VE6AB Technical
Map and Compass Navigation with APRS Backup
Just so you know, my UV-3R/Mobilinkd TNC/Smartphone treo go with me everywhere, and they help keep me safe by placing me on aprs.fi and google maps.
I have said it before that although you may think your favorite GPS device is all you need for navigating, be aware that if the batteries die your done.
While in the back-country, If your life depends on being able to navigate from point A to point B, take a map and compass along as well as your gps device, and when the batteries die in your GPS device, you can pull your map and compass out of your pack and they will get you safely home.
The compass in my photo is a Silva compass with a base plate that is designed to be used with a topo map as well as navigating to a distant landmark, but there are more elaborate compasses available such as the Silva Ranger CL sighting compass that I also own, and has a built in mirror in the cover, allowing you to take bearing readings as you walk, making it much easier to navigate to a distant landmark. The Silva Ranger CL also has a clinometer that lets you measure angles of inclination.
Make sure you know how to use a map and a compass before setting out, as there is a bit of a learning curve if you haven't had the opportunity to have been taught how,
The basic instructions to use a map and compass are this....
Place your compass on the area map with the Base Plate edge connecting where you are with where you want to go.
Set the compass heading by turning the compass Dial until the “N” aligns with Magnetic North (MN) on the map.
Remove the compass from the map and hold it level in front of you with the Direction of Travel Arrow pointing straight ahead. Turn your body until the red end of the Needle is directly over the Orienting Arrow, pointing to the “N” on the dial. The Direction of Travel Arrow now points precisely to your destination. Look up, sight on a landmark and walk to it. Repeat this procedure until you reach your destination.
Click on the map for a closer look.....
