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Using A GPS Handheld: Modern Technology, Ain't It Great?"The GPS is a great tool for locating old ghost towns."
Since learning how to use a gps handheld receiver to help me
to locate some eastern ghost towns,
I've become a bit more modernized, a "techy" of sorts.
Due to the fact that there are so many places on the Internet to learn how to use a gps receiver, or a gps handheld unit, I will not spend a whole lot of time on the workings of a gps.
The Global Positioning System In A Nutshell Spinning high overhead are 24 satellites. They are positioned at about 10,000 miles above us. Every 24 hours they orbit the earth. How am I doing so far? These satellites transmit a couple of signals. Nor will I attempt to explain these Mhz radio signals. Just trust me on this! GPS receivers receivers pick up the transmitted signals, or codes from the satellites. The receiver then measures the time it takes for the receiver to pick up the signal from the satellites. It can then determine coordinates of longitude and latitude. Piece of cake? Right? From the determination of that time measurement, the gps receiver can approximate where on the earth surface those coordinates are. That was easy! What Kind Of GPS? If you don't own a gps handheld unit, then you are missing out on lots of fun. I have used all of the major models, Garmin, Magellan, Lowrance, with equal success.
The key to using a gps handheld receiver, or for that matter any kind, is to learn how to use it. Read the manufacturers manuals that comes with the gps. The units can be a bit overwhelming at first. However, as I mentioned before, if I can use one, and with great success I might add, then anyone can. Use A GPS To Locate An Eastern Ghost Town Whatever your reason for using a gps handheld, the information following will help you to locate your source or area you are searching for. I am going to use the example of how I use a gps handheld to locate the eastern ghost towns that are no longer in existence.
Most times when a gps handheld is needed it's because John, my detect'en pal, and I could not locate the old town after visually looking for it. There are many reasons why the ghost towns in the east, or their remains, which are nothing more than a cellar hole, cannot be located.
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If we've checked our maps, and walked the area and nothing has been seen to indicate an old town, then John and I will use the gps handled unit. The first thing we do is to get the longitude and latitude of the area we are looking for.
We do this by using a topographical map.
If we know the general area of where the ghost town is located, assuming we have located the area on an old map, we then compare to the new topo to locate that same area. Many of the old maps we use to locate ghost towns do not have the longitude and latitude dilenations. So it's important to have a new topo when searching for the old towns in the east. Very simply, we enter both the longitude and the latitudes of where they intersect at the approximate location of the old town on the topo, and then plug those coordinates into the gps handheld. Once we do that we can drive to the area, using our coordinates to guide us. Then John and I can visually hike the area looking for any signs of an old town. The Accuracy Of A GPS Most experts say that a good gps handheld will be accurate from within 60-100 feet. I find these estimates to be pretty reliable. Although there have been a few times when the actual locations of a given area have been greater than the 100 feet estimate. You can increase the accuracy of your readings by taking a few every 15 minutes This again is nerdy stuff! So don't ask me why the readings work that way. You can find all the information you want on the Internet. Remember to ask for permission Do not attempt to search for any ghost towns on private property without first getting the permission from the property owner. Our hobby is under scrutiny now.
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Many landowners have no idea that a ghost town or old cellar holes exist on their properties. As long as you provide them with anything you find, whether that is information or relics, they are more than happy to let you search their properties. I hope this page has helped you to learn how to use a GPS handheld receiver to locate eastern ghost towns.
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