Camping and backpacking these days are so unlike a few decades back. Way back then, there were no modern amenities that most campgrounds now offer or any of those contemporary camping gears that fill the shelves of many sporting goods shops today. Back then, the basics of using a compass is truly essential if you want to find your way up and about.
Knowing how to read a compass nowadays may not exactly be as important an outdoor skill as it was before. Today, campers, backpackers, climbers and hikers rely on the accuracy and ease of use of modern GPS units. Still, if one doesn’t have the budget to purchase a GPS unit since they are not exactly cheap, learning the basics of using a compass is always a plus.
Navigation with a compass and a map is an indispensable outdoor skill that may just save your life one day when you’re lost in the wilderness. So let’s take some time to learn how to navigate using these tools, and remember, with practice you will be able to make your way through unfriendly and unfamiliar terrain and back to camp.
Map and Compass: Basic Tools of Navigation
To learn how to navigate using a compass, you won’t be able to do so with a simple trail map. What you need is a detailed topographic map that can provide you with the information you need to navigate.
Topographic maps are a bit more complicated than the usual trail maps which only highlight points of interest as well as the rough trail you may take from one point to another. Understanding topographic map symbols and contour lines are important when using a topographic map.
What’s in the Map?
Most topographic maps are USGS quadrangles; as well as personalized, commercial, and downloadable maps. These maps appear with areas in various colors, or in gray scale, superimposed with contour lines. To a trained eye, all these squiggly lines and color coding provide the needed mental picture of the differences in elevation. For instance, contour lines that are close to one another signify steep terrain.
Topographic maps has the capacity to provide information on the elevation of the landscape and the camper/hiker will then be able to orient himself by recognizing the different natural and man-made features, such as peaks and valleys as well as towns and highways. Well-detailed topographic maps are the best choice to bring with you when camping or hiking.
Understanding Topographic Map Symbols
- Contour lines – provide a three-dimensional image of the landscape by connecting points on the map sharing the same elevation. Contour lines which are widely spaced indicate a relatively even terrain while those which are tightly packed designate a steep terrain.
- Contour interval – is indicated on the margin of the map and varies widely. Contour interval may be 20, 40, 80, 100 or 200 feet; and remains constant throughout.
- Index contour line – is the fifth contour line which appears slightly bolder and may also show the elevation of all points found on that line.
- Scale – typically shows how a measurement on the map, say one inch for example, equates to miles of terrain in actual.
- Colors and shading – helps you recognize vegetation, wherein darker shades indicate dense vegetation, lighter colors signify relatively sparse vegetation, beige or no color specifies open terrain, and white spaces with blue edges suggest permanent snowfields or glaciers.
- Magnetic declination diagram – is also printed on the margin of the map and shows the difference between the magnetic north and the true north.
- Grid – are numbers displayed on the edge of your map representing two grid systems: longitude and latitude, and Universal Transverse Mercator.
Knowing your Compass
A typical compact compass (such as the Silva Polaris) has 12 features.
- Base plate – used to keep the compass flat and level.
- Ruler in inches – is another short length of inch increments found along the top edge of the base plate to use for measuring.
- Ruler in centimeters – is a short length of centimeter increments along the left side of the base to use for measuring.
- Direction of travel – is an arrow used to plot a course towards your destination and also used for taking a bearing reading.
- Orienting lines – aids in orienting to the right direction of the north from your map.
- Orienting arrow – ensures that the magnetic needle is always pointing north to guide you in the right direction while travelling.
- Liquid capsule – houses the magnetic needle and allows it to settle down faster.
- USGS map scale – is usually 1:24000 and used for measuring distances on the map.
- Dial with graduations – is used to establish your bearing.
- Magnetic needle – always points in the north/south direction.
- Declination scale – is a means for your to make the necessary adjustments to make up for the difference between the true north and the magnetic north.
- Lanyard – helps you keep your compass close and preferably, use a bright colored cord so that you can easily spot it if you accidentally drop it on the ground.
How to Use a Compass in 1-2-3 Steps
Step 1: First, find a level surface where you can lay down your map and place you compass on top of it. Now, draw a line from your starting point to your destination in order to illustrate the general direction of travel. Line up the base plate of your compass with the direction of your destination.
Step 2: While keeping the base plate aligned with the direction of your travel, slowly rotate the graduated dial until N (north), the orientation arrow, and the orientation lines are now all pointing to the same direction – the north on your map.
If the distance you wish to traverse is not really great and accuracy is not that critical, you may ignore declination for now and be able to use the compass without any adjustment.
Step 3: Now you can remove the compass from the map and carefully hold it level out in front of you following the direction of the travel arrow that is pointing dead straight ahead. Turn your body until the north end of the compass’ magnetic needle is now directly aligned over the orienting arrow which is pointing north on the dial.
In this case, the direction of the travel arrow is now in the direction you want to go. The “snap a line” strategy is one of the easiest and safest ways to find your way to your destination. Hold your compass in the direction of your destination, look up and find a landmark in the direction of your travel and make your way.
Now you have a general understanding of the basics of using a compass.