Death by GPS' in the Desert

[Photologyst]

Death by GPS' in the Desert

'Death by GPS' in desert - Sacramento News - Local and Breaking Sacramento News | Sacramento Bee

Like many people, I often go into remote areas or the desert to photograph, being very careful to have enough water, proper clothing, survival gear and stay oriented to my surroundings at all times.

Getting “lost” due to reliance on a GPS system is a rather common occurrence whether in town or in the wilderness.

I don’t have a GPS, having observed all too many people trust the unit as it was failing them—and still they pressed on, instead of using their own heads.

The best GPS system is one’s brain, a compass along with a recent, detailed map. An emergency kit and survival training, including how to find water in remote areas, are also a must.

For people wanting to understand and if lost, survive in the American SW deserts I can highly recommend this fabulous book by Craig Childs: Amazon.com: The Secret Knowledge of Water : Discovering the Essence of the American Desert (9780316610698): Craig Childs: Books ”There Are Two Easy Ways to Die in the Desert: Thirst and Drowning”

A while ago there was a tragic story of some French tourists who left their 2 children in the hotel and proceeded to hike into a box canyon, despite having been warned of the danger because a storm was coming. The tourists did not believe the locals, because it was a sunny day. They ultimately drowned, leaving behind two orphans.

[Krusty79]

I don't get out to the desert much, but I'd be more afraid of using GPS to navigate through a big city and get routed through the middle of gangland and get carjacked or worse. An electronic device is no substitute for common sense and advice from the locals.

[dlambert]

Originally Posted by Photologyst

Death by GPS' in the Desert
...

The best GPS system is one’s brain, a compass along with a recent, detailed map. An emergency kit and survival training, including how to find water in remote areas, are also a must.

...

Absolutely! Don't get me wrong -- I'm happy to have a GPS to help out around town, but my camera backpack's got a compass in it, and I've been glad to have it on more than one occasion.

[Photologyst]

Originally Posted by Krusty79

I don't get out to the desert much, but I'd be more afraid of using GPS to navigate through a big city and get routed through the middle of gangland and get carjacked or worse. An electronic device is no substitute for common sense and advice from the locals.

Very true, Krusty.

In many parts of the world people use the car GPS as if its info written in stone. I’ve had many a cabbie get lost, in their own city via the GPS in Europe or Asia, and finally be forced to break out a map. lol

Recently, a friend was driving very fast on European country roads following the GPS, which was leading us nowhere close to our destination. Finally, she got exasperated, turned the thing off, used her head and we were there within 10 minutes.

One thing that is good to have in electronic gear for remote locations is a “personal locator beacon.” They are pricey though: Amazon.com: ACR SARLink Personal Locater Beacon One Color, One Size: Electronics

[Biomech]

I have a GPS!! But as a backup I have a number of years training in military reconnaissance win!

[Photologyst]

Originally Posted by dlambert

Absolutely! Don't get me wrong -- I'm happy to have a GPS to help out around town, but my camera backpack's got a compass in it, and I've been glad to have it on more than one occasion.

I am wondering if any photographers here make regular use of one of these for their photos?: digital images GPS - Products

[dakwegmo]

I love technology, but it's no replacement for common sense. A GPS can't read that "Road Closed" sign.

[dakwegmo]

Originally Posted by Photologyst

I am wondering if any photographers here make regular use of one of these for their photos?: digital images GPS - Products

I tried a couple of similar devices but was not happy with either of them. Instead, if I want to geotag my photos, I'll snap a shot with my iphone and then copy that info to the photos I want to tag. It's not bad for one or two images, but is tedious if you have a bunch of shots.

[Photologyst]

Originally Posted by dakwegmo

I tried a couple of similar devices but was not happy with either of them. Instead, if I want to geotag my photos, I'll snap a shot with my iphone and then copy that info to the photos I want to tag. It's not bad for one or two images, but is tedious if you have a bunch of shots.

Here’s a geotagging SD WiFi card that looks promising:

Eye-Fi Geo X2 card - the simplest way to get your photos to your Mac and iPhoto '09 | Eye-Fi

[Digidave]

I use the AMOD GEO-Tracker along with a free program called GeoSetter. Works nearly perfectly. I say nearly because you need to remember make certain your camera's clock is set properly. The AMOD will track your steps with a time stamp & GeoSetter will sync the photo's time stamp with the AMOD unit.

http://www.digital-photography-school.com/amod-gps-photo-data-logger-review