Latitude-Longitude Ruler for USGS 7.5' Topo Maps

This file is in PDF format to allow you to easily copy it to your computer. Print onto cardstock, or if you prefer, onto transparency material, then cut it to size. When printing to transparency material, use an inkjet printer rather than laser printer if possible, as the heat of the laser fusion process can stretch the transparency. Make sure print scaling in the printer dialog box is turned off. Use of this ruler is described in Outdoor Navigation with GPS. You are granted permission to make copies for your own personal use but may not produce copies for sale, nor may you store it for access by others, either online or in a shared file system. (PDF format 71k)

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Multi-Purpose Scale for USGS 7.5' Topo Maps

This file is in PDF format to allow you to easily copy it to your computer. For best results, print it onto transparency material, then cut it to size. If possible, print using an inkjet printer rather than laser printer, as the heat of the laser fusion process can stretch the transparency. Make sure print scaling in the printer dialog box is turned off. You are granted permission to make copies for your own personal use but may not produce copies for sale, nor may you store it for access by others, either online or in a shared file system. (PDF format 48k)

Click Here to download instructions for using latitude-longitude rulers (PDF format 125k)

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GPS Accuracy

Read the pages from Outdoor Navigation with GPS that describe the accuracy you can expect from your GPS receiver. (PDF format 118k)

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TUTORIAL: Connecting a GPS Receiver to a Computer: USB vs. Serial Ports

One of the problems with new computers is that they no longer come with a serial port, or RS-232, interface. For most users, this is not a problem. Modern computer periperals have long since abandoned the slow, obsolete serial connection for the much faster and more flexible USB interface. GPS receivers are one of the last holdouts for this antiquated technology. This tutorial explains how to connect a GPS receiver to a new laptop or desktop computer that does not have a serial port connector. (PDF format 138k)

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TUTORIAL: GEOCACHING: Finding Offset Caches

Once you've learned how to find standard, or regular geocaches, it won't be long before you'll want to head out on more advanced searches. The offset cache is one example. What makes it challenging is that the GPS waypoint coordinates posted on the cache's home page are not the location of the actual cache. Instead, they form the starting point from which you must perform additional navigation. This tutorial shows what you need to do to find an offset cache, and how to use your GPS receiver to locate the offset position. (PDF format 240k)

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TUTORIAL: Basics of Map and Compass Navigation

Not ready to dive into GPS navigation techniques? Here is a brief tutorial on traditional map and compass navigation. Even with a GPS receiver, you should always know how to use map and compass as a backup, so these techniques are also described in Outdoor Navigation with GPS. (HTML format)

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TUTORIAL: Trail Mapping with GPS Receivers

GPS receivers are ideally suited for creating maps of hiking, biking, and vehicular trails. This tutorial describes how to use a consumer-grade receiver from such manufacturers as Garmin or Magellan to generate reasonably accurate trail maps. (HTML and PDF formats)

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TUTORIAL: MAP AND COMPASS NAVIGATION: Aiming Off

When hiking with only map and compass, you can rarely follow a bearing precisely enough to get you exactly where you want to go. This tutorial describes a technique known as "Aiming Off" that allows you to compensate for this error by deliberately hiking a path to one side or another of the desired bearing. (PDF format 125k)

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