Nearly every commercial beekeeper has been unable to locate or has forgotten about an apiary at some time in their career, or knows of someone who has. It is not difficult to understand why this might happen, especially when beekeepers move colonies at night, utilize numerous remote locations, accessed by little-used dirt roadways, or migrate from state to state. While stories about lost apiaries can be humorous--usually years later-- the lost apiary translates into lost income. In those states colonized by Africanized Honey Bees, Varroa and Tracheal mites, it is vitally important that beekeepers maintain precise apiary location records.
Now there is a new satellite navigational and mapping system that greatly simplifies the process of finding apiaries, however remote. Moreover, it is a very practical tool that can be used for maintaining apiary management records. Scientists, rescue teams, hikers, photographers, hunters, fishermen, and others are using this system and beekeepers can too. Most importantly, it can be used 24 hours a day, absolutely free of charge. You only need to purchase a relatively inexpensive receiver (about $200 plus replacement batteries). The system is called the United States NAVSTAR Global Positioning System (or GPS).
The GPS navigational system was developed at a cost of ~10 billion dollars by the U. S. Department of Defense. It became fully operational in January, 1994. The system now provides total global coverage, 24 hours a day, to an unlimited number of commercial and recreational users. It employs a constellation of 24 satellites, circling the earth in six orbital planes every 12 hours at an altitude of ~12,500 miles (Figure 1). This configuration guarantees that at least 4 satellites are visible (i.e. above the horizon) anywhere, and at all times. One-way radio signals are transmitted from the 4 satellites to any of the many types of mobile GPS receivers on the ground. The signals are decoded by the receiver which computes--within a few seconds--, by triangulation, its latitude, longitude, and altitude whether on the ground, on water, or in the air. The receiver operator can then log this location into the receiver's memory for future reference, or download the data points to a computer for map-making.
The GPS system is for everyone. It can be used to permanently map the location and altitude of any geographic feature or site such as a tree, a favorite fishing hole, home, camp site, workplace, or an apiary. GPS receivers are accurate to a distance of from 1 to 49 meters (~3-160 feet). The receiver can be used to store so-called ÒwaypointsÓ while enroute driving or walking to or from a location. The routes created by this process can then be followed in either direction using the GPS receiver as a compass and electronic guide pointing you in the right directions. The receiver can also be used to find the shortest route between two points and calculate the time of arrival. Some units even provide the user with real time course and speed information.
The user should understand that the Department of Defense can and does employ something known as the GPS Selective Availability (SA) feature. The intent of this feature is to provide greater resolution for U. S. military receivers than for receivers of adversaries. Employment of SA varies from day to day and can reduce the accuracy of civilian GPS receivers to 25 to 100 meters. Still, that's close enough to find an apiary.
The GPS navigational system is very easy to use. It requires only a relatively inexpensive, hand-held, battery-powered receiver with a digital display (Figure 2). To begin using the receiver, the operator must install a set of batteries and turn it on. The first time the receiver is activated it may require up to 15 minutes to 'acquire' or establish communication with satellites in it's 'field of vision'. Thereafter, the receiver calculates it's position in only 1 or 2 minutes. The first position can be entered into the receiver's memory as a "waypoint" or landmark by pressing another key. This waypoint can them be named, for example, ÒhomeÓ or Òsunny flat apiary.Ó Then, by repeating the 'marking' process at meaningful intervals along the way to a destination, the operator creates a route with additional waypoints. Some of the better receivers can store up to 250 waypoints or 20 routes each with 30 way points. Even a large commercial beekeeping operation could be managed with one hand-held unit.
Since each route is stored within the receiver's memory, the route can be followed in reverse on the return trip, and retained for future trips. To find an apiary whose location is unknown to the operator, one needs only to get in a vehicle, turn the receiver on and place it on the dash. (Note: an external antenna may be needed to operate the receiver inside a vehicle, see below for accessories.) Then, the user logs in the name or number of the apiary and the receiver will guide the operator to the site while driving, keeping the driver headed in the proper direction. Some instruments do this via arrows while others use other symbols, or sounds. If for some reason the operator strays, the receiver directs the operator back on course.
Once a site or route has been mapped, it's location is held in the receiver's electronic memory from which it can be recalled at any time, at home or on the road. If the location is no longer in use, the waypoints can be deleted. Other apiary management information such as the date, the number of colonies in the apiary, etc., can be included in the receiver's memory. If one chooses to do so, it is further possible to download this data to a second unit, or to a computer (see accessories below). Options such as these are limited only by the computer used and the skills of the operator. We should emphasize that whenever computers are used, it is always advisable to backup the files in the computer's memory.
The map coordinates for each apiary (or waypoints) can be recalled anywhere, and at any time, from the screen on the GPS receiver. Hence, the beekeeper in his/her office could, for example, relay map coordinates of an apiary by phone to anyone (aerial applicator, employee or family member, bee inspector, etc). That person could, in turn, use a map or his/her own GPS receiver to find the apiary.
GPS receivers are easy to use. They require only a few hours to learn key functions and commands, and a couple of practice runs to develop self confidence with the unit. The instructions and videos that often come with the receiver are complete and easy to understand. Additionally, several books on the GPS system are available for those who might want them.
Many types of GPS receivers are now on the market ranging in price from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. The inexpensive, pocket sized, hand held models will meet the beekeepers needs just fine. These are generally priced below $450. Some units can even be purchased for $200. Following this initial modest investment--and by having some extra AA alkaline batteries on hand, the system can be used anytime without additional charge.
There are a number of accessories available to expand the capability of the GPS receiver. These include an external antenna and cigarette lighter/power port adapter for continuous operation of the unit inside of a moving vehicle. Computer software and cables are available that enable the user to download waypoint data to a computer and upload it back to the receiver upon command. The computer interface permits unlimited acquisition of waypoints. The computer can also be used to map apiary locations and enroute waypoints, or print out apiary location data. The information can be further used as a chronological log of apiary management activity.
It is no longer necessary to memorize the location of every apiary or scribble pencil maps onto pieces of paper that are easily lost. Once versed in using the GPS system, anyone can find a site without having to draw a map or bring a second person along as a guide. Apiaries should never be lost ever again.
GPS technology is only as far away as the yellow pages or your local sporting goods store.