Map and Compass Navigation Course Welcome 1
Map and Compass Course Instructor: Joe Bourgeois 2
Agenda Maps: Margin Information Locating Points on a Map Scale and Distance Time, Distance and Rate Formulas North on a Map Map Limitations Map Resources 3
Agenda Compass Parts of a Compass Compass Use Compass Bearing Declination Compass Inaccuracy 4
Agenda Orientation with Map and Compass Locating your Position Traveling using Map and Compass Lost! Orienteering Course 5
Learning Tools: Student Workbook Large Topographical Map of Bolton Map of Luna Project Area Clip Board Metre stick as a tool to determine coordinate Seconds Measuring tool Please do not make any mark on the maps!! 6
Waiver Please take a moment to read and sign your waiver. Thank You 7
Section 1 Maps 8
Map Scale for Wilderness Travel 1/250 000 Scale Map 1/250 000 scale map gives a general overview of a large area and is a perfect guide for pre-trip planning. It covers an area of approximately 8 000 square kilometres or 160 km x 110 km, and depicts numerous aspects of the terrain. Refer to the map detail and natural landmarks to guide yourself through unfamiliar areas. A 1/50 000 Scale Map 1/50 000 scale map is highly detailed and covers an area of approximately 1 100 square kilometres or 40 km x 28 km. It shows vegetation, cultural information, approved names (toponymy), land elevation and water bodies, in great detail. Note: A 1/250 000 scale map covers the same area as sixteen 1/50 000 scale maps. 9
Maps The Canadian National Topographical System 10
11
12
13
14
Question? What is the NTS Index number for the 1:50,000 topo map of the area we are in now? 15
Question? What major city is located in the topographical map 31 G/5? 16
Maps Map Margin Information 17
Topographical Map Margin Information Map series number, name, date, edition Index of adjoining maps UTM Grid info Military map series number Abbreviations and glossary Legend 18
Topographical Map and Margin Info Scale reference Elevation reference Contour interval Symbols on back Use of colours Declination diagram Datum information 19
Exercise 1 Map Margin Information 20
Maps Elevation and Relief 21
Elevation and relief Elevation - Vertical distance from a datum (usually mean sea level) to a point or object on the earth's surface. Relief - The physical configuration of the earth's surface, depicted on a topographic map by contour lines and spot heights. It is very important to determine whether your map is in imperial (feet) or metric. Newer maps are metric, older ones are often in feet. 22
Methods of showing elevation and relief Spot elevations/heights Contour lines Terrain features depicted on a map in symbol form 23
Contour lines Lines on the map connecting points of equal elevation above mean sea level; using contour lines, relief features can be profiled into a threedimensional perspective. 24
Characteristics of contour lines What are Contours? Contour lines connect a series of points of equal elevation and are used to illustrate topography, or relief, on a map. They show the height of ground above Mean Sea Level (M.S.L.) in either feet or metres and can be drawn at any desired interval. For example, numerous contour lines that are close together indicate hilly or mountainous terrain; when far apart, they represent a gentler slope. 25
Using contour lines to identify elevation 26
Approximate Contour A contour substituted for a normal contour whenever there is a question as to its reliability due to glacial ice, cloud cover, or for any other valid reason 27
Auxiliary Contour A contour line between intermediate contour lines to increase the topographic expression of an area, usually in areas of extremely low relief (also known as supplementary contour 28
Depression Contour A closed contour delimiting an area of lower elevation than the surrounding terrain, out of which there is no surface drainage 29
Contour Lines Index Contour: Every fifth contour, accentuated by a heavier line weight as an aid in identifying contours from one elevation to another Intermediate Contour: A contour line drawn between index contours. There are four intermediate contours between two index contours Spot Elevation: A point on a map indicating an elevation that has been determined photogrammetrically Water Elevation: A mean elevation value given to the surface of the water 30
Contour lines We can use contour lines to identify ground forms We can use contour lines to analyze terrain 31
Contour lines and terrain/landforms 32
Contour interval Contour interval is simply the elevation change between displayed contour lines. Contour interval may in feet or metres make sure you know. 33
