So, if youre at Muir Woods and your compass reads 180 degrees, subtract 14 degrees. What's that? a. Navigate to your map. To orient the map, first: Line up the edge of the compass with the edge of the map, or. Turn the map and compass until the needle on the compass aligns with the north-south grid lines on the map. NY 10036. Hey, it happens! You should then be able to roughly work out which way is north, east south or west using your maps gridlines. The lensatic compass is used by the U.S. Military. Take a bearing to a visible landmark using your compass. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Turn the compass and the map as a unit until you box the needlei.e., Put Red Fred in the shed. The red end of the needle must be pointing to the top of the map. PARTS OF THE LENSATIC COMPASS Compass, Lensatic, US Army, closeup: 2 (From another source) 1. Basically, in areas west of the agonic line, the compass needle will point somewhere to the east of true north; in areas east of the agonic line, the compass needle will point somewhere west of true north. To do so accurately, however, we must first adjust our compass for magnetic declination so the reading taken from the compass arrow is pointing our map towardtruenorth as opposed tomagneticnorth. This was developed for the Center for Initial Military Training, FT Eustis, Va. USING A COMPASS Magnetic azimuths are determined with the use of magnetic instruments, such as lensatic and M2 compasses. Because my magnetic declination is 4E, Ill move the black arrow outline to the red hash marks next to E DECL.. Ethan Allan thats the peak you saw. The term "lensatic" comes from the fact that there is a lens on the rear side of the compass that aids in the orienteering process. Step 2 Lay the map in a horizontal position. 2. . In this case, it 15 degrees positive (east). When you do know exactly where you are in relation to your map, you have your point position.. This is because it is prepped to point instead to magnetic north once its lined up with your compass needle. 4. 3. Look at the index line and read the number. If the contour interval is 10 meters, then what is the change in elevation of each intermediate contour . New York, Your action from here depends on the value and direction of your declinationeast or west. Position the eyepiece at a 45-degree angle to the . To use your lensatic compass to find the direction of your intended azimuth (which you probably got from your map, using your protractor): 1. Theyre not traditionally used for camping trips or simple navigation, but if youre serious about prepping, this is a must-have in your EDC bag and bug out bag. If you want to navigate and explore like a Navy SEAL, its high time you learn how to use one of these stellar compasses. The map is now oriented to the terrain. Heres our step-by-step guide to the most straightforward. Youll want to rotate it till the black arrow outline matches the 4E hash mark. Most lensatic compasses are designed to withstand moisture to a certain extent, but nobody makes them perfect. Because this method of orienting your map requires having visuals on features or landmarks in the terrain, good visibility is a must. We can find out easily enough, though. Enroll in my personalized step-by-step video-based online course. With the thumb loop all the way down under the compass, put the thumb of one hand all the way inside the loop, and place the index finger of that same hand along one side of the compass. In addition to 360 degrees to measure directions in a circle, the military also uses 6,400 mils. For bearings of one to 179 degrees, rotate the bezel counter-clockwise. Pull the lens holder up so that it is at a 90-degree angle to the base of the compass. Now that were putting compass to map, we need to adjust for it so that we can accurately orient and navigate. Travel to that landmark. Were headed to the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma for this example. That would be 130. Position in the area. That can make a huge difference! The bezel clicks as it moves--three degrees for every click. Using the side of your compass, draw a line towards the highway that youre on. Procedures. Put that hand up to the compass, steadying the compass by placing your index finger along the compass's side, and wrapping your thumb between the bezel ring and the rear sight. Compass adjusted for declination. You cant shoot a bearing on the end point in your terrain since you cant see it. The method is to align the edge of the compass along the Magnetic North (MN) line, and then move the map and compass together until the compass needle points north. Its not unheard of for hikers to accidentally read their map upside down and end up facing south, rather than north. This was developed. Use the lens to look through the sighting line to find another landmark, and repeat until you reach your destination. We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you. Open the compass all the way so that the cover locks into position against the base, forming a straightedge along the left side. Were ready to start orienting ourselves now that our compass has been corrected for local declination. c. There are two methods of holding the lensatic compass and sighting. Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. Fill & Sign Online, Print, Email, Fax, or Download You get the picture. This is a hard and fast guide on how to use your lensatic compass with a map, which is what it was designed for. Take your compass and turn the compass housing (bezel) until the red orientating arrow is in line with the direction of travel arrow. So there you have it. Draw a line towards the roadway youre on using the side of your compass. With that bearing, we can use our compass to start traveling in the direction we need to go in order to get to our endpoint. Pull the ring underneath the compass and put your thumb through. You should be able to turn the map so that if you were to imagine jumping into it, the features would lie in the same direction both on the map and in your surroundings. At least, I never saw him with one. 2. You are missing your point location. Steady the compass by allowing the hand holding the compass to rest in the cupped palm of your other hand. Easy-to-Read Thermometer - Cushion-mounted thermometer provides an "at-a-glance . To avoid that problem, lets adjust our compass to take declination into account. Let's say you see a water tower off in the distance. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Lensatic compasses are used by the United States military for a reason. Using the Centerhold Technique. To find directions from your map, you're going to need a protractor, a special instrument used for measuring angles. The narration and imagery may seem old-timey in this era of high-def computer graphics . To orientate the map, rotate both the map and compass together until the red compass needle and the red orientating arrow match up. What is the preferred method of using a lensatic compass when reading magnetic azimuths. A compass is a device used for navigation and orientation. Click heretolearn about the three different types of compasses. Preferred by military for its precision and. 4. Pull your elbows firmly into your sides; this will place the compass between your chin and your belt. PART 1 Basic Land Navigation USING THE MILITARY LENSATIC COMPASS Module 6 Map Information. Whether or not you participate in orienteering, I'm confident you'll find that a properly oriented map is a huge help in finding your way. To find the tower's bearing with your lensatic compass: 1. Use a Compass : Basic Reading Do's and Dont's \u0026 Tips With Navigating COM-PASS Reading Placement Test - Characters COMPASS Reading Prep How to use a compass:For beginners THIS is how to use a Compass (Lensatic Compass for beginn-ers) Using A Lensatic Compass (For Dum-mies) Beginner guide to map and compass - Survival Saturday Ep. If the local declination is negative, add the declination amount . The fact that they glow in the dark (especially, if they're the tritium kind which will glow for years without having to be exposed to light) means you can use your compass without a light for night navigation. Remember how we spoke about declination in Part 1? ","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"A: You can use the arrow keys, or you can hold down shift and move in any direction to rotate a map around its axis. Shows how to use the USGI issue lensatic compass to orient the map, plot a course based on two well-defined. Its declination is recorded as 14E. Bear in mind that an east declination value will be a positive number, and a west declination value will be a negative number. We may use the map to identify any landmark we observe in our landscape once we know our point location. The term lensatic comes from the fact that there is a lens on the rear side of the compass that aids in the orienteering process. As long as you can hold the compass level and steady, the exact grip doesn't matter. Remember, maps are drafted with north at the top. 1 color. The lensatic compass must always be held level and firm when sighting on an object and reading an azimuth. A good temperature of 65F to 78 should keep the humidity down and help preserve the structural integrity of the compass. If youre facing south, but are holding the map right side up, everything on your map is going to be ass-backwards. You want to know how to use a lensatic compass? Use a Compass to Plot Bearings on a Map. Line your orienteering compasss base plate up with the maps north-south lines. There are two ways of doing this. Hand placement: Insert your thumb through the thumb loop and the index finger along the compass. Adjust the compass bezel so that north on the compass corresponds to north on the map. So, if you know where you are on the map, look ahead and see what features you can see. 1. Place your compass base plate on your map so the edge of the compass is aligned with the north-south meridian lines. Take your compass and line up the edges with the north-south gridlines on your map. Lensatic compasses are seasoned or experienced navigator tools. We guide you on how to orientate a map with or without your compass so that you can navigate your way through the backcountry. Get your own customized topographical maps, built according to your specifications. Then turn the map until the position of the landmarks on the map corresponds to the real-world features in the terrain, then cross-check your position with additional features to ensure you have oriented correctly. Lay the compass on the map, using the straight edge to create a line from your starting point to your destination. Youll notice the north/south symbol on a corner of your map with a straight 90 line going up. The Lensatic compass is used to determine 'azimuths' or 'compass bearings' (horizontal angles). To use the terrain to orient a map, you must be familiar with symbols used on the map. Shoot the reverse bearing you got with your compass from the top of Saddle Mountain on your map. As magnetic north changes depending on where you are in the world, you have to ensure you adjust your compass accordingly. Youll want to turn it until that black arrow outline is lined up with the 4E hash mark. Step 1 Orient the map. Plot a line on the map using the mountains rear bearing. 