Land Navigation

This is the place to come for tips on using map and compass or GPS.

 Finding your exact position on a map need not be difficult. With just a few steps you can pinpoint your location on any topo map.
The first thing you need to do is orient your map so that the top edge is pointed North.
To do this lay the map flat on the ground and place your compass along the declination scale at the bottom of the map. Slowly turn the map until the North seeking arrow on your compass and the top of the map point in the same direction. Once you've done that you are ready to find your location.
First pick out two terrain features on your map. Next, find those features on the ground.

Figure 1
Next shoot an azimuth to the first terrain feature you picked. Note that azimuth and place your compass on your map with the azimuth pointed at the terrain feature on the map and draw a line along the edge of the compass back in the direction you are from the feature.
Figure 2
Next shoot an azimuth to the second feature you picked and again lay your compass on the map and draw a line back in the direction you are from the feature.
Figure 3
Where the two lines intersect is where you are standing. You have just triangulated your position on a map!
Figure 4
I hope that this will help you to stay "found" while you are on the move.
Doc

Dead Reckoning (Compass Course)

Dead Reckoning entails navigating a course with a compass and no map.
A dead reckoning course should be similar to the figure below.
(Fig. 1)





The area should be anywhere from 2000-5000 meters of hilly, wooded terrain. The starting stakes should be set along some type of linear feature such as a road or trail. Each stake should preferably be marked with a letter and contain distances and azimuths to the corresponding intermediate point.
The intermediate points should be numbered and contain the distance and azimuth to the next intermediate point and so on. The last intermediate point should have the distance and azimuth to a finishing point.
The distance between the starting and intermediate points can be anywhere from 300-1100 meters. maps of the area should not be given to those participating in the course although a sketch of the area with the boundaries should be provided.
Once you have laid out the compass course it can used during any weather, day or night. A large master map of the area should be kept at the finish point so those who participate can give critiques.

A point system should be generated with a total of 100 points possible and a score of 70 being the minimum passing score. A time limit should also be an integral part of the exercise. Points should be deducted for failing to reach the finish point in the allotted time, such as minus 2 points for each minute over the time limit.
Accuracy is the main key to dead reckoning and while missing an intermediate point by one stake left or right is allowed, a predetermined amount of points should be deducted for any distance away from the correct position.

Orienteering

Each person is given a topographic map with control points circled on it and a compass. Each control point should be marked with a flag and have a distinctive punch or color associated with it. Orienteering involves moving from control point to control point as quickly as possible. Orienteering is much more demanding the dead reckoning not only because of terrain, but because the oienteer must constantly concentrate, make quick decisions, and keep track of the distance traveled. Orienteering challenges a persons mind and body; however, a persons ability to think and make wise decisions under pressure is more important then speed or endurance.

The area you use should be heavily wooded, preferably uninhabited, and difficult enough for all levels of experience. It should be accessible and coordinated with appropriate range officers.

The challenge is setting the course so that it is interesting but not beyond the individual or groups ability. As a general rule you should select locations that are easily identifiable on the map and terrain, and accessible from several routes.
While there are several different forms of orienteering the most common is cross country orienteering sometimes called free or point orienteering. In cross country orienteering all participants must visit the same control points in the same order with a one minute starting interval.
After selecting the control points for the course, you must determine the start and finish points. The last control point should be near the finish point. In describing each controls location an eight digit grid coordinate and a two letter combination identifying each point should be included in the descriptive clue list each person or group is given at least two minute prior to their start time.
There should be between 6 and 12 control points on the course of varying degrees of difficulty and distances apart so that there are no easy or directly routes. Instead participants are faced with many choices of direct but difficult routes, or of indirect but easier routes. Each point is circled and the order they are to be visited is clearly marked on a master map. the start and finish may be at the same point with the course going in a circle or they may be at different locations. The length of the course and difficulty in reaching control points should vary with the degree of expertise of those involved. Regardless of the difficulty, all who participate must show proof of visiting each control point. this is easily done by using different color markers, ink stamps, or punches at each control point.
 
 

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