Contour interval It is very important to note that contour lines only show points of the same elevation they do not show elevation changes in between: if your map has a contour interval of 50 metres it will not show ups and downs smaller than this. But walking up and down many small hills can be challenging 34
Using elevation and relief Whether canoeing a river or walking a trail take a close look at the relief of the area you plan to visit Ask yourself how quickly the elevation changes over a specified distance Does the map depict any terrain landforms. Rivers and trails running between cliffs may not provide take outs or any way out of canyons 35
Example 36
Exercise 2 Contour Lines and Symbols 37
Maps Locating Points on a Map 38
Maps Maps Geographic Coordinates (Latitude and Longitude) 39
Question? If you are at location C (Bolton Map) on the Humber River and need help. How would you describe your location? 40
The is a better way.. 43 51 45 N 79 39 30 W Latitude and Longitude Geographic Coordinates 41
Geographic Coordinates Geographic Coordinates are the world-wide system of latitude and longitude used to define the location of any point on the earth's surface. The oldest and most Internationally recognized reference system. 42
How Geographic Coordinates work 43
Geographic Coordinates are written as: 43 51 45 N Latitude 79 39 30 W Longitude Degrees Minutes Seconds Cardinal Direction 44
Longitude Latitude 45
44 N Note: these are angular measurements not time measurements There are 60 Minutes in one degree 43 N 80 W 79 W 46
There are 60 second in one minute 43 N 80 W 79 W 47
Together we will try Exercise #3 (using Map 1 in Workbook) 48
Let s try with a Canadian Topographical Map: First find the latitude degrees North Latitude = 43 N 49
Next find the minutes North Latitude = 45 47 N 50
Last find the seconds North: Latitude = 45 47 30 N 51
Now find the degrees longitude West Longitude = 80 W 52
Next find the minutes west Longitude = 80 32 W 53
Last find the seconds West Longitude = 80 32 38 W 54
The geographic coordinate for point A is: Latitude = 45 47 30 N Longitude = 80 32 38 W 55
Now it s your turn. With your partner try Exercise #4 (Using Bolton Map) 56
On your own try Exercise # 5 and # 6 (using Map 2 in Workbook) 57
Geographic Distances At any point on the earth, the ground distance covered by one degree of latitude is about 111 kilometers (69 miles); One Minute equals one nautical mile(nm). one second is equal to about 30 meters (100 feet). The ground distance covered by one degree of longitude at the equator is also about 111 kilometers, but decreases as one moves north or south, until it becomes zero at the poles. Ground distance can be measured from the latitude lines on the side of the map. 58
So what s the difference between a Nautical Mile and a Statute Mile? A Nautical Mile is the ground distance of one Minute. A Statute Mile is defined as 5280ft based on the English foot or American foot (now obsolete). The International Mile is defined as 5280ft based on the International foot. The difference between a Statue Mile and International mile is 3mm. 59
Summary Geographic Coordinates are Made up of Degrees, Minutes and Seconds for both latitude and longitude Geographic Coordinates are important for trip planning and emergency response. Use it or lose it! Make an effort to practice geographic coordinates until this becomes second nature. 60
Break 61
Maps Maps Universal Transverse Mercator's (UTM) 62
UTM Grid UTM Grid is a world wide system based on metres from a reference point. The horizontal lines (Northings) are numbered in metres from the equator. With the southern most point in Canada being 4,620,000 metres from the equator, all Northing values will be above this number. 63
UTM Grid Cont d Vertical lines (eastings) are measured from a separate point for each zone, an imaginary line lying 500 000 metres west of the zone's central meridian 64
Maps: Locating points on a map Worldwide UTM Grid Zones 60 ZONES 65
What a Zone Looks Like ZONE 17T 5,100,000m (From Equator) 000m (Theoretical) 500,000m 1,000,000m (Theoretical) 66
What a Grid Looks Like 5126000m N. 26 Object Location: Zone 17T Easting: 656750E Northing: 5125250N 5125000m N. 25 56 57 656000m E. 657000m E. 17T 67
5126000m N. 26 5125000m N. 25 56 57 656000m E. 657000m E. 17T What we really use Normally we only consider a reference down to 10 or 100 meters. The conventional way to reference this object is: 56752525 (10m) Or 567252 (100m) Reference :Map 31 E/ 17 Where the first half of the reading is Easting, and the second half the Northing. You must indicate the map when using this reference. 68
