Traveling and hiking is a part of everyone's life. For some, a trip to a neighboring city is enough, others are planning to cross the mountains, and the third group is leaving for other countries. Some professions are related to orientation. These are pilots and sailors. In any case, everyone plans their trip in advance, draws up a route, determines the points of the pass.

It becomes very unpleasant when a trip to the forest for mushrooms or just for the sake of adventure is overshadowed by wandering and anxiety. In such a situation, a compass and maps save. Having them at hand, you will easily get out of the unknown surroundings to civilization. It is important to understand what it is, what it is for, and learn how to properly use a compass in the forest and without a map.

How the compass works

This is a small device, in the center of which an arrow is fixed on a thin needle. It performs rotational movements exactly parallel to the Earth's lines of force, which are surrounded by magnetic fields. The discovery is listed among the four most important and valuable achievements of Chinese scientists. Its value can be compared with the invention of gunpowder, paper and printing on textiles. Modern models have been improved and have some variations. However, the principle of how to use the compass remains the same.

Let's take a closer look at how the compass works:

1. The classic version is round. Mostly metal and plastic models are sold. They are not made of iron. They are made of aluminum copper. Models with a reinforced body are also available.
2. Under the glass cover you can see the dial. His second name limbo. The signs of the sides of the horizon are fixed on it. Also, in ascending order, the division on the compass is indicated - degrees. Zero value on the compass is north, 90 is east on the compass, 180 is south, 270 is west. The countdown is clockwise.
3. The compass needle is also under the cover. It is placed on a thin hairpin so that the movement is as easy and accurate as possible. Often there is a two-color version, where the red arrow on the compass shows the north direction. However, compliance with such a rule falls only on the shoulders of the manufacturer.
4. Arretir - a mechanical locking lever designed to hold the arrow in non-working moments. When it is lowered, the compass needle is immediately released and begins to look for the north.
5. The classic version is complemented by an outer ring designed to establish a guide for movement. In modern models, the ring has been replaced by a human-operated arrow. Also available are devices with a ruler and a map. Sometimes they are supplemented with a magnifying glass.

When is a compass better than a navigator?

Every day, new gadgets are invented and released for sale. One of these fashionable devices have become. It contains a map and a route planning function. Communication with the satellite allows you to accurately determine the location of the traveler and accompanies him throughout the entire route.

The main disadvantage of this gadget is the battery. It can sit down or break unexpectedly. In this case, the tourist will not be able to receive any data about his whereabouts.

The gps navigator contains a map and a route planning function.

With a tourist compass and a geographical map, this is easier. They do not depend on the capacity of the battery, and the pointer readings are accurate in nature.

It is important not to forget to move the device away from electronics, magnets and metals. The only difficulty lies in knowing the rules for reading a map, the basics of route planning and the rules for using a compass.

How to navigate with a compass

Move away from electronics and metal buildup. To start orientation, you need to remove the arrow from the latch. She will perform a few rotational movements, stabilize and point north.

Once the direction is known, adjust your map to match the compass exactly. Select some objects and compare what you see with your map.

When you determine your position, you need to determine the destination and make a route. To do this, match the north of the map and your device, and designate the direction.

Designations on the compass of the cardinal points

In the notation system, the use of the first letters is accepted. For example, Russian manufacturers often use N - north, south - south, east - east, west - west.

The international system assumes the use of the Latin alphabet: North (N - north), South (S - south), East (E - east), West (W - west).

This is a simplified version. It is permissible to indicate intermediate values ​​on the dial.

How to calculate cardinal directions

Examining and studying the map in detail, we know that the north is drawn on top, and the south is drawn below. In this case, the location of the cardinal points can only be approximately calculated. With a compass, things are a little different. The compass needle is not fixed, does not indicate the location of your position and other objects on the map. It is required to identify the cardinal points.

The magnetized part of the rotating needle always points north. The other half is south. In various scientific publications, there is often an indication that the northern part is blue. In other sources - red. In practice, it can even be multi-colored. To avoid errors, you must independently determine the magnetized half. So you additionally make sure that your compass is working.

To study, go outside at noon with your device. Until 12.00 the sun is located near the southern direction. The half that turns towards the sun is south.

How to use a compass to find the bearing

Azimuth is the angle between north and your destination, measured in degrees.

The procedure for determining the azimuth:

1. Place the device horizontally.
2. The arrow descends from the latch.
3. When the arrow stabilizes and stops fluctuating, it is combined with the value of C (S) on the limb.
4. Select your destination. Align with the degrees on the compass.
5. Calculate the given angle and strictly follow it. Try not to deviate.

Following the data received, the tourist will accurately reach the goal. To return, the reverse azimuth is taken - you have to go in the opposite direction.

Determination of position by compass without a map

The compass also makes it possible not to get lost in an unfamiliar forest without a map. Choose an object that will become a guide for you. It is better that it be an extended object - a road or a river.

Then you need to move into the forest perpendicular to the selected object. However, it must be visible to the traveler.

