GPS unit project

In response to an identified operational need for GPS units both in vehicles and handheld, and feedback from the field, Operations has conducted research into GPS units and published a number of helpful documents online.

To assist CFA members in choosing a GPS unit, please read the Functional Analysis of GPS Units for CFA. This document discusses vehicles and handheld GPS units as well as the pros and cons of moving topographical map and in-car street navigation units.

To determine how to set up a GPS for use in CFA, please read A Guideline for use of GPS for CFA. This document also explains many of the common GPS functions of six figure grid reference, waypoints, navigate to a waypoint, track log, track back, distance, time (24 hr), sunset times and speed.

Two GPS unit technical specifications have also been approved for use in CFA. These are:

• Global Position System Specification for Fire Fighting Vehicles, 2007.
• Global Position System Portable Specification, 2007.

A Survey of GPS Unit Usage has been conducted to assess the degree of usage of GPS units in CFA and the range of GPS unit functions being used, as well as to identify the type of CFA events at which GPS units are being used. Feedback was also obtained on how to better promote the use of GPS units in CFA.

For copies of the documents and information/background on this project visit CFA online or contact Chris Feltoe in Research and Development on (03) 9262 8607 or c.feltoe@cfa.vic.gov.au.

Examples of vehicle suitable GPS units

Lowrance 4800M, $700

Garmin 128, $500

Garmin GPSMAP 276C, $1,400

Magellan XL $1,400