1. Look at your map, or use a website to see your local areas declination. If your local declination is east of the agonic line, youll need to add the declination to your compass bearing; if its west of the agonic line, youll need to remove the declination from your compass bearing. The Lensatic compass also has a large number of drawbacks, including the use of a large case that can make this a cumbersome and heavy option. Not a problem. On the map, you are where the line connects with the highway. Pros . Next, without changing the orientation of you map, move your compass so that its edge is touching the point you are plotting to/from and the compass dial reading matches your bearing. Next month, well wrap off our series with a final briefing on how to navigate using MGRS coordinates, exactly like the military. If you point your compass towards true north, your compass needle is going to point a little to the east. Below, we offer a short, straight-talking guide to how its done. 1. Turn your declination-adjusted compass dial so due North is at the index pointer. Your lens piece will appear just above your thumb loop. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); MyOpenCountry is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. I guess the military needs the extra accuracy now and then say, for example, to precisely place artillery fire. See that little black outline of an arrow? It is the bread and butter of navigation and a good habit to get into every time you set off in any given direction. Put your compass on your map. Thanks so much for sharing! Point position. Youre somewhere on that line, so you know have a line position. This is also known as triangulation. Step 2: line the compass up with the map. If you have already adjusted your compass for magnetic declination, your map is now oriented and youre good to go. Now its time to use the lens. The Art of Manliness participates in affiliate marketing programs, which means we get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links. There's another way to orientate a map using a compass that starts slightly differently to what was explained above. Though GPS and smartphonesare reliable, its still vital to carry a compass, and know how to use it, as a backup or lifesaving form of navigation. What if youre not on a trail, but you just know the general area youre in? 1. It would be 204 (24+180) in this situation. Once you've got the bearing you can transfer it to the map. An "azimuth" is pretty much the same as a "bearing." Place your map on a horizontal surface and then place the compass on the map so that the orienting arrow points to true north on the map. The housing lines should be parallel with the maps vertical grid lines. A map and compass are useless unless you know how to use them properly. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Youll see that it shows two arrows when you turn your headset or controllers around to show the new orientation of a map. Youve orientated the map. My magnetic declination is 4E, so Ill be moving the black arrow outline towards the red hash marks that are going towards E DECL.. Finally, before setting off, be sure to do a quick check by looking around you to see that all features represented on your map are where they should be in the terrain. Making sure you don't move to change directions, turn the glass compass housing until the short luminous line is directly lined up with the luminous magnetic arrow. My 159-page, fully illustrated book is yours for the asking. Well say the declination value is 10 degrees. Lay the compass on the map, using the straight edge to create a line from your starting point to your destination. Identify where you are on the map and place the compass edge over this location. You have your point location when you know precisely where you are in reference to your map. SEE IT. Gently pull the lid down until the sighting line is visible through the lens. Were going to use the back bearing of that to plot a line from Saddle Mountain towards our general direction on the map. Orienting your map means aligning it so that north on the map corresponds to north in the terrain and the maps topography correlates to the real-world topography in front of you. True north is represented by a star. Step 1. Orient you compass with the bearing, and draw the bearing line. When we know our point position, we can identify any landmark that we see in our terrain by using the map. Make a mark with your pencil at the notch on the end furthest from the sighting wire. 5. Well, youre going to have to do some math with all your bearings to make sure you get a true bearing. As we can see, the area Im in has a declination of 4E. There are step-by-step to use a compass. The techniques employed when using the lensatic compass are as follows: a. Of course, ignore all of this if youre hiking through the Netherlands or Florida, where hills and, by extension, contour lines are somewhat rare. 3. Turn your entire body