Most people use GPS devices to "leave bread crumbs" while they hike. But what if you want a route line to follow BEFORE you head out in the mountains? If you are going somewhere without trails, or maybe the trails do have signs but they are in a foreign language? Your smartphone is equipped to overcome these hurdles, if you know how to use it. 15 years ago, people would pay $1000's to get access to what you didn't even know you have already.
Learn how to create a detailed route line in Google Earth while planning for your trip, and use it with Gaia GPS app in the field, anywhere in the world.
This versatile knowledge will make route finding on your next adventure a piece of cake. Perfect for hikers, ski tourers, expedition members, adventure racers, hunters, and ultra marathoners. You will be able to launch from the trailhead with confidence.
GAIA GPS APP DISCOUNT: Buy the subscription (needed to download maps for offline use) here and save $! gaiagps.com/smileys_project/
Pro Tip: Add Google Earth satellite layer on Gaia GPS app
1. On your computer, create account, and log on to gaiagps.com
2. Click your user name (top right of screen), from the drop down box select "Map Sources"
3. Click "Import an External Map Source"
4. Name the layer "google earth" or whatever you prefer.
5. Scroll lower, locate "Paste your modified link here"
6. Paste this non-active link in that box: https://mt0.google.com/vt/lyrs=s&hl=en&x={x}&y={y}&z={z}&s=Ga
(this link will not open a page in your browser, it has a different purpose, fyi)
7. Scroll to the bottom, click "add this map source"
8. Make sure you are signed in to your account on your phone. [>Menu icon >Account >Login]
9. Restart the app
10. >Layers Icon >More Layers (top right) >Imported >Select Google Layer
Your Instructor
Mark Smiley's passion for adventure has taken him around the world on more than 30 expeditions to places like China, Peru, Ecuador, Africa, Chile, Argentina, Across Europe, Canada, and Alaska.
He and his wife, Janelle, are the only people that have attempted to climb all 50 Classic Climbs of North America (48 successfully). Additionally, he was part of a team to set a world record skiing across the entire Alps Mountain Range (1100 miles and 292,000 vertical feet) in a mere 36 days.
His teaching style is fun, mellow and easy to understand. As an IFMGA Certified Mountain Guide, Mark is among the world's elite guides to reach this status. More important than this certification, is his candid style of conveying to you the best techniques that will help you the most. Through this course you will tap into his expertise and knowledge for real-world learning.
Instagram feed @smileysproject
Course Curriculum
"Thanks Mark, concise and focused on what's needed to do the job well."
-Todd Curtis
"Thank you so much, as a rookie guide this so valuable amongst all things related to this profession, but navigation can be tricky to master."
-Michael Burk
"Thanks Mark. I have been using Gaia with SAR and my outdoor pursuits for the past two years. This tutorial with the Google Earth link up just took it to the next level. Much appreciated!
-Matthew Larsen
Frequently Asked Questions
Navigating in the mountains, on a glacier, in the woods, and around cities does not have to be difficult with these modern tools. When I first learned these skills I felt like I was cheating. Navigation with a map and compass is difficult to learn. Navigation with your smartphone is super easy to learn and apply. Let's go!
-Mark Smiley