How to use a map and compass.
Introduction Navigating with a map and compass can be a great way to safely explore the outdoors. It’s a skill that requires some practice, but understanding the basics is the best place to start. This tutorial will cover the fundamentals of using a map and compass to navigate in the outdoors, blocking out the steps to reading a map, orienting a compass, and using them together.
Step 1 – Reading a Map Before you start navigating, you need to first understand how to read a map. Knowing how to interpret the information on a map can be the key to successful navigation.
Select the correct map for your location – The first step to reading a map is choosing the correct map for the area you plan to explore. Make sure you select a map with a scale (1:50000 is often used for hiking maps) that suits your needs. As well, check the map’s “date/edition” to ensure it’s up to date.
Map Symbols & Legend – Map symbols and the legend tell you what is shown on the map. Become familiar with the symbols and how to interpret them; for example, a brown line might symbolize a hiking trail, while a red line may mark a road. Reviewing the legend can also help you to identify additional landmarks and other relevant information.
Elevation, Contours and Relief – Elevation and contours help you determine the shape of the land. On hiking maps, contour lines are often used to represent elevation. The closer together the lines are, the steeper the slope. In addition, the lines may be labeled with their elevation to help you better understand the height change on the map. Measurements of distance can also be found on the map.
Step 2 – orienting your compass Once you have the basics of reading a map down, it’s time to move onto orienting a compass. This tool helps you to align your map’s direction with your surrounding terrain.
Basic Parts of a Compass – A compass typically consists of a baseplate with four directional lines (N, S, E, and W) and a needle. The needle is marked with its cardinal points and oriented towards magnetic north. It’s important to remember that the needle’s north is a direction only, not a position on the actual map.
Orient Your Map to North – To orient your map to north, locate the north symbol on the map and line it up with your compass needle’s north point. You can also use the map’s magnetic declination value to adjust for the difference between true and magnetic norths (this is often printed on the margin of the map). Once done, you can then transfer points from map to compass to determine your route.
Step 3 – Using a Map & Compass Together Using the map and compass together requires some practice and patience. Here are some tips to help:
Align your Compass to the Map– Firstly, face the direction you want to travel (north is usually a good start). Make sure the needle is inside the magnetic declination lines, then rotate your compass housing until the arrow points to the top of the map. This will help you orient your mapped route to the surrounding terrain.
Position on the Map – Using a ruler or following the terrain on your map, trace a line from your current location to your destination. This line is your route. This can also help you identify any nearby landmarks, rivers, or roads that you can use to help determine your location.
Monitor Your Progress – To ensure you’re going the right way, frequently check your compass and position your map on top of your compass housing. Marking your route along the way can also help ensure you’re on track.
Conclusion These steps can help you properly use a map and compass to navigate in the outdoors. Always make sure to practice and review the concepts outlined in this tutorial before heading out. Following these steps can also help you determine your location if you ever get lost while out exploring. With a little practice and careful planning, you’ll be able to navigate confidently and safely in the outdoors.
