how to set up a map and compass course

Place the unlabeled stake in the center of the area which will be used for laying out the course. Attach the measuring tape or string (about 50 feet long) to the center stake. Working from the center stake each time, set the compass bearing as indicated in the illustration and walk the required distance. Place the labeled stake in the correct position as illustrated. The radius of the course may be changed to suit either the available space or the number of players participating.

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How to learn to use a compass?

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 3 - turn the map and compass together until

How to set the compass?

declination, a map and compass is useless and will result in you getting way off course, if not lost. Keep in mind that declination is different for each state (and even within states) and changes slightly each year. The number listed on your map is not …

How to enroll in compass?

1. Open the Compass, and lay it flat on the map. 2. Move the compass so that the base is along point A (where you are), and the mirror is along point B (the other mountain). 3. Rotate the bezel until North matches the maps north, and the meridian lines line up with a north south line (lat/ long lines, UTM grids*). 4.

How does a compass help you?

Sep 05, 2020 · Compass use can be introduced by sighting particular objects within the classroom. Once the class is ready to orienteer many types of courses can be set up indoors or outdoors. The simplest course (line orienteering) would be designed by drawing a line or using a string to delineate a course.

How do you set up a compass course?

3:1513:53Compass Basics PT5: Setting Up A Basic Navigation Course - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI know personally that my pace count is 67 paces on average to make a hundred meters. So this is aMoreI know personally that my pace count is 67 paces on average to make a hundred meters. So this is a little over 100 meters from the first point. So what I'm gonna do is write down 203 degrees.

How do you set a map with a compass?

1:536:35How to Use a Map and Compass - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWhat direction we need to travel in to start let your map out on a flat surface. And put yourMoreWhat direction we need to travel in to start let your map out on a flat surface. And put your compass on top of the map. Make a marking of where you're going to start and then where you want to end.

How do I set up an orienteering course?

Set up a 100-foot course near your meeting place. As Scouts arrive, have them walk the course and calculate their pace (how far they travel every two steps). Draw a large chalk circle on the parking lot. Place an index card marked “North” at the northernmost point.

How do you teach map and compass skills?

When teaching map and compass, start with the basic idea of what a map is. ... For younger age groups, introduce the idea of directions and the purpose of a compass, but avoid getting into much detail about compasses. ... Use a combination of indoor and outdoor settings for teaching. ... Progressive teaching.More items...

How do you use a compass ks1?

1:594:03Using a compass and reading maps | Maths - Let's do Maths - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNext go east for 12 meters Ethan knows that the needle on the compass always points to the northMoreNext go east for 12 meters Ethan knows that the needle on the compass always points to the north he's lined up the needle with N and from there they work out where East is can you see it.

How do you navigate with a map and compass?

Setting the mapPut the map as flat as possible in front of you.Put the compass anywhere on the map.Turn the map and compass until the needle on the compass aligns with the north-south gridlines on the map, with the red needle pointing to the top of the map.

How do you use a compass for orienteering?

Hold the compass level in the palm of your hand near your chest, with the direction arrow facing away from body. Turn the housing so the N is lined up with the red end of the magnetic needle. Turn the housing so the E is lined up with the direction of travel arrow. Now you're ready to use the compass.

What equipment do you need for orienteering?

Compass are used primarily to assist the orienteer to navigate around the course and to provide a reading of Magnetic North for map orientation.Traditional Orienteering Compass. ... Thumb Compass. ... Footwear. ... Leg Protection. ... O'suits as they are known, are made from lightweight, breathable nylon or lycra. ... Sportident Timing System.More items...

What are the four basic orienteering skills?

Basic Orienteering SkillsFolding the map.Thumbing the map.Orientating the map to north (with ground or compass)Reading features on the map.Taking a compass bearing.Following a compass bearing.Pacing.Judging Distance.Oct 30, 2007

How do you use a compass for beginners?

2:225:21How to use a compass:For beginners - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo note find north and then slowly. Move it to that tab. And I'll line it once the direction andMoreSo note find north and then slowly. Move it to that tab. And I'll line it once the direction and your tab are aligned look for your arrow on the inside.

How do you use a compass lesson?

0:272:11How to Teach Young Children to Use the Compass - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThen you can show them a book such as this or a map that has a compass rose. Explain that theMoreThen you can show them a book such as this or a map that has a compass rose. Explain that the compass rose is often in the bottom corner. They'll see the north south east and west on the compass rose.

How do I introduce a map to my students?

Tips to Help Students Build Mapping SkillsGet Rid of the Compass. Compasses and GPS are extremely helpful and everyone should learn to use them. ... Start with Small Maps. Whatever is taught, it's always best to start small. ... Teach them the Symbols. ... Get Them Outside.

How to find where you are on a map?

You can also use a bearing to find where you are on a map. You might want to know exactly where you are along a trail. Start by finding a landmark that you can also identify on your map. Hold your compass flat with the direction of travel arrow pointing away from you and directly at the landmark.

How to set declination on a map?

Once you’ve set your declination, map orientation is simple: 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.

