I teach GPS classes in Oregon. I always discuss waypoint management.

My recommendation is to always verify that a waypoint has been saved.

Waypoint verification is the latest topic on my blog; www.outdoorquest.blogspot.com.

Blake

www.outdoorquest.biz
www.outdoorquest.blogspot.com

Thanks for the link. I have rarely used the waypoint function on my GPS, which is a very basic Garmin Etrex Camo. Waypoints are managed with a little notebook and pen. When planning a route the waypoints (which are OSGB grid references) are listed in the notebook and can be quickly mapped to to the OSGB map.

Map and compass work is used, with the GPS used simply as a check confirmation that the grid reference waypoint listed in the route has been achieved especially if visual ground references are unavailable.

Here is the information for a waypoint i.e. half way up the Shank of Inchgrundle on the way to the top of Cairn Lick (the website link to the waypoint uses the 1:25,000 OSGB map style)

OS X (Eastings) 340216
OS Y (Northings) 778724
Nearest Post Code DD9 7YZ
Lat (WGS84) N56:53:46 (56.895998)
Long (WGS84) W2:58:59 (-2.983010)
LR NO402787
mX -332067
mY 7703068

The view from the Shank of Inchgrundle.

You can plan your route on the Computer using websites such as the one shown above and create a list on a printed out on a spreadsheet (the OSGB ref is shown in red above) and even download the waypoints on to a GPS using a RS232 cable and freely available waypoint management software. But I don't really bother with all this as a small notebook, pen, map and compass are all that is really required. The GPS is a nice addition though for checking your navigational skills especially during poor weather and at night time.

I recommend further that when you save the waypoint that it get a name of some sort.

Remembering what waypoint 051 is at trip's end of 15 or more taken is really difficult for me. But naming it 'woodpile' is pretty clear.....

I have primarily used a GPS to fix the location of recently located archaeological sites. I found it best, with the technology available at that time, to write down the waypoint coordinates on the survey form, and then give the survey number of the site to the waypoint.

For hiking in good condition, in known territory, the GPS is mostly a diversion and a fun gadget. In dicey weather, it can be fabulous, and I think I would write the coordinates down and be sure they were in the machine properly.

Couldn't agree more. Naming waypoints keeps navigation simple.

Blake

In my frequent handhel GPS experience, the single most important waypoint I save is named 'CAR.'

(As in- where did I park it?)

Agreed. On one occasion we were departing from a white Suburban (no marked trail) and the fog was rolling in. Every try and find a white car in the fog? I was glad I had the waypoint.

That is exactly why I wrote my post and emphasize the point in my class.

I have had a similar experience as yours. Experience is the best teacher.

Blake