2nd Sem First Quarter PE 4 How is the orienteering compass is used?

Map reading for beginners 

involves understanding the basic components of a map, including the key, scale, compass directions, grid system, and symbols, 

which are used to interpret the terrain and features of a location, allowing you to navigate effectively; the key is to start with simple maps and practice identifying landmarks and following routes using the provided information. 

Essential elements of a map to learn first:

• Legend/Key:

  This is the key to understanding a map, explaining what each symbol represents, like roads, rivers, buildings, forests, etc. 
• Scale:

  Indicates how much of the real world is represented on the map, allowing you to estimate distances between points. 
• Compass directions:

  North, South, East, and West, used to orient yourself on the map and determine directions. 
• Grid system:

  A network of lines on the map that helps pinpoint exact locations using coordinates, commonly used in topographic maps. 

Basic map reading skills for beginners:

• Orientation:

  • Find your current location on the map by using landmarks and aligning the map with your compass direction. 
  • Always check the "north arrow" on the map to understand which way is north. 
• Identifying features:

  • Use the legend to recognize different symbols on the map, like roads, rivers, mountains, forests, and towns. 
  • Understand the contour lines on a topographic map, which indicate elevation changes. 
• Navigation with a map:

  • Plan a route by tracing a path between your starting point and destination using roads, trails, or landmarks. 
  • Use the scale to estimate distances between points on your route. 
• Following a route:

  • Identify your current position on the map and use the grid system to navigate to the next landmark on your route. 
  • Check your compass regularly to ensure you are moving in the correct direction. 

Practice exercises for beginners:

• Simple map tracing:

  Start with a basic map and trace a simple route between two points, using the scale to estimate distance. 
• Landmark identification:

  Use a familiar area map and practice identifying landmarks like buildings, parks, and streets. 
• Grid reference practice:

  Select random locations on a gridded map and practice finding their grid coordinates. 
• Basic navigation exercises:

  Find a small park or familiar area and practice navigating using a map, identifying features and following a simple route. 

Important considerations:

• Choose the right map: Select a map appropriate for your skill level and the terrain you plan to navigate. 
• Practice with a compass: Learn how to use a compass to determine your direction on the ground. 
• Consider terrain features: Always be aware of the terrain when interpreting a map and plan your route accordingly. 

How is the orienteering compass is used?

One time in your life you experienced using a simple compass where it aligns to the north. The orienteering compass is basically used in the same way but with added features which will make navigation easier.

Step 1

Hold the compass level in the palm of your hand, in front of your stomach. Position the compass so that the direction fo travel arrow (DTA) is pointing straight to you.

Step 2

Suppose you want to go southeast, them, with the compass resting on your palm, turn the bezel so the southeast (midpoint of south and east) align with the DTA

Step 3

Still holding the compass flat in your hand and DTA pointing straight out, turn yourself and until the magnetic needle (red needle) points or is aligned with NOrth magnetic orienting arrow or with the lines inside the compass housing

Step 4

Go to where the DTA is pointing, keep the needle aligned with the magnetic north orienting arrow, and for our example, you are moving southeast.

Reference:

Physical Education 2 page 168-169

Rexbook store 

How does one navigate using map and compass?

After understanding how the orienteering is done, how then are map and compass used to help navigate?

An important skill in any map reading is linking what is seen on the map to what is seen in the surrounding. This should be practiced and done always. It is then important for the participant to know where he is in the reference map. 

In most cases, it would be easy as participants start from the starting point or where the triangle is on the orienteering map.

Pace is a equivalent to two steps. To get one pace, stand with both feet side by side. Starting with the left foot, step forward then put the right foot forward. Two steps made are equivalent to one pace.

Pace factor is a way of computing or determining ow many paces you need to travel between two points. To determine how many paces it will take one to travel 100 meters or 300 feet, measure 100 meters with a tape measure. Starting at one end of the measured distance, walk with normal stride until to the very end. Count how many paces it took for you to reach the end of 100 meter distance. Count paces by counting the number for times the right foot, or (left foot whichever foot one started counting at) hits the ground. Remember, one pace is means two steps.