Compass in Kapuas Hulu

Melayu field assistant taking a compass bearing as we run inventory transects through tembesu (Fagraea fragrans Roxb.) stands in Danau Sentarum National Park in Kapuas Hulu, West Kalimantan (see Danau Sentarum). Of interest here is the way he has the Silva compass resting on top of a stake that he has cut and carved. Always stays flat, easy to swivel, and frees up his other hand for taking notes. Essentially turns a hand compass into a staff compass. Ingenious. [NOTE: I had forgotten about this trick until I came across the slide. Wish I could remember this man's name...].

Global Positioning System

Here's one from the archive.  I am standing in front of a Dayak longhouse in the Kapuas Hulu regency of West Kalimantan in the early 1990's trying to spatially locate myself with a clunky GPS receiver. These were the days of "Selective Availability (SA)", and even though I might get a reading, it could be off by as much as 100 m.  I'm glad they eventually did away with this foolishness. [NOTE:  The GPS receivers in those days were big and heavy - and white, apparently. Don't know for sure, but it looks like I'm wearing a Batman t-shirt].