GPS

About GPS
The Global Positioning System utilises a "constellation" of low earth orbiting satellites to provide position information to a display unit (GPS receiver). Nominal GPS accuracy is to within 30 metres of horizontal and altitude information is about 3 times less accurate. Positions are found by a complex process of triangulation of the signals from each satellite.

GPS units can provide uses with many functions above pure position information. Speed over the ground, track, time and distance/bearing/time to known locations (waypoints) can be displayed.

GPS and Gliding
GPS has obvious benefits to the soaring pilot. Navigation can be improved by the use of waypoints and the "GoTo" function of the waypoints. Tasks can be easily set and monitored. The 'Track' will show the bearing over the ground and 'Estimated time of Arrival' can be shown. Ground speed can help with calculating glides along with 'Distance to Waypoint'.

GPS tracks can be used as a debriefing tool. These tracks when overlaid on a map display the pilots flight. This can be the subject of long discussions over choice of track, visible features, thermalling techniques, thermal strength and many other details.

Software and Uses
The following software can be used in conjunction with Garmin GPS units (check out each site to find if other GPS units are compatible) to manage waypoints and display maps with overlaid information.

Waypoint+ is a freeware tool for managing files between your Garmin GPS and computer. Waypoints, tracks, routes can be moved in both directions to enable sharing of information and ease of editing.

OziExplorer  is a GPS mapping tool for overlaying GPS information on maps. It is an excellent 'low end ' GIS system. Maps can be imported from Geo-referenced map files (generally expensive) or by scanning ANY map into the computer and then calibrating it to known points.

Connectors for a Garmin GPS can be purchased though a hardware / shareware system. You pledge an amount for some connectors, they mail them to you and then you send the money. Darling Downs Soaring Club Members report that this system works well. Alternatively the Australian GPS Information Site has a range of ready made GPS cables, antennas and other related products.

Darling Downs Soaring Club Waypoint File
If you are looking to add waypoints to your GPS unit, visit the Worldwide Soaring Point Exchange and select the file format you require. The file includes a list of approximately 450 waypoints within 1000km of the club. A hard copy of the list is available in the clubhouse.

Due to the method used to obtain waypoint details in the Darling Downs Soaring Club Waypoint List, the accuracy of each waypoint can not be confirmed. If you intend to use the information located in this file it is your responsibility to confirm these details.

For more information about details on this page contact Mike Codling.