Many people, mistakenly believe handheld GPS units completely replace the old standby — a handheld compass (and its map companion). For short hikes on your home turf, perhaps, but for serious outdoor activities, here are three reasons why you should bring your compass and map.
GPS Units Do Not Display Directions Accurately Unless You are Moving
First, GPS units display accurate directions to you only while you are moving. When standing still or moving very slowly you’ll get directional readings that vary wildly, which is not very handy if you are standing on top of a mountain trying to figure out which direction you are facing.
Higher-end GPS units and newer iPhone models include built-in electronic compasses that detect the Earth’s magnetic field rather than relying on satellite communications. These will produce roughly the same 2 to 5 degrees of accuracy you get with a regular compass, and can be a good substitute, but consider some of the other reasons you will want your compass and map.
GPS Display a Limited Amount of Fine-Scale Information Unless You Zoom Out
The small screens on GPS units and phones limit the amount of fine scale data you can see at any given time. The overview you get from studying a map is more likely to stick in your mind when the going gets tough. Furthermore, plotting courses on a paper map works without satellites, and it allows you to view topography information over a broad area. No zooming required. Unfortunately, it’s hard to plot courses with a phone or GPS unit.
Analog Has Staying Power, Not Battery Power
A handheld compass is less likely to break or malfunction than more complex instruments like GPS units and other mobile devices (although some GPS units are very rugged). A more likely scenario involves the pack of AA batteries sitting on your dashboard back at the trailhead. Carry a GPS unit, and use it to store waypoints and periodically double check your progress, but consider using the compass and map to track your route. It will help you get a feel for the terrain, and helps cut down on battery waste.
Need to know more about why you should have both a compass and GPS? Visit Compass-HowTo.com to learn all you need to know about this and all kinds of other compass topics. You’ll find compass reviews and recommendations, and resources for learning how to use a compass.
