GPS - Global Positioning System
Use of GPS
National Grid References can be used with paper maps and UK based mapping software, but when using international computer technology the Global Positioning System Logitude and Latitude Coordinates may be needed to find a starting location of a walk, particularly if using a SatNav.
Four digits after the decimal point provide sufficient accuracy for this purpose and so the full six digits, often provided for greater GPS accuracy, are not essential.
On a computer, the reference given, including the comma, can the copied or pasted directly into the search box of mapping software, such as OS Maps, Streetmap and Google Maps, and probably many others. Examples of the three named are shown below.
OS Maps
Streetmap
Google Maps
The example GPS Coordinates shown above are for Ringstead Common Car Park, a starting location for some of WhifflersWalks.
These coordinates are also used for the SatNav example, as this is a prime example of where a "nearest postcode" can lead someone, relying solely on such a device, to the wrong location.
GPS and SatNavs
Manufacturers do not make it very staightforward to use these coordinates in Car Satellite Navigation Systems (SatNavs) as most of them default to use of post codes in the UK. This is fine when used in conjunction with a specific building address in towns and cities, but in Norfolk villages and countryside these post codes may cover quite a large area, and the starting location may not be anywhere near a building.
Most SatNav systems do allow coordinates to be entered, but it may be necessary to scroll through menu options to find the screen which allows them to be entered in decimal format eg 52.9342,0.5608 and these may need to be entered separately as N 52.9342 E 0.5608. An example using a Garmin nuvi SatNat is shown below.
SatNav Example
