1. EASTERN SHORE GROUND SEARCH AND RESCUE
GPS TRAINING
Revision 3, April 2019

2. Today’s Objectives Understand how GPS basically works
Understand the limitations of GPS
Describe common error sources
Input waypoints in the classroom and in the field
Navigate to points in the field using basic techniques by following task instructions.
See handout for specific competencies

3. Important Basic Concept
A GPS receiver is an accessory not a replacement for a map, compass, and good basic navigation skills

4. Classroom examples are based on the Garmin GPSMAP60 and GPSMAP76 as these are the type the team owns.

5. Do not change settings on GPS units

6. GPS Introduction
The Global Positioning System was originally developed by the US Department of Defense
As of 2018, there are approx. 31 satellites that orbit the Earth at 20,000 km. They weigh about 900 kg, travel at 14,000 kph and are about 5 m across.
Designed to last years

7. GPS Introduction 3 satellites are required to calculate a position
4 satellites are required to calculate a more accurate position and elevation

8. GPS Introduction
In order to receive signals, the unit must have an unobstructed view of satellites
Signals can be blocked by trees, buildings, outcrop faces however, they can travel through glass/plastic
Always ensure the antenna has a clear view of the sky

9. GPS Introduction
GPS is the most accurate method of electronic navigation available to the general public.
The GPS is only a navigational aid. It is meant to enhance, not replace, traditional map and compass navigation.
Along with a GPS and spare batteries, you should always carry a map and compass.

10. How ESGSAR Uses GPS Determine a team’s location in the field
Create a record of a team’s travels
Assist in navigating to specific locations
GPS data is used for planning and debriefing

11. Grid Reference Systems
Topographic maps have two types of grid reference systems:
Geographic (Latitude and Longitude)
Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM)
GSAR in Nova Scotia uses UTM

12. UTM The UTM grid is a ground based system.
The grid consists of a system of lines forming squares over the entire map.
The area of a square depends on the map’s scale.
The grid lines are numbered and printed along the borders of the map and at intervals on the map area.

13. UTM
A grid map reference is given by a zone and pair of numbers (an easting and a northing).
The zone for mainland Nova Scotia is 20 T.
A UTM map reference looks like:
E N

14. UTM The easting has 6 digits and the northing has 7.
The easting is always read first.
Using a metric ruler and a 1:10000 map, you can determine the location of an object within 10 meters or better.

16. Example of a 1:10000 scale searcher map

17. Map Conventions Eastings run along the top of a map
Northings run along the left side of a map

18. Map Conventions
On our searcher maps, eastings and northings on BLUE LINES end with an asterisk (*)
The asterisk represents three zeros.
For example: 481* =

19. Map Conventions Eastings increase left to right
Northings increase bottom to top

20. Map Conventions
The numbers on the red lines show only the last three digits of their actual value
For example, the 600 circled below represents:
481600

21. Calculating Grid References
Locate the map feature you want to generate a UTM grid reference for.
This example uses a 1:10000 scale map.

22. Calculating Grid References
Determine the easting
1. Measure (in mm) the distance from the BLUE LINE to left of feature to the feature itself.
31 mm

23. Calculating Grid References
Determine the easting
2. Add a zero to the end of the measured distance of 31 mm:
310

24. Calculating Grid References
Determine the easting
4. Locate the value of the BLUE LINE to the immediate left of the feature.
481*

25. Calculating Grid References
Determine the easting
5. Replace the * in 481* with the (310) to give the Easting:
481310

26. Calculating Grid References
Determine northing
1. Measure (in mm) distance from the BLUE LINE below the feature to the feature itself.
26 mm

27. Calculating Grid References
Determine northing
2. Add a zero to the end of the measured distance of 26 mm:
260

28. Calculating Grid References
Determine northing
4. Locate the value of the BLUE LINE below the feature.
4952*

29. Calculating Grid References
Determine northing
5. Replace the * in 4952* with the 260 to give the northing:

30. Calculating Grid References
Putting the easting and northing together, you get the UTM grid reference for the school: E N

31. UTM Grid Reference Exercise
Using the provided 1:10000 searcher’s map, determine the grid references for the following:
A) ESGSAR Bus.
B) Camp.
C) Waypoint #4.

32. UTM grid reference exercise
Answers
A) ESGSAR Bus: E N
B) Camp: E N
C) Waypoint #4: E N

33. Datums
Map grids are based on a series of accurately surveyed points called datums.
Newer Nova Scotia maps use the NAD83 datum.
Using the wrong datum can result in grid references being off by hundreds of meters.
When inputting grid references to a GPS, the user must ensure the datum of the GPS is set to the datum of the map.
A map’s datum is located on its margin.
Nova Scotia GSAR teams use the NAD83 datum.

