Using a Map and Compass

Know your stuff and stay found.

Edited 12/16/14

**These are only the basics of using a map and compass. Much practice and maybe even taking a class or two are strongly

recommended before hiking in back country with a chance of needing these skills for survival.

What does it all mean?

Topographical MapsThis is a topographical map (often called a topo map).A topo map is very useful for outdoor recreation because it not only shows the trails, but it also shows the shape of the land.If you know how to read a topo map you can have a pretty good idea of where you are based on the landforms and bodies of water around you.

Parts of a Topo MapContour lines show you the shape of the land by running along a specific elevation.An index contour shows you the elevation (feet above sea level).The contour interval is the change in elevation from one line to the next.

Parts of a Topo Map

Reading the Shape of the Land

When the lines are farther apart it shows a slope that is not as steep.When the lines are closer together it shows a slope that is very steep.This knowledge can help you pick the best way to go.

Not Steep

Very Steep

Reading the Shape of the Land

PLMS Topo MapTopo maps also can show:

ForestsBuildingsWetlandsBodies of WaterRoadsRail Road TracksAnd More

Upper Woods Forest

PLMS

Wetlands

Lake

Issaquah-Pine Lake Rd

Topo maps works for bodies of water too.

Matching GameMatch up the topo map on the left with the correct land form on the left.How did you do?

1=B2=E3=D4=C5=F6=A

What does it all mean?

Don’t you feel smart?

You are! Topo Smart!

Topo Map to 3D ModelIf you are going to have enough foam you need to make your first 3 cuts as shown on the right.You can work together with 2 or 3 others to mix and match colors for the different layers.

Using a CompassFirst things first; North is not North . . . what?There are two Norths

True North (This is the North Pole and almost always the top of our maps.)Magnetic North (This is where the red compass needle points to.)

Magnetic North is in Northern Canada and moves around, but is not at the North Pole.If you were standing at the north pole your compass would point South to Magnetic North. (Confusing huh?)

Magnetic North

Parts of a CompassThe Magnetic Needle (Sometimes called “Red Fred”) points to Magnetic North. The Compass Housing (Bezel) spins so you can keep the Orienting Arrow facing the top of the map (North). The Orienting Arrow is sometimes called “the shed”.The Direction of Travel Arrow (Go Arrow) points in the direction in which you are traveling.

“Red Fred”

“The Shed”

Bezel

“Go Arrow”(Mr. Abe’s Name)

Setting DeclinationThe first step is to find the declination. (This is the difference between True North and Magnetic North and can often be found on the map).For this area the declination is about 16° to the East as of Sept. 2013. (NOAA)

True North Magnetic North

Declination is about 12°East on this map.

Declination ContinuedThe map below shows the variation or the declination for the U.S. in 2010.

Compass to MapPoint the Direction of Travel arrow at the object. Spin the housing to put “Red Fred in the Shed”.Place your compass flat on the map and rotate the entire compass until the “shed” points to the top of the map. Place the bottom corner of the compass on your location and the destination will be somewhere along the line created by the edge of the compass.

Keeping a BearingOnce you know your heading (degree) you can spot a far away object using the map to compass instructions and then make that your target.Once you reach your target simply use your compass again to find another target and walk to the second target.This gets tough if you are going through woods or over a lot of mountains.

TriangulationTo figure out where you are on a map you can use the compass to map instructions to make 2 lines on your map. The two objects should be easily identifiable on the map and be at least 60° apart. The place where the two lines cross should be your location.

Which way do I go? Compass Game

Person 1 – Walk 10 paces with a bearing of 290°.Person 2 – Walk 5 paces with a bearing of 340°.Person 3 – Walk 15 paces with a bearing of 110°.Person 4 – Walk 5 paces with a bearing of 240°.(If you don’t have 4 people place a marker to hold the spot.)What shape did you make? Tell your teacher and then try to make other shapes. Write down the bearings and paces.

Turn the housing (bezel) so the bearing is lined up with the direction of travel arrow.Hold the compass flat and turn your body until the needle is in the orienting arrow. (Put “Red Fred” in the “Shed”).Walk in the direction of the direction of travel arrow.

Step/Leg/Person Distance (Paces) Direction (Bering)