By Mountaineering Scotland:
Following
the results of a survey carried out by Mountaineering Scotland last year, the
country’s top mountain safety experts are launching new guidance for those who
use their mobile phones, or GPS devices, for navigating in the hills.
As part
of the survey, some 4,000 hill users were asked if they used mobile phones or
GPS for navigating when spending time in the hills and mountains, and if they
had experienced any issues while doing this. A huge 87% of people said they
used an electronic device for navigating at some point on their walk, and 40%
of those said they had experienced a situation where their device had stopped
working in some way.
Based on
the results, Mountaineering Scotland’s Mountain Safety Advisor Team (backed by the
wider Mountain Safety Group including Scottish Mountain Rescue, Police
Scotland, Mountain Training Scotland, Glenmore Lodge, Developing Mountain
Biking Scotland and Snowsport Scotland) have put together new guidance and an
infographic with five simple steps to help keep your mobile phone and GPS
working for when you’re using it for #SmartNav in the hills:
CHARGE – start with 100%
battery charge and charge your device while you travel if you’re using it for
music or road navigation.
PROTECT –
protect your phone from the elements and keep it close to your body when not in
use to help it stay warm and dry and save battery life.
DOWNLOAD – download all
the maps you might need so you don’t need to rely on mobile data to be able to
access maps on your walk.
EXTEND - Switching your
phone to ‘Flight Mode’ makes your battery last a lot longer and take a fully
charged power bank to re-charge on the go if needed.
TAKE A BACKUP – If
your phone or GPS fails, you’ll need another way to navigate, for example a map
and compass, and the ability to use them effectively. Consider also carrying a
simple backup phone for emergencies.
Mountaineering
Scotland Safety Advisor, Ben Gibson, said: “When going out into the hills this
winter or at any other time of the year, it is important to look after your
phone as it not only gives you additional information to help with your hill
and mountain navigation but, is also your lifeline to contacting the emergency
services in the event you or a group member finds yourself in a serious situation.
“Remember, if you’re downloading your route from an app, it’s always worth checking it against other reliable sources to make sure it’s safe and suitable for your level of experience and ability.”
About Mountaineering Scotland
Mountaineering Scotland is the membership and representative organisation for hill walkers, climbers, mountaineers and ski tourers in Scotland, with a membership of 16,000 individual and club members and 150 affiliated clubs. We aim to inspire and encourage people to enjoy the benefits of walking, climbing and ski touring and provide information and skills training to mountain users to promote safety, self-reliance and responsible access in Scotland’s mountains and climbing venues.
