Welcome to this month’s GPS Training podcast, it’s our 14th episode.

As always, we are streaming it live on Facebook

So if you want to see what we all look like take a look at our Facebook page.

So, without further ado let’s get on with today’s podcast ……

It's our 14th podcast.

In today’s podcast we are going to look and discuss the following –

1. We interview Tom from Garmin, as we get hands on the Garmin GPSMAP66s for the first time.

2. TOPO PRO mapping – to route or not to route

3. Other interesting activities people are using outdoor GPS units for

4. We have Andy’s top tips - both Garmin and SatMap

5. And then finally we will announce the winner of last months podcast

1. Garmin’s GPSMAP66s – at last!

Last week Tom, from Garmin sales came and spent 24 hours with us and he brought with him the new GPSMAP66s from Garmin.

Here is our chat with him.

2. TOPO PRO mapping – to route or not to route

I know we have mentioned it in past Podcasts but we are still getting a number of questions over the phone regarding the TOPO PRO mapping from Garmin.

It is a little confusing I think it is the ‘TOPO’ that is throwing people.

So Andy, what is it?

1. OS mapping, not TOPO mapping (e.g. Topo Light, Topo Active)

2. It has turn by turn off road data within National Parks

3. You can get both 1:50k and 1:25k in the TOPO PRO versions

To find out more about the Garmin GPS units please go to our website – gpstarining.co.uk – click on – gps store – then choose the category you want on the left-hand side – 1:50k, 1:25k

3 – Some common activities and less common activities that people are using GPS units for

As you will be aware most of the GPS units we sell and train people to use are used for walking and cycling but what other activities are people using them for?

- Horse Riding

- Sea Kayaking

- Skiing

- Trail Riders, we have talked about this in a past podcast

- Surveys (wildlife, surveys for work)

- Geocaching, we have had Pete Mason, from the Podcach show on a past podcast – Episode 4

- Mountaineering

 

4. Andy’s Top Tips

Andrew Wallington has kindly written to us with his top tip –

Good Morning,

First of all thank you for your podcasts, site information and videos.

I have only been walking and hiking for the past 2 years and being of "mature years" I have a lot to learn.

I learn a lot from Andy's top tips and would like to add my own.

My route this week was about 25 miles in mid-Wales which I intended to do over 2 days but having completed 13 miles and getting to the bus stop for my return an hour early I decided to complete the whole walk that day. The weather was great and I felt capable of finishing even though I have never walked this far in one go.

Sunset was due at 18.30 which gave me time to finish in daylight I thought.

- I had not taken fatigue into account.

A bright clear day started to cloud over so reducing light

My Satmap was getting low on battery as the route required me to constantly check my position. I did not have a power back up as I intended to finish by midafternoon.

I did not have a torch for the same reason.

The last half mile was downhill through a very thick wood so there was little or no light in places even though there was light outside. This was not good for trip hazards.

I am sure that as seasoned walkers you would not make my mistakes but it seems that there are more people walking now and lots of us are novices.

So my top tips to myself are:

1) Never overstretch myself. Fatigue sets in quickly

2) Always carry a power back up source for my navigating device even on short walks in case of battery failure.

3) Carry a torch all year round. Powerful torches do not have to be heavy. Maps are useless in the dark.

Having said all that, the sense of achievement of walking 25 miles in one go and at the same time completing the 'Severn Way' was fantastic.

Regards

Andrew

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