Use of a Roamer 5126000m N. 26 A roamer can be used for more accuracy. Usually you can get to 10 meter accuracy. Roamers are separate templates or found on higher end compasses. 5125000m N. 25 56 57 656000m E. 657000m E. 17T 69
Exercise #7 70
Maps Map Scale and Distance 71
Scale and distance Map scale Comparing map scale Measuring distance Using a romer Estimating distance using grid square as 1 km Estimating distance using line of lat/long as 1 nm 72
Measuring map distance Map Scale is typically indicated as a ratio 1:50,000 or 1/50,000 Gives both km and miles (statute) Military maps give km, statute miles (sm) and nautical miles (nm) 73
Measuring map distance Use and index card for straight line distances Use a string or the compass lanyard to measure distances with a curve. Use the scale or ruler on a compass or protractor. 74
Estimating distance using grid squares and lines of lat/long Another way of measuring (estimating) distances is to use the grid squares. On a 1/50,000 map each grid square is 1 km by 1 km. We can use this 1 km line to estimate distance fairly accurately. This procedure can be used with different scale maps as long as you know and understand the size of the grid square. 75
Estimating distance using grid squares and lines of lat/long On the topographical map there are black and white blocks on the vertical sides of the full size map. On a 1/50,000 map these lines equal 1 nautical mile (nm). On a 1/250,000 map these lines equal 5 nm 1 nautical mile is larger than 1 statute mile 76
Exercise 8 Scale and Distance 77
Maps Navigating with a Map 78
Navigating with a Map Land Marking Land marks are identifiable features that confirm your course. E.g. as you paddle around the point you should see an island to the NW. The Island is your land mark confirming you course. Handrail A long feature shown on a map running more or less parallel to the direction to be followed. E.g. As you hike through the bush you will keep the stream on your right hand side as a handrail to stay on course. 79
Example 80
Navigating with a Map Orienting the map by Inspection The key to navigating with a map is to orient the map with the direction you are traveling and the land features around it. You may need to turn the map sideways or upside down keep the features in the same direction you are travelling. 81
Maps Time and Distance 82
Time and Distance Navigation One tool for Navigating is using time and distance to help you know where you are, and where you want to go. 83
Time A canoeist should know how many kilometres they can typically paddle in an hour. A hiker should know how many kilometres they typically walk in an hour. This knowledge can only be gained by keeping notes on your trips and through experience. If you are not sure where you are determine how long you have been traveling. This time should generally determine your distance travelled. Use time to determine how long to travel in a day when planning a trip. 84
Time Approximate time rates are: Canoeing: 4-5 km/hr Hiking trail with pack: 3-4 km/hr Biking on road: 20-25 km/hr Sea Kayaking: 2 knots/hr (your time will vary!) 85
Distance A hiker should understand how many paces they walk in 100 meters. This process is called Tallying or Pacing. To determine your 100 meter pace; walk a known distance of at least 500 meters, preferable a kilometre, and count your pace (count only one foot, not both). Divide by the distance and times 100. This is your 100 meter pace: 100m pace = (# Paces / distance in meters) x 100 86
Distance Your 100 meter pace should be determined separately for a thick bush, a trail, a road, etc. Make sure the terrain is uneven (up and down hills) to better portray a realistic scenario. Each 100 meter pace will be different for the different terrain. Tally your pace by tying a knot in a piece of string every 100m. After 10 knots tie a knot in a second string to count the 1km mark. Continue by untying knots in the first string etc. 87
Exercise 9 Tallying and Pacing 88
Maps North on a Map 89
North on a Map There are three North references on a topographical map: True North Magnetic North Grid North 90
True North True North is the direction of the north pole from any given point. The grid lines on a map are not pointing accurately to the north pole due to grid error (round earth, square paper). You must make a correction to determine true north. 91
Grid North Grid north is the direction of the north-south lines on a map. Except through the origin, grid lines do not lie true north and south or east and west. 92
