Global Positioning Systems (GPS)

It's time to buy a GPS. Over the past decade GPS technology has progressed to the point that there is no excuse for being lost. Thats assuming you understand how to operate the unit.

We are not going to tell you how to use a GPS, but we do recommend 3 things to use it properly:

Compass Required to find north and follow an azimuth provided by the GPS.	GPS Receiver Provides azimuth and distance between two points. Displays current location.	Map A map with co-ordinates on the edges to plot your current location provided by the GPS

GPS data can be uploaded to a GPS receiver and used in the field. Waypoints are used for navigation to a specific geographical point on earth. Tracks and routes are used for navigation through a series of ordered points along a line. This data can be uploaded to a GPS receiver and displayed on the screen. A route can be planned on a map, uploaded to a GPS receiver, and displayed for the user on the screen. This provides a visual reference for the location of the user in reference to the waypoints or route planned on a map. For example, If you were planning to hike a trail through a mountain pass following specific terrain and elevation changes, this may be easy to determine on a map but difficult in the field. You could plan the route on the map and upload it to the GPS. Once in the field the GPS will navigate you along this path using an azimuth and distance. This information is also displayed on the screen showing your current location along the route.

Bighorn Backcountry GPS Trails

Using Global Positioning Systems (GPS) AlbertaWestCountry.com is collecting trail information for West Central Alberta. This information can be used in combination with a GPS unit to navigate and explore many areas of Alberta.

To transfer data to a GPS Receiver download Oziexplorer. Or open the Google Earth file.

See all of these trails on the Alberta Trail Map, or download individual trails here: