Orienteering Definitions
Orienteering-a cross-country race in which each participant uses a map and compass to
navigate his way between checkpoints along an unfamiliar course.
Magnetic Declination-the difference in degrees between magnetic north and true or
geographical north. The direction maps are printed towards
Compass-an instrument used to determine direction
Isoline-line joining points on the earth’s surface that have equal magnetic declination as
of a give date
Topographic maps-maps that presents the horizontal and vertical positions of features
represented; distinguished from a planimetric map by the addition of relief in measurable
form
Cardinal Directions-the 4 main points of direction on a compass, north-360° and 0,
East-90°, South-180°, West-270°.
Bearings-the direction of travel from your current position to a landmark or destination
expressed in degrees
Base Plate Compass-a see-through plate of an orienteering compass which the compass
housing is mounted
Magnetic North-the geographic region toward which all magnetic needles point. This is
Approximately 1,300 miles south of True North and moves slightly each year due to the
earth’s rotation and the friction created between its solid crust and liquid center.
Landmarks-a prominent or conspicuous object on land that serves as a guide
Direction of travel arrow-the arrow engraved or painted onto the front of the base plate
of the compass that is designed to indicate the direction you should hike when a bearing
has been established, or the direction you should point the compass to establish a
bearing.
True North-also known as geographic north or the North Pole
Contour lines-each contour line is comprised of an often-irregular closed loop that
connects points of equal elevation. The line with a darker shade of brown, typically
every 5th line, is called an index contour and usually has the elevation printed on it.
Triangulation- method of determining horizontal position on the surface of the earth by
measuring the angles of triangles and the included sides of selected triangles
I you get lost you should stay where you are. Do not move around.
Magnetic Arrow- The arrow that always points north.
Orienting Arrow- “The Shed” Which you place the magnetic arrow in when finding
a bearing.
There are 360 degrees on a compass.
Azimuth Ring- The circular ring that spins with the degrees on it.