Navigation Basics Part 3 | Map & Compass Triangulation

[@obliqueangler]

Thank You for your channel, and Thank You and your husband for sharing this presentation with us. I'm an old guy that has used map & compass for a long time, trying to learn the finer points of GPS use but will always carry a map and compass. I'd like to add three things that helped me a lot during my mountaineering days many years ago, as well as finding blue lines and lakes that are off the beaten path to fly fish today. 1. When you know your exact location (i.e. after triangulating on known landmarks), to follow a *route* on a *bearing* in degrees from point A to point B while travelling with another person or a group, the *person with the compass follows the others in the party*, calling out changes in direction (right, left, steady as you go) to keep the group travelling along the route. The members of the group become an extension of the compass direction of travel arrow. When having to deviate the route direction due to obstacles, keep track of the amount of deviation and the approximate distance (number of steps), but return to the original bearing in degrees ASAP. After passing the obstacle go back the same number of steps, return to the original bearing, and you will resume the original route from point A to point B. This worked well for me whether on a glacier in a whiteout, or in old growth forest, being accurate measurable in "feet" when travelling up to a mile. 2. Use of a barometric altimeter. I think they are so important that I always carry one; either a stand-alone or built into my watch. They work by reading the atmospheric pressure, and after initial calibration (*at home before you leave*, and *again at the trailhead*) showing that as the elevation. An altimeter provides an additional data point in addition to triangulation, just like a third bearing. Additionally if you know you are on a specific trail that is climbing or descending, an altimeter can pinpoint your location without taking bearings. Find where that elevation contour line on the map intersects the trail; very useful in a forest with no views. However as we all know, air pressure will change depending on the weather so every hour or so when you get to a known landmark you can identify on a map (a stream, a lake or marsh, a significant turn in trail direction, beginning of a set of switchbacks), you should recheck the altimeter with the contour line for the landmark you are at on a topo map and recalibrate if necessary to ensure accuracy. 2.1 Also, since air pressure changes can signify weather changes as well as altitude changes, a trend of a barometric altimeter showing at a lower elevation than you are probably means high pressure is moving in - improving weather. A trend showing higher elevation than you are probably means a low pressure system moving in - worsening weather.

[@wmluna381]

This is the video that finally helped me understand triangulation. Many thanks to the hubs! To the nav beginners out there: It does help to understand the declination setting factor and knowing about map topography, reading the map key & the different Norths *1st*...grid, true, magnetic. Otherwise what is being detailed in the video will likely sound like Greek. I have already been through many, many videos trying to get a sense of all this.

[@HikeOregon]

I’m so glad it was helpful 👍🏼👍🏼

[@michaelb1761]

Excellent presentation. Your husband obviously knows what he's talking about based on how easy he was to understand. Thank you, both of you, for this video.

[@HikeOregon]

Thanks so much for your kind words! He was nervous that he wouldn't come across well but it seems that everyone really liked it and I actually learned a TON during the making of this video.

[@dacamboo]

Wow, I've seen so many of these videos and this is the first one that has really hit home. Clear, concise, and didn't waste time on unnecessary info. I learned all I needed to know and had all my q's answered. Thanks.

[@HikeOregon]

I’m so glad this video was helpful and very informative.

[@rawhideadventures9515]

This was a great explanation of triangulation. Thanks.

[@HikeOregon]

You’re most welcome!

[@szaki]

The first, lensing compass out we're showing, need a protractor to use it with maps. An $8 item. The second , base compass, the one is used in your video, all ready has protractor built in, that's why popular. Military prefers the lensing compass for ruggedness.

[@sunchaserw1477]

this has been one of the best and most detailed tutorial here. But if you can talk about more how to adjust for the declination, it will be 2 thumbs up!! thanks.

[@donzones1367]

Great information and presentation.

[@HikeOregon]

Thanks for watching Don!

[@I_Am_Michael]

that is exactly how you do it. very good video. hopefully, more like this to come.

