I've put these pages into a Google-Docs document as it's easier to manage, and less hassle to update both the doc and this website.
This is more focussed on Scout level expeditions, but still helpful I think for DofE level.
A brief summary:
So you're a Scouter looking to plan an expedition? Fantastic!
Do you know why? Just in case you aren't 100% sure here are a few reasons (in no particular order):
Put into practice the skills learnt during the weekly Scouting sessions
Explore different areas, enjoying a far more unique view of the world
Develops independence and reduces requirement for constant adult supervision
Develops teamwork and leadership skills
Don't forget, you can find your own personal reason for doing an expedition, and the Scouting reason for it (exploring local wildlife, man-made structures invading woodland, topography...)
Yes. Of course (in my opinion). In the modern world electronic maps and GPS/satellite navigation are too common place to ban, and with smartphones GPS has become an common method of navigation.
That being said, it is still expected that you use paper maps to plan and show the route, and take paper maps with you. GPS enabled devices are reliant on battery power, and unreliable in dense foliage. In addition waterproof and rugged devices have a cost premium to them.*
While paper maps are susceptible to water they can be either enclosed in a waterproof map bag, or printed out and laminated. As such GPS enabled devices should be secondary to paper maps - used as a way of confirming your location (try to use your map reading and navigation skills to locate yourself on the map first).
*A note on waterproof electronics: The IP rating is generally very badly interpreted. The waterproof rating it gives is based on the device being gently submerged in still and pure water. Muddy, salty, or chlorinated water is not covered. Neither is being dropped or otherwise accelerated through (this includes water moving towards to the device, such as rain). Even moving the device in a sink full of pure water exerts additional UNQUALIFIED water pressure on the device rendering the IP rating mute.
This means your shiny new iPhone or Android phone is not as "waterproof" as you might think from its IP rating. Unless the manufacturer specifically states you can use the device to take underwater video do NOT trust that your device is fully waterproof (adverts of dropping the device in a sink, while better, still does not guarantee 'dirty' water from outdoors will be fine for your device as well. Tap water is considerably more refined and clean than puddle or swamp water).
If you are going to take a mobile phone as backup navigation, communication, emergency only, or something else I'd recommend going through the following apps/downloads (no links, but most apps are available on both the Android Play store and the Apple App store):
Google Maps - download a suitably LARGE area around your expedition route as an OFFLINE map. This means you can use google maps without it needing an internet connection. GPS location itself does not require data.
OS Maps - Google maps is great for standard day to day navigating, but can fall very short when it comes to expedition routes. Missing smaller and less known footpaths etc. The OS Maps app will also look far closer to your paper OS Map.
OS Locate - will tell you your exact 6 figure grid reference. Great for confirming location if you are lost or otherwise need to provide an exact location to adult coordinators or emergency services.
What3Words - A backup to OS Locate. It has been known to give bad location results so should not be relied upon as your primary location finder!W3W now lets you add a secondary coordinate set under Display Settings - including the OS Maps Grid System (chose under the national/regional coordinates)
Telegram, WhatsApp, or some other low data chat application - preferably with both live and instantaneous location sharing. Do NOT use Facebook messenger as this requires a much larger data overhead that most other chat alternatives. Do NOT use Apple's messenger app as if you need to contact someone who doesn't have an Apple device in an emergency your communications will be split between multiple apps and either confuse matters or risk the message being missed.
Staying Alive - public defib locations.
First Aid by British Red Cross (optional Child first aid as well) - first aid walkthrough app for if you forget your first aid training.
Please note that in an emergency DO try dialling 999 (or 112) regardless of your phone signal. If you are in an area only covered by another mobile provider (example, reasonable O2 signal but no EE), your phone WILL connect using ANY service provider in range. If no service provider is in range then send a minimum of two people towards the nearest town or village, or try to gain height, and leave any compactly wooded area as trees attenuate mobile and GPS signals.
Other advice:
Do NOT follow the FB advise of calling to change your voicemail message with location information. If you can call out for that you can call the Emergency Services!
DO send text messages - they take less phone signal, and won't be garbled in a very low signal area.
Do include the time in the body of your text message. In bad signal areas the text might not send straight away
Do include your location at the time of writing the text, and your intended direction/path.
If you don't know your location, try and include a noticeable and distinct landmark.
Make sure adults who are not on your expedition know where you're going and have a copy of your route-card
They should be directly informed when you set off, be called at checkpoints as listed on your route-card, and when you set up camp
They should be directly informed if you have more than a one hour delay or substantial detour - some adults may request a different time limit.
They should be directly informed if the weather becomes unexpectedly severe.
YOU should have a backup phone, turned off and in a zip-lock (or other waterproof) bag to use in emergency. Your support adults should have this number as well.
If you are using phones for tracking purposes, have a battery pack or two in your group as well, and consider rotating who's device is used for tracking throughout the day.
Kit Lists - Camping and expedition only additions