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NEVER EAT SOGGY WAFFLES! (NESW)

Pirate Captain Jack Sparrow's whirling compass pointed exactly to what he wanted every time without a map. That doesn't exactly work for the rest of us. What do everyday explorers need to know to use a basic map and compass?

If you are striking off into the wilderness, chances are you left the GPS system in the car. Here's how to find your path, the old-fashioned way:

BASIC DIRECTIONS

Orienteering is the sport of navigating directionally, using a compass. The main elements are based on longitudinal and latitudinal directions: North, East, South, and West. (Remember these with this simple sentence: "Never Eat Soggy Waffles.") Between these four points are combination points (Northeast, Southeast, Southwest, and Northwest).

THE MAP

A map is essentially a simplified aerial drawing. Maps are always drawn with North at the top. A key is provided to indicate the inch-to-miles ratio. Man-made and natural landmarks are pictured, along with highways, roads, and trails.

If you are planning a hiking or camping trip, particularly into unfamiliar territory, then you will want to have a map. Check with the national parks service, forest rangers, county board, or travel bureau. Or go online and print your own. Google Earth and other sites offer numerous choices.

THE COMPASS

Basically, a compass should include three main components.

The central feature of a compass is the Directional Dial. This 360-degree circular diagram contains four basic bearings (North, East, South, and West), as well as combinational bearings (NE, SE, SW, and NE).

The Base Plate is under the Directional Dial. This should contain a Direction of Travel Arrow indicating the direction you are traveling. The line on the arrow is called the Index Line.

The active component of a compass is the Magnetic North Arrow. The magnet in the arrow of a working compass always points due north. (Other magnets, certain metallic minerals, cell phones, and some batteries can confuse a compass.)

Occassionally, a compass will be equipped with a mirror for directional viewings, as well as a ruler and magnifying glass for map-reading.

BASIC NAVIGATION

Suppose you are hiking on a trail, and you seem to have lost your bearings. Look around you for a landmark. Now find that landmark on your map. Point the Directional Travel Arrow at the landmark. The Magnetic North Arrow in the compass will point north. This will enable you to plot out the direction you are hiking.

Next, you place your compass on your map, aligning it in the same direction. By doing so, you should be able to determine where you are, and which direction you should go to reach your intende

Learn more about this author, Linda Ann Nickerson.
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