Re: [Paddlewise] GPS accuracy

From: Christine Allison <sailnut_at_asan.com>
Date: Mon, 15 May 2000 21:30:34 -0400
I am a total novice when it comes to kayaking.  However I have many years
experience cruising Long Island Sound with a Loran receiver.

I think that to much attention is being paid to the ultimate accuracy of
GPS receivers.

It is very rare for visibility to get below a 1/4 mile and I have never seen
less then 1/8 mile.  1/8 mile is about 625 feet MUCH more then  the error in
Loran.  In navigating via compass I could ALWAYS see the way point before
the Loran indicated arrival.  Please remember that you will be lucky to stay
within 5 degrees of your rhomb line.  Practice paddling straight!  I find
that the best tactic is to follow the receivers bearing indication and keep
a sharp look out!

The lesson from this is that unless you are trying to find a submerged
object the accuracy of all present electronic aids is vastly in excess of
your realistic needs!

Richard Smith

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Received on Mon May 15 2000 - 18:30:26 PDT

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