Traditional Maps Overtaken by Mapping Applications - Poll Results
In New Zealand, where outdoor activities like hiking and camping are popular, there has been a significant shift in the way people navigate their adventures. According to a recent survey by MSC's Adventure Voice outdoor research community, most people in New Zealand now rely on digital devices for navigation while exploring the great outdoors.
Smartphones, with their portability and access to GPS and mapping apps, have become the preferred tool for navigation. People use their phones for various functions, including tracking progress, taking photos of maps, identifying landmarks, using a digital compass, planning routes, determining elevation, stargazing, geocaching, and taking screenshots of track descriptions and route notes.
To ensure safe and efficient navigation, it's essential to choose the right app, conserve battery life, and combine digital navigation with traditional methods. MSC, a leading provider of navigation information, offers valuable resources on their website, including an interactive learning tool that teaches the basics.
When it comes to choosing the right app, options like Outdooractive, Gaia GPS, and i-Boating stand out. Outdooractive offers map downloads for areas with poor signal, making it ideal for hiking and biking. Gaia GPS provides offline maps, GPS navigation, and weather updates, making it perfect for backpacking and off-road activities. i-Boating specializes in marine navigation with detailed charts for offshore and inland waters.
To conserve battery life, it's recommended to carry a portable charger, use power-saving modes, and turn off unnecessary features like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi when not in use. It's also crucial to consider a rugged phone with a waterproof rating and long battery life for outdoor use.
Combining digital navigation with traditional methods is also essential. Carrying a backup such as a paper map and compass is crucial in case the phone fails. Learning basic navigation skills to supplement smartphone use is also recommended.
Monitoring weather conditions is another important factor. Using apps that provide weather updates helps plan your route accordingly. Checking forecasts before heading out and adjusting your plans if necessary is crucial for a safe and enjoyable outdoor experience.
In conclusion, the shift towards using digital devices for navigation in New Zealand's outdoors changes the way people need to prepare for their adventures. The new preparation methods include protecting phones, monitoring battery life, and having a backup. By following these best practices, outdoor enthusiasts can effectively use their smartphones for safe and efficient navigation in New Zealand's beautiful outdoors.
Smartphones, along with other gadgets like GPS-enabled devices, have become indispensable for navigation during outdoor activities in New Zealand. People make use of these smartphones for a variety of purposes, including tracking routes, taking map photos, marking landmarks, using digital compasses, planning routes, estimating altitude, star gazing, geocaching, and saving screenshots of trail descriptions and route notes.
