A map and compass should always accompany you on your hikep. But do you know how to use them?
Being able to read mapshelps you both plan and navigate on a trip. Here is a brief introduction to the use of a map and compass. Practice makes perfect.
Hold the map so it aligns with the terrain. The north on the map should align with north on your compass. Then find out where you are on the map since the map is now aligned with the terrain.
Navigating with your compass
Find out where you are on the map (A) and where you are going (B).
Place the compass on top of the map. Place the edge of the compass, with the direction-of-travel arrow from where you are,to your destination. Be accurate.
The direction-of-travel arrow must point in the direction you are going. (Ignore the magnetic needle for now).
Turn the compass bezel so that the orienting arrow and orienting lines at the bottom of the compass housing are parallel to the north-south lines on the map.
Remove the compass from the map. Hold it horizontally in your hand. Turn yourself and the compass until the magnetic needle aligns with the orienting arrow of the compass housing.
Make sure that the red end of the magnetic needle points to N inside the compass housing. The direction-of-travel arrow is now pointing in the direction you should go.
Magnetic declination
The compass needle points towards the magnetic north pole while the map is oriented towards the geographical north pole. The difference between these two North Poles is called the misdirection. It varies depending on where you are in the country. A declination of one degree will cause you to get about 30 meters off course for every one and a half kilometers you walk.
In Norway, declination is greatest in Finnmark, with up to 11 degrees east, and up to 6 degrees west in Western Norway. In many other places, the misdirection is so small that you don't need to account for it.
If you are going to navigate by compass for several kilometers in poor visibility, you should correct the compass so as not to get off course. A misdirection of 10 degrees will cause you to miss the goal by 1200 meters on a stretch of 6 kilometers.
Declination is adjusted set on the compass after you've plotted your course. If declination is east, it is subtracted from the degree number on the compass. If it is western, it is added. Maps typically indicate the declination for that area in the area covered by the map sheet.
Where are you on the map?
The hiking maps show far fewer details than, for example, the maps used for orienteering, making it harder to pinpoint your exact location. Therefore, learn to read the map so that you can recognize the terrain.
Contour lines are the most important feature to understand,they show the shape of the terrain and how steep it is. A compass can help determine your position, but its primary purpose is navigation" eller "but it's mainly used for taking bearings.
Practice in good weather
When you follow marked trails on good weather days, take opportunities to practice to build confidence in how to use a map and compass. When bad weather strikes, it's too late. If you lose the trail markers - and sense of direction -it's essential to know where you are on the map, take a bearing with your compass and find your way back to the marking.
If you use a map and compass, you'll have a richer hiking experience. Much of the joy of mountain hiking comes from getting to know a new area well, and to learn the names of mountains and features you pass. You should therefore make it a habit to check the map regularly so that you always know where you are.
