Apr 15, 2020 we hope youve enjoyed our guide on how to use a map and compass, and youll never lose your way again. Todays digital reliance on gps navigation has all but relegated compass and map use to hardcore outdoor enthusiasts, orienteering clubs, and geography buffs. Forest fire lookout towers used triangulation to locate spot fires. There are many different types, but those used for navigation are drawn to scale. Orient the map with the terrain, using the technique already described. Well also talk about magnetic north, true north, and magnetic variation. The classic map and compass navigation guiderevised for the age of gps. Take this quiz and see how much you and your scouts know about wilderness navigation. Thats why a magnetized compass and a paper mapand the navigational knowhow to use themare part of the ten essentials.
Those who explored and mapped out our great nation had no gps, only the maps they made and a compass to guide them. What is the field manual for map reading and land navigation. This single line was not enough information to locate the fire. Orienteering as a tool to teach map reading and compass skills. Compass basics a compass is one of the most basic navigation tools any hiker can own. Amc map and compass course section hikers backpacking blog. Orientating a map using the lensatic compass 31 using a lensatic compass to.
Outdoor navigation with map and compass whatcom county. Jan 08, 2018 those who explored and mapped out our great nation had no gps, only the maps they made and a compass to guide them. Supporting the search and rescue needs of nh and vt since 1995. A great course for individuals new to navigating with a compass. Geological survey usgs fact sheet 03501 march 2001 part of a 7. Map area map series scale 1 inch 1 centimeter approximate name represents represents square miles puerto rico 7.
Goal to be fully versed and practiced in land navigation using a topographic map, magnetic compass, and a gps. Most compass es are marked with the four cardinal pointsnorth, east, south, and westbut some are marked additionally with the number of degrees in a circle 360. Triangulation is the process of pinpointing the location of something by taking bearings to it from two remote points. Alright, so everyone knows a few fundamentals of navigation north is always up, the sun rises in the east, and compasses usually point towards magnetic north. And even in the age of gps and smartphones, the most reliable way to make sure that you stay on track is by using a map and compass. Pdf be expert with map and compass download full pdf book. Download pdf be expert with map and compass book full free.
Outdoor navigation with map and compass this manual can serve as. Information on wilderness navigation using map and compass. This selfstudy course was prepared specifically to introduce you to the basics of map interpretation, compass use, and familiarize you with the united states geological survey usgs topographic maps, and planimetric maps. In other words, an oriented may will have the top part of the map pointing true north, and the right side pointing east. Hold map and compass together and turn until the compasss magnetic needle aligns with the compasss orienteering arrow red on red.
How to do land navigation at basic training everything you need to know to pass. Also, make sure the 0 or 360degree mark of your protractor is toward the top or north of your map, and make sure the 90degree mark is toward the right or east of your map. While entire books have been written about navigating with a compass, every compass. A topographic map shows details of a portion of the earths surface drawn to scale. Armywide implementation a mandatory core of critical map reading and land navigation tasks and a list of electives will be provided to each. Basic mastery of the tools of land navigation map, compass, and protractor is absolutely necessary in order to ensure our success. These numbers give you a numerical angle of direction, or. Land navigation wit h a compass by terry haider can you find yourself on a map with a compass, or without, by looking at a map. Many people carry compasses without knowing how to use them. Backcountry navigation using the map, compass, gps and altimeter to find your way maps planimetric and topographic maps. How to use a compass the most important piece of gear to help you find your way. Then identify your current location and the location you want to reach on the map.
Tracking present locationdetermining distancesense of directionhow to read a topographic map terrain and map associationspatial skillsplanning safe, practical routesand more navigational skills. Finding your way without map or compass gatty, harold on. But at some point in time, outdoor enthusiast or not, youll want to be able to fi. Introduction to land navigation 201 correct grid azimuth. You use a compass to take a bearing to the distant object from two separate locations, find those two locations on a map, draw a line along each bearing taken, and where the lines intersect is where the distant object is located. Caltopo maps loaded on avenza on an iphone 7 plus has become my standard with map and compass backup, of course.
