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The relationship between the map and the compass is vital to get the lay of the land. When used together, they provide hikers with a comprehensive understanding of their surroundings. By aligning the map with the compass, hikers can orient the map to match the actual terrain, ensuring that their bearings are accurate.
- Sean Sanders
- Get to Know The Parts of A Compass
- Adjust Declination
- Orient Your Map
- Take A Bearing
For this article, we're using a compass that has all of the features you need for basic navigation: Baseplate: Clear, so you can see the map below it, it has at least one straight edge for taking bearings and transferring them to your map. Ruler(s): Used with your map's scale to determine distances. Direction-of-travel arrow: Tells you which direct...
North on a map is easy to find (it's at the top). In most locations in the real world, though, magnetic north (where your needle points) and true north differ by a few degrees: That difference is known as "declination." In the continental U.S., declinations vary from 20 degrees east in parts of Washington state to 20 degrees west in parts of Maine....
Map reading—correlating what you see on paper to what you see around you—is a foundational skill that you should practice early and often. Before you can do that, though, you have to have your map oriented correctly. Once you've set your declination, map orientation is simple: 1. Place your compass on the map with the direction of travel arrow poin...
A "bearing" is simply a navigationally precise way to describe a direction. For example, instead of heading "northwest" to get to a campsite, you might follow a bearing of 315 degrees. Bearings are always relative to a specific location. Following the same bearing from two different places will not get you to the same destination.
Take a look at useful tips with compasses and maps: Finding north. To find north, hold the compass in your hand and turn around until the coloured needle points to ‘N’. A compass showing 8 ...
Oct 8, 2023 · Position the map: Place the map on a flat surface, ensuring it is free from any obstructions or folds. Rotate the map until the direction of the landmark on the map matches its actual direction in the terrain. Align the compass: Hold the compass flat against the map, with its edge touching the landmark.
Sep 4, 2024 · Check the map’s orientation. Open up the map and take a moment to double check that you’re examining it from the correct perspective. Most maps feature a “compass rose” in one corner that shows which directions are indicated by the various markers. Unless otherwise specified, the top of the map will always correspond with North.
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Apr 15, 2024 · Mark your starting location. Adjust the compass index line pointing to the North or 0 degrees. Rotate your body to align the orienting arrow with a red magnetic needle. “Put red in the shed.”. Walk 10 steps, then stop and mark your spot. Adjust the compass index line pointing to the East or 90 degrees.
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Reading the Legend. The legend on a map provides critical information about the symbols and colors used on the map. By understanding the legend, you can interpret the map more effectively and identify key features and landmarks. Using a Compass. A compass is an essential tool for map reading, helping you orient the map and navigate your ...
