Will a map and a compass do me any good?

Question

will a map and a compass do me any good , if I have not previously oriented my self to the area I'm about to enter in accordance to my map? Should I know how to triangulate?

Answer 1

Do you have any idea of how many people own but have no clue how to use a lensatic compass. triangulation can get you out of a jamb, but only if you can identify some surroundings on the map. It basically is used to tell you where you are when otherwise you have no clue.



Lets be honest, alot of people will walk into the problem before consulting the compass or map so, learning triangulate would be high on the list as far as Im concerned. Its not going to do much good without a map and most will not have that either however, it seems nearly everyone carries the compass. Even when they dont know how to use it.



I would say that understanding the lunar fields would help most. Sun, moon, stars and so on will pretty much get you where you need to go to get out of a problem, it also helps to have that compass as it works well with the lunar fields. They never lie, but sometimes hide......



Heres a link to help with some navigation skills.



http://www.princeton.edu/~oa/manual/mapcompass3.shtml



I hope this will help someone or at least make them aware a bit more. Its always funny to me to here about GPS systems. I have been lost..... the animals dont sell batteries and the trees dont unblock the signals when you get mad at them. Lost for a day is no big deal. Lost for a week test your ability to reason in my opinion.





Good Luck & Happy Shooting !

Answer 2

Well.....

I feel a map and compass is essential, even if you know the area. But, you do need the right map. Topo and forest service type maps actually provide the most information. Having a GPS unit does you no good if it shows you the direction to follow is straight up or down a cliff. Yes the new units have specific mappings, but they still need power. Having a good map gives you a visual feel for the terrain before you enter it. You can establish slope and landmarks, streams and other points. Most quality maps will give the local magnetic declination so you can adjust the compass readings. Even a simple map and compass can get you "generally" where you want to go. So yes, they are skills worth having. And Triangulation just makes sure you know where your 3 picked points are as you determine angles towards them. GPS uses the Satellite system to basically do the same. I never was that great at Trig though. You know all this too.

Answer 3

Map and compass is something that you have to practice and keep using to be proficient. Minor mistakes and miscalculations with the map and compas can put you off buy quite a distance. Where as, a GPS you can pick up and use with very little to no training. Dont get me wrong, I am still in the process of learning how to use a map and compass efficiently, I just personally like my GPS for ease of use. Also, I havent used a map or compass in a few months, without going out and testing I feel like I dont remember how to do what I have learned.

Answer 4

The best and safest way is to purchase a good GPS unit. Mountainous terrain is the easiest, thats if you have a clue where you're at and then being compentent using a map and compass. Unfortunately I've helped many city slickers that were lost in the back country that were carrying a map and compass... you still have to know what peak / river / etc that you are using for a reference.



Flat country with no references will only get you lost if you're not familiar and a map and compass will not help in that type of situation unless you know / have some type of reference. At least a compass will keep you from running in circles and will definitly keep you going in a single direction.

Answer 5

A map and a compass will do you. There are some places in Canada especially where a compass will let you down, but in general, even the map is an extra convenience, if you're good at finding your way. On the other hand, good sense is another requirement. Since there seem to be a good number of people on this site who couldn't pour piss out of a boot if the instructions were printed on the heel, I'm not sure I'd want to over-generalize.

Answer 6

I could be way off base here Mountain Man, but I do believe we are being baited here. I have only been on Yahoo answers for a few months now. Makes me wonder how many times I've bit. Always worth a laugh, though. I've read enough of your answers to assume you are probably quite proficient with a map and compass. Thanks for the laugh.



Well, I guess if we are going to try to educate some of these city folks, I guess the best place for them to learn would be where I learned. Boy Scouts of America was able to pound a little orienteering sense through that thick skull of mine. Here's a link for anyone looking for proper instruction with a map and compass. Even a little info on triangulation.

http://www.meritbadge.com/mb/080.htm

Answer 7

If you don't know how to do basic land navigation nor understand how to properly use a map and comass. The best thing is to leave them home because they will just be added weight to carry around. If, on the other hand, you are willing to spend the time to learn how to use them, they can be valuable tools to keep you from getting lost. My recommendation is before you head out into unknown areas, learn to use a map and compass and have them with you when you head out. You will enjoy your treck much more when you know what you are doing.

Answer 8

If you don't know where you are to begin with, then triangulation is a fine skill to have, but is not 100% necessary. If you don't know how to triangulate, you will have to find a very distinct landmark that is also on the map and actually start from that point.

Answer 9

What a shame that most people need a GPS device to orient themselves in the wilderness! What happens with the batteries run low or the electronics fail for some other reason?



Knowing how to find WHERE you are is a big help when one is lost in the wilderness. I always carry a compass with me, even for the shortest of hikes.



This website AND links is a good way to learn...



http://geology.isu.edu/geostac/Field_Exercise/topomaps/self_finding.htm

Answer 10

as long as you use the map from start to finish so you know where you got yourself to. if its a topo map even better because you can kinda find where you are by the peaks and valleys on the map and what you can actually see stop every so often and mark a waypoint on the map and if you get lost you can find your way there by finding constant points like a river or mountain peak to get your bearings

Answer 11

If you know how to use a map and a compass, it would be helpful, but sometimes if you don't know how to use it and you are not familiar with area, you could get lost. Don't make the taxpayers waste their money on a search, please.

Answer 12

If you knew how to read a map and use a compass, you wouldn't have to ask that question....but simply having them, without the knowledge to use them, is useless....so do you mind rephrasing your question so that it makes some sense?

Answer 13

yes that way you can see if where you want to go on the map find out if it is north south east or west from your position and head in the general direction it will help you anywhere although it can't beat one of those gps that will tell you exaclty where to do but it will give you a good estamite as how far and in what direction you need to go

Answer 14

if ya got a view an watch other wise in swamp mark pipe line , road fence with scratch on lens move out at will then reverse to scratch about same time out as in will get you close enough mesquite flats same thing say you go steady 10 hrs east an turn north an go 11 hrs north how far back and how long over broken hills takin 15 hours answer if your right then youll knowXX ADDITIONAL WASNT MUCH tell all if no map how to use a dollar bill for same estimates or dirt pile

Answer 15

No, to triangulation. As long as you have a map, know how to hold it right, and know how to read a compass, you'll be fine. Hope this Helped!!! =) Good Luck

Answer 16

The way I see it is a map and compass wouldn't hinder you, so why not?

Answer 17

You better know how to use and read a compass and a map,before you trek in the woods.

Answer 18

As far as I'm concerned, maps and compass will never be out of date. It's the most helpful tool you'll ever use. What if a GPA runs out of batteries? MAP AND COMPASS!

Answer 19

if you don't or are not good at using a compass then it probably won't do you any good, just go with somebody who knows the area

Answer 20

yeah its always better with a map and compass. And i dont really think you need to know how to if your on a trail or something. if not you should

Answer 21

I personally beleive you may need more than that being that it is a area new to you. i know i would. however, you may be a smart man add you may manage. so i am leaving the rest up to you to decide. good luck!

Answer 22

if you know how to work them a read a map they are always helpful

Answer 23

Depends on the person. Couldn't hurt to have one.

Answer 24

get a handheld GPS it costs less than 80 bucks and does it all

Answer 25

umm, you could try mapping the area?

Answer 26

sure i hope you don't die in the wild my friend

Answer 27

don.t leave your house you will never get back

Answer 28

get a damn gps system for the outdoors

Answer 29

yea if u know how to use it.......