A man who had become separated from friends has been rescued from the outback by helicopter after being lost for nearly 48 hours.

Kye Martin managed to contact his family on Friday and tell them he was lost and losing phone reception.

The 40-year-old’s family reported him missing the next day, and emergency services located him about midday on Sunday.

Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today

Martin was on a gold prospecting trip near Ora Banda, more than seven hours northeast of Perth, when he became separated from the group.

He was spotted via a makeshift shelter and his name marked out on the ground in a clearing.

Martin was flown by helicopter to Kalgoorlie Airport where he was assessed by St John WA paramedics and later reunited with friends and family.

Police urge people travelling to remote areas to take precautionary measures and be well-prepared for their journey.

“The Western Australian outback is made up of many different terrains which can be challenging to survive in,” police said.

West Australian Police shared their advice for what to do when faced with a similar situation to Martin’s.

• Leaving signs for air search crews, such as spelling a word on the ground in large letters
• Piling up rocks and arrows made from sticks, or simply dragging a stick behind you to mark the ground if you are moving locations to assist ground trackers
• Try to attract attention by lighting a controlled fire
• If you are in a vehicle, it is advisable to stay with it
• If forced to leave the vehicle, place a note explaining your intentions, including the direction you’re taking, what resources you have and crucially, the time and date you left