Field Navigation

OVERVIEW

This lab involved navigating a wooded area, known as the Priory, in Eau Claire, WI. To navigate, a navigation map made in a previous lab was used in conjunction with a GPS. Coordinates were given of 5 points that groups needed to find and mark. This was done by plotting the points on the field navigation maps to get an idea of where they are, then navigating to the location using the GPS unit. Once close to the point, the coordinates were used on the GPS to decide which heading to go until the location was reached.

Pictured below in figure 1 is a screenshot of the GPS app, Bad Elf, that was used. This was an iPhone app, but the iPhone was paired through Bluetooth with a more precise GPS unit. Due to the rainy weather during the exercise, the GPS had a difficult time with precision from interference from clouds.

Figure 1: Screenshot of GPS app

Shown below in figure 2 - 6 are pictures taken of the trees found at the given coordinates. Much of the area was dense woods so heading directly from one point to the next was difficult.

Figure 2: Point 1

Figure 3: Point 2

Figure 4: Point 3

Figure 5: Point 4

Figure 6: Point 5

Lastly, shown below the path taken to find the points. The GPS unit recorded path taken during the exercise. Most paths were fairly straightforward, besides the first to the second point. This was before we remembered our phone had a compass, so we were trying to navigate using the sound of the highway, which we knew was to the north. Once we started using a compass on the phone, although it was not very accurate, it was significantly easier to navigate.

Figure 7: Navigation results