Inveterate tourists often purchase transparent compasses. They are much more convenient when working with maps, and the applied lines and contours greatly simplify compass orientation on the ground.

Next, work with the compass begins. It is placed on a flat surface and the arrow is activated. As soon as the arrow stabilizes, it is compared with the north. Draw a mental line to the object. The fixed value is the back azimuth for the return.

Note! When moving in a wooded area, it is important to control deviations from the chosen course and try to avoid them.

To return, you need to take the compass so that the front sight points exactly ahead.

Compass and map orientation

If a long trip is planned, and the destination is located far from the city or village, then it will not be superfluous to stock up on a map, compass, ruler and pencil, to study how the compass works. Many travelers study the area in advance.

Procedure:

1. Position the map strictly horizontally and mark all the places you plan to visit.
2. Next, lay the device on the map and put the arrow in action.
3. Align the northern half of the arrow with the same value on the map.
4. Use a ruler to draw a line between the first stop on the itinerary and the middle of the limb. Calculate the direction bearing to the first selected point. It is recommended to immediately record the back azimuth in the records.
5. Next, mark all the selected points in this way.
6. As you travel, keep your eyes on the data.

When planning stops at several points, all measurements are made in advance, as this will take up valuable time on the way.

Having made preliminary calculations, you can not be afraid to get lost even in an unfamiliar or wooded area.

The specifics of using compasses

The principle of operation with some devices may be a little specific. First of all, it is necessary to single out from the total mass those devices in which the arrow is glued to the dial. This greatly simplifies the task, because now you do not have to combine the arrow and the north. Many tourists note the convenience of such a device. However, it is slightly slower than its simplified predecessor.

Another option is complemented by a small mirror. It is designed to control the measurements of the magnetic needle relative to the scale.

Inveterate tourists often purchase transparent ones. They are much more convenient when working with maps, and the applied lines and contours greatly simplify compass orientation on the ground. Using it, you can make the calculation of the true azimuth. In this case, the work will not depend on nearby magnets, cars or electrical appliances.

Also in goods for tourists you can find options with liquid in the flask. There are no differences in the functioning of devices with air.

Military, army or artillery models are distinguished as a separate category. They differ significantly from the amateur device. The military compass is made of shock-resistant material, and the needle stabilizes much clearer and faster. These two seemingly insignificant differences greatly simplify the work.

Compass error, magnetic declination

Geographic poles do not always coincide with magnetic ones. This phenomenon is connected with the laws of terrestrial magnetism and was discovered in the 19th century. This fact has already been taken into account in electronic devices and on maps.

The north magnetic pole is located 700 miles from the geographic one, at the same time, a deviation of 1500 miles is recorded in the southern hemisphere. The difference, namely the angle formed between the indicators, is called the magnetic declination.

The anomaly is registered in every part of our planet. For the most part, the discrepancies are minor and do not require adjustment. In some areas, the error can reach 25 degrees. To calculate the direction in this case, you must rely on information from the map.

Note! Due to the constant movement of the Earth and the displacement of the layers, the values ​​​​change. Therefore, it is recommended to update maps periodically.

What to do if the compass is still broken

The first thing a tourist needs to do is calm down. Breakdown even in unfamiliar surroundings is not a problem and not a sentence. This device can be easily built independently from improvised materials that an experienced tourist always has:

1. sewing needle;
2. the bottom of a plastic bottle;
3. a piece of tree bark or cork (approximately 3x3 cm in size);
4. battery or magnet.

In a wooden cork or bark, it is necessary to make a groove, where the needle will later stand. The needle must be magnetized. This is done in one of 2 ways:

1. One end is applied to a magnet, and the other end is brought to a lit match. This is necessary to demagnetize the second half.
2. Take a needle with insulated wire and attach different ends to different poles of the battery. That edge that touched the negative value will point north.

Types of compasses

When choosing a compass for yourself, you need to rely on your needs, goals and some fundamental points of their use.

Magnetic

This is the simplest and longest known device. Its second name is Adrianov, in honor of the name of the Russian engineer-inventor. It is made of metal or plastic case. Inside this case there is a dial indicating the cardinal points and degrees. The magnetized arrow determines the cardinal directions. It interacts with the earth's magnetic field.

Inside the case can be ordinary air or water. Some models are supplemented with a latch that delays the arrow while the compass is not in use. Magnetic - the most widely used device among experienced hikers and amateurs.

Electromagnetic

Electromagnetic is used in cars, airplanes and ships. The action is carried out due to magnetic induction.

Operation does not depend on nearby electrical appliances, metals or magnets. This feature allows you to calculate the route with the least error.

Electronic

Electronic is the achievement of modern technological progress. The principle of operation is similar to the navigator. The device is powered by a battery, and the signal itself catches from the satellite. The technique takes into account all errors and magnetic declinations. That is, they are the most accurate.

The only negative is the possibility of battery discharge, which does not allow use on a long hike, where there is no way to charge the gadget.

Gyroscopic

The operation of the device is provided by a gyroscope. This is a device that responds to a change in orientation angle. Most often, such models are found in shipping and rocket technology.

