GPS Datums

Q. Hello.

What an excellent website, tried one of your sample walks this weekend and am seriously thinking of joining - but would like help with the GPS waypoints supplied with your walks.

My GPS device requires I enter waypoints manually and it uses a notation different to that included on your website. My unit expects eastern and northerns with degrees and minutes, can you help me ensure the correct information is entered into my GPS unit.

I use a Garmin Forerunner 201.

Many thanks

Max Williams, Chester

A. All you need to do is change the GPS Datum on your unit.

Using the buttons on the side

- select MENU

- then SETUP

- then UNITS

- then under POSITION FORMAT select British Grid and under MAP DATUM select ord srvy GB.

Your GPS device will now display GPS Waypoints that match the grid on Ordnance Survey Maps - whether they are Explorer 1:25 000 scale of Landranger 1:50 000 scale walking maps.

This is extremely useful when trying to establish you current location - which is probably a GPS Device's most useful feature.

All you need to do is to take a GPS reading of your current location and then locate that grid reference on your map. And if you know where you are - then any decision you make next will be based on accurate information.

NB. If you are planning to use your GPS Device alot you should consider buying a GPS Cable. A GPS cable is relatively cheap and will not only save you a great deal of time uploading Waypoints into your GPS Device by hand - more importantly you can upload go4awalk.com GPS Waypoints directly into your GPS Device at the touch of a couple of buttons. This could stop you from making a mistake when entering GPS Waypoints by hand - which is all to easy to do.

Hope this helps

Mike (Editor)

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