Hiking Backpack Zone

Posts Tagged ‘navigation’

The most commonly used type of compass for outdoor recreation is called a protractor, orienteering , or baseplate compass. These compasses usually have a clear plastic baseplate, a magnetic needle, and a dial that can be twisted to set the compass. Other types of compasses include lensatic and pocket compasses. These work a little differently, and will not be covered in this article, which focuses only on the baseplate type of compass.

First, learn how to hold the compass properly. Keep the compass flat and level, so that you are looking down at it (or across the top of the needle and into the mirror with a mirrored compass). Point the compass so that the direction of travel indicator at the top of the compass dial is facing away from you. If you dangle the compass from your neck by the lanyard, it will be facing the correct direction when you lift the compass and hold it flat in the palm of your hand.

Observe the Magnetic Needle: The most important thing to remember about the needle is that red end of the needle ALWAYS POINTS NORTH. When you start using a map with your compass you will have to make a correction for magnetic north, which compasses point toward, and geographic (also called true north) that maps line up with. For now, just practice using your compass to navigate with and worry about the adjustments for magnetic and true north (called magnetic declination) after you start to use the compass with a map.

Next, sight an object or direction you would like to travel: face in the direction you would like to determine or travel, whether it is toward a landscape feature like a hill or just a path you plan to hike. Now, carefully line up the direction of travel indicator with the object or direction you wish to travel. You can do this by looking at the object then glancing down at the properly held compass while slightly adjusting the way your body is facing until everything lines up. Always keep your body and the compass lined up and moving as a single unit.

Now, set the compass: Holding the compass still in the direction you sighted, twist the dial until the hollow orientation arrow lines up beneath the needle. When the needle is “boxed” in this manner, the compass is set.

Read the Compass: The number on the compass dial that lines up with the direction of travel indicator at the top (front) of the compass dial is your bearing, or compass direction. The bearing can be expressed in a few different ways, depending on the type of compass you have. The azimuth method is moth common and easiest. It is a single number between 0-360 degrees. East is at 90 degrees, south at 180, west at 270, and north at 360 (which is also 0).

Practice these 5 steps until you are comfortable using bearings to navigate around your neighborhood. Learn how to adjust for magnetic declination and read a map before doing any serious or off-trail hiking.

Need to know more about compasses? Check out Compass-HowTo.com to learn all you need to know about this and many other compass how-to topics. You’ll see compass recommendations and reviews, and resources for learning how to use a compass.

Many people, mistakenly believe handheld GPS units completely replace the old standby — a handheld compass (and its map companion). For short hikes on your home turf, perhaps, but for serious outdoor activities, here are three reasons why you should bring your compass and map.

Determining Directions with GPS Only Works while Moving

If you are standing on top of a mountain trying to figure out which direction you are facing, you can forget getting an accurate direction from a GPS unit. The navigation arrow will bounce all over the place.

Higher-end GPS units and newer iPhone models include built-in electronic compasses that detect the Earth’s magnetic field rather than relying on satellite communications. These will produce roughly the same 2 to 5 degrees of accuracy you get with a regular compass, and can be a good substitute, but consider some of the other reasons you will want your compass and map.

Distant Terrain Features are Easier to Work With when Using Map and Compass

The overview you get from studying a map, which always displays its finest-scale features, provides great information about distant features that you may be able to recall when you need to. GPS screens either have to be panned or zoomed, or both, to show you the same information. So a good old-fashioned paper (laminated) map is a must for adventurers. Unfortunately GPS units and phones make poor protractors for plotting courses on a paper map. A baseplate compass does the job perfectly.

GPS Is Power Hungry

A handheld compass is less likely to break or malfunction than more complex instruments like GPS units and other mobile devices (although some GPS units are very rugged). A more likely scenario involves the pack of AA batteries sitting on your dashboard back at the trailhead. Carry a GPS unit, and use it to store waypoints and periodically double check your progress, but consider using the compass and map to track your route. It will help you get a feel for the terrain, and helps cut down on battery waste.

Need to know more about why you should have both a compass and GPS? Head to Compass-HowTo.com to learn all you need to know about this and all kinds of other compass topics. You’ll find compass recommendations and reviews, and helpful information on learning how to use a compass.

Serious outdoor enthusiasts are divided on the question of whether to pack a lensatic or baseplate compass. Here’s a quick rundown of the differences between these two types of compasses in terms of ease of use, precision, and packability to help you take sides.

A baseplate, compass, also called a protractor or orienteering compass, uses a magnetic needle dampened by fluid in a clear, plastic housing. A rotatable dial, called a bezel, is used to set the compass. Many models have a folding mirror that is used to read the compass bearing while sighting a distance object at eye level.

A lensatic compass uses a lens to allow the user to read the compass bearing with just a quick downward glance while sighting. These compasses generally use a magnetic disk rather than a needle, and dampening with either fluid or, in the best models, electromagnetic induction.

Ease of Use

The lensatic compass is very easy for beginners to use because a dial does not have to be set as it does with the baseplate compass. A person can face different directions and watch the card move to indicate the direction seen through the lens. A baseplate compass, in contrast, must be set by adjusting the dial before reading the direction. This is an extra step, but it allows the baseplate compass to have an adjustable setting to correct for magnetic declination rather than having to make a mental calculation as is required with the lensatic compass.

