Orienteering
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Orienteering is the act of using a compass in conjunction with a map for navigation purposes. In order to orienteer properly, one must possess a compass and a topographic map. Orienteering is utilized in both the civilian and military worlds. Orienteering has also evolved from simple compasses and maps with the creation of the gps.
Topographic Maps
Topographic maps are maps that show a two dimensional representation of the contours of the land. This is achieved by the placement of contour lines on the surface of the map. Contour lines are brown in coloration and are space in even intervals, defined at the bottom of the map. By using the positions of the contour lines, one can then determine the location of cliffs, valleys and other important features. Topograpic maps also offer information on terrain features, buildings, and roads. Terrain features are show with colored areas; green represents forest, blue water, and grey urban. Buildings are shown in black in an approximate shape of the object. Roads are shown in a variety of colors, each representing a different road classification. Topographic maps can be acquired from sporting goods stores or in the United States from the US Geological Survey[1].
With the correct tool topographic maps can also be used to determine the UTM coordinates of latitude and longitude of specific points[2].
Compasses
There are many different types in compasses; baseplate, sighting, and specialty compasses. For the purpose of orienteering, the baseplate compass is the preferred choice. The baseplate compass provides a clear base, along with a scale and spinning dial. these features allow the user to view the map through the compass and interact fully with the map. Compasses also come with two different measurement types; azimuth and bearing
Bearing uses the traditional 360 degree division for the magnetic directions. In the bearing system north is 0 or 360 degrees with east, south, and west being on 90 degree increments. Direction in the bearing system is given as such, 135 degrees, or south east.
Azimuth uses a 90 degree system with north and south set at 0 degrees and east and west set as 90. Thus the 135 degree "bearing" in azimuth is given as South 45 East, or S 45 E.
