Field Activity #5: Field Navigation Map & Distance/Bearing Navigation

Introduction

Humans have been creating maps to find places where they would like to go for a very long time and today things have hardly changed. The format of map making and reading has developed drastically in recent years with the creation of computing software. With the help of computers map makers can create almost any representation of the earth's surface that is also very meaningful. Technologies have shifted from gazing upon the constellations to GPS units that are in your vehicle. Each of these methods can take you where you want to go, but only one of them is dependable when batteries run out. This field activity presents the class with the task of learning to use a compass and printed map to find their way across a field of way points. The goal of this activity is to create a map for the Priory in Eau Claire, WI utilizing two different map types: UTM coordinate system (meters) and a Geographic coordinate system (decimal degrees).

Methods

Parts of the compass

Image 1: The above image shows a compass with its many parts. The compass above is much like those that were utilized in the classroom. All of the parts are described more thoroughly in the sections below.

The compass has sever different parts, which can be seen in image 1 above. The direction of travel arrow comes in handy when the user is trying to line themselves up to face an object and travel in the direction of it. The bezel, or housing/compass dial as shown above, is the piece that is turned to show the direction that needs to be traveled in via degrees. A map shows where true north is on the image, but a compass shows where magnetic north is. An important note about magnetic north has to do with declination, which was covered thoroughly in the last blog. To read more on declination in my previous blog click here. The scale and measurement tool on the flat edge of the compass is used to measure distances and draw straight lines on maps to help with navigation.

Parts of the map

Image 2: This image shows a map that contains all of the basic structures that each map should contain. All of the map basics are outlines in detail below.

The most essential parts of a map that should be included are a legend, north arrow, title, author, source, and scale bar/words. All of these put together create the basis of a good map outline. When it comes to a good orienteering map, one with contour lines is generally a good idea to have since it can give the user the ability to see where the earth shifts around them.

The method that was taught to the class and that will be eventually utilized is that of navigating with a compass and map. This is a relatively simple endeavor that is not common knowledge to much of the world anymore. The first step is to hold the compass at chest height and keep it away from metallic objects (i.e. rings, necklaces). Next, move your body, with the compass, until the travel arrow is aligned with the direction that you would like to travel. Then the user would twist the bezel until the arrow lines align with the magnetic north arrow. This is affectionately known as "red in the shed." Where the direction of travel arrow lines up with the degree on the bezel shows the direction that the user is heading. This is an easy way to tell which way you are traveling from magnetic north.

Image 3: The above image shows a compass on top of a contour map. The image expresses how the compass is placed to mark the direction while the bezel is turned toward true north. This process is explained in more detail below.

To navigate using both the compass and the map, the user must, as seen in image 3, place the compass horizontally onto the map. Initially, the user must place the direction of travel arrow in the direction that they wish to travel, then turn the bezel until the north-south lines align with the true north. If a user is traveling from one point to another then the compass' edge can be place along the two points and a line can be drawn for more accurate readings. As long as the compass wielder follows that line then they will reach their desired destiny. Finally turn the compass and your body until the magnetic north arrow aligns with orienting arrow on the compass and continue in that direction. This results in accurate distances when traveling far across the woods. When you simply head in a northwest direction being off by just a few degrees can result in the error of hundreds of feet.

Pace Count

The initial method that should be practiced before orienteering begins in the field is by calculating your pace count. Pace count is important when navigating because with a map and compass because it helps you know just how far you're going. This is simply done by marking out 100 meters, which is the standard distance to measure a pace count, then counting your step down to the end of the 100 meters and back.

My personal pace count averaged in at 62 paces.

Making a Map

Making a map for a specified area of interest can be very powerful and important when it comes to hiking in any area. There is always a time when a GPS is either not accurate enough or dies. Technology will almost always fail you in the field, but techniques that people have will endure. Having a good map can be the difference between wandering in the woods and finding your way back to camp quickly. The power of making your won map and adding to it whatever you want is even more powerful. This field activity had the entire class create their own maps of the priory property in Eau Claire, WI.

The first step that was done to create our maps was to create a geodatabase. The data that each student found useful was then imported into their database for use. I used the 5 meter contour lines, the navigation boundary and the USGS DEM file. The data was then added into ArcMap where the layout was formatted to the size of 11 x 17. The data then needed to be projected to a coordinate system. Since two maps needed to be created they each had their own coordinate system. The first coordinate system used for decimal degrees was WGS 1984. This coordinate system is used for GPS coordinates since they use decimal degrees. WGS 84 is also used for representing the whole earth.

Image 4: The above image shows the different UTM zones that the world encompasses. Wisconsin is covered by zones 15 and 16. Eau Claire happens to be part of the state that is covered by zone 15.

The second map's projection is UTM zone 15N, which is described in image 4. The UTM coordinate system is used for smaller areas to be examined. It utilizes meters to get its grid source. Image 4 shows all 60 zones across the planet that the UTM system uses.

Making the Grid

Each map needs its own grid system for its coordinate system. There are several steps that need to be followed in order to create a grid. The first thing to note when creating a grid is that it can only be done in the layout view mode in ArcMap. The first thing to do when creating the grid is to ensure that you are in layout mode, then right click on the layers tab. Click on the Properties tab in the pop up window. In the properties window there is a tab called "Grids," click on it. Click "New Grid..." and choose between "Graticule grid" or "Measured grid." The Graticule grid is used for WGS navigating since it utilizes the decimal degrees for the grid. The Measured grid is used for the UTM navigation because it utilizes meters for its interval rate.

The Graticule grid uses degrees, minutes, and seconds initially, so I chose 5 second intervals. This is later transferred into decimal degrees. The Measured grid uses meters for its intervals so I chose the suggested 50 meter interval. The other important option to use is the choice of coordinate system. I used the UTM zone 15N just like the data. There will be several other pages to click through that simply allow the user to choose variables. These can be updated or passed on. Finish by clicking "Finish."

Results

Images 5 and 6 below show the maps that were created from the processes above. Image 5 shows the UTM zone 15N map and Image 6 shows the WGS 84 map. Each map contains the basic map features and will have point values added to it later for orienteering purposes. Each map was made my myself utilizing data provided by Professor Joe Hupy from the classes P drive.

Image 5: The above image shows the final map product created in ESRI's ArcMap software. The map include the 5 foot contour lines, the area of interest and the USGS DEM image. The grid's interval is 50 meters.

Image 6: This image shows the 5 foot contour lines, the area of interest and the USGS DEM image. The image utilizes an initial 5 second interval which was later turned into decimal degrees. 

Discussion

The lesson taught to the class by Al Wiberg was very helpful for those that didn't have previous experience with orienteering. The process of using a compass with the degrees on a map is especially useful for those that will be working out in the field or are avid outdoorsmen.

Creating the maps was also a very helpful skill to have when it comes to creating your own for orienteering purposes. These maps will help with knowing where we are in the field.

I placed the 5 foot contours in my map rather than the 2 foot because the 2 foot was far too cluttered. I also used the image because the others were either too nondescript or didn't work well with our area of interest and orienteering.

Conclusion

This first portion of the project has taught me an important skill of using a compass, creating a map with the intent of orienteering with it and how to combine a compass with a map in order to navigate. Not having to go out and actually measure the contour lines was very useful, especially during this time of the year when there is several feet of snow on the ground. Having the data readily accessible by our professor has allowed for less of a time crunch. My biggest worry is that the maps that I have created won't be good enough for navigation on the Priory course.