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Navigation - Maps, Compass, GPS How to find your way - traditional map, compass and road signs, or GPS and more
Photo by Alessio Corradini, on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, of two locals

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Alessio Corradini,
on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia,
of two locals




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  #1  
Old 31 Oct 2011
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Which GPS for 4WD
Right,

so, for a trip like we all do, in a 4WD, which GPS would you select ? Seems like Garmin is on top of everyone's list, but then, would you pick mounted or handheld or both ? Are maps easily available for all these remote places like East Russia or Mongolia ? I read Zumo, Montana, etc they all look pretty much the same to me.

Is it worth having one at all or "paper-maps" and a compass, old school style, is just as good in a remote area ?

And last question, do they work in -50celcius condition ? (i.e Northern Siberia etc).

Tx for any advice you can throw at me,
Boags.
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Old 31 Oct 2011
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I wouldnt put my eggs in one basket - use a combination of paper maps with a GPS and mount a good quality auto/marine compass (compensated) on the dash of your vehicle - saves having to get out to shoot accurate bearing with a hand held compass when its bloody freezing - carry a handheld compass too as a back up.

You will probably end up relying on local knowledge more than you think, though everything locals say has to be taken with a pinch of salt - use it to back up what you think is a correct route, not as always accurate.

I prefer using a handheld GPS in an auto mount - the Garmin 60CSX/62 or the new Montana are flexible units.

GPS do work in the cold, if its on the dash it should be warm enough- if you are operating it handheld, keep the unit warm under clothing next to skin and use a remote antenna velcroed onto your pack for a reliable signal.
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  #3  
Old 31 Oct 2011
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Hi,

Im just selling my Garmin GPS. Its actualy for cars but i used it on my bike. Its got all the maps of africa but i can put on the russian and mongolia maps for you. 100 Euro + Shiping. PM if interesdet...

LG, Tobi
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  #4  
Old 1 Nov 2011
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Boags View Post
I read Zumo, Montana, etc they all look pretty much the same to me.

Is it worth having one at all or "paper-maps" and a compass, old school style, is just as good in a remote area ?

And last question, do they work in -50celcius condition ? (i.e Northern Siberia etc).
"They all look pretty much the same to me...."

I would recommend you either read up or speak to Garmin and take the time to learn how to use one. In the EU with proper mapping software, it's not a problem to switch on and find a post code but navigation is a skill that takes time to learn and practice. Ask any rescue team ! then ask how many they have rescued from being lost who carried all 'the toys' but had no idea on how to use them.


Paper maps and compass (and the knowledge on how to read and use them) are wise to have and, IMHO, would be a must have if going to remote areasfor your own safety.

  • All electronic devices will fail the colder it becomes
  • You must use Lithium batteries (alkaline fail fast in cold) and power the unit from vehicle too
For example- The Montana- a pretty rugged unit
  • Battery charging only takes pace between 0 degrees C to 45 degrees C.
  • It is designed to work from -15 degrees C to +70 degrees Celcius
If you are going into serious cold, you will need to take appropriate measures to keep your unit within those operating temperatures.

Old but still good tip
If you have a notebook that has XP as its op system (does not work on windows 7)
Load up Nroute (discontinued which is a shame) from Garmin
Plug in GPS in your USB port and there you have your moving map on your notebook screen just like the gps screen -easier on the eyes.
Last edited by Bertrand; 1 Nov 2011 at 15:56.
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  #5  
Old 1 Nov 2011
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bertrand View Post

If you have a notebook that has XP as its op system (does not work on windows 7)
Load up Nroute (discontinued which is a shame) from Garmin
Plug in GPS in your USB port and there you have your moving map on your notebook screen just like the gps screen -easier on the eyes.
That's what I use, I cannot fault nRoute it's very versatile.

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