[@HikeOregon]

Thanks for watching! This was the last navigation video in this series. Was there anything else you wanted to see?

[@JimRodgers]

Excellent video on triangulation. Your presentation was spot on and easy to understand.

[@HikeOregon]

Thanks so much for watching Jim! I’m glad it was easy to understand.

[@SaintNine]

Thanks for that. I did some orienteering in my teens (over 40 years ago now. Sigh) and I was actually pretty good at it; this was a two week school trip to the Brecon Beacons in Wales, UK and of the six teams of two we were split into, I came in first each time. I really loved it too. However, as it was so long ago, this little refresher was perfect. I'd love to take it up again some time. The main reason I didn't pursue it at the time is that I got into cycling in a big way. I live in London and still use my bike to get around wherever; I actually never took my driving test, the bike was quicker than a car or public transport. I'm not as fast as I used to be, but still not bad (I was actually very fast back then. A motorbike dispatch rider clocked me at 30-35 mph and that was into a headwind. With traffic and lights I still managed to average 25. Nowadays it's more like 15, but then I'm 61 now). Anyway, apologies for the irrelevant details. It's a habit I can't seem to break, this chattiness. Thanks again for the video. Hope you're keeping safe.

[@thomasrayborn3177]

Very clear and helpful instruction on triangulation! Thank you for taking the time to put this video together.

[@HikeOregon]

You’re so welcome. Thank you so much for watching!!

[@azcolby40]

Well Done, very informative your husband did a great job, I'm going to try to use his teaching in a known setting to reinforce what I learned

[@HikeOregon]

I’m glad it went over well. :)

[@Kallepeng]

Thank you very much James for sharing your way to use map and compass! :) ....looking foward for upcoming stuff. To the both of you all the best from Berlin/Germany!

[@caseykelso1]

Needed a refresher, Great job again on articulating the process in a simple to understand manner 🎉 love to see couples interested in the same hobby🎉 my wife will hike and test our skills together, but to have her watch a Soccer game with me ... 😂(thanks for not saying "put fred in the shed")

[@HikeOregon]

We are divorced now but there were some great adventures over the years.

[@caseykelso1]

​@@HikeOregon kinda seen that coming from his way of dominate attitude, go back to where you talked about the pencil, see how his hand comes it to grab it, then minutes later, he does grab it from you, and just puts it down, doesn't even use it, guys a dck. Happy for you.🎉

[@gaylinlack726]

Good job. Clear and concise.

[@memathews]

Nice, clear explanation on using a map with compass. Thank you. The dead reckoning method James described is too often left out of most explanations and it can really save the day, or even your life. GPS units are fine, but useless once the battery dies; a printed map and a compass is the only surefire way to navigate safely.

[@HikeOregon]

Thanks for watching!

[@asurmen32]

Very good explanation, thank you!

[@eddyaruda486]

Great video! James was awesome. I see the price for a new compass has gone up.

[@jameslane2667]

There's a place in Kansas City called Gallup map company and they sell topographical anywhere in the US 25 x 25 miles they're awesome

[@c-jo7608]

Very Informative! Great job by your husband! Very well explained!

[@HikeOregon]

I’m glad you enjoyed. Thanks for watching!

[@sarakajira]

Great guide! Shared in our local hike monthly oregon group!

[@HikeOregon]

Thank you for sharing the video. I’m happy to hear that you found it helpful.

[@Boodieman72]

Its also important to have a current or very recent map as magnetic north changes position over time.

[@memathews]

If you have an old map, you can quickly update the declination before leaving home. Go to www.magnetic-declination.com and place the location icon on the same spot on the screen map as on the center of your printed map. Then write the resulting declination from the screen icon onto your print map key--and date it for your upcoming trip.

[@Mtnsunshine]

memathews Cool!

[@Mtnsunshine]

Excellent video! Thank you so much for this comprehensive lesson. Clear and concise. Can't wait to get out a map and practice. (Nice to meet your husband, too.)

