Originally Posted by c86man3
Originally Posted by Klikitarik
Originally Posted by c86man3
Great post OP. Another thing to do is make sure that the Datum in your GPS is the same Datum as the map you are using. If you dont do this, your GPS is worthless.


I agree that it is a good idea to be aware of the datums being used. However, for practical purposes in simple/typical land navigation, the common datums used in more recent times: NAD 1927, NAD 1972, and WGS 1984 are all going to get you very close - at least not lost. Of course, if what you are seeking is an old obscure trail - which is actually accurately marked on a detailed map- then the correct datum may make a difference.


You are correct that most of the time you can probably get away with not worrying about datums. However, in some places the differences between datums are more severe, sometimes close to a kilometer.


I was hoping that someone might correct me if I was interpolating my own local experiences too broadly. (100 yards or a bit more is about it around here, not too much even for SAR.) That's good to know. I appreciate the added info and correction.

Sometimes, the air you 'let in'matters less than the air you 'let out'.