I think that's a really good idea, judging distance using the standard issue Mark I eyeball. By estimating first, and then checking with a map and/or some other means, I think you could get very good at judging distance to objects over time, even with standard issue computer hardware. Mine is actually in exceptional shape. Hardly been used. lol

It is similar to testing your judgement in other areas before confirming with instruments. Time of day. Time and/or distance since you last checked. Air temperature is another good one. Besides training your senses and judgement this might also be a good way to check to see if you are starting to lose it for one reason or another. I don't use a GPS where I hike. If I went someplace else I might carry one as backup. I don't think I will ever use one as my primary means of navigating. I think it would just make the brain go soft. Keeping my brain active performing more natural functions by processing natural information in a natural setting is one of the main reasons I go hiking in the great outdoors. GPS ain't natural. Map and compass and watch and dead reckoning aren't completely natural either, but they are close enough. We don't want to stop thinking in terms of, well just in terms of whether it feels right, and where we might get to by sunset, and what the weather is doing, and how many extra days travel we might have if it snows hard tonight. I think a GPS can take away more information than it provides if you're not careful.

I would definitely carry a GPS in situations I needed it. I make it a point not to I guess. I do use alot of other instruments, like a watch and compass and a thermometer, and even a heart rate monitor, both for more accuracy and as fun learning tools, but for some reason not a GPS. I draw the line there. If I did as much as possible I would only use it for confirmation, to train the brain, but a good crutch can leave you a cripple. Where I hike and for what I do I don't need one. I often bushwack, and almost always make a point of getting lost when I do, but always within a well contained play area. This keeps my brain, well, less dull. I don't use flagging tape either, but I sometimes follow others. If I was out there performing some specific task like hunting it would be different, and then I would use GPS for sure, but I am really only out there to mess around. With a GPS I would have to go farther and deeper for it to be as much fun, and I am not sure it would be.

I've often thought if I ever sailed the world I might do it without too much information or too much instrumentation, to rediscover the world for myself, the old ways. I'm convinced it can be done just as safely. It just takes longer. I wouldn't get as far, but whatever I discovered I could call my own. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />