by Pete Hawkins
Cicerone, 2008, ISBN 1852844914 - ISBN-13 9781852844912, £7.99

This practical little book, the latest in this pocket series, explains how to get the best out of navigating with your GPS and takes you through GPS navigation in a clear and structured way. In addition, in chapter 3, the book summarises how to navigate with a map and compass and Pete Hawkins advocates learning these essential skills of traditional navigation to better understand and underpin navigation by GPS. This is re-iterated by Pete relating to his previous written works Navigation and Map and Compass. The guide also looks at modern digital mapping and how GPS units and the mapping software can be used positively together. Pete simplifies navigation jargon into understandable language and takes you through the use of GPS as an aid to navigation in a clear and ordered way.  He also recognises that strong traditional navigational skills are the basis for effective GPS navigation, and gives a summary of how to navigate with a map and compass. In his look at digital mapping he considers how that can benefit all outdoor users.

This little book would benefit the instructor or leader who needs to navigate; it would be of benefit to those considering the Mountain Leader route, those who train at this level and those looking to understand more about GPS and its potential as a navigational aid.

The book also contains a free GPS navigational aid card that can be used to check the information that the GPS has provided or that you are entering into the GPS.

Review by Dave Brown