The Best Way To Keep Your Bearings Into Unfamiliar Terrain
You are hiking into unfamiliar terrain. what is the best way to keep your bearings?
I will demonstrate the process of taking a bearing and walking on a bearing.
Utilizing a bearing becomes necessary when your destination is obscured from view due to unfavorable weather conditions or when the target location lies just beyond your line of sight.
By employing a compass bearing, you can effectively connect the dots between your starting point and endpoint.
Top of The Map Align With The North:
To contextualize the concept of bearings, let’s orient ourselves on the map. The top of the map aligns with the north, the bottom with the south, the right side with the east, and the left side with the west.
North corresponds to zero degrees, east to 90 degrees, south to 180 degrees, and west to 270 degrees.
In our example, we will be traveling from SIL Shane to Melbourne, which likely lies approximately 45 degrees northeast.
If visibility were clear, we could set our maps accordingly and proceed in that direction.
However, in inclement weather, we can rely on our compass to precisely measure the angle.
Align Grid North and Magnetic North:
To travel from point A to point B, position the compass in a way that aligns these two points. It is vital to point from A to B, indicated by the arrow at my finger.
Secure the compass and rotate the dial until it aligns with the grid lines. Notice how the blue grid line parallels the red arrow on the compass dial.
It is essential to understand the different types of North: grid North (based on the map), True North (positioned at the North Pole), and magnetic North (which governs the compass needle).
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To align grid North and magnetic North, we must account for magnetic variation, an annual change based on location. Relevant information on how to calculate magnetic variation for your specific area can be found through further research.
Do not Carry Metallic objects:
In this example, we need to add five degrees. Now, place the compass on the flat surface of your palm, centered on your chest, with the direction of travel arrow pointing away from you.
Rotate your shoulders until the red needle aligns precisely with the red arrow on your compass. When walking on a bearing, ensure that you do not carry mobile phones, heavy keychains, or any metallic objects in your pockets, as they can interfere with the needle and disrupt the compass’s accuracy.
Identify Landmarks Along Your Path:
While walking, observe and identify landmarks along your path. In this scenario, we have tufts of grass leading to a small summit.
Temporarily set the compass aside and proceed towards the sighted feature. Once you reach the feature, repeat the process by sighting it again, then walk another two feet in the designated direction.
This method allows you to connect the dots even if your final destination remains out of sight.
To confirm whether you have stayed on your bearing, turn around and take a back bearing. Align your compass back to your starting point, placing the white end of the needle on top of the red arrow.
Ensure that it guides you precisely back to your initial position. If it does not, adjust your path slightly to the left or right until it aligns, keeping you on track.
Conclusion:
In summary, to establish your bearing, place your compass on the map, aligning it from point A (your starting position) to point B (your desired endpoint).
Adjust the dial to run parallel with the grid lines, factor in magnetic variation, and then hold the compass flat in the center of your chest, rotating your shoulders until the red needle rests atop the red arrow.
Identify and navigate towards the landmarks along your path, repeating the process until you reach your destination.
To verify your bearing, take a back bearing by pointing the compass towards your starting point and ensuring that the white end of the needle aligns with the red arrow, guiding you directly back to your origin.
Originally published at https://mutigman.com on July 19, 2023.
