TEAM SWING
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GPS is a
satellite-based navigation system made up of a network of 24 satellites
launched into orbit by the U.S Department of Defense. GPS was originally
developed and used by the U.S military, but in the 1980’s the government
made the technology available for civilians to
use. We are
analyzing a handheld GPS system of the mapping software used on the GPS.
Garmin is the industry leader in navigation systems in the aviation and
consumer markets. Garmin (http://www.garmin.com/)handhelds were used by the coalition forces in the Gulf
War. Team
Swing has been asked to analyze the feasibility of using the Garmin GPSMAP
76S handheld GPS unit and its mapping software by Dragonfly Expeditions, a
small kayak touring company on the
In the
past, when each new kayak season starts in late April and new guides are
hired by Dragonfly there have been navigation problems on some of the
tours. One tour group paddled
an extra six miles on what was supposed to have been a four mile paddle
due to the guide missing a turn onto a small
creek. Dragonfly’s owner is hoping the Garmin GPS with its
mapping software will eliminate the unscheduled tour detours by giving the
new guides accurate routes to follow and guiding them through the
tour. The GPS units
will also possibly benefit the returning guides by giving them exact
mileage for their tours and the ability to mark interesting landmarks
along the route. This will
make the tours consistent each time they go out. Also, in
case of an emergency during a tour the GPS can give exact locations via
longitudes and latitudes that can be radioed to the Coast Guard or
emergency personnel. Kk Paddling.net is ... your #1 source for
information on canoeing and kayaking. From Buyers' Guides for, kayaks and
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Formal
Report
●
Peter Zimeri
Webmaster