Beginners Guide to Navigation
Maps
How to use a map
Compasses
Choosing a compass
How to use a compass
Taking a bearing from the map
Navigation is an huge subject and you could spend hours and hours reading up on it, as there are many books available on the subject. I would thoroughly recommend getting a good book on the subject and using that to learn from. Your life could easily depend on your navigation skills.
Navigation is important in everything to do with the outdoors, from driving the car to where you want to go, (yes I have ended up going the wrong way down the M6) to micro navigation in white out conditions where your life depends on exactly how well you are reading the compass and counting your steps.
Here are some of the basics that you would need to know.
Maps
Maps come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The important thing to look out for is the scales on the map. Obviously, you need to have the right map for the area you are planning on going walking!
Ordnance Survey are the main map producers in this country and perhaps make some of the best maps in the world. OS make two different ranges of map that are suitable for walking. These are the Explorer Maps and Landranger Maps. These maps cover the whole of the
Ordnance Survey Explorer Maps are orange in colour and include the Outdoor Leisure range as well. (Orange with a yellow flash). These maps are 1:25000 (4cm to 1km; 2.5 inches to 1 mile) scale and show a lot of detail. Some people would argue that it is too much detail and can confuse navigation at times.
Ordnance Survey Landranger Maps are pink in colour and are based on a 1:50000 (2cm to 1 km; 1.25 inch to 1 mile) scale. Because of this they cover a much larger area, useful if you are doing a long walk such as the Coast to Coast or the route you are doing is on the corners of two or three Explorer maps.
The other big map producer is. Harvey Maps are based on the more popular areas of the UK and can have long distance walking routes and national trails all on one map, for example the South Downs Way. Harvey maps will also give information on where you get food, drink and accommodation. The maps also give more local interest information and are printed on a waterproof paper. The scales are generally 1:25000, the Harvey Superwalker Maps and 1:400000, Harvey Walker Maps.
How to use a map
Maps are great, and will show you where you are and where you need to be as well as all the other topographical information you will need to enjoy your walking and travelling. Primarily you will need to know how to take grid references on a map to pin point your position and the position of where you are heading to.
All maps are covered in a series of gridlines that can then be equally devided into smaller squares (to do this you can use the markings on your compass or a roamer scale) These gridlines are refered to as Eastings and Northings. Eastings going horizontal on your map and Northings going vertical on your map. When reading the numbers on these gridlines to get a grid reference, think of this as along the hall, then up the stairs.
The symbols on a map……
Compasses
A compass is essential when walking in the outdoors and ideally should be used with your maps. Learning to use a compass properly can be a life saver if you are out and the weather turns bad. Silva are one of the top compass manufacturers in the world, which is why I have chosen to stock them on this web site. Their ranges covers everything from a basic beginners compass to complex navigation systems.
Choosing a compass
For most people the ideal compass would be the Silva Ranger 3. If you want something with a longer base plate for taking better bearings, as well as a magnifying glass and orienteering markers, then the Silva Expedition 4 would be the ideal choice.
As compasses work with a balanced magnetised needle, they designed to be working for specific regions. The Voyager series are for global use and have a multi region balanced needle.
How to use a compass
To take a bearing on a map (a bearing will show you the direction you need to travel) follow the Silva 1-2-3 instructions as detailed below. For further information please look at http://www.silva.se/outdoor/index.htm
Taking a bearing from the map
Use the SILVA 1-2-3 SYSTEM as follows
1. Place the compass on the map with the edge of the compass along the desired line of travel.
2. Rotate the compass housing until N on the dial points North on the map. Check that the compass housing red/black north/south lines are parallel with the maps meridians.
3. Hold the compass in your hand and turn yourself until the red end of the compass needle (North) coincides with the red arrow in the bottom of the compass housing. The front of the compass with the direction of travel arrow is now pointing towards your destination.
Route cards
Route cards are generally used for navigation with young groups of people such as the those doing a DofE Award (Duke of Edinburgs Award) expedition and Scout Expeditions. Route cards will show where you are going, directions, bearings, time, distance travelled and basically provide you with a detailed plan of your route. This will be extremy useful whilst out navigating, helping to reduce the chances of getting lost. Route cards are also important to leave with someone at the base camp in case you or the group get into distress. The route card will then provide information that will help you be found and rescued.
I hope you found the information useful, remeber to learn navigation fully, practice it in good weather, read a good book on the subject and don't forget your life and others could depend on it. Also, it stops you going off track, and you don't want to have to walk further than you want to do you?
Any questions on this subject please email me; gareth@walkandtravel.com
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