Below, well cover both the basics and finer points of compass navigation. How to navigate by map and compass appalachian mountain club. Essentials this sheet covers the basic techniques and information needed to navigate using a map and a compass. What are the basic colors of a map, and what does each color represent. Thats why a magnetized compass and a paper map and the navigational knowhow to use themare part of the ten essentials. Place the compass on the map so that either of the edges or one of the long lines of the base plate is touching both your starting point and finishing. Learning how to use a compass is a basic skill, something everyone should know. There are three areas to focus on when learning to put these timetested navigation tools together. Finding your campsite, a spectacular viewpoint or your way back out of the wilderness wont always be simple tasks. Gps devices are great, but they can break, get lost, or easily be hampered by weather conditions, making basic map and compass skills essential for anyone who spends time outdoors. An instructional manual for personal development of your outdoor navigation skills, using map and compass, and 2. The goal of orientation is to determine that precise point on the surface of the earth were you stand. Important serviceability checks are outlined below. Many teachers may want to have younger students draw maps of the classroom and plot particular objects on those maps.
If you place your protractor down incorrectly on your map, the. Usually a graphic scale is a line marked off on a map indicating so many inches or millimeters equal so many feet, kilometers, chains, or miles on the ground. However, if you are preparing for a camping trip, a compass is an absolute necessity, one. Now turn your body so your compass looks like this. Download pdf version download flashcards online flashcards email to a friend. Gps navigation with pdf maps on smartphones section hikers. Mar 10, 2014 map and compass navigation the basics posted on march 10, 2014 march 10, 2014 by treelinebackpacker everyone should know how to navigate with a map and compass, but surprisingly few can. Inspecting a compass part 1 basic land navigation compasses are delicate instruments and should be cared for accordingly. Jan 09, 2017 this navigation tutorial will explain how to use a topographic map with a compass. In land navigation, an azimuth is defined as a horizontal angle measured clockwise from a north base line or meridian.
These devices have a mirror that flips up over the compass which. Part 1 basic land navigation on point preparedness. Once youve mastered orienting a map to the field using a compass, you can now use that map to reach a destination thats out of your sight. Everyone should know how to navigate with a map and compass, but surprisingly few can. This sheet covers the basic techniques and information needed to navigate using a map and a compass. Effects of errors, corrections and geometry in navigation. These instructions are on the outer edges of the map and. Using a compass and a map posted on august 22, 2014. Bst infantry skills employ a map and compass us marine. How to read and use topographical maps, and how to use a compass. This is a lesson on map and compass navigation declination and finding map bearing. Youll need a compass and pencil to do some of the problems. Be expert with map and compass available for download and read online in other formats. This videos purpose is to be a one stop shop to all of the basics you need to understand land navigation.
Navigation is one of the ten essentials and most outdoor speople take a compass with them on every adventure. Map and compass navigation the basics treelinebackpacker. During this field outing, well help you see three dimensions of the land in the two dimensions of a topographic map by teaching you how to read contour lines, landmarks and other map features. Sep 30, 2014 amc map and compass class at harvard cabin in new hampshire. A ranger at tower a would see smoke in the distance and take a bearing to it on his compass. In this lesson this lesson is devoted to two of the most basic tools. Maps a map is a two dimensional representation of an area of land, as if you were looking at it from above. Basic land navigation southeast missouri state university. The difference is referred to as the magnetic declination, which is discussed in chapter 4, using a. Joe comuzzi and i taught the amcs map and compass course again last weekend at harvard cabin in pinkham notch, a 2day class which combines a morning of instruction with two hikes to practice offtrail compass and navigation skills.
