How to Use a GPS for Search and Rescue Operations

Using a GPS for Search and Rescue

Global Positioning System (GPS) usage is a requirement and a key skill for many search and rescue (SAR) teams. Besides the obvious asset to backcountry navigation, SAR teams use GPS to establish search areas and to document search pattern accountability. I developed this guide as a result of years of GPS usage in real-life SAR missions.

Though this guide is specific to the Garmin Map 60CSX, most GPS units have similar operational procedures. I highly suggest each SAR team develop their own set of GPS procedures and adopt it to their bylaws.

The Best GPS for Search and Rescue Teams

Though touting something as the "best" is a topic best uncovered, it is a question I've been asked often. After careful research, my team selected the Garmin Map 60 series as our preferred GPS, and we have been happy with our decision. Of course, a large factor in our decision was that it was also used by Rangers, law enforcement, and other volunteer SAR teams.

Anyone that scours the woods looking for lost people knows they need durable gear. I've dropped (by accident) my GPS unit down a rocky hill and into a creek and except for a scuff on the case it was fine. I use this GPS for mountaineering, paddling, and hiking, too—so it has seen a lot of use. Garmin builds their units like a tank.

The new Map 62 series from Garmin has replaced the 60 series, and many of our newer team members are buying this receiver. Once I save up enough pennies, I'll pick one up too. With Birds Eye satellite pictures, wireless connectivity, and better screen resolution, the GPSMAP 62 is the go-to unit for search and rescue teams.

Setting up Your GPS

Part of using your GPS is having it set up properly. These instructions show the common search and rescue settings for GPS units.

Go to the “Main Menu” page, highlight “setup,” and press [enter]

• Highlight “System” and press [enter].
• Under WAAS/EGNOS, ensure that it says “enabled”; if not, change it by highlighting it and pressing [enter] – this improves accuracy.
• Highlight “Units” and press [enter].
• Set “position format” to “UTM UPS.”
• Set “map datum” to “NAD 83” – this can change depending on the mission, the map legend will give the datum. (WGS 84 and NAD 83 are the same for our purposes).
• Set “Distance/Speed” to “metric,” though in some situations, we may have to switch back to “statute.”
• Highlight “Routing” and press [enter].
• Set “guidance method” to “off road.”
• Highlight “Heading” and press [enter].
• Set “display” to “degrees.”
• Set “north reference” to “true.”
• Highlight “Welcome Message” and press [enter].
• Use the keypad to enter your name, phone number, and SAR team name.

Go to the “Trip Computer” page

• You have the option to change the data fields on your GPS to suit your needs. You can do so by pressing [menu], highlighting “change data fields,” and pressing [enter]. At this point, you can highlight any of the data boxes, press [enter], use your rocker to scroll the menu, and press [enter] to select your choice.
• Suggestions for data fields

• Upper small data fields

• Trip odometer /Distance to Destination /Sunrise /Sunset.

• Lower larger data fields

• Location (selected): this will be the UTM grid.
• Location (lat/lon): good for aircraft communication.

Go to the “main menu” page, highlight “tracks” and press [enter]

• Ensure that “track log” is turned “on.”

How to Use the Track Log

Clearing the Track Log

Clear the track log before conducting searches. This makes it much easier to upload your data into the mapping programs.

Option One: Clearing Through Trip Computer

• Go to the trip computer page and press [menu]
• Highlight “Reset … ” and press [enter]
• Checkmark the data that you want reset by highlighting the object and pressing [enter]; a checkmark should appear.
• I do not suggest deleting “saved tracks,” “all waypoints,” and “all routes.”
• When you are done, highlight “APPLY” and press [enter].
• A window should pop up saying that “the data you have selected will be permanently deleted,” highlight “OK” and press [enter].
• This is a quick way to reset your trip computer too.

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Option Two: Clearing Through Main Menu

• Go to the “main menu” page, highlight “tracks,” and press “enter”
• Using your rocker button, highlight “CLEAR” and press [enter]
• A message will appear stating, ”do you really want to clear the track log?” Highlight “YES” and press [enter]
• Your track log window should read “0%”

Saving the Track Log

Your GPS collects tracks automatically (as long as the track log is turned on) and can be seen as “breadcrumbs” on your map.