as a unit until your predetermined azimuth falls under the fixed black index line. 3.Rotate the map and compass until the directions of the declination diagram formed by the black index line and the compass needle match the direction shown in the . Turn your entire body as a unit until your predetermined azimuth falls under the fixed black index line. In Part I, we covered how to properly use a compass, how to shootyour bearings, and the best map for navigating: the topo map. But heres where things get tricky: the angle of declination changes depending where you are on the earth. Make sure your map is aligned with magnetic north (see above). One advantage is it's probably more accurate when it comes to "shooting azimuths," meaning the act of determining the specific compass direction to a spot on the earth. Turn your entire body as a unit until 066 (062 + 004) degrees falls under your compass's fixed black index line. Turn the compass and the map as a unit until you box the needlei.e., Put Red Fred in the shed. Lets say you know youre southeast of Saddle Mountain and northeast of some smaller mountains. When the actual lens gets damaged, it unnecessarily impairs simple operation. A lightweight, well-engineered orienteering compass from the Finnish company that helped set the gold standard in navigation. On your map, shoot the back bearing that you just took with your compass from the top of Saddle Mountain. This webpage may also be used to get current declinations. 3. The bezel clicks as it moves--three degrees for every click. The basics of orienting yourself with a map and compass. What happens if you dont adjust your compass for declination? Picture 1: Map Declination. Execute your docs in minutes using our simple step-by-step instructions: Get the How To Use A Lensatic Compass you need. The plotted line cuts through Mt. Navigation has taken on many forms over the years. The obvious drawback here is that such an approach is impossible in poor visibility. First, use your compass to get a bearing on a peak of Saddle Mountain. B. Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, You should notice that the direction of travel arrow should be pointing at the top of the map, and the black orienteering lines should also be parallel to the north-south gridlines on the map. Step 1: Find the North Star. Huzzah! Lets say youre out hiking. Its not as easy to get lost on land without a map and compass. Hold the compass steady and level, and up to your face. This may arise when you don't know your current position but have taken a back bearing from a visible landmark (1) you can identify on the map. that it is pointing towards the top of the map. Here at Brunton, we manufacture a variety of different compasses for varying needs in the field. The mils are in black, and are the outer measurements on the ring. If not, recalibrate before continuing. So your true bearing would be 166. Double-check by making sure the map title or legend text is the correct way up, or find the maps north arrow. At that point, leave it out in a spot where it can really dry overnight until you know the internal components are no longer moist. If you want to learn Land Navigation in detail, either buy a book; or get someone, who has the knowledge and skills, to teach you in person. With the thumb loop all the way down under the compass, put the thumb of one hand all the way inside the loop, and place the index finger of that same hand along one side of the compass. Home / Educational Resources / Math Resources / Compass: Definitions and Examples. Plot a line on the map from Saddle Mountain at 130. Program, Strengthen Your Tribe: A Report on the Atomic Athlete Vanguard, The Best Riddles for Kids (With Answers! The cover is used to protect the compass and also incorporates the sighting wirewhich helps you determine direction. UK readers, youre in luck. (Be sure you understand magnetic declination. 2. Hold it square and straight in front of you like you mean business. Using the rotating bezel, turn it until the direction of travel arrow lines up with the north arrow. Once you master using a lensatic compass, it becomes the only way youll ever navigate around the wilderness moving forward. Required fields are marked *. Weve compiled a detailed guide on how to adjust for magnetic declination, but at its most basic level it goes like this: Your map should state what the magnetic declination is in degrees for the region you are in. 2. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). Reserve! Before we do that, lets dig a bit deeper into declination. 3. (Note: if you have a compass with an adjustable declination the adjustment needs to be set to zero). There is some technical difference between the two, but for all practical civilian purposes, the words are interchangeable. Sound complicated? Start spinning the bezel slowly until the 'magnetized needle' is aligned with the 'orienting arrow.'. He did this for ten days, taking us across numerous waterways and lakes. Youll see that it shows two arrows when you turn your headset or controllers around to show the new orientation of a map. We know were somewhere along HW 115 and south of Saddle Mountain. durability, and its hyper-accuracy in land. Area Position. Hold the compass with your thumb fully in the thumb ring, and your index finger wrapped around and gripping the circular part of the underneath of the compass's base. All you have to do now is take a bearing towards the unnamed mountain. You can also use this website to get up to date declinations. The variation between magnetic north and true north is currently so minor that this can generally be ignored. North is always at the topof any map. Find out more atwww.alexfoxfield.com (opens in new tab). Huzzah! 