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Basic GPS & Route Planning Course - 2026

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Basic GPS & Route Planning

Olympia's Basic GPS and Route Planning course includes instruction in GPS function, on-trail route planning using Gaia, and off-trail route planning with Caltopo. There is also a short online test. Upon successful completion, students will earn the Basic GPS badge. Current Olympia Branch activity leaders will be given preference to register. All others will be allowed to register May 1st.

Contacts

Patrick McLaughlin
Patrick McLaughlin
Leader

The Olympia Basic GPS course has three activities, but only one lecture is required. They are:

  1. Lecture One: On-trail GPS (Gaia) AND/OR
  2. Lecture Two: Off-trail GPS (Caltopo)
  3. Online final test for all coure students

Only ONE lecture is required based on your typical activity, but you can attend both. Lecture 1 will be geared towards Hikers and Backpackers. Lecture 2 will be geared towards Scramblers and Climbers.

How to sign up for the course

  1. Register for this Basic GPS course and pay the fee.
  2. Register for ONE or BOTH lectures.
  3. Link to final test will be sent to students who've attended one lecture.

What to do next

  • Read the pre-course slide deck that will be sent out two weeks before the first lecture.
  • Download and start familiarizing yourself with Gaia and or Caltopo.

Badges

This course earns you the Basic GPS badge. The badge is helpful for activity leaders who will be planning trips for the Mountaineers.

NOTE: If you would like to be an instructor you must have a current Basic Navigation and Basic GPS badge. Please reach out to me before registering, so we can discuss your experience with Gaia and or CalTopo.

Badges you will earn:

Course Requirements
Course Activity Date Availability Leader
Basic GPS, Lecture 1
Lacey Community Center
Tue, Jun 2, 2026
Registration closes May 29
20 participants
3 instructors
Patrick McLaughlin
Basic GPS, Lecture 2
Lacey Community Center
Thu, Jun 4, 2026
Registration closes Jun 2
20 participants
3 instructors
Patrick McLaughlin
Roster
Required Equipment

A smartphone with the Gaia and/or CalTopo GPS apps are used for the coursework. Any recent smartphone has a GPS chip in it and can be used with the GPS apps, which is available for both iOS and Android. Gaia GPS Premium is available as a Mountaineers Member Benefit, at no cost for the first year. You must have the Smartphone set up with correct app before coming to a lecture.

A standalone GPS unit may be used IN ADDITION to Gaia and CalTopo apps, but you are responsible for knowing how your unit works. Our instructors cannot be experts in all of the different models on the market past and present. If you have a smartphone, download Gaia and CalTopo GPS. You’ll find them useful.

Course Materials

There are no materials for this course.