How to use a military compass

Military models are among the most accurate measuring instruments. The body of the compass is made of metal, which ensures shock resistance and reliability when performing responsible military assignments.

Another plus is the tightness of the case and water resistance. Some will not lose their qualities even at depth. However, leaky ones can also be found on sale - the choice depends on the conditions in which you will use the selected device. After all, even an experienced tourist may be interested in buying a military device. For a novice traveler, the difference will not be noticeable.

The principle of operation does not differ from the work of a conventional tourist, but however, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with the instructions in advance.

As an additional element, they have a built-in ruler to simplify the work with maps. To perform accurate measurements, some models are equipped with a magnifying loupe and a sight. Such an apparatus will help to make accurate calculations and set the right course for further movement.

Long life, impact resistance, affordability, ease of use and the ability to use in a wide range of weather conditions makes the military a popular choice among terrain products.

compass app for android and iphone

A smartphone is a new and improved phone model that offers its owner various functions. Now it is almost impossible to imagine your life without it. They have become indispensable companions for travelers due to the availability of maps and a navigator.

All these applications make it easy to navigate the terrain. The determination of the cardinal points is due to the connection with the satellite. Having such an application on your gadget, you can not worry that you will get lost.

The phones have a SOS call function. The main disadvantage of the application is the need for a minimum charge. As soon as the battery on the phone runs out, the application will stop working.

The option is convenient for tourists planning trips abroad or to neighboring cities. It is important for tourists, military, sailors to learn the basics of working with maps, magnetic and electromagnetic compasses.

The basics of how to navigate with a compass in unfamiliar terrain, reading maps has long been out of the compulsory school curriculum. It has to do with advancing technology. Every tourist, pathfinder needs to know how to use a compass. Knowing the basics of working with maps and a compass, you can find a way out of even the most difficult situation.

Modern technologies do not stand still. Scientists are developing gadgets that greatly facilitate human life. Many modern developments have a drawback, they do not work offline.

To help travelers, navigators, walkie-talkies, transmitters and other devices for orientation in space have been developed. In most cases, due to the fact that they require constant electrical charging of the power supply, it is not always possible to use them.

For this reason, the old method of orientation is used - the compass. He will help out, no matter where you are, in the forest, the desert, if you are a fan of hunting, fishing.

Its advantages:

• Little weight.
• Affordable price.
• Small sizes.
• Does not require additional power.

You can take navigators or other geolocation devices on a trip, but you should always take a compass, it will help you out everywhere. Many people do not know how to use a compass, but it is worth learning.

The instruction for use is quite simple, you just need to know the concepts from physics, geography. Before using the navigation device on the road, it is important to practice in familiar territory to understand how the arrows work. After that, you can go travel.

If you find yourself in the forest without a map and newfangled gadgets, a compass will help you navigate the terrain.

• Before using it, you need to remember especially prominent large objects located on the ground. This is a lake, a building, memorable snags of trees.
• Before you start your journey, put the compass in working position, stand facing the landmark and release the arrow from the brake, the arrow will point north.
• Move 20–30 steps away from the chosen landmark, draw an approximately imaginary line from the device to the landmark and remember the scale readings. In the future, this figure will be the main one to determine how much you have gone astray.
• You need to measure the azimuth, this is the angle that lies between the direction to the north and the deviation from it to your landmark. So, in the future, you will be able to accurately determine the deviation from the given path back.
• Moving forward, you should pay attention to the location of the arrows and align the journey according to their indications.
• When finding the path, the device must not be tilted, otherwise it will show the wrong path, and you will go astray.

It is still better to use it with a map, since indicating the magnetic poles of the earth with an arrow connecting them to the map will allow you to determine the location and quickly understand where you are on the map.

If there is an anomalous zone nearby, that is, iron ore lies in the depths of the earth, the arrow will begin to spin randomly, you need to move away from this place and look at the readings again. You will quickly orient yourself after the arrow calms down and shows you the right path.

Device and characteristics

A compass is a round box, an arrow with two ends and a scale. The round box serves as protection for the arrow and the magnetic field that is created inside the box. The arrow has a red end, which points to the south, blue, shows the location of the north.

Advice: when buying a navigation device, you should check its performance, you need to bring an iron object to it, if the arrow deviates, then the compass is working. If you sharply remove the iron object, the arrow should take its previous location.

Types of compasses

View	Description
Electronic	The action is based on microprocessor computing. The compass has a built-in GPS beacon. The coordinates are determined through the signal that the beacon sends to the satellite and back. The downside is that there is no outlet for recharging.
Gyro-compass	Used to determine coordinates in sea voyages. It is mechanical, the action is based on the principle of the gyroscope, that is, the rotation of the earth around its axis. When the equator line is found, the arrow begins to rotate intensively. Very easy to use, always correctly determines the direction and is insensitive to changes in the magnetic field.
Magnetic	Principle: The magnetic field of the earth interacts with the magnetic field of the compass, in which the arrow will determine the location of the parts of the world. Very easy to use, small, cheap, but sensitive to magnetic anomalies.
Engineering	A kind of magnetic, only made in the form of a watch, made of shock-resistant material, has a belt that fastens the compass on the hand. Using engineering is very convenient. It is equipped with a rotating scale located on the glass, with which you can determine the azimuth, and a lens that magnifies the fine divisions of the scale.
Military	The most accurate device. It differs from other devices in a metal case, which makes it reliable during combat operations.

