Youre somewhere on that line, so you know have a line position. The first step of orienting with our map and compass is to make sure north on the map lines up with north in our terrain. True north is represented by a star. Mt. Welcome back to the Art of ManlinessLand Navigation Manual. A visualization depicting the Soldier's Manual of Common Tasks (STP 21-1-SMCT) task Orient a Map Using a Lensatic Compass (071-COM-1011). Method #2. Come to think of it, I dont even know if he had a compass. The lensatic compass is comprised of different parts compared to a baseplate compass. Use the lens to look through the sighting line to find another landmark, and repeat until you reach your destination. At this point, your map is almost oriented. As a result, your real bearing is 166. . ), Podcast #858: The Affectionate, Ambiguous, and Surprisingly Ambivalent Relationship Between Siblings, How to Fight Entitlement and Develop Gratitude in Your Kids, How and Why to Hold a Weekly Marriage Meeting, You Dont Have to Be Your Dad: How to Become Your Familys Transitional Character, Podcast #810: How to Turn a Boy Into a Man, Sunday Firesides: Climb the Ladder of Love, Podcast #865: How to Win Friends and Influence People in the 21st Century, Podcast #863: Key Insights From the Longest Study on Happiness, Podcast #875: Authority Is More Important Than Social Skills, Podcast #874: Throw a 2-Hour Cocktail Party That Can Change Your Life, 9 Mental Distortions That Are Sabotaging Your Social Life, How to Make the Perfect Snowball: An Illustrated Guide, Podcast #869: The Survival Myths That Can Get You Killed, Skill of the Week: Survive Falling Through Ice, Podcast #848: The 5 Priorities of Short-Term Survival, we covered how to properly use a compass, how to shootyour bearings, and the best map for navigating: the topo map, Land Navigation Manual: How to Use the Military Grid Reference System, Land Navigation Manual: Finding Your Bearings & Topo Maps, More Than Just Finding North: Understanding the Compass, Podcast #534: How Navigation Makes Us Human. First, open the compass to its fullest so that the cover forms a straightedge with the base. 1. Your map (and yourself) are now be orientated north. The skill allows users to find north with ease, which is crucial for navigation. But its important to understand the different types of navigational toolsincluding a lensatic compass. All you have to do now is take a bearing towards the unnamed mountain. A visualization depicting the Soldiers Manual of Common Tasks (STP 21-1-SMCT) task Orient a Map Using a Lensatic Compass (071-COM-1011). Read your compass (Figures 5-25 and 5-26). Copyright 2013-2019 Collingwood Publications LLC, Some of the best land navigators around are orienteers--those who participate in the cross-country running/map reading sport of orienteering. He did this for ten days, taking us across numerous waterways and lakes. Overview. Place the three remaining fingers below as if you are holding a gun. We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you. 3. You have your point location when you know precisely where you are in reference to your map. Pull your elbows firmly into your sides; this will place the compass between your chin and your belt. Well, we can use our compass as a protractor to take a bearing from our map. Gently pull the lid down until the sighting line is visible through the lens. Lensatic compasses are seasoned or experienced navigator tools. So, don't sweat too much the minute details of getting your map finely oriented to the last degree with your compass. Look at the index line and read the number. To use the terrain to orient a map, you must be familiar with symbols used on the map. north. In the daytime, you'll normally find something in the distance on your azimuth and walk to it, so you don't have to keep staring at the compass. Lensatic compasses aremade upof three parts: cover, base, and reading lens. We may use the map to identify any landmark we observe in our landscape once we know our point location. Rotate the compass until the north on the bezel points to the top of the map and the compass housing orienting lines are parallel to the maps vertical grid lines, using your position as a pivot. Casio's latest G-Shock watch could be a serious Garmin rival. Orient your map so that its lined up with magnetic north (see above). Turn the map and compass together until the azimuth sighted lies under the Index Line. Put that hand up to the compass, steadying the compass by placing your index finger along the compass's side, and wrapping your thumb between the bezel ring and the rear sight. The variation between magnetic north and true north is currently so minor that this can generally be ignored. Without getting over-complicated, a standard compass is different from a lensatic compass. At the summit of Saddle Mountain, take a bearing using your compass. Pull the ring underneath the compass and put your thumb through. See the line labeled the agonic line? 3. To make sure you receive a correct bearing, youll have to perform some arithmetic with all of your bearings. Looking at the map is an easy way of finding which direction north or east are relative to your current position. In such orientation we use a lensatic scale. The reason contours are king is that they are fixed, at least in the timescales were talking about here. Heres our step-by-step guide to the most straightforward. True north is at the very top of the earth, while magnetic north is currently off the coast of Greenland. Start spinning the bezel slowly until the 'magnetized needle' is aligned with the 'orienting arrow.'