34. Basic GPS Features
Most GPS receivers have similar graphic displays, including:
Satellite page that displays signal strength and location
Navigation page that displays a compass face and navigation information
Map page that displays position, waypoints, tracks and maybe maps
Menu page for adjusting various GPS settings

35. Basic GPS Features
Most GPS receivers have similar function buttons, including:
Light, zoom, power, page, menu, mark waypoint, find waypoint, enter and select.

36. GPSMAP60 features and controls

37. GPSMAP76 CSx features and controls

38. Example pages of the GPSMAP60

39. Viewing GPS Pages Exercise
Turn on the GPS. Press its page button repeatedly to cycle through the available pages. Take specific note of the satellite, navigation/compass and map pages.
Note: If you are using a unit other than the
GPSMAP 60/76, consult your owner’s manual or ask
an instructor how to view your unit’s pages.

40. GPS Setup
For standardization only team GPS’s are to be used on a search.
Non-team GPS can be used but for personal use only.
To ensure accurate data and uniform use, all GPS receivers used on a search must be configured to the team standard.

41. ESGSAR GPS Standards
The team GPS units are pre-configured to the standard prior to a search. The basic standard is as follows:
If power < 50%, replace batteries. Issue spare set.
Set datum to “NAD83”.
Set position format to: “UTM”
Ensure bearing and heading are displayed and are in degrees magnetic.
Clear all waypoints and tracks.

42. ESGSAR GPS Standards
It is beyond the scope of this course to go over the detailed configuration of these units.
At no time is it allowed for “anyone to alter settings or data fields.”
If you are interested in learning more about the configuration standard, please let an instructor know and we can set up a time to follow-up.

43. Determining Location
In order for the unit to determine your location, it must receive signals from orbiting GPS satellites.
To get these signals, the unit has to have a good view of the sky. Getting a signal can take a minute or so.
The GPSMAP60/76’s will display the text “acquiring satellites” until a signal is obtained.

44. GPSMAP60/76 showing current location
Satellite Page
Trip Computer Page
GPSMAP60/76 showing current location

45. Reporting Location Exercise
Our re-radiating antenna in this building allows GPS signals to be received without going outside. To get a signal, ensure your unit’s antenna faces the internal antenna. If you are outside doing this, give the antenna a clear view of the sky.
Turn your unit off then on again and try to get a signal.
Once the unit gets a satellite signal, it has determined your location. The GPSMAP60/76 shows your location on its satellite page and trip computer page (if configured). Find the location display.
When asked, report your location.

46. Reporting Location Exercise
Answer
Present Location: E N

47. Waypoints
A GPS has the ability to create a database of locations called “waypoints”.
A main function of a GPS is navigating to a stored waypoint.
A GPS tends to name waypoints with numbers.
The user can re-name waypoints. For example, the waypoint “002” can be re-named to “camp”.

48. 1. 2. 3. 4. Example of saving your position as a waypoint
Select way-point name.
Press the Mark button.
Edit way-point name. 4.
Click OK to save the way-point.
Example of saving your position as a waypoint

49. Saving Your Position Exercise
Save the location of the hall (remember your GPS thinks you are standing outside the hall) as a waypoint. Name the waypoint “HALL”.
What are the coordinates of the hall?
If you are using a team unit, refer to the “Saving your position as a waypoint” handout. If you are using your own, check your user manual or ask for assistance.

50. Saving Your Position Exercise
Answer
HALL: E N

51. Saving a Given Coordinate
A waypoint can be created from a set of coordinates.
The datum set on the GPS must match the datum of the given coordinates.
This feature has many uses during a search including:
Ensuring a team is dropped off at the right location.
Marking location of a clue.
Navigating to a specific point in heavy brush.

52. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Example of saving a coordinate as a waypoint
Press mark button.
Select coord-
inate.
Edit
coord-
inate. 4. 5. 6.
Select way-point name.
Edit
way-point
name.
Click OK to
save
way-point.
Example of saving a coordinate as a waypoint

53. Averaging a Waypoint 76csx
There may be times when you will be asked to average a waypoint, such as when you find a clue while on a search. If so, it is possible to get a more accurate waypoint location by “averaging”. The procedure is as follows: (see mark waypoint screen)
Mark position
Choose “average” on bottom left screen
Press enter
You will be taken to a screen that shows the coordinate, estimated accuracy, elevation and measurement count
As the count increases, you will note distance decreasing thereby becoming more accurate. Press “SAVE”, then “OK”

54. Entering a Given Coordinate
Create waypoints in the GPS using the coordinates that you determined for the SCHOOL, ESGSAR, BUS, CAMP AND WAYPOINT #4, name them appropriately and save them.
If you are using a team GPS unit, refer to the “Saving a given
coordinate as a waypoint ” handout. If you are using your own,
check your user manual or have an instructor assist you.