In today's society, in the absence of a conventional compass or those listed above, the experienced traveler will not go astray, since the compass can be built into the phone, very easily when the phone is newfangled. On the iPhone, you can install an application that will show the way according to the principle of a navigator.

No matter what kind of compass you use, military, army, engineering, digital or travel, this device will never let you down and will always help you navigate any terrain.

If you do not know how to use it, with the help of the Internet you can learn everything. On sites about compasses, you can find information of interest about any compass. You can watch instructional videos in which experienced people will tell you in detail and show you how to use the compass.

Video

Similar posts

The compass determines the cardinal directions and makes it possible to reach the object along the selected azimuth. The device may be needed if a person gets lost in the forest, in the mountains or other areas.

Tourists and mushroom pickers often take only a smartphone with them. If the network is lost, the phone becomes useless. The compass shows the cardinal directions in any weather, it is easy to use and does not weigh much.

Compass rules

The magnetic compass is a box closed with glass. Inside the case there is a circular scale with graduation from 0 to 360°. In the center of the circle is the axis on which the needle rotates freely. The red end points south, the blue end north.

The zero mark on the scale must be combined with the north direction. If this is not done, all azimuth measurements will be incorrect. Azimuth is the angle between the north direction and the object (clockwise).

When using a compass, you need to move away from metal objects (cars, motorcycles, power lines), remove iron objects away. Otherwise, the compass will show the wrong direction.

The difficulty of orienteering in the forest depends on the relief. The easiest way to walk is in the mountainous forested area, as it has rocks and peaks. Rising higher, you can see rivers, city lights, and other landmarks.

If the terrain is flat or slightly hilly, and the forest is dense, you need to often check the compass and choose at least some beacons for movement.

It is most difficult to maintain the direction on a cloudy day on a flat area.

It is difficult to move straight through the steppe and tundra overgrown with shrubs.

Moving through the forest without a compass, you can go to the same place where you left. The circumference depends on the stride length and is 3-10 km. To prevent this from happening, you should constantly check the compass.

📝 How to make an accurate route in azimuth without maps

The magnetic compass allows you to build an accurate route without a map. This can be done using azimuths.

Suppose a person is standing on the bank of a river, wants to go into the forest and return in the evening.

For this:

1. They enter the forest and stand with their backs to the starting point (to the shore).
2. Release the arrow clamp, put the compass on the open palm.
3. Align the north end of the arrow with the zero of the scale.
4. Through the center of the compass, draw an imaginary straight line towards the forest (or use a sighting device) and look at the value on the scale. This is the direct azimuth, the direction of movement.
5. To go back, they take out the compass, find the north and combine it with zero.
6. At the other end of the line drawn through the center of the arrow and the forward azimuth, is the value of the back azimuth. The reverse azimuth (direction towards the river) differs from the direct one by 180 degrees.

If you need to build a complex route, use a notebook, a protractor and count the steps. Empirically measure the average stride length. On the ground, for convenience, consider a couple of steps.

• A standing point is applied to a sheet of paper, the azimuth is laid down with a protractor (north is at the top of the sketch) and a line is drawn for the direction of movement.
• They move around the area in azimuth, counting a couple of steps.
• Having reached the desired point, record the number of steps, mark it on the sketch.
• Visually determine another distant landmark, take an azimuth and move to the next point.

With experience, you can make a route with an error of no more than 2-3 degrees. To go back, it is enough to take reverse azimuths and count steps.

What are the types of compasses

According to the principle of operation, compasses are divided into 2 groups - magnetic and non-magnetic. Non-magnetic include electromagnetic, electronic compasses and gyrocompasses.

Type of compasses	Description
Magnetic	The principle of operation of the device: an arrow made of magnetized steel is automatically set parallel to the lines of force of the Earth's magnetic field, so one of its ends points to the north, the other to the south. Types of magnetic compasses: geological, tourist, mountain, mining and geological and others.
Electromagnetic	The compass is an electric generator. Frames with windings are the rotor, the stator is the Earth's magnetic field. When the aircraft and the ship move in the magnetic field of the planet, a perturbation arises. The stress ratio indicates the course to the north and allows you to choose the azimuth of movement.
Gyro-compass	A gyrocompass is a mechanical device that shows the direction of a geographic meridian. The main element of the compass is a gyroscope (one or more). In calculations, the device uses the data of the rotation of the Earth.
Electronic	The compass determines the coordinates using satellite navigation data. Information is displayed on its own or external display. The device transmits values ​​to the autopilot, radar, telephone and other devices. The electronic compass may or may not use GPS signals.

Checking the operation of the magnetic compass

The compass is unstable in an alternating magnetic field created by industrial equipment, in factory floors, over iron ore deposits. For normal operation of the device, it is enough to leave such a place.

If you bring a metal object to the compass, the arrow will point to it. If the item is removed, it will point north. This can be done several times. If the arrow returns to the same direction, the device is working.

The correct operation of the magnetic compass is checked using a telephone. If you have Internet access, turn on a navigator or other program that shows the cardinal directions. The compass and the phone are placed side by side and the directions of the arrows are compared.

What to do if the compass breaks in the forest

If the compass fails in the forest, you can determine the cardinal directions by the sun, stars, and moon.

There are other signs for orientation in the forest. So, on the south side, the crowns of trees are more lush. On the southern slopes the forest is taller and denser.

There are more mosses and lichens on the north side of the trunk or boulder (but in dense forest the differences are not noticeable). You can feel the moss, from the north it is more humid. At a large anthill, the southern slope is gentle, the northern slope is steep.

⌚ Sun and clock orientation

1. The clock is placed on a horizontal surface. The hour hand is pointed at the sun. The angle between the hour hand and the number 2 (in winter - the number 1) is divided in half. This line indicates the north-south direction.
2. If you stand facing north, the south will be behind, on the left - west, on the right - east. At 12 noon the sun is in the south. The clock must be in local time. Before noon they share the left corner, in the afternoon - the right.
3. Orientation by the shadow of the pole (gnomon). A stick up to a meter long is vertically stuck into the ground and the end of the shadow is marked with a peg. After 15-25 minutes, mark the second position of the shadow (also with a peg).
4. The marks are connected by a straight line, which will indicate the east-west direction. A perpendicular drawn from the line will show the north-south direction.

In some regions, winter and summer time changed annually, but now they do not. In recent years, regions and territories have been united and time zones have changed. Therefore, the sun may be in the south not at 12, but at 11 or 13 hours. This can be checked with a compass.

📹 Orientation by the stars - video

To navigate the stars in the northern hemisphere, you need to know what the constellations Ursa Major and Ursa Minor, Cassiopeia and Orion look like. The task is to find the North Star, which is stationary relative to other luminaries. A perpendicular to the horizon is drawn from the star, which will point to magnetic north.

Search by constellations Ursa Major and Ursa Minor. Extending the line from the two extreme stars of the Ursa Major bucket (Dubhe and Meraka), lay off 5 distances between these objects, and find the North Star. It is located at the end of the "handle" of the Ursa Minor bucket.

Orientation in the constellation Cassiopeia. The constellation looks like a carelessly drawn letter M. First, you need to extend the extreme elements of the letter M so that the lines intersect at one point. We connect it with the central star (Navi) and continue the line further. The brightest star on this straight line is the North Star.

Search for the constellation Orion. The central star of Orion's belt (Alzilam) and lambda (λ) Orion (located above Betelgeuse and Bellatrix) are connected by a line. On this straight line lies the North Star.

📹 Video - how to navigate by the stars at night

🌗 Moon orientation

To determine the waxing or waning moon, draw a vertical line next to the crescent. The growing one forms the letter R with a straight line. The crescent, resembling the letter C, indicates that the Moon is aging. I must say that in the southern hemisphere everything will be exactly the opposite.

Consider orientation with an example:

1. We divide the lunar disk into 12 parts and see how many divisions are filled with light. For example, 7 parts out of 12 are covered.
2. We look at the clock, which shows exactly 19 hours.
3. Since the moon is growing, we subtract 5 from 19, we get 12.
4. At 12 o'clock in the afternoon, the Sun will be on the line connecting the Moon with the Earth and due south.
5. If the moon were aging, then 7 would be added to 19.

The full moon at midnight is in the south, at 19 o'clock - in the east, at 7-8 in the morning - in the west.

👍 Simple DIY compass

Making a homemade compass is not difficult. For this, materials that can be found at home, in a hiking backpack, in a hunting hut and even in a landfill are suitable.

• Water is poured into a saucer. Suitable recess in the stone, a puddle of stagnant water.
• Take a steel needle for hand sewing and vigorously rub it with a steel knife, scissor blades or coarse cloth (denim, cloth, cotton). During friction, the needle becomes magnetized.
• A leaf of a tree is placed in a container with water, a needle is placed on it. The circling of the sheet will quickly stop.
• One end of the needle will point to magnetic north, the opposite end to the south pole.

Instead of a sheet, you can use a piece of paper, a wine cork. You can not put the needle on top, but pierce the float with it. A piece of steel wire is also suitable for making a compass.

Working with compass and map

The compass is one of the oldest navigational devices. People have been using it for hundreds of years. They relied on it even when they did not understand how it worked, knowing that the compass would always point them north.

