A little map and compass tutorial

[lpcjon2]

You got it,you know ware your at  

[lpcjon2]

And don't forget the back azimuth add 180 and subtract 180.It's great that your doing all the work

[lpcjon2]

If i'm not mistaken each grid square is 1000 meters I may be wrong it's bin a while

[Spectre]

Originally posted by lpcjon2:
And don't forget the back azimuth add 180 and subtract 180.It's great that your doing all the work

If a guy writes his known bearings down(I am a NUT for writing stuff down), it is a simple thing to look at your compass and see the opposite bearing.
 OR, you could do what the jarhead says and add/subtract 180!  

[Spectre]

Originally posted by lpcjon2:
If i'm not mistaken each grid square is 1000 meters I may be wrong it's bin a while

Depends on the map-----the good ones from BLM are 1000 meters. It says the scale in the map legend in the bottom corner...

 NOW we can start learning in metric. Metric is actually easier than Imperial, anyway.

[lpcjon2]

Jeff,I think you just increased the sale of compasses and maps with this post...LOL

[Spectre]

Originally posted by lpcjon2:
Jeff,I think you just increased the sale of compasses and maps with this post...LOL

While we are on that subject, I really like the Suunto Tandem. Its a pricey setup, but it gives a clinometer, too. VERY accurate and resistant to interference.

[lpcjon2]

I go old school and get topo's from my geological dept of my state and carry a lensatic compass(military surplus).And as you stated a notebook also.

[Spectre]

If timing yourself isn't your cup of tea, you should do a pace count for yourself.

 If you have a trip odometer on your car, zero it out by a landmark like a street corner - be as accurate as you can. Then drive until your odometer hits .1 mile and stop immediately, note a good landmark at that spot for your end point.

Now that you have done this, you need to walk from your start point to the end point. Start off on your left foot and count every time your right foot hits the ground. You could count when every foot hits the ground, but imagine trying to keep up with a count like 132 when you could as easily count to only 66. Do this 4 times, start to end, end to start, start to end, then back one more time doing counting your pace each time. At the end, add them up then average it out. The result is your pace count. My pace count for 100 meters is 62, and for 1/10th of a mile is 100, but yours could be a lot more or less depending on your stride.

[Spectre]

Originally posted by lpcjon2:
I go old school and get topo's from my geological dept of my state and carry a lensatic compass(military surplus).And as you stated a notebook also.

Just so people know that a CrackerJack compass isn't the one to choose. I can't stress enough the importance of getting a REALLY good quality compass.

[Spectre]

http://trainingnco.pbworks.com/f/071-329-1003+Determine+a+Magnetic+Azimuth+Using+a+Lensatic+Compass.pdf

 Shooting an azimuth with a lensatic compass. The Suunto is much the same, 'cept it uses an eyepiece because it is a totally encased dial.

[woodchucker]

I was in the Marines long before "GPS" LOL,and we used to say "The most dangerous thing in the world was a Boot Brown Bar(2nd Lt.) with a map and compass!!!!!"

Lots of good stuff here!!!!! It's AMAZING how many people can't use a map and compass..... I always carry a compass. Even without a map basic North,South,East,and West will get you out of the woods if you get "turned around"!!!!!

Way to go Guys!!!!!  

[Spectre]

quote:Originally posted by woodchucker:
I was in the Marines long before "GPS" LOL,and we used to say "The most dangerous thing in the world was a Boot Brown Bar(2nd Lt.) with a map and compass!!!!!"

Lots of good stuff here!!!!! It's AMAZING how many people can't use a map and compass..... I always carry a compass. Even without a map basic North,South,East,and West will get you out of the woods if you get "turned around"!!!!!

Way to go Guys!!!!!    

[woodchucker]

Kinda like riding a bike!!!!! Once ya learn,ya never forget!!!!!

(Hmmmmm, Come to think of it..... Last time I got on my kids bike,I dam near broke my neck)

Kinda like shooting a bow!!!!!!!!!!  

[Iron]

Hey guy's this is interesting i never thought about having a compass and map. Figured my Garmin is all id need. i used to install satellite tv and had a suunto clinometer setup like youre talking about, but sold it! anyway what is a decent compass to get and map? i havent read all three pages in depth so if this is already been covered....you can yell at me..lol! i wouldnt mind saving this post in the how too or as a stcky up top for future refrence.

Jason

[freefeet]

Spectre, great thread!    

[frassettor]

Originally posted by Guru:
I'll check it out. Been wanting to learn more about compass navigation...

Same here Curt. Spectre ..Thanks alot for the links      

[maxwell]

Good stuff here.  I get lost in my cellar.

[frassettor]

I'm not trying to hjack this thread, but may I add this link? I have watched it several times..
I hope this helps also

   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4SKU20vVL0&feature=related

[lpcjon2]

If you et a map of your local area from the state geo. then you can practice at home.