Backup maps for GPS navigators

[ColinJ]

I have the entire UK as one seamless digital OS map. Plotting routes on that is fantastic. I upload them to my GPS and have no trouble navigating new routes that way.

The thing is - technology can always go wrong. My GPS has been extremely reliable so far but I don't want to have 7 or 8 people relying on me for navigation on a ride and then get lost if my GPS breaks!

I therefore usually print out backup maps for rides in unfamiliar areas but ...

• Memory Map only allows me to print relatively small areas of map so I have to print lots of sheets
• I don't have a colour printer and my backup b/w maps are very hard to follow

Yesterday, someone on BikeRadar suggested this very simple but effective idea - take photographs of the maps with a digital camera!

I always carry a compact camera on my rides and I've just tested the idea - it works a treat! I've now got backup maps for tomorrow's forum ride on my camera. I can zoom right in to get a close-up view of any complex junctions.

Okay, the camera could go wrong too but the chances of both devices failing on the same ride are minimal unless I destroy them in a high-speed crash, in which case I don't think I'd be riding anywhere!

 

[summerdays]

I've done that in the past - also for any information you might need to have with you. I also use it if I visit somewhere which has an information board up with a map - usually take a photo of the whole information board and then a second one of the map. Started from when the kids were young and didn't want to stop long enough to read the information board. Then you can always delete it when you get home.