4. Looking at the photo below, let's say you're at the north end of Sheeler Lake, where the penciled X is. Flip up the lid to a 90-degree angle. Keep in mind that maps are drawn with north at the top. A: In order to orient and read a map, you have to have spatial awareness. Turn your map so that north on the map, points in the same direction as the needle. Using the approach described above, plot that bearing on the map. Best Camping Knife for Outdoor Adventures, Best 4-Person Tent For Camping [2023 Update], How to Use a Fire Starter: A Simple, Step-by-Step Guide, How to Dispose of Butane Cans (and Other Solvents), Best Hikes in Colorado: 17 Incredible Trails, Types of Backpacks: The Ultimate List of 23 Pack Styles, Learning one of land navigations primary skills, Turn your map using your map and compass together, How to check your map is oriented correctly. How to Pack a Backpack Are You Doing it Right? Photo: Wikipedia. If the local declination is positive, subtract the declination amount from the bearing you just derived. In this case, it would be 204 (24+180). Contours are king. We know were someplace south of Saddle Mountain on HW 115. You don't want to hold it crooked, cockeyed, or off level. Well, that is, unless you're doing something silly like holding the compass backwards. Last update on 2023-03-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API. Turn the little screw using a small screwdriver or the little metal piece that comes with your compass lanyard. Find the magnetic declination on your map. Identify where you are on the map and place the compass edge over this location. These other objects can interfere with compasses, and no matter how miniscule the differences may seem, it can leave an impact. (2) Keep the compass aligned as directed above while . Note: This procedure places the fixed black index line of the compass parallel to north-south grid lines of the map. Use the illustration above to familiarize yourself with the components of a lensatic compass. Make sure the travel direction arrow is pointed in the direction you want to go. We just dont know where exactly. Using a little screwdriver or the metal piece that came with your compass lanyard, turn the small screw. 1. Check the index line to find out the bearing you just have taken. Finally, you can always triple check with human features, such as walls or towns that youd expect to be able to see in the valley. Here's an example from an older map of the Grand Canyon. We still need to understand where we are in reference to our map how to orient ourselves before we can start really navigating, which well cover in Part III of this series. All you have to do is shoot a bearing towards the unidentified peak. With a little bit of compass work, you can figure this out. Determine the correct magnetic azimuth to the designated point within 3 degrees using the compass-to-cheek method, or within 10 degrees using the center-hold method. Thats right Contours are king. Get your own customized topographical maps, built according to your specifications. What are 2 ways to orient a map? Lay your compass on the map and line up its edge with a known landmark. One disadvantage is, unlike the orienteering compass, it's not easy to make it double as a protractor, meaning you'll have to carry a protractor with you. ), but youre not sure where. 3. Take a bearing to a visible landmark using your compass. Some of the components' terms are used in the explanations below. With solid land-navigation skills, you'll be more confident and "at home" in the wilderness. US $10.58 orient yourself to a map and follow a course over land The lensatic compass is used to set course bearings Instructions for Lensatic compass Open the lensatic compass so that the cover is at a 90 degree angle and the lens bracket is at a 30 degree angle to the case Lensatic Compass. If your local declination is east of the agonic line, youll need to add the declination to the bearing on your compass; if your local declination is west of the agonic line, youll subtract the declination from the bearing on your compass. Place your compass on your map with the edge of the baseplate parallel to the north-south meridians on the map. Once you reach your landmark, align yourself again to make sure youre on the right path. Determine your position on the map and set the compass edge over it. Holding any compass in a slack and half-a**ed (that's an old military term. This video shows how to orient a map with a compass and briefly discusses magnetic declination. Positioned the cover of the compass toward the top of the map. If youre in the Adirondacks, youll want to add 14 so your true bearing would be 194. He climbs when he should be writing, writes when he should be sleeping, has fun always. A power point class to Orient a Map Using a Lensatic Compass or $0.99 - Purchase Checkout Added to cart or $4.99 - Monthly Subscription Checkout Added to cart Billed once per month until cancelled or $14.99 - Annual Subscription Checkout Added to cart Billed once per year until cancelled or $9.99 - Protected: VIP Subscription Checkout Added to cart Billed once per year until cancelled .