. The degrees are in red, and are the ring's inner measurements. Timetoprepare.net is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and Other Programs, an affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to the Partners. Spatial awareness refers to having knowledge about where everything in the environment is located relative as well as understanding how objects relate with each other spatially. The fact that they glow in the dark (especially, if they're the tritium kind which will glow for years without having to be exposed to light) means you can use your compass without a light for night navigation. Hold the compass steady and level, and up to your face. Learn Land Navigation Now. Set your compass dial to 000 degrees. If youre in the Adirondacks, add 14 degrees to get a correct bearing of 194 degrees. A: You can use the arrow keys, or you can hold down shift and move in any direction to rotate a map around its axis. Now that were putting compass to map, we need to adjust for it so that we can accurately orient and navigate. Youll see that it shows two arrows when you turn your headset or controllers around to show the new orientation of a map. PART 1 Basic Land Navigation. So your true bearing would be 166. Here at Brunton, we manufacture a variety of different compasses for varying needs in the field. Turn your entire body as a unit until your predetermined azimuth falls under the fixed black index line. How can you get your point position then? 3. A compass is a device used for navigation and orientation. If youre in the Adirondacks, youll want to add 14 so your true bearing would be 194. a. Youll see that it shows two arrows when you turn your headset or controllers around to show the new orientation of a map. The rear bearing is at a 50-degree angle. Step 2: Line up your lensatic compass with the North Star and make sure the index mark is on the star. 4. Designate your starting and ending points on the map. He climbs when he should be writing, writes when he should be sleeping, has fun always. If you take just one thing from this guide, let it be the appreciation that contours are the most important navigational feature on the map, especially where hills and mountains are concerned. When youre on this line and are facing true north, magnetic north lines up perfectly, too. Youll want to rotate it till the black arrow outline matches the 4E hash mark. Related Tags. So, if youre in Muir Woods and your compass has a bearing of 180, youll want to subtract 14. Well, that is, unless you're doing something silly like holding the compass backwards. The term "lensatic" comes from the fact that there is a lens on the rear side of the compass that aids in the orienteering process. If we didnt adjust for declination and were getting bearings for our destination from our map, well find ourselves off by 14 or more when we start walking. You then see where the line you drew intersects with the protractor's numbers, in this case 062 degrees. (Note: Ignore the magnetic compass needle. Title: USING THE MILITARY LENSATIC COMPASS 1 USING THE MILITARY LENSATIC COMPASS PART 2 Intermediate Land Navigation Module 14 Travel Distance Estimation 2 . But I wish I had the simpler kind that just automatically points to the direction on the compass that I am . It has its advantages and disadvantages over the orienteering compass. Step 2 Lay the map in a horizontal position. Identify your approximate location on your map. Your map is now aligned to magnetic north. This video shows how to orient a map with a compass and briefly discusses magnetic declination. Want a free ebook on Land Navigation? Your cheek should be resting on the base of your thumb. The first step in orienting ourselves with our map and compass is to double-check that north on the map corresponds to north in our landscape. Basically, the compass needle will point someplace east of true north in locations west of the agonic line, whereas it will point somewhere west of true north in areas east of the agonic line. Improve your reading skills with the KWL Method Compass 101 - How to Use a Baseplate Compass Buying a Compass for Land Naviga-tion Basic Navigation with a Compass and a Map How to orient a map and take a . Orient a Map Using a Lensatic Compass 071-329-1011 Conditions: Standards: Orient the map to the ground using a compass. Thankfully, its notwhether orienting your map with a compass or without, this is a skill that can be learned in minutes and which can be done in a matter of seconds out in the field. Boom. Fill in the empty areas; concerned parties names, places of residence and phone numbers etc. Required fields are marked *. Lay the compass on the map, using the straight edge to create a line from your starting point to your destination. 3. 