Reflecting the increasing importance of GPS technology within the Civil Defence organisation, a short course was held on Friday night to familiarise members with the principles and operation of GPS units.

Laois Civil Defence has operated a Garmin unit for five years, and several members have privately owned examples. There is a program in place to expand the GPS capability this year and this led to the course being held.

Personnel from around the county were shown the basic operation of GPS, its advantages and limitations. The rest of the evening took the form of a navigation exercise around the area in cars, using GPS.

Further training will take place in the near future to build on the skills learned and work on more advanced topics such as interfacing GPS units with P.C.'s

ends