Using GPS Waypoints

Q. Sorry new to GPS so just wondering how I use the gps data off the maps. We have an Garmin Vista.

Love the downloadable walks BTW.

Liz Sharpley, Manchester

A. Hi Liz, thanks for you comments.

On walks where we offer a downloadable GPS Waypoint file - open the file and follow the on-screen instructions - get a copy of the current newsletter for a free example.

Alternatively, if you do not have a cable to connect your GPS Device to your computer - simply enter the GPS co-ordinates printed on the walk pdf into your Garmin Vispa using its various buttons and on screen menus. (I'm sure your user manual will have full instructions on how to do this).

One tip though, it can be laborious to enter several sets of 12 digits before you start your trip - so wait until you are in the area, take a local reading and edit that reading to match the next waypoint - and so on.

You can do this as you go round adding each new waypoint when you are standing at the one before - it'll save you time and effort.

We are busy adding GPS Waymark data and embedding it into each pdf file as well as providing Downloadable GPS Waypoints that you can upload into your GPS Device with an appropriate GPS Cable - get a copy of the current newsletter for a free example.

The easiest way to locate which walks already have Downloable GPS Waymark data and/or GPS Waymark data embedded into the pdf is to:

Select the area you want to go to from the Walks or the Walk Search page.

: Walks with this icon have downloable GPS Waypoints you can upload into your GPS Device with a connecting cable.

: Walks with this icon have GPS Waypoint data embedded into the pdf which you can upload into your GPS Device by hand.
Alternatively, to see a list of walks which already have downloable GPS Waypoint files - click here

We are adding Downloable GPS Waypoints and GPS Waypoint data to our walks all the time (to our existing walks as well as all the new walks that warrant it) so keep a regular eye on the area of the country that interests you.

For the latest information about this (and anything else to do with go4awalk.com) sign up for our free regular newsletter.

Hope this helps

Mike (Editor)

A. Its important to set up the GPS correctly, otherwise the grid references will be dangerously inaccurate. The 'Units' should be set to Position format 'British Grid', Map Datum should be set to 'ord srvy GB'.

You can test accuracy at home by standing outside your house and marking it as a waypoint and then checking this against the grid references from an Ordnance Survey map.

If it says you live in a field half a mile to the south-east, you've got the wrong setup.

You can input all the GPS waypoints in order as a 'route'. This takes time, though and you've got to input carefully. Its worth doing though in the car before you start walking if the cloud base is below the summits or if the weather is likely to be wet and windy.

Inputting data accurately on the hill in bad conditions could be difficult and will try the patience of your companions as you fiddle with your little device.

The GPS will then lead you around the route and will point at the next waypoint in turn on the route - The waypoints ought to be be accurate enough to get you within sight of the next target in thick fog. But use a compass to set the correct direction from a summit if you've been sitting around for a while, as the GPS might well point in completely the wrong direction until it detects that you're actually moving - it may take up to ten minutes after a long stop to point at the next waypoint accurately.

Finally, if your GPS tells you that the next waypoint is (about) 60km away, and your current grid ref starts with high or low numbers (eg 00, 01, 98, 99) then check that the letters at the start of the waypoint are correct. NY99 becomes NZ00 if you move 1 km East, or NY00 becomes NX99 if you move 1km West.

Your OS map has a little box in the legend with the correct sequence of grid reference letters shown.

And carry some spare batteries by the way, most GPS devices eat them for breakfast.

Mike Knipe, Crook

Add your answer to THIS question | Ask a NEW walking and hiking question

Return to the main list of Walking and Hiking Questions

Search for an existing Walking and Hiking Question or Answer