Have you ever wished for an easy and enjoyable way to find a forgotten old treasure site that disappeared long ago? Have you ever stumbled on a remote spot and wished you had a sure way to remember its location? Read on. .. . . your wish may be granted!
A system to find lost treasure sites anywhere in the world is now a reality, thanks to twenty-four satellites that encircle the earth. Located about 12,000 miles above the earth, these satellites are part of the system our military forces use for countless navigational purposes. This is the Global Positioning System and is commonly referred to as "GPS".
Each satellite continually transmits its own unique electronic signal back to earth. GPS receivers utilize triangulation to determine a location by "measuring" the individual electronic signals transmitted by each of three or more satellites. Each signal takes a specific amount of time to travel an exact distance. The GPS computer converts the travel time of the signals into precise satellite-to-receiver distances. The resultant fixed distances from each of several satellites ultimately determine the point of convergence at the receiver. Finally, the GPS software displays the receiver's latitude and longitude.
Here's an example of how you, as a treasure hunter, could use GPS: While scanning an old map and some old newspapers that your Great Grampa left in his attic, you discover that what was once a very popular hotel and saloon were destroyed by fire in 1865. The map is vague but you are able to match the site with a current topographical map of the same area. After adjusting for the difference in map scales you make your best estimate of the site location, determining latitude and longitude coordinates from the topo.
You've located the land owner and gained permission to treasure hunt the old site. It's always unwise to embark on such an adventure alone so you've invited a detecting partner to join you. You have also brought along a compass as backup to the GPS - in case of an unexpected accident i.e. dropping an unprotected unit while crossing a creek, or losing the receiver while working through brushy areas. For purposes of our story, the hotel ruins are located in a remote area that is wooded and wild! There are streams, swamps and cliffs to maneuver as you fight your way through thick brush and heavy undergrowth. This trip promises to be exciting but definitely a challenge to your hiking skills.
After parking your car by the nearest road, you are excited and ready to find that treasure site. You must find your way, not only TO the hotel site, but also BACK to the car. No problem! GPS will guide you to your destination, then back to your car! Before leaving your car to begin the hike, you must setup your GPS receiver to record the starting point location, called a "waypoint". Turn the receiver on and push a few buttons to record the latitude and longitude of your car's waypoint. Next, enter the destination coordinates that you calculated from the maps. The GPS unit is ready now and will lead you to your remote treasure site.
As you wind your way through the unfamiliar and rugged terrain, the receiver's screen displays the direction and distance that you must travel. Depending on the receiver model and design, it may provide other additional information such as your altitude and how far you have traveled. It may even estimate how long it will take you to arrive! If you should find the remains of another site on the way to your intended destination, you can store this location as another waypoint on your GPS unit. Your GPS unit can easily find this second site at any time in the future. GPS receivers can store literally hundreds of waypoints as you progress along your route.
Your GPS constantly keeps you on course by displaying the direction you must go as you work your way to the hotel ruins. The receiver gives immediate indications if you veer off the direct route, and continually provides updates on your progress. Now, according to the GPS, you've reached the site but there's nothing there. Here's where the cumulative errors of map translation come into play. (1) The original map may lack sufficient resolution needed to establish a precise location. (2) There may be some error, possibly small, possibly large, in matching the old map with a modern topographical map.
Realizing the probability of some error resulting from your map translations, you now begin a search pattern by circling the target point at a gradually increasing radius. We've all heard about getting lost and eventually going in circles when walking through strange territory. Well, this could happen here, if not for your GPS that constantly keeps track of where the original target spot is located. With GPS you should never lose that spot or get lost yourself. As you continue to wander through the trees, there, in the distance you spot a stone foundation! Eureka! You and the GPS unit have found the hotel ruins!
GPS receivers are useful for all kinds of activities like boating, hiking, and of course - treasure hunting. They are sold through magazines, catalogs, sporting goods stores, and the internet. Portable receivers are very compact and small enough to fit into the palm of your hand. They operate on various power sources including rechargeable penlight batteries or cigarette lighters outlets. Prices vary with the number of options that are included. A basic GPS can cost less than $200 and up to thousands of dollars, depending on the model and various features. There are many good brands including such names as Panasonic, Garmin, Ray Jefferson, Trimble, Sony, Motorola and Magellan, available from metal detector shops, sporting goods stores, discount houses and the internet.
A set of batteries may last only four hours under continuous operation, but will last longer with intermittent use. Buy the best batteries available and carry spare sets when appropriate. Once the receiver is programmed, it will monitor your route, even while the display is turned off.
One nice advantage GPS enjoys ove a compass is that it does not require you to record direction or distance traveled as you zigzag through a unfamiliar region. GPS always knows the direction and distance to any stored waypoints.
When shopping for a GPS receiver, here are some of the many features to check out:
GPS receivers have excellent accuracy, sometimes finding a desired target within only a few yards. However, accuracy can vary depending on whatever variables you encounter. At its best, the receiver may take you right to the exact spot. At worst, the GPS receiver should guide you within a few hundred feet of your destination, an error that is probably more accurate than estimating the location from old maps. Accuracy is the same, whether you are looking for a site that is 2 miles, or 100 miles distant.
There is no doubt GPS certainly adds a high level of excitement and enjoyment to locating your next treasure site!