WORKING PRINCIPLE OF THE COMPASS

You can make your own compass - this will help you understand how it works. You will need needles, wine bottle corks, a flat magnet, and a bowl of water. Pass the needle along the edge of the magnet several times in the same direction. This will magnetize it. Pierce the cork in the very center with a needle and lower it into a bowl of water. Do this procedure with other needles and corks, and you will see that all the needles will be located in the same direction - due north.

Everyone who has dealt with a magnet knows that opposite poles (or the ends of a magnet) attract, while like ends repel. All compasses that are made of needles, floating in water, obey this law. The earth has a magnetic field. At one end, the magnetized needle is attracted to one of the Earth's poles (we call it the north magnetic pole), and repelled from the other.

Azimuth is the location of the point we need in relation to the north. By the dashes on the compass dial, you can only approximately determine where this or that object is located - for example, in the northeast. This means that it is somewhere between north and east. Therefore, the dial of the compass is divided into 360 °, while north is indicated by 0 °.

Thus, if we say that we need to go, for example, along an azimuth equal to 13 ° or 228 ° (azimuth is the angle between the north direction and the object you need), then we will get a much more accurate indication of where to move .

TWO POLES AND MAGNETIC DECLATION

The magnetic pole can change its position, and very sharply. Geologists have discovered that the Earth's magnetic field has reversed its poles several times, and no one knows why. We also know that the magnetic N Pole is constantly shifting. Now it is located somewhere in Northern Canada. Therefore, it is very important to know that the magnetic pole is not a point, but rather an area where the Earth's magnetic field lines converge.

In order for people to navigate the maps, they are "tied" to a fixed point, and not to an area that gradually shifts. This fixed point is the geographic North Pole. In navigation, it is called true north.

Thus, a problem arises: the north on the map does not correspond to the north that the compass points to. But that's not all. Imagine that you are standing with a compass in your hands in some field in England and look at the true north. And your compass points to magnetic north. There is a small angle between these two directions. Now imagine that you are standing between the Geographic North Pole and the Magnetic North Pole and are facing true north. In this case, the compass needle will deviate in the opposite direction, that is, it will be at a completely different angle than it was in England. Therefore, we can conclude that the angle between the direction to the North magnetic pole and the true north of the globe depends on where you are.

This angle is called the magnetic declination, which varies with time. If you need to determine the compass direction with great accuracy, you must take into account the magnetic declination for the area. On good maps, it is always indicated. As I write this chapter, I have a map of the military topographic service on my desk, which says: “The magnetic pole in July 2006 is located at about 3 ° 35? west of the grid north pole. Its annual shift is approximately 0.09? east". (The grid north pole is a third kind of pole, but in the United Kingdom it is so close to true that the angle between them can be ignored.) Knowing this, we can now use a map and a compass. If your map does not list the magnetic declination for your area, you can find it on the website: www.ngdc.noaa.gov/geomagmodels/Declination.jsp.

Now you need to know your latitude and longitude. I think it's not worth saying that all these data should be clarified during the preparation for the campaign.

When using a map and compass, you will need to take magnetic declination into account. In some cases, it must be added to the compass readings, in others it must be subtracted. I advise you to memorize the formula so that you know when to subtract and when to add the declension:

Eastern declination - positive

Western declination - negative

Remember that this formula is only valid for the Western declination. For the East, the opposite is true.

COMPASS TYPES

There are several types of compasses. For travelers, the Silva compass is best suited. With this device, the needle is immersed in a liquid that does not allow it to unwind much. In addition, it has a fixed base and a rotating dial, on which degrees are applied. In order to determine the azimuth and correct for the declination, it must be rotated.

HOW TO USE THE COMPASS AND MAP

To navigate with a compass and a map, you need to master six basic techniques. At first they will seem difficult to you, but as you gain experience, you will perform them without thinking.

Azimuth walking

This is the main method of orientation. If the object you need is clearly visible, then you can immediately determine its azimuth using the compass. As you move towards this object, constantly check to see if you have lost your way, even if the object disappears from view. And in natural conditions, this happens very often: dusk comes, fog falls, it starts to rain, or your object suddenly disappears behind a hill or forest. To follow the azimuth, do the following.

1. Set your compass in such a position that the orientation arrow points to the object you want.

2. Rotate the dial to align this needle with the magnetic one. (Focus on the north end, not the south end of the arrow, or you'll go in the opposite direction.)

HIDDEN DANGERS

It is very important to understand what magnetic declination is and learn how to correct for it. It may seem too small to you, but with a declination of 3°, which you forgot to take into account, you will be off course by 50 m per kilometer. And if you are looking for cover, then this deviation will take you very far.

The compass needle always points to the nearest powerful magnet. Nine times out of ten it will be the Earth's magnetic field, but sometimes it is forced to deviate by individual objects. They can be man-made (clocks, underground pipelines, power lines - they all have their own magnetic field) or natural (for example, some rocks containing iron ore also have magnetism). Take compass readings regularly, and if you notice something suspicious, move to another place and take readings again.

