Using Map & Compass
The Crean Award:
The Activity:
Discovery:
Skills
Terra Nova:
Learn a new Skill
Skills
Objective:
Find out the basics of using a map and
compass before you head out on an
expedition.
Endurance:
Skills
Polar:
Share Skills
Skills
Activity Type:
Patrol Meeting
Troop Meeting
SPICES
Intellectual
Adventure Skills
Hillwalking: Stage 2,3
Roles:
Activity Leader
Quartermaster
Plan..."Map & Compass"
Introduction
This resource aims to prepare you and your
Patrol for hiking trips using a map and compass.
It is important to be confident using all
equipment needed for a hike and you should
ensure you practice your navigation skills
before heading on an expedition.
What equipment is needed?
 Compass
 Map
 Pencil
What you need to know
 How to use a compass
 How to read a map
Do..."Map & Compass"
Find out where you’re headed
Place the compass flat on your palm and your palm
in front of your chest. This is the proper compass
stance.
Move the compass until the direction of travel arrow
is pointing in the direction you wish to head. Unless
you’re heading north, the magnetic needle will spin
off to one side.
Twist the degree dial until the orienting arrow lines
up with the north end of the magnetic needle. Once
they are aligned, this will tell you where your
direction of travel arrow is pointing.
Do..."Map & Compass"
Take off local magnetic variation by twisting the degree dial.
This magnetic variation (i.e. the difference between magnetic
and true north) is known as declination and is due to the fact
that Earth’s magnetic field lines are constantly moving
relative to the actual North Pole.
See where the direction of travel arrow lines up with
the degree dial. This will tell you which direction
you’re heading. For example, if the arrow is between
the S and the W, you’re heading southwest.
Transpose the direction of travel onto your map. Place your
map on a horizontal surface, then place the compass on the
map so that the orienting arrow points to true north on the
map. Then, slide your compass around so that its edge
passes through your current position (but its orienting
arrow continues to point north).
Do..."Map & Compass"
Draw a line along the compass' edge and through your
current position. If you maintain this bearing, your path
from your current position will be along the line you just
drew on your map.
Continue moving in this direction. To do so, simply hold the
compass in the proper stance, turn your body until the
north end of the magnetic needle once again aligns with the
orienting needle, and follow the direction of travel arrow.
Check your compass as often as you need to, but be sure
not to accidentally twist the degree dial from its current
position.
Do..."Map & Compass"
Find out which way to head
Place the map on a horizontal surface and place your
compass on the map. The magnetic needle won’t work
properly if held at an angle.
Using the edge of the compass as a ruler, place it so that it
creates a line between your current position and where you
intend to go. You may also want to draw this line on your
map for future reference.
Rotate the degree dial until the orienting arrow points to
true north on the map. This will also align the compass’s
orienting lines with the map’s north-south lines. Once the
degree dial is in place, put the map away.
Do..."Map & Compass"
Take off local magnetic variation by twisting the degree dial.
Hold the compass horizontally in front of you with the
direction of travel arrow pointing away from you.
Eventually, you’ll use the direction of travel arrow to guide
you to your destination.
Turn your body until the north end of the magnetic needle
aligns with the orienting needle. You are now properly
oriented toward your mapped destination.
Follow the direction of travel arrow. Look down at the
arrow, then focus on a distant object to which it points and
use this as a guide; however, don’t focus on anything too
distant, as huge objects aren’t precise enough to navigate
by accurately. Once you reach each guide point, use your
compass to find another.
Do..."Map & Compass"
Find your current position via landmarks
Choose 3 prominent landmarks that you can both see and
find on your map. These should be as widely spread around
your field of view as possible.
Aim the compass' direction of travel arrow at the first
landmark. Unless the landmark is north of you, the magnetic
needle will spin off to one side
Twist the degree dial until the orienting arrow lines up with
the north end of the magnetic needle. Once they are
aligned, this will tell you where your direction of travel
arrow is pointing and take off local magnetic variation] by
twisting the degree dial.
Do..."Map & Compass"
See where the direction of travel arrow lines up with the
degree dial. This will tell you which direction you’re heading.
For example, if the arrow is between the S and the W,
you’re heading southwest.
Transpose the direction of the landmark onto your map.
Place your map on a horizontal surface and then place the
compass on the map so that the orienting arrow points to
true north on the map. Then, slide your compass around so
that its edge passes through the landmark on the map (but
its orienting arrow continues to point north)
Draw a line along the compass' edge and through your
approximate position. This is the first of three lines you will
draw to triangulate your position. Repeat steps 2 through 7
for the other two landmarks.
Review "Map & Compass"
Covering SPICES
Social
Intellectual
Emotional
Achieving Goals
Aware of feelings
Relationships
New Ideas
Communication Skills
Learn from Decisions
Other Cultures
Team Member
Community Involvement
Character
Promise & Law
Promise & Law
Physical
Friends & Friendships
Eat Well
Personal Hygiene
Balanced Lifestyle
How Body works
Physical Limitations
Health Choices
Access Help
Asking/Giving Help
Responsibility for Emotions
Controlling Emotions
Going Further
Beliefs & Values
Plan before do
Developing Talents
Ensuring Fairness
Spiritual
Respect
Differences & Views
Following Dreams
Live the Scouting Spirit
Promise & Law
Impact on Environment
Reflection
Changing Beliefs
Review "Map & Compass"
Covering Adventure
Skills
Hillwalking
Stage 2
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Stage 3
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Stage 4
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Patrol Review
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What will we do next?
?
Plan your next … “Map & Compass”
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