hello All,
I put this topic here as it didn't seem to fit elsewhere..... My wife and I are currently "discussing" the relative merits of GPS vs traditional navigation. This occurs as our chartplotter is not working correctly and I would simply like to replace it or remove it. I don't trust it. I think a handheld would be a better stopgap solution at this point.
She eschews GPS and almost anything electronic for traditional navigation with chart, compass, parallel rules, etc. She is far more competant than I am at finding here way around using just a map, etc. Ironically she is a digital cartographer/GIS professional for income. Her claim is that once you see how inaccurate some of the data is that is used for GPS input, etc. you wouldn't be so reliant on electronics.
I am sorta clueless when it comes to traditional navigation, relying mainly on visually locating landmarks and simply knowing the water I am sailing in. Naturally this means I don't stray really far from home either... I like GPS/chartplotters as it confirms for me, or at least causes me to reexamine where I think I am, in a very simple format visually the way I like it.
My arguement is that a GPS/chartplotter, while not always completely reliable and accurate, is mostly good enough especially once it gets nasty and simply tending to the boat becomes priority. Having the electronics on the pod right there in front of the wheel makes things easier. Running below and consulting a chart is not always an option.
She will concede that point but insists that paper charts, plotting courses, etc. is still the best way. My arguement is try doing that singlehanded underway in the nasties. The electronics will seem like your friends then.
Your thoughts on these ideas would be appreciated. Just trying to stir up some constructive conversation on the relative merits of both ways. RT
I put this topic here as it didn't seem to fit elsewhere..... My wife and I are currently "discussing" the relative merits of GPS vs traditional navigation. This occurs as our chartplotter is not working correctly and I would simply like to replace it or remove it. I don't trust it. I think a handheld would be a better stopgap solution at this point.
She eschews GPS and almost anything electronic for traditional navigation with chart, compass, parallel rules, etc. She is far more competant than I am at finding here way around using just a map, etc. Ironically she is a digital cartographer/GIS professional for income. Her claim is that once you see how inaccurate some of the data is that is used for GPS input, etc. you wouldn't be so reliant on electronics.
I am sorta clueless when it comes to traditional navigation, relying mainly on visually locating landmarks and simply knowing the water I am sailing in. Naturally this means I don't stray really far from home either... I like GPS/chartplotters as it confirms for me, or at least causes me to reexamine where I think I am, in a very simple format visually the way I like it.
My arguement is that a GPS/chartplotter, while not always completely reliable and accurate, is mostly good enough especially once it gets nasty and simply tending to the boat becomes priority. Having the electronics on the pod right there in front of the wheel makes things easier. Running below and consulting a chart is not always an option.
She will concede that point but insists that paper charts, plotting courses, etc. is still the best way. My arguement is try doing that singlehanded underway in the nasties. The electronics will seem like your friends then.
Your thoughts on these ideas would be appreciated. Just trying to stir up some constructive conversation on the relative merits of both ways. RT