[@TyJee28]

As an FYI & encouragement to your viewers about the importance to account for magnetic declination at all locations. Especially where it is more than 4~5˚. A 1˚ error at one mile to a check point or landmark is off course by about 100ft. So just recall 1˚/1mile/100ft. (actually it's about 92ft, [tan (degrees error) x distance to land mark] but 100ft is easier to remember) Where you are with 14˚ East mag declination, if not accounted for could put you off course about 1,400ft at one mile distance. About 1/4th mile. I do not use magnetic declination on my compasses. I just keep the correct direction of adjustment for East or West magnetic declination adjustment via this acronym -- WAvES [West Add v East Subtract] Which is also accomplished for West mag decl by turning the bezel CW, or for East mag decl. by turning the bezel CCW, by the required number of degrees that matches your local mag. decl. Bravo guys for encouraging people to use their own brains, and showing them how to train it !! - rather than relying on someone else's brain built into a GPS. ; -) I also love playing around with different types of compasses. Though I've never needed to use a compass to figure out what direction to go. I find it fun to practice the compass skills for the day when I might need it to have confidence I can use it correctly to get safely and efficiently to where I need to go.

[@DragonRoams]

Fantastic video its been a long time since I've used my compass skills this is a nice refresher. Very well explained for people of all levels of skill.

[@HikeOregon]

I'm so glad to hear that it was informative!

[@tyronep5611]

Great video dude, best one I’ve seen so far

[@HikeOregon]

Thank you so much!

[@jameslane2667]

Great video Happy Easter to you and your husband James 👍

[@thomasbartlett3409]

Nice presentation with humor! LOL....Just get yourself a small simple handheld GPS and save yourself all the guesswork!!

[@HikeOregon]

Electronics fail. Everyone should know this stuff and have a compass in their pack as part of their 10 essentials.

[@thomasbartlett3409]

@@HikeOregon Agreed, been navigating for years while hunting in the Northern Maine and Adirondacks big woods with map and compass long before the GPS , however, a small unit like the Garmin eTrex weighs ounces and I have never had one fail. A vehicle has much more chances of failing than a GPS. Also, our tax dollars are paying for the 24+ satellites , so it's nice to make use of that system.

[@dwaynerobertson383]

Nice job on this trilogy. I must correct you on the Brunton TruArc compass, because I own one. That compass does have adjustable declination. Hold the outer bezel still and spin the clear inner cylinder, left or right (I can see right on the yellow band that it says East Declination and West Declination). It is adjustable. It also has a Global Needle. Brunton TruArcs are sweet compasses and this (shown in this video), is a proper, solid compass. I don't work for 'em, I just love my compass. It's tough, it's accurate and it's $13.00. Hope this correction is well received!!

[@HikeOregon]

I had no idea. At REI they told us to not get that one because it didn’t adjust. I wish I had gotten that $13 one now instead of spending $50 on a compass.

[@dwaynerobertson383]

@@HikeOregon I am really upset to hear you say that. I would go right back to that REI outlet and demand that I get the difference back in cash (or credit)!! That intentional deceptive move, to peel more money from your wallet, is/was entirely unacceptable. They knew damn well that a Brunton TruArc (with a Global Needle!), has adjustable declination.How could REI NOT know that one of the best compass manufacturers on the planet wouldn't have the standard/common place/everyday adjustable magnetic declination? In fact, besides lensatic compasses, what manufacturer today does not incorporate adjustable magnetic declination? EVERY compass manufacturer includes adjustable declination, or they simply would not sell. This is not the 19th century. They lied to you to secure a bigger sale. UNACCEPTABLE,...and it must be borderline illegal. I'd say they owe you an apology...and $37.00. Let me know if you decide to pay that REI outlet a visit to get what you went there for in the first place. That is beyond nasty. You were deceived.

