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
16
votes
1
answer
671
views
How do you stabilize a sextant for use on a boat in rough water?
Using a sextant to get accurate angle measurements is tough on moving vessel. It's even harder when the waters are rough. Is there a technique that is most useful in stabilizing the device and/or ...
- 413
31
votes
2
answers
11k
views
Will a compass work underground or underwater?
Because they rely on radio signals, GPS units generally do not work underground or underwater, but what about a plain ol' magnetic compass? Are the magnetic fields of earth present at all depths? ...
- 712
5
votes
1
answer
1k
views
IOS Map App that creates routes by tracing a path?
I've been using a topo app on the PC for years that lets you, among other things, trace a route on the map with the mouse, then it gives you the distance and height profile for that route (even turns ...
- 153
12
votes
3
answers
371
views
What Navigation Aids can I make on an island with only a knife?
In a recent discussion about navigating from a deserted island, it was suggested that if I have a knife and natural resources I could create my own navigation aids. In this instance I was planning to ...
- 30.4k
11
votes
2
answers
333
views
When is the best time of year to find the North Pole?
The Geographic North Pole or Terrestrial North Pole, is defined as the point in the Northern Hemisphere where the Earth's axis of rotation meets its surface. source
There were several attempts to ...
- 30.4k
27
votes
3
answers
10k
views
How much distance is there between True North and Magnetic North Poles?
This question is not as simple as it seems, and a few minutes of googling did not drop the answer in my lap.
A comment at I never adjust for true north. Is this bad practice? suggesting that:
...
- 30.4k
52
votes
6
answers
9k
views
I never adjust for true north. Is this bad practice?
This question (Calculate true north with a compass and map) got me thinking. I rarely bother adjusting compass bearings for magnetic north. Is this bad? I understand the theory but I just rarely ...
user2766
12
votes
3
answers
3k
views
Calculate true north with a compass and map
We've a map and a functional compass. A compass shows of course the magnetic north and the map provides us with the correct and current declination.
The North Magnetic Pole is the point on the ...
- 23.5k
17
votes
2
answers
3k
views
What is "Isolation" and "Prominence" in mountain terms?
When I was browsing through the wikipedia page of the Denali mountain, I came across some piece of information.
Refer the screenshot below.
What does the term Prominence and Isolation mean?
- 31.7k
13
votes
8
answers
8k
views
Is a smartphone or dedicated gps receiver better for navigation in the desert?
For most backcountry navigation I use a topo map and compass when necessary. Generally I'm following known trails and combined with some basic awareness of cardinal direction and land features I don't ...
- 2,138
10
votes
1
answer
428
views
What are the measurements on this slope angle tool?
I totally need one of these
This helps you estimate the slope angle on a contour map by measureing the gaps between the contour lines. This is to help you avoid avoid avalanche areas.
I'm sure I ...
user2766
21
votes
2
answers
7k
views
Can a compass needle become de-magnetized over time?
My compass has become increasingly untrustworthy. Over the past couple years I had noticed that it often pointed pretty close to magnetic South, but it corrected after a light tap.
In two recent ...
- 1,448
22
votes
3
answers
13k
views
How do you locate the "North Star"?
What if it's night and you want to find north? How do you locate the North Star in the night sky?
user2766
8
votes
2
answers
1k
views
How do I find north using a watch?
I've heard this is possible but I'm not sure on the details. Can someone elaborate?
user2766
8
votes
2
answers
2k
views
GPS navigation device or app that allows entry of UTM coordinates?
I would like to start being a little more active by getting outdoors more. My state offers a "water guzzler" program that puts water in remote locations for wildlife. They also publish a large atlas ...
- 1,757