Bearing Question

[+TeamK-9]

I know that as you get closer to a cache your heading, (forget the politically correct term) keeps bouncing around. But is the bearing always right, so that I cuold just use a normal compass?

[+Renegade Knight]

Well heck now I'm confused.

 

But yes, you can use a compass to keep heading the direction you are meaning to travel once you are inside the GPS goes loopy zone.

 

You can also line up wiht the GPS pointer before it goes loopy and that works as well.

[+frefel]

I carry a compass with me because for the pointer arrow of the GPS to indicate the correct direction the GPS must be constantly moving so that it can continually correct itself. Since I am usually fairly still as I get near the site I just read the degree bearing off the compass rose on the GPS, ignore the arrow itself and then rely on the compass alone. At this time I can also power down the satellite search function and save battery life.

[+Prime Suspect]

I know that as you get closer to a cache your heading, (forget the politically correct term) keeps bouncing around. But is the bearing always right, so that I cuold just use a normal compass?

Yes, and no. The direction and distance readings are subject to the same errors as are causing the directional arrow to jump around.

[+Waterboy]

TeamK-9, I notice you and I are both from Pennsylvania. Be careful when using a magnetic compass in or near old iron mining area. You may see the compass bouncing around more than the GPS. Bring both and use common sense.