how to plot a course on a topo map with a compass

If you have to move from this point to a given reference point or rendezvous point, you can take a Bearing to this point with the compass giving you a visual queue on which to walk. Course. Plot the Course on your map by drawing a straight line from your fix to the reference point, irrespective of topographical features.

Full Answer

How to plot a compass course on a chart?

If you which to plot a Compass course on your chart instead of a Magnetic course, you need add the ship's deviation from the table. We designate compass courses with a C at the end instead of an M, e.g. "C 092 C" denotes a compass course of 092.

Should you use a compass and a map together?

But the point is, you should have a compass to peek at it if you need it—and, in many situations, using a compass and map together is the surest way to stay on track and avoid getting dangerously turned around.

How to orient a compass on a map?

Map & Compass 101 – Orienting Your Map •Step by Step 1 – 2 - 3 1– set your map on the ground; turn your declination adjusted compass dial so due North is at the index pointer 2– place your compass on the map with the Edge of the baseplate parallel to the North South meridians on the map

What is a map&compass?

The Basics of Map & Compass The ability to navigate with a handheld compass and a topographic map is a hallmark outdoor skill. It will enable the wilderness explorer to not only stay found but locate water sources, road junctions, and the best routes through challenging terrain.

How do you plot a course with a compass?

0:022:49How to plot a course with map and compass - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo first I want to make sure my map is oriented to true north to north here is at three four fiveMoreSo first I want to make sure my map is oriented to true north to north here is at three four five degrees. So I just make sure that when I run my compass along here I'm still at three four five.

How do you use a compass on a topographic map?

Place your compass on the map with the direction of travel arrow pointing toward the top of the map. Rotate the bezel so that N (north) is lined up with the direction of travel arrow. Slide the baseplate until one of its straight edges aligns with either the left or right edge of your map.

How do you orient a map with a compass?

1:143:36SMCT: Orient a Map Using a Lensatic Compass - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFor. The first technique take the straight edge on the left side of the compass. And place itMoreFor. The first technique take the straight edge on the left side of the compass. And place it alongside the north/south grid line with the cover of the compass pointing toward the top of the map.

How do you orient your map when you start your course?

To orient the map, we have to align the map to the magnetic cardinal directions of the earth. First, find the north end of the map. Most maps have a key on them that will tell you which way is north. Sometimes they also have longitudinal lines, which run north and south, and latitudinal lines east and west.

How do you use a compass for orienteering?

Hold your map horizontally. Place the compass flat on the map. Rotate the map until the "north lines" on the map (a series of evenly spaced parallel lines drawn across the map, all pointing to magnetic north) are aligned with the compass needle. The map should now be oriented to the terrain.

How do you use a directional compass?

2:067:50Using A Lensatic Compass (For Dummies) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI mean you can navigate with it just by simply holding it flat and looking at it that will tell youMoreI mean you can navigate with it just by simply holding it flat and looking at it that will tell you you're headed on northeast right now.

What are 2 ways to orient a map?

When map reading, there are two ways to orient a map—by eye and with a compass.

How do you orient a map to ground?

This is called orientating your map. Place the compass on the map. Turn the map until the magnetic north needle in the compass lines up with the magnetic north lines on the map; it is now facing the same way as the ground.

How do you follow a bearing on a compass?

Using a Compass to Travel Along a Known Bearing Turn the compass, not the azimuth ring, until the orienting arrow lines up with the north end (usually red) of the magnetic needle. Follow the direction-of-travel arrow toward your destination. Periodically, recheck your bearing.

Do you orient a map to true north?

0:021:20How to orient a map to True North - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTowards true north if I wanted to walk to the North Pole. So now I'm gonna bring this over to myMoreTowards true north if I wanted to walk to the North Pole. So now I'm gonna bring this over to my neat line which I know is gonna be a true line of longitude.

When orienting your map using a compass The magnetic needle is aligned with?

3. The compass needle floats on liquid so it can rotate freely, the red end should always point to magnetic north. 4. Orienting lines fixed within the compass housing and designed to be aligned with the vertical grid lines on a map.

Why Should I Learn to Use a Compass?

A compass always has your back, keeping you from going in the wrong direction when navigating through remote wilds. Your smartphone might die, your GPS unit may act up, but that compass of yours—as long as you keep the magnetic needle away from interfering metal—points north through thick and thin.

Introducing the Tool: Parts of a Compass

A magnetic compass consists of a freely rotating magnetized needle that lines up with the Earth’s magnetic field, one end of it usually a red arrow pointing north.

Different Types of Compass

The cheapest compasses are fixed-dial models, but, while better than nothing, these aren’t the go-to choice for a dyed-in-the-wool hiker, backpacker, climber, or hunter.

Understanding & Accounting For Magnetic Declination

Accurately using a compass and a topo map together in most parts of the world necessitates a bit of translation, you might say. The reason is that the two navigational tools actually have their own, different definitions of “north”: Your compass points to a different reference point than your map.

How to Use a Compass to Take Bearings

Standard compass bearings have sixteen different directions, each 22.5° apart.

How to Use a Compass to Plot Bearings in the Field

If you’ve taken a bearing (or found a course) from a topo map, you can steer yourself along with it by holding the compass level, then turning your body so that the needle’s boxed by the orienting arrow. When that happens, you’re facing your destination with the direction-of-travel arrow pointing the way to go.

Use a Compass to Plot Bearings on a Map

You can also plot a known compass bearing on the map—the reverse process. This may arise when you don’t know your current position but have taken a back bearing from a visible landmark you can identify on the map. Turn the compass dial so that the bearing intersects the index line.

Roadside Nature

Going somewhere? Check out this lesson and find out how to plot a course with your compass. Orient the lines to true north and start hiking!

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