How to use a bearing?

You can use a bearing to get to a location any time you know where you are on a map: 1 Set your compass on the map so that the straight side of the baseplate lines up between your current position (1a) and the map location for a destination like a campsite (1b). 2 Make sure the direction of travel arrow is pointing in the general direction of that campsite (in other words, it's not upside down). 3 Now rotate the bezel until the orienting lines on the compass are aligned with the north-south grid lines and/or the left and right edges of your map. (Be sure the north marker on the bezel is pointing north on the map, not south.) 4 Look at the index line to read the bearing you’ve just captured.

What is the index line on a bezel?

Index line: Located directly above the bezel, it’s also called a “read bearing here” mark. Magnetized needle: The end that always points to the magnetic pole is usually colored red or white. Orienting arrow: Used to orient the bezel, it has an outline shaped to exactly fit the magnetized end of the needle.

Why is it important to adjust for declination?

Because a single degree of error can set you off course by 100 feet over a mile, it’s important to accurately adjust for declination. Before you can adjust for it, you have to find the declination value in your trip area. Topo maps list it, but the value varies over time.

What is bearing in navigation?

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.

What is the difference between magnetic north and true north?

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.

How to make a compass map?

1. Open the Compass, and lay it flat on the map. 2. Move the compass so that the base is along point A (where you are), and the mirror is along point B (the other mountain). 3. Rotate the bezel until North matches the maps north, and the meridian lines line up with a north south line (lat/ long lines, UTM grids*). 4.

What is a compass?

Unfortunately, there's not much room for DIY here.#N#Your compass should have specific features, and they're absolutely worth a few bucks extra.#N#It should have:#N#1.A clear base plate- To see underneath the compass.#N#2. A sighting mirror- To sight objects at eye-level.#N#3. A rotating bezel, marked with 360 degrees in 2 degree increments.#N#4. Meridian lines- For map use.#N#5. Declination Adjustment and arrow- to correct for the difference between magnetic and true north.#N#And there are many more features. Just be sure you at least have the basics.#N#Compass Models:#N#I personally recommend the Suunto MC-2 D ($40+). It works great, and is fairly inexpensive.#N#The MC-2 G (45+) is alright, and you can use it worldwide. Its more expensive and I still prefer the MC-2 D.#N#The Silva Ranger CL515 ($40+) is another good one.

How to use a compass to find the declination?

Before we use your compass, we'll have to set the declination. First, find the declination in your are by visiting NOAA Geomagnetic Data. Then, follow the directions that came with your compass to set the declination properly. Now you can take a bearing on a real object.

What is the most important tool for wilderness navigation?

Right now I'll stick to what kind of map you'll need, and save map features for later. USGS maps are the standard for wilderness navigation.

What is the scale of a USGS map?

USGS maps are the standard for wilderness navigation. A scale of 1:24000 (1 inch equals 24,000 inches) and line intervals of 50 feet make them pretty detailed. They have WGS84 (lat/long) and UTM coordinate systems. The 7.5minute maps are huge and can be unwieldy. Many maps haven't been updated since 1950.

How to get a bearer to align?

Method 2. Shoot the bearing, then have a partner travel in that direction until he's just at the edge of your sight distance. Once he's there, tell him to move left or right to get him aligned. Move to your partner, then repeat. It's a great method if you need to be super accurate.

How to obtain a bearing from a compass?

Activity 1 was designed to teach students how to obtain a bearing from a compass. Five stationary objects were chosen for students to locate near the Business Office on campus. Standing at a central point, students were asked to accurately determine the bearing. Students using their Silva compasses had to center the object in the sight, turn the dial of the compass and align the base plate red arrow with the north arrow. After this was accomplished, students had to record the reading from the index pointer. Overall the students quickly learned how to manipulate the compass dials and determine the orientation of objects in space.

What is required for orienteering?

Orienteering requires a base map, compasses and course markers. Finding a base map was the greatest challenge I encountered. I modified a base map of the campus from the 1960's. Most schools (or their architects) should have a topographic map of the region. The university had to invest in compasses for the students.

How to read a compass in tandem with a map?

To precisely read a compass in tandem with a map, follow this order of operations: 1. Imagine a line of travel between your position and the destination. 2. Place your compass on your map along this imagined line of travel. 3.

Why is a compass important?

The compass is the second most important tool for navigation. By combining the map and the compass successfully, you will be able to navigate your surroundings. While the compass is a useful tool, remember that it is secondary to the map in its utility.

What is the difference between a map and an orienteering map?

While a regular map displays basic land features and elevation changes, the orienteering map provides much more detail.

What is land navigation?

At a basic level, land navigation is simply utilizing a map (sometimes alongside a compass) to move from one location to another. Anyone who enjoys the outdoors should take the time to understand the basics of this skill because it is enjoyable, practical, and could save your life one day.

Is orienteering a competitive sport?

Not only is this skill a useful thing to have, but it is also a competitive sport. Usually referred to as orienteering, the sport takes place over a large area in which competitors compete to locate the flags, or "controls", in the quickest way possible.