Recording GPS and Photo Data
Tools of the Trade
Hand held GPS locating devices are inexpensive, easy to operate and accurate to within several yards of where you stand. Your next-generation explorers will be able to return to the exact coordinates of each capsule at any time in the future.
Which GPS device should I buy? For starters you’ll want a hand held GPS designed for hikers, not 
highway drivers. Retail prices range from about $200 to $600. You need a waterproof device with a long battery life and a built-in map screen. That display screen should be as large as you can find. You want a 12 channel parallel receiver, which gives you more incoming signals to help guide you through forest canopies or around steep hillsides. Two additional recommended options are 1) the ability to upload different topographic maps and 2) a trans-reflective color screen for viewing the GPS in full sunlight.
Any of the following GPS receivers are appropriate for this adventure (as of 2008):
Magellan
eXplorist 400–600 series
Garmin
60 (including CX models)
76CSx
Map76
76C (including CX models)
Vista and Vista Color models
Legend and Legend Color (including CX models)
Venture CX
If you need more information on choosing and operating a hand held GPS unit, visit our References section.
Don’t Forget Your Camera! For added security, you must take photographs and create prints to slip into your Retrieval Folders. To identify permanent landmarks, shoot wide angle images from multiple positions around your drop site. Never trust that you have taken enough documentary photos. All of them will be appreciated at the time of future retrieval.
Next Page: Before You Leave the Drop Site: Checklist
