AS 410 Land Navigation Chpt 4-1
Overview Types of Maps Map Legends / Scales Latitude and Longitude Orienteering
Why? Why important to learn how to read a compass and map? No cell phone coverage Mountain and valleys can obstruct GPS signals Compass always works due to Earth magnetic pull Can be a life saver
Maps A Pictorial representation of the Earth s surface drawn to scale Atlas Climatic map Physical map Political map Street map Relief map Thematic map Topographical map
Best map for land navigation is a topographic map
Topographic Map
Parts of a Map Marginal Information Legend Scale Contour Lines Grid lines
Marginal Information The MARGINAL INFORMATION in the borders of a map is like the table of contents and introduction of a book. It tells how the map was made, what agency prepared it, what area is depicted, and how accurate and up-todate the map is.
The legend shows what symbols on map represent Legend
Scale: Shows Distance Ratio 1:24,000 common for Topographic maps The smaller the 2 nd number the more detailed
Contour Lines Show difference in elevation (Hills and Valleys) The closer the lines the steeper the hill
Contour Lines
Contour Lines 1. Which is higher hill A or B? 2. Which is steeper? 3. How many feet elevation are between contour lines? 4. How high is hill A? 5. Are the contour lines closer together on hill A or B?
True vs. Magnetic North Maps are Drawn to the Magnetic North Magnetic North is Offset from the North Pole by x Number of Degrees When Measuring Heading from a Map we Must Correct True to Magnetic Heading Where the Magnetic Variance Factor on a Map
DVHS Campus Declination N W E S Video
Latitude and Longitude Latitude 90 Degrees North and South of the Equator to the Poles Longitude 180 Degrees East and West of the Prime Meridian Each Degree is Divided Into 60 Minutes Each Minute of Latitude Equals 1 NM Each Minute of Longitude at the Equator (only) Equals 1 NM; otherwise it is less
Lat vs Long
Printed Maps Although many types of orienteer-ing maps exist, most orienteering maps are made to a common set of standards used around the world. Standard orienteering maps are printed in FIVE standard colors, plus white, with each color used for a different class of features.
ROCK FEATURES (e.g., boulders, cliffs, stony ground) LINEAR FEATURES such as roads, trails and fences as well as for other AS MAN- MADE FEATURES (e.g., ruins and buildings)
BROWN symbols are used for LANDFORMS such as contour lines, small knolls, ditches
BLUE is used for WATER FEATURES: lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, marshes
YELLOW is used to show VEGETATION specifically FOR OPEN OR UN- FORESTED LAND. The density of the yellow color shows how clear the area is: Brightest yellow for lawns, pale yellow for meadows with high grass
GREEN is used to show VEGETATION THAT SLOWS DOWN THE PASSAGE OF AN ORIENTEER. The darkest green areas are almost impassably overgrown
WHITE on an orienteering map signifies FOREST WITH LITTLE OR NO UNDERGROWTH forest that an orienteer can run through
Direction Topographic maps are printed with: North on the top South on the bottom East to the right West to the left
Bearing Measured in Degrees
Parts of a Compass
Measuring Distance on Map A ruler of some type may be used to measure Counting Paces
Orienteering Sport that involves land navigation over unfamiliar terrain with a map and compass Developed in Scandinavia in late 1800 Grew in popularity in Europe Introduced to United States in 1940s 2 types: Score O or Point to Point
Required Skills Map Reading Physical Fitness Decision Making Leadership Mental Visualization
Required Equipment Compass Whistle Watch Water Boots and Hiking Clothes
Determining Azimuth Turn azimuth ring to desired azimuth Hold compass level at chest with direction of travel arrow point away from you Slowly turn your body turn around until the red pointer is boxed in the red arrow Follow the direction of travel arrow
1:15,000 1 centimeter equals 150 meters
Route choices: Should consider distance, climb, vegetation, collecting/catching features, available handrails, attack points, and the physical and mental status of the team.