GPS in Search & Rescue
GPS Training Module in the National Park Services Basic Search & Rescue Training Site
You can access the entire BASIC SAR Training deck at https://connectpro77254837.adobeconnect.com/_a964288825/sar
After accessing the resource, go to the Basic SAR Training, Modules 12-14 at https://connectpro77254837.adobeconnect.com/mod12-14/
The important sections that are useful for GPS navigation are Unit 12b (Coordinate Systems) & Unit 12e (Global Positioning System).
One important takeaway from this document is the standardized use of the US National Grid (USNG) System for SAR.
If your GPS unit does not have an option for USNG, you can select the Military Grid Reference System (MGRS) as an alternative.
See info on Differences Between MGRS and USNG at this link.
This document also explains the differences in coordinate formats for the USNG & MGRS and also explains the one scenario that could create problems when using MGRS instead of USNG. The issue relates to using MGRS with NAD27 datum.
Another good document from the Florida Department of Emergency Services talks about adoption of USNG and also has examples showing the difference in coordinate formats between UTM and USNG. Click HERE for the document.
Smartphone GPS Apps
Before you decide to use your Smartphone as a Wilderness GPS, I HIGHLY recommend that you take the time to really read the following article. It is the most indepth article I have found that covers the topic in detail. The article is chocked full of real world actionable information and tips. Click HERE to read the full article.
I personally use GAIA GPS as my primary GPS. You need to create an account at https://www.gaiagps.com and then you can download the app for your IOS or Android device. There is an annual membership involved, and I personally go with the $40/year plan.
I recommend if you can afford it, to have a standalone GPS as well. There are benefits of having both.
Standalone GPS Devices
I will be posting more information here on the most popular standalone GPS devices used in SAR. For now, I’ve shown some options below (from least expensive to most expensive). All of these units can be used in SAR (and this list is not all inclusive). The images below will link to the manufacturers page on the unit for now.
