How to use a Map and Compass

[@karhukivi]

Nice to see a map and compass. All too often I see a bunch of walkers with their heads down staring at their smartphones, no maps or compasses evident. The editor of an outdoor magazine actually stated that maps and compasses were obsolete! I reminded him that pilots and sailors still use both, and for a good reason.

[@benschuurkamp1087]

This has to be one of the best educational videos that i have ever watched. The backing track to this video is absolutely enchanting. I enjoyed the part about footwear because without this vital piece of information i probably would have gone tramping in my ballet pumps. One quote that spoke to me was the males statement that he had not used a compass since geography class. The "Irish sunshine" was particularly breathtaking. I now am feeling like a trip to Ireland

[@born2skydive172]

Thank you OSi, found very helpful as been 20 yes since geography too. I'm looking forward to my next adventure in 2017 of hiking up the UK top highest peaks.

[@TerryMcGearyScotland]

Thanks! That was really nice. I usually get the compass set right but your method was just so...simple! I will climb my Scottish hills a bit slicker now (I usually cop out and let others work it out while I video the walks!).

[@shandybrandy5407]

Excellent! Thank you New Delhi

[@stacysmeader6228]

When lining up compass lines with map’s meridian lines be sure to mention that the bezel “ N” is facing map “N”, otherwise you will be 180 degrees off.

[@1stFlyingeagle]

Only note. holding compass close to the body make sure there is no metal or magnets or you for sure will be going the wrong way. Lyle Brotherton is a pro and says to keep the compass away from the body. His book is the ultimate navigation manual.

[@michaelmcphee2930]

Nicely done this Aussie eejit understood it. Holding the compass near your chest would you need to be careful the zipper in your jacket was nylon no metal.

[@brianbrooking496]

Michael McPhee the Magnetic interference caused by a zipper is pretty much negligible. That is unless you have more metal on than Mr T. Pity the fools...... electric pylons would be an issue......

[@mattbaker1683]

Good tutorial, my only criticism is that the final few slides show the difference between magnetic North and true north, shown at around 38-40deg. The true difference is much less and is stated so at ~5deg, a note to show that the slide is exaggerated for educational purposes would calm any fears among new navigators that they may be way off (a point raised by my student) when out in the field. Many Thanks, Matt

[@sixofone1307]

Watch out for the leprechauns lol. You have a nice accent. I'm Canadian. Eh. So finally someone has the brains to know you do NOT need to orient a map before (or ANY time) you take a compass bearing off a map. Sheesh! What an urban myth. It's EXACTLY as you describe. After you decide on a A to B route line, and lay your compass edge along it, then you turn the dial to match the lines (orienting lines) on it to the grid lines on the map. Read the bearing (or in this case you don't even HAVE to read the bearing). Stick the compass in front of you, turn around until the magnetic needle matches the lines on the dial (or in the 'doghouse' as they say). DONE. (except for declination but in this case who cares). Pay attention students: she took a bearing off a map. Did she use the magnetic needle? NO. Did she orient the map first? NO. Why? Because an orienteering compass is a compass AND a protractor that measures angles, in degrees. A map bearing is simply the degree of angle between your A to B line and the grid lines on your map. Period. NOW when you're going to walk in the field is when you use the mag. needle. IF you want to line up your map anytime with your surroundings you can orient the map, which simply means turning your map until the top of it (or a bit more precisely the grid lines on it) lines up with your magnetic needle on the compass. That's an oriented map. Now everything on the map is in the same relative position as everything else in your environment. (but not necessary ever for taking a map bearing!).

[@TerryMcGearyScotland]

Yes...I think! I sometimes set my compass in the living room (for the first bit at least) even before we get on the coach to head off to the Scottish Highlands. If you look at some of my vids you can see our leaders checking as we go along. Its (usually) easy if you are following land rover tracks but after a few few twists and turns 'off piste' of a new bearing will be needed and it can start to get a bit iffy unless you have good landmarks or a GPS!

[@dtlibra]

Important bit is at 3.20 for 2 mins

[@benschuurkamp1087]

Incredibly helpful. you the real MVP

[@MukeshKumar-jw6ji]

👍👍👍

[@petergrman3205]

I will follow Her enyvhere ewen without compas or map.

[@bobseaver7807]

Yes

[@matthewburden9403]

I am confused, are Oridance Survey maps grid adjusted for local declination - I think not; why was a grid to magnetic calculation not mentioned? Why were the differences of grid north, magnetic north and ture north not discussed. Why is the instructor sighting her direction of travel against her coat with metal snaps and with local points in line omitted, and why were actual azmith bearings not triangulated when it was assumed that they reached their destination? Ordinance Survey lets me down by this sloppy presentation.

[@paganphil100]

Matthew Burden: I'm not sure sure what you mean by "maps grid adjusted"......however, all O.S. maps have the magnetic declination on them and the rate of change per year. Just make sure you have an up-to-date map.

[@matthewburden9403]

@@paganphil100 Not necessary to have an up-to-date map regarding declination if you know how to determine such by sighting Polaris or the location of a heavenly body by using a sight reduction table or Air Almanac together with your analog compass and chronometer (for determining longitude) - yes - that is what Rolex watches are made to do as they are not jewelry. If I remember correctly, this took place in the UK where or close to an isogonic line exists where little need for magnetic adjustment is required when navigation to and from map and compass. Thank you for your observation and comment.

[@simonodell2103]

Shut up

[@jaym8027]

It took place in Ireland, not the UK. Close to an isogonic line though. A little difficult to sight Polaris on a beautiful sunny day. Also, true north differs from grid, or map north as a man of your talents must surely know. True north isn't used when navigating with a map and compass. Any analog watch can be used to determine north, not just an overpriced piece of jewelry.@@matthewburden9403

[@glyncoates8253]

She didn't add the axtra degrees for variation for magnetic North. So if she did a long walk she would get a bit lost 😂

[@christopher1800]

Well explained. To all the cavemen reacting here: get lost. (Literally).

[@R0I3I3IE]

Sorry, what? There was a map? I've watched it three times and still can't see a map. That blonde is in the way.

[@danielculpepper9258]

This must be the most chaotic and unclear instruction on land navigation I have ever seen! This is of course offset somehow by the hot blond girl talking but as instructional video it rates very poorly!

[@johnmetrac2898]

It’s takes two seconds 😂😂😂 that’s a joke your explanation of how to use the compass is not clear at all

[@medceltic]

She has no clue about Compas

[@benschuurkamp1087]

*Compass

[@agimasoschandir]

'Tweren't no coffee cup.

[@pondlife1952]

How to read and navigate with a compass. That doesn’t mean they are novice walkers so time wasted on unnecessary chat about footwear... off to look for another compass instruction video.