mlbpc

UTM, Degree. decimal, D,M,S. It will vary from agency to agency. Our team uses UTM and D,M,S. UTM for the simplicity of plotting on a map and it provides a "Grid" for searches. Other components, specifically the helo pilots use D,M,S. It's all trivial as long as the correct DATUM is given. MOST of our maps still utilize NAD 27 and as pointed out it can be a few hundred meters off. Depending on the terrain and brush cover will determine how critical that is.

I'll add to Singletree Exp: Have them learn how to use a map and compass. Batteries die, GPS break, so forth and so on and it's a vital skill in the woods. For Lat and Long look at a map ruler. It will make lat & long simpler. http://www.maptools.com/products/images/LLRuler24Front.gif I use Topo Companion since it has all the scales for lat & long plus various UTM scales. http://www.gpsnavigatormagazine.com/topo_map_ruler/index.html UTM. By far the simpler of the two. I learned MGRS back in the 80's before GPS was around and I still revert to my grid squares all the time for map work. Learn your GPS but have a back up plan. TOO many people know only one and it's usually the simple GPS version... AND yes the latest Scout Book has some basic map reading in it still.

I have Vantage Point for my 610 and it's so-so. Good for uploading and downloading but the base maps are not that great. The disadvantage for me is NONE of the maps for Magellan that have a decent resolution are available for Alaska. The summit series is OK but would rather have the National Geographic maps which is not available for my location. I have All-topo as a side bar for printing out my topo maps and find the accuracy far and above the summit maps.