TRAINING EXERCISES

It is necessary to learn how to use a compass and a map before starting a hike. When you find yourself in an unfamiliar place during fog or rain, it will be too late to learn this. Buy yourself a Silva compass and a map of the area where you live, and start training. Do not be embarrassed if you live in a big city - the principles of orientation are the same everywhere, and the ability to determine your place among numerous obstacles will do you good service in the future.

WALKING IMPROVISATIONS

If you don't have a compass, you can make one with a sewing needle. Magnetize it by running it through your hair a few times, all the time in the same direction. Place the needle on a piece of wood or paper and dip it into a puddle or bowl of water. The needle will turn in the north-south direction. To determine which is north and which is south, look at where the sun is. Until noon, it will be in the eastern part of the sky, and after - in the western. Do not forget that the needle loses its charge very quickly - it will need to be rubbed against the hair again in order for it to become magnetized again.

3. The orienting arrow will show you the value of your azimuth. There is no need to think about declination now, since you are guided directly by the terrain, and not by the map.

4. Now move towards the object, making sure that the compass needle does not deviate from the bearing value.

TRAINING EXERCISES

You can practice walking in azimuth with a friend. Find a starting point and stand on it. Think of an azimuth - say 47°. Then walk along it, counting steps, and throw a coin on the ground. When you return, tell your friend the azimuth value and the number of steps. After that, he should find your coin. If he does, she will do it!

Working with the map

If you want to use a map to determine where to go, first orient it to the terrain. To do this, you need to know the magnetic declination of the area. It is usually indicated on a good map; if not, find it out before you even start your trip.

1. Rotate the compass dial so that the magnetic declination matches the pointer needle. So, if the magnetic declination is western and equal to 3°, combine with the arrow the value that results from subtracting the declination: 360° - 3° = 357°. It is from here that you will measure the azimuth.

2. Place the compass on the map so that the orientation line is parallel to the meridian and points to the top of the map.

3. Holding the map and compass on it in this position, rotate them so that the orientation line and the compass needle match up.

4. Now your map is oriented, and you can determine from which side of the world the object you need is located.

HIDDEN DANGERS

After determining the azimuth, write it down. Tired legs and brains do not contribute to memory strengthening!

SCOUT SECRETS OF BEAR GRYLLS

When you go in azimuth, check the compass more often - it is very easy to deviate from the course. Whenever you check your compass readings, find a landmark on the ground that is located on the line of your azimuth, and when you reach it, check the compass again.

Setting the compass

If you have a map and want to determine your location and direction of travel, set up a compass to show you that direction.

1. Put the compass on the map and connect the edges of its plank to the starting and ending points.

2. Rotate the compass dial so that the orientation lines are parallel to the meridians on the map.

3. Remove the compass from the map and add the magnetic declination to its readings. So, if the azimuth is 58°, and the declination in your area is 3° to the west, the pointer line should be aligned with 61°.

4. Now turn the compass so that its arrow and the orienting arrow coincide - in this direction you should go. Remember to check the compass regularly, at short intervals, to see if you have deviated from your path.

Mapping the position of a landmark that you can clearly see

In the army, this operation is called a direct serif. This is a method proven by many years of experience in determining enemy positions, targets and danger zones.

1. Mark on the map two positions that you see on the ground. From both positions, the object that you want to map should be clearly visible.

2. Having taken the first position, determine the azimuth of this object. Subtract the magnetic declination from it. Using the compass, draw a line on the map corresponding to the obtained angle value.

3. Move to the second position and repeat this operation. The lines on the map will intersect at the point where the object is located.

4. If you have the opportunity to do the same operation from the third position, your resection will be more accurate because you have made a trigonometric survey.

Returning back in reverse azimuths

Getting there is only half the battle. Sometimes you need to return to the starting point of the hike. If you determine the azimuths and plot your path on the map, you can return using the reciprocals of these angles. After walking 200 steps from point A to point B on an azimuth of 60 °, you will return from B to A, having walked the same 200 steps along an azimuth of 240 °.

To determine back azimuths, do the following calculations:

if the original azimuth is less than 180°, add 180° to it;

if the original azimuth is greater than 180°, subtract 180° from it.

Don't be afraid to confuse these rules. Based on the values ​​obtained, you will immediately determine whether the operation was performed correctly. A negative angle value or an angle greater than 360° will tell you where you went wrong.

Determining your position on the map

The scientific name for this operation is resection. If you have a map and a compass, and you have a rough idea of ​​where you are, but don't know exactly where, you can determine this using back azimuths.

1. Locate two landmarks on the ground that you can identify on the map. It is better if they are located approximately at right angles to where you are. (Of course, all this will be very approximate, since you do not know your exact location.)

2. Determine the azimuth of the first landmark and subtract the declination from it.

3. Now, knowing the true azimuth, you can calculate the inverse. After that, using the compass, set aside the value of the back azimuth on the map and draw a line on it.

4. Do the same with the other landmark. Two lines on the map will intersect at the point where you are standing. If you determine the back azimuth of the third landmark, you will get a more accurate value.