Which Has the Highest Level of Precision?

Used properly, both types of compass can produce reasonably precise readings, but the lensatic compass has a slight edge. The narrow, magnified field of view seen through the lens, with just a glance down to read the direction, is a powerful combination. However, for most outdoor recreational activities like backpacking and hunting, a degree or so extra precision probably isn’t going to be the deciding factor.

Packability

Weight is factor that could be very important in any type of long-distance activity. A Suunto MC-2G weighs less than half of the lensatic compass’ 7oz., and is only about a half inch thick. A Lensatic compass, by comparison, is closer to two inches thick and much less streamlined. That weight and bulk is due to the sturdy aluminum design. Lensatic compasses like the Cammenga Model 27 have a reputation for being nearly indestructible.

Want to learn more about choosing a lensatic compass? Go to Compass-HowTo.com to learn everything you need to know about finding the perfect compass for your needs. You’ll also see compass recommendations and reviews, and helpful information on learning to use a compass.

When ancient explorers traversed the globe in search of new land, they used the sun and the mountains as their guide. They searched far and wide for unexplored regions they could make their own, even once believing the earth was flat.

The invention of the compass changed navigation and made it possible for explorers to always know which direction they were heading in. Maps of the early earth helped us to keep track of where we were and where we wanted to be.

In the 21st Century, we have come so far that all these things can be rendered obsolete. The reason is that information is all saved digitally. There is something called GPS (Global Positioning System) that allows us to connect to satellites to find the exact location of places, all from the palm of your hand.

Some of the fancier cars out there have GPS systems built into the dashboard which makes getting around even easier. Just key in where you want to go and you’ll get a visual map marking the exact route you should take. Voice directions make following the map even easier.

Those who have been lucky enough to experience the joys of travelling in a vehicle with GPS will be able to testify as to how simple it makes navigation. When you have a digital map in front of you with the route already set out, you can’t go wrong. With voice commands, you’d have to be an idiot to get lost.

Advancements in important fields like science and technology means human beings are constantly discovering ways of making life easier and more functional. Upgrades of things like computer chips and mobile phones means more technology can be fitted into smaller gadgets. GPS handheld devices are the smallest versions of maps and compasses we can use today.

GPS devices are not only useful for finding set places. They can also be used to find other GPS devices in a certain area. If more than one person has a GPS handheld, they can track the locations of others in public places, making trips to the park or zoo with the kids more assuring knowing that you will always know where they are.

So it would be worth getting GPS if you’re somebody who loves travelling, off-roading, mountaineering or any activity where you might need to know your whereabouts at all times. As a GPS handheld, it makes you geographically mobile. As a GPS system in a car, you’ll never get lost on the roads. GPS can make a lot of things easier to find in your life.

George P. loves his GPS handhelds and it has become one of his most prized pieces of outdoor gear. Research a garmin waterproof GPS model if you are serious about using a GPS hand held unit.

GPS were originally used in military and other government applications. Today, it is also used in other areas like navigation and sports. Though GPS is composed of electronic devices, some handhelds can be used in water.

This is all possible because GPS is already made waterproof for practical navigation and sports. Though they were originally intended for land use in military and government applications, technology enabled GPS to be functional in water despite its electronic components.

Some features should be understood before buying waterproof GPS handhelds, as they can be found in its specifications, and worth the comparison among models. Such features are also suitable for older and non-waterproof units.

Some characteristics should be known before buying waterproof GPS handhelds. Such characteristics are used in specifications sheet, and are good comparison points between units. The following characteristics are not only applicable for waterproof units, but also to non-waterproof handhelds.

Augmentation System: This system serves as the corrector for the received signal by the GPS. It can be found in the specifications as WAAS, or Wide Area Augmentation System. It increases the accuracy of the signal for positions outside 10-feet from the unit. WAAS-enabled units are five times more accurate than WAAS-disabled units.

Points of Interest: Commonly known as POI and waypoints, it proves to be very useful for long trips. Some handhelds can store 1000 waypoints, but only few people will need that much data. It is used in storing important spots along the trip, like a stream with potable water, or coordinates where kayakers need to turn in another direction. GPS can calculate distance between waypoints, and can delete unnecessary data to make room for another. Waypoints are improved GPS implementation of tree markings done by primitive hikers to help travelers make their way back. Some units allow log tracking so that travelers can share their steps and route.

Maps: It contains topographical information about the terrain. GPS maps can either be 2D or 3D, and can have DEM, or Digital Elevation Model, technology to shade elevated contours when zoomed out. GPS handhelds can store additional maps by reading data cards or compact discs.

Advanced features of waterproof GPS handhelds include touch screen display, switch controls for various activities, expansion slots, and digital compasses. High-end units have the feature to display water depth, harbors, and other marine information. Some also comes in floatable packages for easy retrieval when dropped in water. In addition, some unit incorporates GPS with two-way radios, enabling sportsmen to have a 5-mile range communication. However, such units should first acquire FCC license before using to ensure that it will not interfere with other electronic device.