  • Great avalanche shading feature

  • Allows you to print out with multiple layers

  • Very popular app for Climbers and Search and Rescue

    • Excellent mapping feature for off trail expeditions and missions

    • Originally designed for Search and Rescue

  • User Interface

    • Difficult to use

    • Must have Paid version to 

    • “Snap To Trails” route creation available on website but NOT phone app

    • Complex two-tiered item storage system

  • Utility

    • Bearing support

      • Used to measure bearings from different points

      • Helpful if using a compass to travel off trail

    • Lidar

      • Used to help visualize slope-angle imaging

      • Supported in free version of app

    • Search and Rescue

      • Preferred mapping app

  • Map Making

    • MANY map options

      • Many Map Overlays

        • Avalanche Slopes

        • Cell coverage

        • Fire danger

    • Best printing features compared to other apps if trying to create something beyond a basic trail map

• Guthook Guides

  • Designed for offline use

  • App best suited for Pacific Crest Trail and Appalachian Trail

  • Provides distance, elevation, waypoints, and location of water sources and campsites

  • You need to purchase trails individually 

• Cairn 

  • Another popular app

  • Allows you to share your GPS location

Pros:

• You probably already have a smartphone

• Does many things

• Easy to use (although you will need to figure out apps and how to download maps)

• Easy to read screens 

• Can be linked to Satellite Messenger for remote messaging 

Cons:

• GPS systems are phones are regulated by the FCC and have limited function

• So many uses means you may need a backup battery or charger

• Not designed to run navigation constantly - heat and energy consumption issues

• May not be waterproof

• Some will fail from humidity, rain or submersion 

• Not as durable if dropped on rock

• Great sadness if lost

• Good navigation apps require a monthly or annual fee

GPS Messengers

Some GPS models come with a built in Satellite Messenger.  These have obvious benefits.  Downsides are that these are often very heavy, bulky and expensive.  

GPS Watches

Like gadgets?  The GPS watch may be the most techy one you get for an outing.

Pros:

• Small, light and compact

• Great backup GPS

• Great for tracking metrics 

• Can be linked with phone or Satellite Messenger 

Cons:

• Expensive

• Limited battery life (depending on watch) - need to limit use

• Tiny screen

• Difficult to set up

• Technology advances so much that your investment is at risk of becoming outdated befor fully enjoying it