Here you will learn about different types of compasses and their parts. You will also learn how to use a compass to orient a map and determine the compass direction.
To determine where you are and where you're going, you can use the cardinal directions: north, south, east, and west. To determine the direction, you can use a compass. A compass should be used as an aid for reading a map and can be useful when needing to deviate from LO. Press the buttons to see different compasses.
There are several things that can help you determine which direction on the map is north: Thin black lines running through the map from north to south - meridians (more simply north lines). An arrow marked with the letter N indicating north. North is always at the top of the map when you hold it so that the text is read from left to right.
In section 3, you learned to orient the map according to the terrain. You can also orient the map using a compass. It is done as follows:
1. Hold the compass horizontally in front of you, slightly above the map or on it.
2. Slowly rotate the map.
3. Be attentive, stop when the compass needle is parallel to the north lines of the map and the red end points to the north of the map.
Now the map is aligned with the terrain! Try it yourself:
A plane compass is best suited to determine the azimuth from your current location to Checkpoint (CP). It will help you maintain direction as you move through the area. First, you need to set it up:
Place 1/3 of the compass edge alongside the imaginary line from your current location to KP. Remember, the direction arrow points to the checkpoint.
2/3 Turn the compass housing so that the compass housing lines are parallel to the map's north lines, and the north arrow points to the map's north.
3/3 Hold the compass horizontally in your hand, with its back edge pointing towards your abdomen, directly in front of your body. Rotate your entire body so that the red end of the compass needle remains completely still in the red north marker part of the compass casing. The direction of travel arrow now points to your destination.
1. Orient the map so that the compass needle and the north lines are parallel.
2. Place the tip of the compass where you are and let it point to the CP. Rotate your entire body, including your legs, to orient the map precisely.
3. Move towards the chosen location and continue to navigate using the compass tip, which always points to the next KP.
Find a clear reference point (directional reference) near you, which is precisely in the direction of your intended route. A tree, a distinctive mountain, a clearly visible marshland, or anything else that stands out from the surroundings are good reference points. They may be at a certain distance—they will help you more accurately determine the direction. You should always be able to see that reference point or be confident you can find it. If you encounter obstacles on your path, choose a reference point beyond the obstacle, circumvent it, and continue along the azimuth.
Before reaching the landmark, check your azimuth and then set a new azimuth. Continue similarly until you reach the CP. Ensure that the compass body does not rotate between these landmarks.
Drag the slider to see details on the map that might be useful as directional markers and AO on the way to KP.
You should always select several options in the AO alternative and check them by going through. It is also helpful to assess how far to the KP. As you approach the KP, it is advisable to look to the right and to the left, as rarely does anyone hit the KP exactly.
It may be wise to divide the long option into stages and attach to LO along the way. Follow LO to AO and set a new azimuth direction.
If you've lost the direction of azimuth, you need to find out where you are and determine a new azimuth or return to a directional landmark before continuing the journey.