OBSTACLES

Theoretically, using a map and compass, you can safely walk to your destination. However, in unfamiliar terrain, everything is not so simple. Most often, moving in azimuth, you will stumble upon obstacles - ravines or hills, for example - that you will need to bypass. If the area is well visible, then you will simply go around them and go on, but in other cases, during the detour, you can easily go astray, so you should master the technique described below.

Stand so that your gaze is directed strictly in azimuth. Now turn 90° in the direction where it is most convenient to bypass the obstacle. Walk in that direction, counting your steps. When the obstacle is behind you, turn 90° again - now you will go parallel to your previous course. Walk forward and, when it is convenient, turn 90° again - you will be moving towards the line of the original azimuth. Count the required number of steps and turn 90° again - now you are on the same course.

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One of the most important skills for any hiker is knowing how to navigate with a compass. It is not enough to have a compass with you, you need to understand well how to use it, and how to use the compass to determine the desired direction.

How the compass works

The compass is an ancient invention and it is quite simple.

The main part of the compass - magnetized needle. She always strives to be located along the magnetic meridian in the north-south direction. It also reacts to large accumulations of metal, live wires, deposits of magnetic ores in the ground and can deviate greatly from the original value.

Around the arrow on the compass is a movable scale with divisions, called limbo. It divides the circle into 360 degrees. The divisions of the scale most often correspond to 2⁰. The first division, which is also 360⁰, is indicated by the letter " N", that is, Nord - north.

The south is indicated by the letter " S» - Suid (south)

West left - " W» - West (west)

East right - " E» — East (ost)

Different compasses have additional aids for aiming and determining bearings.

Types of tourist compasses

To begin with, let's figure out what types of tourist compasses are.

First of all, let's recall the old and well-known Adrianov compass from the Soviet era. By the way, Adrianov is a Russian military cartographer, who, in fact, designed a compass with illumination (on a phosphorus basis) back in 1907.

The advantages of this tool is that the pointer of the arrow, the direction of the world, as well as the pointer of the sight sight are highlighted in the dark. In addition, it is quite reliable and is very popular among tourists in post-Soviet countries. The downside to using it is that the magnetic needle is unstable when moving.

There is also an opinion that some compasses of this type are radioactive. This applies to old compasses that used radioactive elements for illumination.

In orienteering, liquid compasses are the most popular. Due to the fact that its internal volume is filled with liquid (kerosene, etc.), the arrow does not fluctuate when walking or running. This is quite convenient when you need to quickly navigate and reach objects.

Tablet compasses are also popular among tourists. They are convenient in that they have a ruler with a pointer and a magnifying glass. This helps you navigate the map more accurately.

In addition, you can select a keychain compass, wrist compasses, a finger compass.

But the most important thing when choosing this item, in addition to external attractiveness and ease of use, is to make sure that it is functional and serviceable.

Since the market is oversaturated with goods from China, be sure to check the compass as follows before buying. First, we check whether the direction of the magnetic needle corresponds to the geographic north. If everything is in order with this, we bring a metal object to the compass, for example, a knife. The arrow should deviate from the original position. Then we pick up the item. After that, the arrow should return to its original position without visible deviations.

All tourist compasses use the property of a magnetized needle to be located along the magnetic field lines of the Earth. At the same time, for ultra-precise orientation (for example, on ships), an amendment is made to the fact that the Earth's magnetic lines do not completely coincide with geographic meridians. And accordingly, the angle between geographic and magnetic meridians is calculated.

How to navigate with a compass - in a simple way

1. 1. The blue end of the arrow will indicate north, the red end will indicate south ... If you face where the blue end of the arrow points, then to your left will be west, to your right - east ... But the main thing is to know the direction (azimuth) in which you should go, otherwise compass is useless...
   2. Just look at natural landmarks. And then about the compass. You do not know where you will come from and in which direction you will come. But a compass is always needed!

In specialized stores selling accessories for fishermen, hunters, tourists or athletes, you can find various modifications of magnetic compasses. In order to navigate in an unfamiliar place, the simplest, cheapest device is enough. It is hardly worth spending money on a more “fancy” device, given that all its capabilities (functionality) will not be implemented in practice anyway. Probably, in this regard, the only useful recommendation is to pay attention to the "liquid" models of the compass. A special mixture is pumped inside their flask, which “quenches” the fluctuations of the arrow. Such modifications of the device are more convenient because they allow you to navigate without stopping, directly in the process of movement. For a tourist making a pedestrian crossing, such a compass is preferable. There are several ways to check the performance of the device. The simplest of them is to bring the compass closer to any metal product (stained glass frame, door handle, etc.) right in the store. The arrow should not just deviate, but orient itself smoothly, without jerking. This sometimes happens with cheap models due to improper mounting on the axis. Those who use a compass to "bind" the map to the terrain should be aware of such a calculation parameter as magnetic declination. The device shows the pole is magnetic, and for all maps the geographic value matters. In most cases, this orientation error is not taken into account, but if you need maximum accuracy in determining the coordinates, you will have to take it into account. Relevant reference data are indicated on each sheet of the map.