Binoculars and Compasses

Topographical maps are highly detailed and accurate representations of geographical features. Commonly a map type used for hiking as it not only works in conjunction with a compass to orientate the user. Contour lines and colour gradients appear on topographic maps to define the elevation of a mountain or ridge a hiker may encounter on their journey. These maps will often also contain a key which illustrates other important features such as roads, buildings, railways, lakes, rivers, and more.

Some maps can be difficult to read if you’re unfamiliar with them. There are several things to keep in mind so that you can more easily comprehend a map. This includes checking the map’s orientation to make sure that north is located at the top, looking for the scale to work out distances, noting the latitude and longitude to determine your location, examining the map legend to identify geographic features, and reading contour lines to see how flat or high the land is.

Using a compass properly involves a simple three-step process. Firstly, lay your map down on a flat surface and place a compass on top, drawing a line between your starting point and destination, followed by lining up the base plate edge with the direction you want to go. Next, rotate the dial of the compass until north lines up with magnetic north on the map to set the heading. Finally, pick up the compass and hold it flat in front of you, rotating yourself and stopping when the red end lines up with the orienting arrow and the direction you want to go. Look for a landmark and repeat the process once you reach it, ensuring you stay on course at all times.

There are a few reasons why your compass might not be working properly. When exposed to very low temperatures, the liquid inside the housing can contract and cause air bubbles, which interfere with the needle and affects readings. A compass can also suffer from reversed polarity, which can occur when it comes into contact with another magnet, causing the needle to fall out of alignment with the Earth’s magnetic field.