Grid North A correction must be calculated to find True north. If the Grid North on the map is indicated as 0 53 East of True North, and the magnetic declination is 11 39 West of True North. The bearing adjustment would be: Bearing = [Add (11 39-0 53 ) ] to your reading to get True North bearing on your compass. 93
Grid North In reality, unless you are in the high Arctic the Grid North deviation is negligible. If Grid North is less then 1 degree it is ignored. 94
Magnetic North Magnetic North is the point, in the far north of Canada, to which a compass needle points. Magnetic Declination is the angle between true north and magnetic north. Magnetic declination must be adjusted when taking a bearing from a map. 95
Maps Limitations of Maps 96
Maps Map Resources 97
Section 2 The Compass 98
Compass Parts of a Compass 99
100
Compass Compass Use 101
Compass Use How to hold a compass Tips on compass use 102
How to hold a compass Always hold the compass level If using an orienteering or siting compass hold it at eye level and use the mirror or site Watch out for and avoid anything that will affect the compass Pick a reference object to walk to Until you are comfortable traveling with a compass keep in mind the carpenters adage: measure once, cut twice; measure twice, cut once this means take your time and do things carefully 103
Tips on compass use Take your time Be as accurate as you can Always be aware of your environment and anything in it that can affect the compass reading (power lines, pipelines, vehicles, rifles, magnets on flashlights, etc) People walking across a slope will tend to slide downhill without being aware pick good references and go to them 104
Tips on compass use cont d Most people have one leg shorter than the other, this will cause you to drift toward the direction of your shorter leg When going around obstacles alternate sides, left one the right one The old method of leapfrogging a partner to maintain an accurate line of travel is time consuming and no more accurate than just reading the compass and walking 105
Compass Plotting and Following a Bearing 106
Compass bearings Understanding bearings Plotting a bearing Taking a bearing Following a bearing Taking a back bearing 107
Compass bearings Bearing: The horizontal angle at a given point, measured clockwise from magnetic north or true north to a second point. Back bearing: the reciprocal angle from a second point back to your location 108
Take Bearing in the Field (compass only) 1. Hold compass level in front of you, and point direction of travel line at a target. 2. Rotate compass housing to align pointed end of declination arrow with red end of magnetic needle ( Box the needle) 3. Read the bearing at index line. 109
Follow a Bearing in the Field 1. Set desired bearing at index line. 2. Hold compass level in front of you, and turn your entire body, including your feet, until red end of magnetic needle is aligned with pointed end of declination arrow. ( Box the needle) 3. Travel in the direction shown by the direction of travel line. If you do not see your destination in front of you because of obstacles such as trees, travel toward an object you see ahead of you. Once there, repeat step 2 and 3 until you arrive at your destination. 110
Exercise 10 Following a bearing (Instructor led) 111
Compass Magnetic Declination 112
Magnetic Declination 113
Magnetic Declination The Magnetic north pole can move up to 80km in a day. The normal travel of the magnetic pole is north and south and has little effect in southern zones. Navigating in the High Arctic with a compass can be challenging due to magnetic movement. Always update the declination information on a map before venturing out. Declination changes over the years. 114
Adjusting for Declination Declination West (e.g. Ottawa): Magnetic declination WEST, the magnetic reading is the higher reading. Therefore you would have to SUBTRACT the declination when going from a compass bearing to the map. If you are taking a reading off the map with your compass you would have ADD the declination to get the proper magnetic bearing. 116
Adjusting for Declination Declination East (e.g. Vancouver): Magnetic declination EAST, the magnetic reading is the lower reading. Therefore you would have to ADD the declination when going from compass bearing to the map. If you are taking a reading off the map with your compass you would have to SUBTRACT the declination to get the proper magnetic reading. 117
Adjusting for Declination MAP Declination West - + Declination East + - COMPASS 118