Week five in our sixweek blog series on map reading skills focuses on the compass. Land navigation with a compass high country supply. Land navigation handbook marine barracks washington, dc. A detailed inspection is required when first obtaining and using a compass. Map reading is an essential skill for any explorer or outdoor enthusiast. Orienting a map is the process to correctly align it relative to the local surrounds.
Black indicates cultural manmade features such as buildings and roads, surveyed spot elevations, and all labels. Compass basics understanding and adjusting for declination orienting a map for north reference traveling to a target backstops, handrails and aiming off topo map basics pace counting finding yourself utm coordinate system using gps with a map. Align edge of compass base plate and ns edge of map. Planimetric maps show the earths surface in a flat perspective topographic maps provide a third dimension all modern maps. In todays modern world basic map and compass navigation are being replaced by the convenience gps, however when these miracles of technology fail its best to have. Since maps are oriented towards true north, youll find life much simpler if the. Redbrown the colors red and brown are combined to identify cultural features, all relief. It needs no batteries, works with any map, and even works without a map. Importance land navigation is a skillset which takes time and practice in order to become proficient and confident. Apr 08, 2020 and even in the age of gps and smartphones, the most reliable way to make sure that you stay on track is by using a map and compass. How to use a compass navigating with a map and compass. Amc map and compass class at harvard cabin in new hampshire.
A compass is one of the most basic navigation tools any hiker can own. If youre planning on using a map and compass to navigate through the bush, we highly recommend picking up a sighting compass also known as a prismatic or hand compass. Weve teamed up with steve backshall to record a series of videos to remind you of the basics and help you feel confident with your map. Tracking present locationdetermining distancesense of directionhow to read a topographic map terrain and map associationspatial skillsplanning safe, practical routesand more navigational skillsthe best way to learn land navigation is to get dirt time, that is, get out there with a map and compass. A leaders guide for group instruction of outdoor navigation skills, with exercises and games that help make map and compass training a fun and sporting experience. On a lensatic compass there are two rings, an outer black ring and an inner red ring, what are they used for. First learn about maps, next the compass, then combine the two as outlined in this manual. This tutorial will provide you with knowledge of map reading and the use of a compass and gps. When you have eliminated the javascript, whatever remains must be an empty page.
Trigonometry in navigation, timedistance formulas and triangulation. In todays modern world basic map and compass navigation are being replaced by the convenience gps, however when these miracles of technology fail its best to have a basic navigation skill set to fall back on. We hope youve enjoyed our guide on how to use a map and compass, and youll never lose your way again. In this era of technological gadgets, when everyone has a gps or a smartphone with navigation apps on it, you might think that an oldschool, basic compass is no longer needed. May 20, 2019 interested in improving your navigation skills. A comparison scale of 1 to 2000 feet means that 1 one inch on the map is proportioned to 2000 feet on the ground. Online army study guide land navigation map reading. Apr 24, 2017 once youve mastered orienting a map to the field using a compass, you can now use that map to reach a destination thats out of your sight. Upper valley wilderness response team supporting the sar. Innovative training devices and materials are being developed for use in the institution, rotc regions, and the field.
Mar 05, 20 this is a lesson on map and compass navigation declination and finding map bearing. Join backpacker s backcountry navigation or basic map and compass skills online course today the only place youre likely to find a big red you are here sign on a mall map, so before you can make use of a topographic map, it must be oriented properly to your surroundings. Nov 26, 2015 week five in our sixweek blog series on map reading skills focuses on the compass. Our map and compass course will introduce you to the techniques and tools essential for wilderness navigation. During this field outing, well help you see three dimensions of the land in the two dimensions. To orient a map using a compass, first turn the compass dial so north is aligned with the direction of travel. Take the time to go through this course at your own pace. It should take between three and eight hours to complete. The geospatial pdf extension has been around for a while now it came in with the pdf 1. Land navigation skills importance many emergency situations will not become survival situations if you do not become lost. How to do land navigation at basic training everything.
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