Expedition Tracking?

OK all you technology buffs out there, how can we outfit our expeditions with a tracking device and link to a website so we can see their progress live while on the trial?

Google the SPOT Satellite Messenger

I like to track with the GPS on my Blackberry for long trail runs, etc. but I'm afraid my battery would run out during a few days of hiking. It would be fun to try. The Google Latitude feature is good, but I would have to set up recipients to receive the feed. I don't think there's a way to make it public.

Another way might be to use Trimble Outdoors and then upload periodically to the website (and I'd have to make the routes public).

I'd definitely like to do this, provided battery life can be preserved.

A cell phone is going to require a data connection to upload anything which isn't going to happen in 99% of remote areas so that's out for true expeditions.

Andy Skurka is currently on a 700 mile trip in Alaska and you can track him via his Spot.

http://www.andrewskur...

Yeah, running around GA state parks is just too cushy. I get used to the electronic conveniences. I love the GPS on my Blackberry!!

Those SPOTS are way too expensive.

Yep, satellite access is $$$$$. Probably still cheaper than a Sat phone though. Unnecessary for most anything on this coast.

But it's so cool!!! (SPOT)

The unit its self is about 150-bucks, I've seen some 50 dollar rebates too, but the service for a year is about $150.00 with the on-line tracking feature. I would love to have this because so many places I go don't have cell service and it would be comforting to let my family back home know that I was OK.

If you divide it up by 12 months, it comes to about $12.50 a month. That's not too terribly bad... unless you only get to backpack six times a year :(