Plot a Bearing on a Map 1. Hold compass level in front of you, and point direction of travel line at desired object in the field. 2. Rotate compass housing to align pointed end of declination arrow with red end of magnetic needle ( Box the needle) 3. Adjust for declination (unless compass is set for declination)* 4. Read the bearing at index line. 5. Place compass on map, with long edge of base plate on feature from which you wished to plot bearing. 6. Turn the entire compass to align its meridian lines with map s north-south lines, with N on compass toward top of map. The edge of the base plate is now the bearing line 119
Measure a Bearing on a Map 1. Place compass on map, with on long edge of base plate joining two points of interest. Direction of travel line points to objective. 2. Rotate housing to align compass meridian lines with north-south lines on map, with N on compass toward top of map. 3. Adjust for declination (unless compass is set for declination)* 4. Reading bearing on index line. 120
Aiming Off Aiming off is deliberately heading a few degrees off of your target. Upon arrival at your target, if it is not obvious where it is, aiming off will have increased the probability that the destination lies in the opposite direction to which you aimed off. 121
What compass bearing would you following from the Yurt to the farm house? 122
Exercise 10 Following a bearing and aiming off Instructor lead 123
Compass Compass Inaccuracy 124
Section 3 Map and Compass 125
Map and Compass Locating your Position 126
Locating your position Area position Line position Point (Pinpoint) position Orienting the map with a compass Triangulation/resection Aiming Off 127
Position Area position: a rough estimate of your location by observing features on the map and then comparing them to ground features in your area. Line position: a rough estimate of your position along a geographic feature such as a lakeshore, river, tree line, ridge, cliff etc. Point position: an accurate confirmation of your exact position by triangulation. Or confirmation by observing a precisely located map feature. 128
Triangulation Confirmation of your location by taking a back bearing off of two (or more) visible points and then plotting the back bearings on the map. Your location is at the intersection of the two (or more) bearing lines. 129
How to Triangulate 1. Point your compass at the first known object and take a bearing. 2. Plot this bearing on the map (draw line). 3. Point your compass at the second known object and take a bearing 4. Plot this second bearing on the map (draw line.) 5. Where the two lines intersect is your location. 130
Exercise 11 Triangulation 131
Orienting the map by compass As opposed to orienting the map by observation, this method involves aligning the map with the north/south east/west axis of the compass. 132
Orienting the map by compass (cont d) Lay the map down on a level flat surface or hold level. Adjust your compass for the declination Lay your compass on the map with the direction arrow pointing true north. Rotate the map and compass together until the needle is boxed. 133
Exercise 12 Orient Map with Compass (Instructor led) 134
Pace around Obstacles It is inevitable that an obstacle such as a pond or cliff will block a straight line course following a compass bearing. To stay on track you must pace around the obstacle using 90 degree changes until you get back on track. 135
Pace around Obstacles (cont d) Upon reaching the obstacle adjust your compass 90 degrees from the bearing, turn and face the new direction and begin counting your paces. Once the obstacle is cleared adjust compass back to the original bearing and continue in straight line until obstacle passed. Adjust your compass again to the opposite 90 degrees and begin heading back on course. Count your paces until you reach the number of paces it took to clear the obstacle. One this pace count is reached you are back on track, adjust compass back to the original bearing and continue on course. 136
Exercise 13 Pace around Obstacle (Instructor led) 137
Section 4 LOST! 138
Lost Pre-loss insurance: Leave a trip plan with a responsible person (who will contact authorities on time and not give you an extra hour) Carry a survival kit be prepared to use it. Make the decision to bivouac early enough to set up while it is still light If able carry communications gear 139
How to avoid getting lost practice, believe your compass, be accurate, be patient, aiming off, What to do if lost STOP (stop, think, observe, plan) Tricks to use map and compass to become unlost orientation, locating area, line, point. 140