Many individuals now utilise their cell phone for navigation steerage on the paths, hills and mountains. It’s nice that we’ve got trendy gadgets to assist our enjoyment and security however it’s value enthusiastic about how finest to make use of the gadgets, in addition to the restrictions. Mountaineering Scotland has issued new steerage for #SmartNav.

Suggestions for #SmartNav

Following the outcomes of a survey carried out by Mountaineering Scotland final 12 months, mountain security specialists have launched new steerage for individuals who use their cellphones, or GPS gadgets, for navigating within the hills. 

As a part of the survey, some 4000 hill customers had been requested in the event that they used cellphones or GPS for navigating when spending time within the hills and mountains, and if that they had skilled any points whereas doing this.

Whereas 87% of individuals mentioned they used an digital system for navigating sooner or later on their stroll, 40% of these mentioned that they had skilled a state of affairs the place their system had stopped working indirectly. 

Primarily based on the outcomes, Mountaineering Scotland’s Mountain Security Advisor Crew – backed by the broader Mountain Security Group, together with Scottish Mountain Rescue, Police Scotland, Mountain Coaching Scotland, Glenmore Lodge, Growing Mountain Biking Scotland and Snowsport Scotland) – has put collectively new steerage and an infographic with 5 easy steps to assist maintain your cell phone and GPS working for while you’re utilizing it for #SmartNav within the hills.

CHARGE: Begin with 100% battery cost and cost your system when you journey in case you’re utilizing it for music or highway navigation. 

PROTECT: Shield your telephone from the weather and maintain it near your physique when not in use to assist it keep heat and dry and save battery life.

DOWNLOAD: Obtain all of the maps you may want so that you don’t must depend on cell knowledge to have the ability to entry maps in your stroll. 

EXTEND: Switching your telephone to “flight mode” makes your battery final loads longer. Additionally take a completely charged energy financial institution to re-charge on the go if wanted.

TAKE A BACKUP: In case your telephone or GPS fails, you’ll want one other option to navigate, for instance a map and compass, and the flexibility to make use of them successfully. Think about additionally carrying a easy backup telephone for emergencies.

I’d additionally recommend folks carry a Private Locator Beacon (PLB), in case you haven’t any cell phone community protection and require emergency assist.

Mountaineering Scotland Security Advisor Ben Gibson, mentioned: “When going out into the hills this winter or at every other time of the 12 months, you will need to take care of your telephone as a result of it not solely offers you further data to assist together with your hill and mountain navigation, however it’s additionally your lifeline to contacting the emergency providers within the occasion you or a gaggle member finds your self in a critical state of affairs. 

“Keep in mind, in case you’re downloading your route from an app, it’s at all times value checking it towards different dependable sources to verify it’s protected and appropriate on your degree of expertise and talent.”

Mountaineering Scotland has 16,000 particular person and membership members and 150 affiliated golf equipment. It’s a consultant organisation for hill walkers, climbers, mountaineers and ski tourers in Scotland.