As the use of handheld global positioning system (GPS) units has exploded over the past several years, so to have the number of wilderness visitors who've gotten themselves into serious trouble as a result of incorrect directions. Add this to the list of issues that wilderness managers are dealing with on a sometimes daily basis. An article on Foxnews.com explored how these issues are affecting managers at both Death Valley National Park and Joshua Tree National Park. It has reached a point at Death Valley where managers had to add a disclaimer to their website regarding the use of GPS units:
While GPS technology and the availability of handheld units has increased recreational opportunities, it's also given less experienced outdoor enthusiasts a false sense of security. Couple that with cell phones (or the belief that one can get out of trouble with a quick phone call to 911) and it's a recipe for trouble.
To read the full article, visit: http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2011/02/04/death-gps-rise/
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