Community Forums

Searching_Ut · 10-13-2017, 09:04 PM

In this case, the folks that got lost weren't in a RV, but it's in a part of Utah where a lot of folks, not necessarily familiar with the area, remoteness, and harshness of the climate like to travel. Good reminder to do your research first, and turn around if things don't look right. Being I love to explore areas like this I also carry a satellite rescue beacon (InReach), which I have never had to use for an emergency, but like to have just in case. Some parts of the country are still extremely remote.

https://www.ksl.com/?sid=46145818&ni...case-escalante

dons2346 · 10-13-2017, 10:07 PM

I have always said that GPS units should be used for amusement purposes only

tnedator · 10-13-2017, 10:21 PM

Sounds like that is a story less about GPS failure and more about operator failure. First they entered the wrong destination. Then, they blindly followed the GPS even though it was obvious something was wrong.

V3600 · 10-13-2017, 10:34 PM

GPS took them where they asked to go - Lake Powell. A Google Map routing from Kanab to Lake Powell takes you on BLM roads on the north side of the lake. Not to Page nor any other city. It was their own fault, which I chalk up to operator error; not knowing where they specifically wanted to go. If they had reviewed their route it would have been plainly obvious where they would windup. The route they wanted would have kept them on Hwy89 to Page. Apparently they were not only unfamiliar with GPS but didn't bother to arm themselves with a paper map.

As far as using GPS for "amusement purposes only", it sounds like it comes from someone unfamiliar with its operation. GPS is so accurate that airliners routinely use it for navigation and for instrument landings.

ByeTheWay · 10-13-2017, 10:53 PM

I always use a GPS, but also check you route on Google Earth too. If I don't have internet, I check my route on a map, instead.

les.warden · 10-13-2017, 11:19 PM

GPS, Truckers maps, Google maps, and sometimes Garmin BaseCamp. I hit all when I’m routing unknown territories. Also, if through East or West mountains, the Mountain Directories. Let’s just say I don’t like too many surprises. [emoji16]

Isaac-1 · 10-13-2017, 11:52 PM

GPS map systems are getting better, but they still have their issues. Just this last weekend I was using mine to navigate home, I was about 60 miles from home, did not really need the GPS as I had driven the route numerous times and was on the US highway that goes right by my house. I kept thinking the ETA on the GPS looked to be wrong, then as I approached a highway intersection the GPS wanted me to take a right turn for no apparent reason, I ignored it, drove straight through the intersection, it recalculated and dropped 20 minutes off my travel time. I have no idea where it was trying to take my 20 minutes out of my way, or why it was doing it.

les.warden · 10-14-2017, 06:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Isaac-1

GPS map systems are getting better, but they still have their issues. Just this last weekend I was using mine to navigate home, I was about 60 miles from home, did not really need the GPS as I had driven the route numerous times and was on the US highway that goes right by my house. I kept thinking the ETA on the GPS looked to be wrong, then as I approached a highway intersection the GPS wanted me to take a right turn for no apparent reason, I ignored it, drove straight through the intersection, it recalculated and dropped 20 minutes off my travel time. I have no idea where it was trying to take my 20 minutes out of my way, or why it was doing it.

I’ve had that weird type of thing happen with our Garmin 770 a couple times. Mostly around the block type of routes. Example, one time we were leaving a town. I know I had to go to the next corner and take a right. The GPS wanted me to go straight for another block, take a right, go a block and take another right, then go a block and take a left. To ultimately end up on the same road I was on by taking my first right. Guess it “recalculated” one too many times. Just strange. That’s why I use a fistful of other mapping methods along with the GPS. Can’t always trust the lady in the box.

Isaac-1 · 10-14-2017, 06:54 AM

Interesting my current GPS is a Garmin Dezl 770

JohnBoyToo · 10-14-2017, 07:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by V3600

GPS took them where they asked to go - Lake Powell. A Google Map routing from Kanab to Lake Powell takes you on BLM roads on the north side of the lake. Not to Page nor any other city. It was their own fault, which I chalk up to operator error; not knowing where they specifically wanted to go. If they had reviewed their route it would have been plainly obvious where they would windup. The route they wanted would have kept them on Hwy89 to Page. Apparently they were not only unfamiliar with GPS but didn't bother to arm themselves with a paper map.
As far as using GPS for "amusement purposes only", it sounds like it comes from someone unfamiliar with its operation. GPS is so accurate that airliners routinely use it for navigation and for instrument landings.

Agree, many times the parameters are set to avoid traffic accidents, or dangerous bridges or.... and the operator forgets that, just like they've forgotten to update maps and software

Have a camping bud that is the kindest, hardest working man on the planet, but no matter how I try to show him, the gps is a black hole to him... good thing he can get by on his looks !

And not only airlines, but a big part of Garmin's business is maritime gps, you know - out in the wild blue yonder in a boat with NO reference points and reefs and shallow areas that will sink your boat and KILL you

Look on any youtube sailing videos and they use them as their lifesaver.

And after viewing the pics in the article, poor people looked like they could get lost easily, but the area looks like a great place for a jeep ride !!!

docj · 10-14-2017, 08:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tnedator

Sounds like that is a story less about GPS failure and more about operator failure. First they entered the wrong destination. Then, they blindly followed the GPS even though it was obvious something was wrong.

When a road sign clearly states "4 wheel drive vehicles ONLY past this point" and you proceed anyway then IMO that isn't "operator failure" it is pure stupidity! I'm glad the couple survived, but they had had ample opportunity to realize they had made a mistake.

FatChance · 10-14-2017, 08:54 AM

That was a common sense problem, not a GPS problem.

MSHappyCampers · 10-14-2017, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FatChance

That was a common sense problem, not a GPS problem.

Yup, I think you nailed it!

**TonyDi** · 10-14-2017, 08:19 PM

As a former flight instructor I can say that most instrument problems stem from the operator not the instrument. People buy GPS's and think.... Just plug the address in it will get me there......Wrong. You set it up wrong you wind up on a desert road.