GPS

Global Positioning Systems (GPS) are important to carrying out research in the Dry Valleys as they provide a means of both navigating the remote valleys and finding the correct locations to collect samples. GPS work by triangulating the position of the ground receiver in relation to a number of satellites orbiting the earth.

The GPS units primarily used by nzTABS researchers are Garmin GPSMAP60s. These are robust units suitable for use in remote locations. Our researchers can use these devices to record locations of interest and then download them onto a computer for mapping, or to give to other researchers to revisit the locations. As long as several satellites are orbiting above the steep sided valleys they provide accuracy on the ground within a few metres.