• To save a track, start by going to the “main menu” page, highlighting “Tracks” and pressing [enter].
• In the tracks menu, use the rocker key to highlight “Save” and press [enter].
• A window will pop up and ask, “Do you want to save the entire track?” Highlight “Yes” and press [enter].
• A new window will pop up that will allow you to make changes to the track before saving it.
• The default name for the track is today’s date. To change the name, highlight the “name” box, press [enter] and use the rocker switch and [enter] key to enter in a new name, highlight “OK” and press [enter] when the new name is complete.
• In this window, you can also manipulate the color of the track, which may come in handy when plotting different tracks on a map.
• When you are done, or if you have not made any changes, highlight “OK” and press [enter].
• Your track is now saved and should be listed in your collection of “Saved Tracks.”

How to Creat a Waypoint

Marking/Creating a Waypoint (Used for Marking Where You Are)

• On any page, press “Mark,” this opens the create waypoint window.
• You can customize your waypoint’s icon, name, and notes.
• To change the name, highlight the top box (next to the icon), press [enter] and use the rocker switch and [enter] key to name your waypoint. Remember to highlight “OK” and press [enter] to return to the waypoint window.
• To save your waypoint, highlight “OK” and press [enter].
• The waypoint you marked will now appear in your waypoint menu.

How to Enter a Grid Coordinate

Entering a UTM Grid (Used When You Will Navigate to That Place Later)

So you were given a grid coordinate to navigate to, or perhaps you are setting up the perimeters for your search area. This is a skill all searchers should know.

• Entering a UTM grid is similar to “Marking /Creating a waypoint” above; however, this is used to create a waypoint in a location different from your own.
• First, determine what grid coordinate you want to enter. This may be given to you or you may have to plot it on a paper map first. In any case, write it down in your waterproof notebook.
• Begin by pressing the [mark] button to create a new waypoint.
• Rename your new waypoint using the instructions above.
• To change the grid coordinate to where you want your waypoint, highlight the “location” box and press [enter]. Use your rocker switch and [enter] key to use the values in your notebook. Highlight “OK” and press [enter] when complete.
• Scroll to the bottom of the screen, highlight “OK” and press [enter]
• This waypoint now appears in your waypoint list.

How to Navigate to a Waypoint

Navigating to a Waypoint (Used When Going to a Known Place)

Now that you entered a waypoint for a known location, we can go there.

• Press [Find], highlight “waypoints” and press [enter].
• You will see a list of all your waypoints. Select the waypoint you created and press [enter].
• In this window, highlight “Go to” and press enter. Your GPS is now navigating to take you to your waypoint.
• Your GPS will show you the way in your map page, but it is easier in your compass page. Just follow the big arrow. Press the [page] key to get to these pages.
• To stop navigation, press [menu] highlight “stop navigation” and press [enter].

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.

© 2011 Dan Human

Comments

Ryker on May 02, 2017:

This is a reallygood finding for coordinates.

Linda Bilyeu from Orlando, FL on April 21, 2016:

Excellent information especially for someone like me who is directionally dysfunctional. This article was shared via New Mexico SAR on Facebook. Well done!

Dan Human (author) from Niagara Falls, NY on July 06, 2012:

Yep, that is a tough lesson to learn. Track management is one of the easiest things to do, but one of the most overlooked. I've seen quite a few downloaded tracks at IC showing vehicle routes, trips to the bathroom, and random mulling about in the staging area.

Thanks for sharing this Brian!

Brian on July 06, 2012:

One hard lesson learned recently is to shut off your GPS prior to extraction from a helicopter. It renders tracking information useless as you fly circles around and over you legitimate walked tracks. Great article! Going to share with the rest of my SAR team! Thanks!

Joe on January 22, 2012:

Thanks for the informative article. I am in the Mendocino County Sheriff's Search and Rescue. Keep up the good work! Joe

Mark from Alabama,USA on August 23, 2011:

Thanks for sharing this awesome hub with us.

Good Job