Map and Compass - The Art of Navigation

• Description
• Contents
• Introduction
• Sample Route
• Updates
• Reviews

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Setting the Map

Here is a question for you, dear reader: how many times have you started a walk… in the wrong direction? Before you splutter out ‘Never, you cheeky young rascal’, I’ll hold my hand up and confess to making this mistake on a couple of occasions. It’s easily done of course, you’re all relaxed and jocular and the last thing anybody does is to actually check the map! So, how can you prevent the reddening of cheeks? By setting the map.

Setting a map means you turn the map so that a feature on the ground corresponds with its landscape in exactly the same way that it does on the map. So, for instance, a landmark appears, say, on your right-hand side while you are walking along a path, if your map is set correctly the feature will also be shown on the right of the path on the map. Diagram 4.10 shows just this.

There are two ways to set the map. First, use a long linear feature, like a path or road and turn the map so the line of the feature on the map coincides with the way it runs on the ground. The second, and slightly more accurate way is to take out your compass and line the vertical grid lines with the red end of the needle. Though the compass is discussed in Chapter 7, it is appropriate to mention here that the red end points north. By pointing the red end of the needle along the vertical grid lines (which go from geographical south to geographical north) and towards the northern edge of the map, you are setting the map. This is shown in diagram 4.11.

Once you’ve set the map, you must keep turning it as your route changes direction. You’ll find this a bit awkward to start with but after a while you’ll be doing it automatically. Setting the map will also help to avoid making mistakes with your map reading. Bear in mind though, there will be times when you’ll be reading the map upside down or sideways on – nothing wrong with that. I’m sure there are some readers who read someone else’s book or newspaper upside down everyday.

Sometimes it’s difficult keeping your place on your map whilst you’re walking. Try thumbing – no, not hitching to the nearest pub; this means placing your thumb on your location on the map. If you prefer to do other things with your thumbs while you’re walking, try using an adhesive dot which you can move along as your location changes. This is especially effective on laminated maps.