55. Waypoint Navigation
One of the most important functions of a GPS is its ability to guide a user to a stored waypoint.
GPS receivers have several pages that are useful for waypoint navigation including:
The map page allows the user to see where they are in relation to their destination waypoint.
The navigation page uses a compass face to display bearing, heading and distance to the waypoint.

56. Waypoint Navigation
A GPS can generate a variety of useful navigational information including:
Distance and bearing to a waypoint
ETA to waypoint
User’s heading
Distance traveled
Map of the area
Distance user has drifted off original bearing
GPS margin of error
Rate of travel

57. GPS Navigation Standards
ESGSAR recommends using a compass and a GPS to navigate to a waypoint.
There are two GPS navigation methods:
Path of least resistance (finding the easiest route)
Following a bearing (walking a straight line)

58. GPS Navigation Standards
This course will demonstrate the “path of least resistance” method
The “following a bearing” method is beyond the scope of this basic course

59. GPS Navigation Methods
Path of Least Resistance Method
Read the bearing to the waypoint from the GPS and set the compass.
Note the distance to the waypoint and set off following the compass bearing.
Occasionally check the bearing and distance to the waypoint on the GPS. If you had to adjust your course to avoid water, deadfalls, etc., dial the new bearing into the compass and set off again.
Continue in this manner until arriving at the waypoint.

60. 1. 2. 3. 4. Example of navigating to a waypoint
Press FIND, select Way-points, press ENTR.
Select waypoint and press ENTR.
Select Go To and press ENTR. 4.
Note the navigation information displayed by the Compass and Map pages on the left.
Select Off Road and press ENTR.
Example of navigating to a waypoint

61. GPS Headings
Most GPS receivers only give accurate heading data when the user is moving.
When moving slowly, or stopped, unless equipped with an electronic compass, a GPS doesn’t know in which direction the user is facing.
This is one reason why the team requires the use of a magnetic compass in conjunction with a GPS.

62. Margins of Error
It is important to note that GPS data includes a margin of error.
A given position could be off by 5, 10 or more meters.
Most GPS units will indicate the margin of error.

63. Electronic Compasses Some GPS units have an electronic compass.
An electronic compass displays heading information regardless of whether user is moving or stopped.
Great care has to be taken using an electronic compass. Note the following:
Compass only works if held level.
Compass must be frequently calibrated.
Compass is useless without batteries.

64. Waypoint Navigation Exercise
Select the school waypoint and instruct the GPS to navigate to it.
From the navigation data generated, determine how far the
school is from the hall. What is the bearing from the hall to the
school? What is the margin of error?
If time allows, try navigating to ESGSAR bus, the camp and
waypoint #4.
If you are using a team GPS unit, refer to the “navigating to a
waypoint” handout. If you are using your own, check your user
manual.

65. Waypoint Navigation Exercise
Answers
A) HALL to SCHOOL : 2.5 km, 162° mag.
B) HALL to ESGSR BUS: 2.2 km, 155° mag.
C) HALL to CAMP: km, 140° mag.
D) HALL to WP #4: km, 148° mag.

66. Stopping Navigation Exercise
A GPS can to instructed to STOP navigating to a waypoint.
To stop navigating using a GPSMAP60/76, press the [MENU]
button on the map or compass page. Highlight the “Stop
navigation” option and press [ENTR].
If your GPS is currently navigating to a waypoint, instruct it to STOP navigation. Try navigating to a couple of other waypoints and practice STOPPING the navigation.
If you are using your own unit, check your user manual.

67. Mapping Software
Mapping software is often used in conjunction with a GPS receiver.
Mapping software can:
Plan routes
View/edit GPS tracks
Measure distances and bearings
Load maps onto a GPS
Create/edit waypoints
Upload and/or download from a GPS

68. Search data displayed using Ozi Explorer

69. Updating GPS Firmware
A GPS receiver has an operating system (firmware) just like any other computer device.
GPS manufacturers from time to time update the firmware to fix problems and add new features.
Check your GPS owner’s manual to see if your unit supports firmware updating.

70. Things to Consider before you go into the field
Have a map and compass.
Check GPS battery indicator and carry spare batteries.
Ensure the team GPS is used on a search.
Ensure competent enough to use team GPS.
Know all needed screens on team GPS.
Able to mark and change waypoint coordinates.
Name waypoints by a relevant name.
Know how to look at tracks on the map page
Have all navigation equipment readily available for use.
Secure your navigation equipment.
Mark bus before leaving.
DO NOT CHANGE ANY SETTINGS OR DATA FIELDS.

71. End of Classroom Session
It’s time to get outside and practice!!