Mulching straight lines

Furu · Dec 5, 2016

Any off the shelf GPS will have an accuracy that is not all that accurate in the big scheme of things. For example my Garmin never reports under 10 feet accuracy.

I have measured the same boundary multiple times with the unit reporting +/- 10 feet and gone back later and it shows a different boundary while still reporting +/- 10 ft accuracy.
That maybe just fine however depending upon the boundary that you are dealing with.

Only a survey grade GPS will give a truly reliable accuracy. Even that is greatly impacted by the canopy depending upon the forest that you are working under.

roadhunter · Dec 5, 2016

I agree on GPS units being inaccurate. I use them regularly while hunting and they are off at times. I have also found plenty of fences that are hundreds of feet off property lines, specifically where private land meets BLM/USFS/etc.. The new land ownership chips for GPS units are really nice for following property lines but still probably not quite accurate enough for cutting narrow paths right on the fence lines.

The land ownership for many states can be bought through these guys, onXmaps. In Wyoming for example it shows boundaries and even landowner names for the whole state.

holeycow · Dec 5, 2016

Accuracy depends on whether the gps is being operated autonomously, or with corrections from a known location...a "base".

"Survey grade" gps' are only achieving increased accuracy through these corrections.

Many handheld gps' can also receive corrections.

As stated, the canopy has a huge effect on accuracy; whether radio-linked or not.

If you need sub-foot accuracy to avoid trespass, then an autonomous gps could not be relied upon, especially under canopy.

yellowdogsvc · Dec 6, 2016

Can someone in the know add to this topic on using a GPS in the cab? I've not had good luck with handheld or smartphone.

holeycow · Dec 6, 2016

Guess you haven't read the replies...

At least two mention "external antenna". You need a gps that will accept a wire to connect to an antenna on the top of the cab. Protection and/or strategic placement of both cable and antenna is required, or you'll just rip it right offa there.

Btw, I am "in the know".