Questions tagged [navigation]
This tag is for all questions about outdoor navigation with maps, compasses or mobile devices equipped with sensors for satellite based positioning systems.
97
questions
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I have a compass but no watch, how can I tell when it will get dark?
I was reading all of the answers to Are there any situations while backpacking that would require a watch? and surprised at the number of answers that said you need a watch so you would know how long ...
27
votes
12
answers
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How to temporarily mark a trail?
If one needed to hike out and then come back to a certain spot, how could one temporarily mark their trail so that it is easy to follow back to that exact spot when the route back is not obvious?
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12
votes
4
answers
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Are there types of compass other than the regular magnetic one and the gyrocompass?
Today I learned about the existence of the "gyrocompass".
A gyrocompass is a type of non-magnetic compass which is based on a fast-spinning disc and rotation of the Earth (or another planetary body ...
40
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4
answers
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Compass compatibility: Can I use my US compass in Australia? [duplicate]
Background
I bought my compass in the US last year. Next week I'm going to travel to Australia.
Question
Is my US-compass compatible with Australia? or do I need a special compass?
Do I need an ...
8
votes
4
answers
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Can a compass be thrown off by its surroundings?
Would it be possible for a compass be affected by its surroundings, such as a large iron deposit or other rocks to the point where it is not working correctly?
I am not talking about declination but ...
7
votes
1
answer
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Can a compass reverse polarity?
Can a compass have its polarity reversed so that the end marked "north" points south and vice versa?
If so, what could one do to prevent and fix this problem?
15
votes
2
answers
4k
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Is it normal for a compass to develop an air bubble at high altitude?
I live in Denver, Colorado. Going above 10,000 ft. (3,000 metre) always results in an air bubble large enough for me to want to tilt the compass to prevent the bubble from interfering with the needle....
5
votes
1
answer
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How to triangulate your position with a map and compass?
While navigating or orienteering with a map or compass one of the essential skills is the ability to find your position on the map with the aid of the compass.
This can be important if you need to ...
108
votes
5
answers
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Why would one aim off when navigating with a map and compass?
Sometimes while navigating with map and compass, the advice is to aim off i.e. to aim either to the left or right of the intended destination, as opposed to straight for it.
Why and when would one ...
10
votes
2
answers
3k
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How do you correct Google Earth's incorrect slope percentage?
I often use Google earth to plan trips. One part of that is marking paths and seeing how steep they are.
However Google Earth severely underestimated the steepness of slopes. For instance here is a ...
22
votes
4
answers
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How can I find north from the stars without recognizable constellations?
If I am trying to find out which way is north at night, and I can see stars, but not the North Star or the Southern cross or other recognizable constellations, because the terrain is limiting my view, ...
3
votes
0
answers
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GPS unit for road cycling and mountaineering [closed]
I am looking for a GPS device for road cycling (road navigation and gpx tracking) and mountaineering (topo maps, compass, barometric elevation / pressure). I am finding no products explicitly marketed ...
30
votes
1
answer
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Are corpses on Mount Everest used as way-points?
A friend of mine loves to brag about his Mount Everest experiences. He's a great climber and adventurer but sometimes I think he might exaggerate his stories a little ;). However, lately he came up ...
5
votes
1
answer
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Garmin Etrex 10
I just got an etrex 10, and I am using it mostly for geocaching. When you are navigating to a geocache is there a way to see your distance from the cache? I know the geocaching app has this.
9
votes
2
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How to find route for pedestrian
I want to make long foot trip from Salzburg via Innsbruck to Milan and from there to Venice.
Is there a tool that allows me create routes for pedestrian? I'm looking for things like walking on ...