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This is a very helpful topic.  At least as much or more so than the best place to look for that monster bull.  A couple more questions for you all since 99.9% of the time my GPS is set to UTM not degrees because it is much easier to use IMO.  

1.  If the SAR folks are military personnel aren't they used to converting to different coordinate systems?  Also, I thought the military used the GRID system which is similar to UTM.  

2.  In the case of an emergency, can you just call out the UTM coordinates instead of fidling with your unit?  The SAR people can make the changes on their charts or on their GPS?

3.  I took a coastal navigation class with the coast guard, who told us not to rely solely on the GPS unit because cartography has not caught up with the GPS unit's accuracy.  So when you translate your coordinates on the map, be sure to use other methods to confirm your position.  The GPS coordinates point to a location on the map that could be a good place to pass when in fact there is a sand bar there.  The GPS is correct and the map is correct, but the map was created decades ago.  

Cheers,
Alex

www.cena.net




  

Message Thread:

• specific details on GPS EricL Jul 31 2005
  • The word from SAR experts- WGS84! Michael Strahan Aug 04 2005
  • Here is a great way to build confidence sapperski Aug 03 2005
  • SAR familiar w/most coordinate systems? Alex_Cena Aug 02 2005
  • NAD 27/ WGS86 Rutting Moose Jul 31 2005
    • Datums rost495 Aug 01 2005
      • A Call to the SAR folks Michael Strahan Aug 01 2005
  • GPS for Emergencies Michael Strahan Jul 31 2005
    • Datum for GPS John S Jul 31 2005
      • Villages Daveinthebush Jul 31 2005