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Does anyone use handheld GPS devices (incorporating mapping software)when out and about doing landscape photography? Its something I know little about, but wondered if they were useful for things like planning hikes to photogenic spots, and recording locations of particular interest (eg finding the same location again in the future). Any user experiences, or suggestions on where to find more information appreciated.
Phil
Try this address for useful info.
http://www.globalpositioningsystems.co.uk
I use one occasionally, usually to find my car after parking it in an unfamiliar town car park.
Make sure you have spare batteries and a compass + paper map is still handy.
MikeA.
I have often thought about location info from GPS units, especially when reading magazines where they give the location of shots in the magazine. The location info could be supplemented by GPS info to give a precise location and make it easier to find. Maybe some photographers are happy though to give out approximate locations but not the exact position from which to copy their image. I think the idea is definately good for personal use though.
Paul.
I don't mean to dampen your enthusiasm, however individuals need to understand a map and all of its features if they are to plot a safe and suitable route to get to a destination. You should not go out and rely solely on the GPS pointing you where to go (I once encountered a group who were it not for intervention would have walked off a cliff in fog in Snowdonia because the GPS gave them the direct route back to their transport).
I see the logic of what you're asking, but believe the best way is to get a rough grid reference of a photographic location and then walk with both eyes open looking for that perfect shot.
Incidentally, I do own and carry a GPS, and value it highly, but only use it as a back-up to map and compass when prevailing conditions force its use.
Regards,
Max
I use a handheld GPS unit and its associated software in a variety of ways:
1) If I see a nice location in a magazine [or even on here] and can identify it positively I put it in my database. My work takes me all over the UK so all I need to do when I'm away is search for the nearest waypoints to the hotel. Very handy when you don't know the area.
2) If I'm driving from A to B and I see an attractive feature I enter a waypoint and add it to the database. As a result of this I have waypoint locations called "3 Barns in a row", "Barn & Tree", "Dead White Tree" and "Old Cow Byre" etc etc. In other words, locations that can't be discovered by looking at a map. At the same time I will note whether dawn or dusk [or both] will give the best light and add it to the comments section of the waypoint.
3) I occasionally use 3D mapping software in conjunction with the GPS software to previsualise locations I intend to visit. I then use a sunrise prediction programme to know what time of the year is the best time to go to that certain location. I know nothing beats actually going there but this maximises my chances of going in roughly the right week - nothing else. Beats a 2 hour drive to find that the sun rises behind completely the wrong hill in February but the right one in August.
4) Yes you can also use it for planning a hike to a location but, as always, have alternatives like a map as a backup. The 3D mapping software also lets you "virtually" walk the route and sometimes it gives you a clue about what you will and what you won't see en route. The biggest aid though is that it also allows you to time your approaches so that you are in good time to be in position - ready for the sunrise. Using Naismiths rule [modified in my case] manually on an OS map is a pain - don't let anybody tell you it isn't.
Having said all that, you can't beat just getting out the door at 3am and going and seeing what is over the next hill - and then going back repeatedly until the weather, seasonal changes and the light co-operate. Sometimes though, you can maybe help persuade them with just a hint of technology :o)
You won't, without a camera as well.
Of all the comments that I posted, I believe the last paragraph has the most value. ;o)
Some good advice above, for most routes I plan them out thoroughly in Memory-map and then transfer them to the GPS.
The Map & compass sit in my bag for emergencies but rarly get used as I find you can walk faster if you don't have to stop to look at the map.
The little marker on mine that tells you where the sunrise is going to be (& at what time) can be quite handy..otherwise you can be standing there for hours wondering if its happened yet. LOL
Chris
I'm the same as Chris.
Tho' went up Cadair Idris without GPSr or map (I know, I should be shot! LOL!) - think it was the first time I've not taken both for many a year (knew there'd be plenty of others in the group "mapped up")
Quote: I have a map, a pencil and a note book. How the hell am I going to manage?
It's time you came out as the closet geo-geeker that you are Mr H. You know you want one! ;o)
I'll sometimes go out on scouting trips - general trips out on days with less than brilliant weather to find new locations. It's nothing to do with finding my way somewhere, it's just recording the location in such a way as I know where to go back to. When I find somewhere worthwhile, I'll stick it in the GPS and add it to my database when I get home.
I went out on such a trip just this Saturday. I managed to find a wind farm that I'd been trying to get to for ages, a pretty Northumberland Village, something called Devil's Water and a field absolutely rammed full of poppies. All useful finds for the future.
Ahh but a 6 figure reference will only get you to within a 100 yards, with a GPS you can position your tripod in exactly the same place as the last bloke.
Quote: Lobsterboy
Ahh but a 6 figure reference will only get you to within a 100 yards, with a GPS you can position your tripod in exactly the same place as the last bloke.
*snigger*
I'd try and put my tripod in the same place as Jeanie but i didn't want to fall in a river
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