navigation management for hikers

see also:

• risk management when camping
• radio for campers
• getting a weather forecast when camping or off-grid
• purchase digital maps:
  • see also https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Ff0m1iksfM
  • Victoria:
    • https://www.land.vic.gov.au/maps-and-spatial/maps/how-to-access-a-map
    • https://vicmaptopo.land.vic.gov.au/#/discover-map
  • Tasmania:
    • https://nre.tas.gov.au/land-tasmania/tasmap
  • South Australia:
    • https://cdn.environment.sa.gov.au/environment/docs/landfeatures_50000.pdf
    • https://www.environment.sa.gov.au/topics/science/mapland/contact-mapland
    • Avenza maps
  • Western Australia
    • https://www.landgate.wa.gov.au/location-data-and-services/maps/topographic-maps/
  • NSW and ACT:
    • https://portal.spatial.nsw.gov.au/portal/apps/webappviewer/index.html
    • https://maps.six.nsw.gov.au/etopo.html
    • https://www.spatial.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/217938/SS_TopoMapCatalogue.pdf
  • Queensland:
    • https://www.business.qld.gov.au/running-business/support-assistance/mapping-data-imagery/maps/topographic-maps
    • https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1TppBfaBCdaJM1th9PrVD-v_DM6IAEL3C7QqKLWG6r-4/edit?usp=sharing (old series, with lots of good info from https://lotsafreshair.com!)
  • Northern Territory:
    • https://geoscience-au.maps.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/b5deb336a04f456da5eb904f3e146f0d
    • https://depws.nt.gov.au/land-resource-management/info-systems/natural-resource-maps/nr-maps-information

• getting lost in the Australian bush is a major risk - everything tends to look the same and usually there is no mobile internet to help you when you most need it
• it is important to have a map and compass as well as smartphone or GPS, and recovery options such as carrying a registered Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) and to inform others of destination and expected return time prior to departure

• get a good compass and a topographic map for the area you will be hiking in
• know how to use the compass and map
  • learn how to set a compass bearing to a visualised target so you can keep walking in a straight line to the target even if you lose sight of it
    • see Youtube tutorial
  • learn how to position a map to true north based on the magnetic north of your compass and determine a bearing from the map to get to a desired destination
    • see Youtube tutorial
  • learn how to use two recognisable and visible landscape features to triangulate your position on the map
    • see Youtube tutorial
• see also: https://bushwalkingmanual.org.au/the-trip/practical-navigation/

• take a measurement of the angle to the peak of the mountain from where you are, let this angle be alpha
• walk z metres towards the mountain and take a second measurement of the angle to the peak and let this angle be beta
• height in metres = z x tan alpha x tan beta / (tan beta - tan alpha)

• most compasses are optimised for the hemisphere in which you will be to make it easier to adjust for magnetic north
  • most Silva compasses are balanced for a specific region and are designated MN (north hemisphere), ME (Equatorial) and MS (southern hemisphere)
• some compasses are global and can be used anywhere in the world
• compasses can lose magnetism or reverse polarity if stored close to a microwave device (EPIRB, smartphone) or magnetic material such as Apple iPhone MagSafe, etc
• compasses become inaccurate if used near other compasses, magnets, batteries, metallic objects, etc
• most compasses with glow in the dark markings are phosphorescent and require initial light then last for some 4 hours, some military grade compasses use radioactive material and do not need to be primed by light and will glow continuously for around 7 years
• some compasses have an adjustment screw to manage magnetic declination map error, others you need to adjust manually
• some compasses are marked in 360 degrees and some are marked in the more precise 6400 mils (milliradians) which is what is used in the military for artillery purposes
• some compasses are “lensatic” which means they use a magnifying glass set at 45deg angle to the compass to more accurately line up a bearing line
• Silva compasses
  • the base plate compasses utilise the Silva 1-2-3 navigation system
• lensatic military compasses
  • the tritium versions of thee are generally the best compasses for night time use
  • these are used VERY differently to base plate or mirror compasses
  • Cammenga Lensatic Tritium USGI Compass
    • $AU244
• compasses with mirror sightings
  • the mirror allows more accurate bearings to be taken (mainly an advantage in open terrain over long distances) but are heavier and more bulky
  • SUUNTO MC-2G
    • global needle; clinometer; luminescent; adjustable declination easily adjusted with the adjustment key which is attached to the lanyard; nice sized viewing notch in the mirror;
    • $AU99-129
  • Silva Expedition S
    • the new model has a Slope card and a Scale lanyard, and the new graphics contain a more distinct arrow and a more contemporary font
    • map-measuring scales in mm or inches, 1:25,000, 1:50,000 and GPS scales
    • can also map-measure 1:40,000
    • clinometer
    • luminous markings but none on the North needle limiting its utility at night; 86g;
    • $AU119
  • Silva Ranger S
    • $AU74
• other high quality compasses
  • Expedition 54B 6400-6400/360 Military Compass
    • Expedition 54 is a unique compass featuring both an optical precision sighting system and a SILVA 1-2-3 SYSTEM compass in the same unit which is great for artillery purposes but probably unnecessary for hikers.
    • B designation = Beta illumination Tritium compound 80 mCi which lasts for 7.5 years (hence discounted models may be at end of life!) and is not light activated, whereas the Expedition 54 has a light activated luminous compound which illuminates up to 4 hours
    • Precision sighting scale: 1 / 20
    • Measuring scales on base plate: 1:25k, 1:50k, 1:40k, mm, inch
    • UTM position plotting scales (Romer scales): 1:25k, 1:50k, 1:40k
    • Accuracy: +/- 0.5 degree (8.9 mils)
    • Settling time from 90 degree angle to complete rest: 6 sec
    • IP68
    • no clinometer or declination adjustment
    • $AU399
  • Expedition 4:
    • Accuracy: ± 1° (17.8 mils)
    • 4hrs illumination
    • UTM position plotting scales (Romer scales): 1:25k, 1:40k, 1:50k
    • Settling time from 90° angle to complete rest: 5 sec
    • 36g
    • $AU99
  • Expedition:
    • luminous markings
    • clinometer
    • can map-measure 1:40,000
    • Scales: 1:25k, 1:40k, 1:50k, GPS scales, Lanyard; 1:25, / 1:50, mm, inch
    • slope card, scale lanyard
    • 50g
    • $AU69

• bring a compass and topographic map as backup as well as an EPIRB especially if you are going out of internet range
• ensure you download maps for the area BEFORE going there as internet access is probably NOT available
  • an alternative so that your points of interest are available offline is to create points of interest on Google and export these to apps like maps.me:
    • log into Google then go to Google maps and at top left corner select Your Places then the Maps tab and hit CREATE MAP at bottom
    • add points of interest to the map by clicking on add marker from top toolbar - you can have up to 10 layers with 2000 points on each
    • you can view these on Google maps on your phone's Google maps app by tapping on the Saved icon at the bottom
    • to use with other apps such as map.me:
      • on your desktop PC, open up one of your saved maps in Google maps then click on the 3 vertical dots at the top, select Export to KML/KMZ and click Download
      • email this file to yourself so you can now access on your phone and send it to your phone app such as maps.me and then the map with your points of interest should be available even without internet access
• turn off WiFi and BlueTooth to conserve battery power
• ensure you take a USB power pack as your smartphone battery will not last long with GPS running

• NOT useful for emergency communications due to limited coverage
• generally not worth carrying while hiking, except for group management purposes
• they are popular with 4WD convoys and for groups of hunters
• see radio for campers

• much more affordable than a satellite phone, a satellite communicator just sends txt messages - no voice.
• a satellite communicator requires a satellite service subscription although usually you can just get a 1 month subscription relatively cheaply (eg. $AU54 annual fee plus $AU25 for a month on Iridium freedom plan) and this will allow a certain number of free messages with extra messages and premium weather messages (hourly forecasts instead of 6hrly plus more days) charged.
• example:
  • iPhone 14 Emergency Call now has satellite communication functionality
    • has automatic car crash detection and fall detection (if used with Apple watch)
    • can just use the two side buttons held down to initiate a satellite SOS call via GlobalStar satellite network
    • a satellite icon will display if it can access satellite when you do not have cellular access
    • there is a practice demo mode as you do need to aim it at a satellite and there is a graphic display to assist
    • will also send your Apple health record details as well as battery level on phone, GPS location and elevation
    • see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilXq-POO4d0
  • Garmin satellite communicator devices
    • this require a subscription to the Iridium Satellite network which lets you send and receive custom and preset text messages or emails with a delivery confirmation.
    • requires clear view of the sky to function
    • can Bluetooth pair with your smartphone via the Earthmate app to provide a user interface for texting, maps, location sharing etc
    • can do two way messaging to other InReach devices
    • can contact GEOS emergency services to activate rescue and get advice via the SOS feature
    • can update a Garmin mapShare webpage to display to friends and family where you are by optionally sending track points at 10 minutely intervals and they can also request a location data to be sent to them.
    • every inReach device comes with free access to a cloud-powered portal to plan your trips with routes and waypoints, create preset messages and quick texts, sync and manage your device settings, update your firmware, download additional TOPO maps, link your social media accounts, store all your location tracking data
    • turn off Bluetooth and Ant+ to save battery, plus keep it turned off if you don't need to do tracking;
    • having tracking on uses more battery but does mean your family and friends can see where you are and if you do fall off a cliff and can't activate the SOS at least they can see where you were!
      • an alternate method is to send them manual preset messages every so often which will save battery power.
    • eg. Garmin InReach Mini
      • 20 days use in power saving mode (Extended tracking mode)
      • for most people this will be a better buy than the much larger, heavier Explore model
      • see YouTube review and how to set up
    • Garmin InReach Explorer
      • adds preloaded DeLorme® TOPO maps with onscreen GPS routing plus built-in digital compass, barometric altimeter and accelerometer
      • NOT great for navigation using the maps! Need to create navigation routes on website BEFORE hiking and you must put in a series of way points to create straight line routes - no good for winding trails!
      • NOT compatible with other Garmin maps!
      • see review on Youtube
      • NB. SE version is slightly cheaper and yellow but does not come with maps or the built-in digital compass, barometric altimeter and accelerometer
  • ZOLEO Global Satellite Communicator
    • no user interface requires Bluetooth to smartphone
    • basic $AU32/mth plan with Iridium
    • creates a dedicated Australian mobile phone number and email address for messaging

• this device has ONE JOB only - to send a continuous radio distress signal if you activate it
• latest batteries lasts around 7 years usually
• they need to be registered with the local radio beacon service
• the main downside is they will not activate if you fall off a cliff !
• in Australia, the GME MT610G Accusat GPS Personal Locator Beacon is highly recommended as it is Australian made, has a Sydney factory replaceable 7 yr life battery - most others you have to buy a new device at end of life! check the battery exp date before you buy one!

• Starlink satellite network
  • coverage in 2022 includes “nearly all of Australia and NZ”, most of USA and Europe, Brazil, Chile and Japan
  • require a clear view of the sky to connect
  • aims for global mobile phone service after 2023.
  • Starlink for Recreational Vehicles
    • vehicle mounted or portable standing satellite dish designed for in-motion use (standard Starlink gear is not made for in-motion use)
    • as at 2022, initial cost $AU450 then $AU174/month and you have the ability to pause and un-pause service at any time and is billed in one-month increments, allowing users to customize their service to their individual travel needs.