8; Page 11 G. LOCATING POSITION USING INTERSECTION 1. Its declination is recorded as 14E. 4. The bezel clicks as it moves--three degrees for every click. What are 2 ways to orient a map? Next month, well wrap off our series with a final briefing on how to navigate using MGRS coordinates, exactly like the military. Through his hiking, mountaineering, climbing and trail running adventures, Alex aims to inspire others to get outdoors. As long as youre lined up with your direction of travel arrow (keeping that north arrow visible for reference), you need to look through the sighting line and pick a landmark ahead of you. Holding any compass in a slack and half-a**ed (that's an old military term) manner can cause you to go off in the wrong direction. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Line your orienteering compasss base plate up with the maps north-south lines. for Faith in Humanity, how to orient a map using a lensatic compass, orient a map using a lensatic compass powerpoint. Steady the compass by allowing the hand holding the compass to rest in the cupped palm of your other hand. Go to your map. When it comes to how to orientate a map, there are two main ways to do it. This can be done either by (1) rotating the map the requisite number of degrees east or west or (2) holding the baseplate firmly, rotate the compass housing to the correct number of degrees west or east to account for the declination. One disadvantage is, unlike the orienteering compass, it's not easy to make it double as a protractor, meaning you'll have to carry a protractor with you. The easiest way to orientate a map is to relate the features in front of you to the features on the map. As long as you can hold the compass level and steady, the exact grip doesn't matter. 3 . 3. There you go. Click heretolearn about the three different types of compasses. Move the lens holder: Slightly push forward the lens holder. Because my magnetic declination is 4E, Ill move the black arrow outline to the red hash marks next to E DECL.. Align the map so that the top of the map is parallel with the direction north based on the compass. Orienting the Map with aLensatic Compass. You cant shoot a bearing on the end point in your terrain since you cant see it. Next, without changing the orientation of you map, move your compass so that the point you are plotting to/from is under the sighting wire, and the compass dial reading matches your bearing. True north and magnetic north are not the same, as stated in Part I. We know were someplace south of Saddle Mountain on HW 115. PART 1 Basic Land Navigation USING THE MILITARY LENSATIC COMPASS Module 6 Map Information. More or less, where the second line meets the first is where you are on the map. But it isnt just magnets there are other culprits at play, here. $7.20. Though GPS and smartphonesare reliable, its still vital to carry a compass, and know how to use it, as a backup or lifesaving form of navigation. Holding any compass in a slack and half-a**ed (that's an old military term. (Be sure you understand magnetic declination. Orient a map using a lensatic compass You learn that it has a 176 bearing. Yeah, book is the most effective tool that can be made use of for affecting your life. See that little black outline of an arrow? Step 2. But heres the catch: depending on where you are on the planet, the angle of declination varies. 3. The North-seeking arrow of the compass must fall within 3 degrees (50 mils) of the angle shown in the grid-magnetic (G-M) angle on the map's declination diagram. What happens if you dont compensate for declination with your compass? 2. Get your own customized topographical maps, built according to your specifications. From point A to point B, thats your bearing. For this task, the lensatic compass really shines. Note that we will be moving and adjusting the compass on the map. Open the compass all the way so that the cover locks into position against the base, forming a straightedge along the left side. 2. 3.30 MB. The term lensatic comes from the fact that there is a lens on the rear side of the compass that aids in the orienteering process. 2. Bear in mind that an east declination value will be a positive number, and a west declination value will be a negative number. Line up the meridian lines (the parallel lines inside the bezel) with a north/south grid line on the map. A lensatic compass is often referred to as a military compass, and is typically used by the U.S. Military. They could be your saving grace during a SHTF situation. This is sometimes referred to as putting red in the shed. Place the compass on the map with one long edge of the baseplate running between the two points of interest. Youll want to turn it until that black arrow outline is lined up with the 4E hash mark. Position in the area. But lets say youre in the Muir Woods near San Francisco and youre facing true north. The map is now oriented to the terrain. Take a bearing to a visible landmark using your compass. Your email address will not be published. Brunton TruArc 8010 Classic Map Luminous Compass Brunton TruArc 8010 Classic Map Luminous Compass Item # WX2- 715075 / Mfg. Battle tested - shock, water, sand proof, and. ","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"A: In order to orient and read a map, you have to have spatial awareness. Sometimes limited visibility means terrain features may not be visible. Youre in the right place! Read the azimuth: Lastly, ensuring the dial is floating, look down on it and read the azimuth. Orienting your map means aligning it so that north on the map corresponds to north in the terrain and the maps topography correlates to