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.
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How to find true north without compass, sun, and stars?
Is there any reliable method from nature to find north without the stars, sun, or compass?
I have read a little bit on this subject, and a lot of it seems to be controversial.
Let's say I am lost in ...
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Increase Accuracy of Magnetic Compass
How to increase the accuracy magnetic compass? Is there a good way using multiple ones?
I searched the Internet and Philip Werner suggested at Section Hiker web:
use the most current declination data ...
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What are the differences between prismatic, lensatic, mirrored, and optical sighting compasses?
Background
I am looking at compasses for backpacking and camping, and have come across more compass varieties than I had ever thought possible. Four terms that often come up together are "...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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What advantage does the what3words coordinate system have over other, traditional systems?
I recently came across the what3words coordinate system in an outdoor magazine. The system divides the world into squares of 3 m x 3 m. Each square is then named with a combination of three (as far as ...
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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 ...
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Are there any examples of orienteering (off-trail) route-finding software?
Route-finding software is common nowadays. For example, you can use Google Maps to navigate from one town to another. It's even possible to use apps like Gaia GPS to plan a route between two points ...
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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? ...
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Thinking about a road trip out West
My wife and I are thinking of taking a road trip from northwest Ohio to "out west" - Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, Montana, etc. I've never been farther west than Indiana, so it's a whole new ...
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Free Online Text Books For Sailing
The FAA has a website to download free text books to learn all the things required to become a pilot. https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/
Is there a similar website ...
CommunityBot
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What are the slope determination criteria in the elevation profile of Google Earth? Is it based on rise over run or rise over hypotenuse? [duplicate]
I occasionally use google earth and notice that the slope percentage is never cross 100%, if slope percentage is determined by rise over run method the 100 percent value is equal to a 45-degree slope ...
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As of 2019, why do mountaineering courses still teach how to use a paper map?
I've been looking into learning how to mountaineer and noticed that the local mountaineering society still requires a training in navigation as part of the prerequisites for most of their basic ...
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Why is nautical navigation still exclusively taught with paper charts?
I have recently read some books and courses on nautical navigation. All of these start teaching how you use paper based navigation charts, and teach the usage of protractors and such. There is even ...
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What format should I use to report my location to emergency responders?
Suppose I am out in the wilderness and an emergency arises. I have an accurate fix on my location (from GPS, map and compass, astronomical observation, etc...). I manage to get in touch with ...
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