[@dwaynerobertson383]

@@HikeOregon oops!! I must also say that I am sure your $50.00 compass is great and you're happy with it. This Brunton TruArc baseplate compass is ideal for plotting on a map - maybe not so great in the field, compared alongside a lensatic/sighting compass, but I have a sighting compass when I want/need to be spot-on accurate with a target anyway. With a baseplate compass you are basically shooting from the hip when you take an azimuth (in the physical field, not referring to on a map). You can get very close to your intended target but not spot on, bulls-eye accuracy. It is not a sighting compass. A moot point now, really, but...I just wanted to conclude this in all fairness. I'd still go back to REI all the same. NOT cool. Not at all.

[@rodtheer]

Great explanation! It should be pointed out that practice is a must before one heads out! Also, if you can, take a class...probably one of the most important classes you could take i.e. REI maybe?

[@HikeOregon]

Yes, trying this out on your favorite trail will make you feel confident in your skills.

[@mooburns5830]

Thank you so much for this!!

[@HikeOregon]

You’re welcome 👍🏼

[@gwmtnbiker]

Very well done. Thank you

[@HikeOregon]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@StallionOutdoor]

Good Infos! Thank you! Greetings, Chris

[@HikeOregon]

Thanks for watching!

[@heathcoat67]

what maps do you use and where do you get them? thanks and good video

[@HikeOregon]

I use different maps depending on the area. I generally get my maps at REI, on Amazon or the forest service. Some maps I really like are Maps Inc. and National Geographic maps.

[@heathcoat67]

thank you.

[@NateMeetsWorld]

Great video series! What would you recommend as a first handheld GPS for an avid hiker? I'm leaning towards the Garmin eTrex 30.

[@HikeOregon]

That's the one I would go with too. It's simple and fairly inexpensive.

[@rodtheer]

Garmin GPSMAP 64s. A litte bit more in cost, however very reliable because of the external antenna. 30 is good, 64 better.

[@teacherandrew8202]

Hello, any chance I could get permission to use this video to help explain triangulation to a couple of students in an online class?

[@HikeOregon]

Sure thing, no problem 👍🏼

[@rickalexander2801]

At 5:22 it looked like your compass bearing was 78 degrees and not 82 degrees. Did I miss something or was it just the camera angle?

[@CDRMUÑECO]

Good , the best

[@HikeOregon]

Glad you found it helpful!

[@nathanielbakker8344]

I've been watching quite a few videos trying to understand better. I'm quite new to this so it might be an obvious question but I'll ask anyway, when it comes to taking your magnetic degrees from a landmark and using them on a grid map, do you not have to make any adjustments from mag to grid? Some videos I've seen people take an azimuth and have to add or subtract X amount of degrees to account for the difference . Hope that makes sense.

[@daveinstlouis7296]

Thanks

[@HikeOregon]

Thanks for watching!

[@caseykelso1]

Excellent content, hubby seems short at times. Leave him out next time and I'll subscribe 🤔😉

[@HikeOregon]

I couldn’t have done this video without him. And he is pretty tall actually, not short at.

[@caseykelso1]

@@HikeOregon I meant he was short on patience, with you, the facial looks he gave , he thought you were bothering him when you added to his sentences a couple times, you were adding some pertinent information he forgot to say........I thought you were helping 😉. Just seems like he's alittle uptight, and controlling....

[@HikeOregon]

Nope he’s not at all uptight or controlling. He has literally never made a video with me before this, so I’m sure he was slightly nervous. You should go watch our Q and A we did together last year over on Patreon to see our relationship dynamic a little better.

[@caseykelso1]

@@HikeOregon sounds good. We will. Thanks for sharing your videos

[@stanleyokazaki7004]

2000th viewer. Hell yes

[@codename97]

In India we don't need a compass we have people literally everywhere who can navigate us in the right direction.

[@HikeOregon]

That doesn’t sound very fun.

[@codename97]

@@HikeOregon It doesn't but after watching cast away movie, I'm fine with that.

[@HikeOregon]

Hahahhahah

[@HikeOregon]

We can go for backpacking trips here and not see any people for days and days.

[@proxima8574]

all the Minecraft speedrunners be watching like how can I do this for finding the Stronghold

[@Thechist781]

Too much for my brain🙁