the real-world topography in front of you. If the contour interval is 10 meters, then what is the change in elevation of each intermediate contour . (2) Keep the compass aligned as directed above while . Best Camping Knife for Outdoor Adventures, Best 4-Person Tent For Camping [2023 Update], How to Use a Fire Starter: A Simple, Step-by-Step Guide, How to Dispose of Butane Cans (and Other Solvents), Best Hikes in Colorado: 17 Incredible Trails, Types of Backpacks: The Ultimate List of 23 Pack Styles, Learning one of land navigations primary skills, Turn your map using your map and compass together, How to check your map is oriented correctly. Compass adjusted for declination. You can figure this out with a little compass work. In my. Open the cover completely and pull back the rear sight. In this case, it would be 204 (24+180). What is the preferred method of using a lensatic compass when reading magnetic azimuths. Return from Lensatic Compass to How to Use a Compass. Flip your compass upside down. No declination exists and you dont have to adjust your compass. PART 1 Basic Land Navigation Module 6 Map Information WARNING This presentation is intended as a quick summary, and not a comprehensive resource. He is currently the President of the London Mountaineering Club, training to become a Winter Mountain Leader, looking to finally finish bagging all the Wainwright fells of the Lake District and hoping to scale more Alpine 4000ers when circumstances allow. And thats it! A lensatic compass is just one of the many navigational tools we have built. Finally, you can always triple check with human features, such as walls or towns that youd expect to be able to see in the valley. Well, youre going to have to do some math with all your bearings to make sure you get a true bearing. The fundamentals of using a map and compass to find your way around. Lets go back to our Muir Woods example. 5. Uses a retractable lens to read the bearing while. Its 230 degrees in reference to your position, as you can see. Position the eyepiece at a 45-degree angle to the . Triangulate your position. Assume youre going on a short trek from one location to another. Copyright 2013-2019 Collingwood Publications LLC, It's important to hold your compass stable, squarely in front of you, and level. 3. When you return from using your lensatic compass, take it apart as much as possible to detect any moisture. Hold it square and straight in front of you like you mean business. Place the compass on your map with the edge along a north-south grid line. Oncein pre-GPS dayswhile on a canoe trip through the chain of lakes in Canadas Quetico Provincial park, our professional guide expertly got us through about 100 miles of wilderness, without ever using a compass. Lets say you know youre southeast of Saddle Mountain and northeast of some smaller mountains. A map and compass are useless unless you know how to use them properly. You notice another mountain peak out in the distance, but you dont know what its called. Best Overall. But heres where things get tricky: the angle of declination changes depending where you are on the earth. Determine the correct magnetic azimuth to the designated point within 3 degrees using the compass-to-cheek method, or within 10 degrees using the center-hold method. All Rights Reserved. At least, I never saw him with one. They both use magnetization to help you find where you are and where youre going, but theres a catch. Once you are physically at your starting location, it's time to put your compass to good use. We can find out easily enough, though. We may then use our compass to begin going in the direction we need to go in order to reach our destination. You can also plot a known compass bearing on the mapthe reverse process. There is some technical difference between the two, but for all practical civilian purposes, the words are interchangeable. A Cumbrian born and bred, his native English Lake District has a special place in his heart, though he is at least equally happy in North Wales, the Scottish Highlands or the European Alps. Last but not lease, lensatic compasses are prone to scratching. This makes it easier to relate what you see on the map with what you see on the ground. Your lens piece will appear just above your thumb loop. Identify where you are on the map and place the compass edge over this location. The plotted line cuts through Mt. 3. 3. When you face true north, magnetic north is going to be left, or west, of you by about 14. One advantage is it's probably more accurate when it comes to "shooting azimuths," meaning the act of determining the specific compass direction to a spot on the earth. Well, that is, unless you're doing something silly like holding the compass backwards. durability, and its hyper-accuracy in land. Half the activity of their sport is keeping their map oriented so they can navigate faster and with more accuracy. Plot a line on the map from Saddle Mountain at 130. Point position. 5. Ethan Allan, the peak you observed, is cut through by the plotted line. Rotate the compass dial until north on the compass ring lines up with north on the map. Make an "L" shape with the index finger and thumb of your other hand. Thats 130 degrees. These other objects can interfere with compasses, and no matter how miniscule the differences may seem, it can leave an impact.