Rootball

This is the root of the compass/GPS thing. Map and compass navigation only allow you to get somewhere from a KNOWN position. If you are lost, a map and compass are almost worthless unless you can SEE some identifiable point. The problem is with viewing angle. You may see a "peak" that isn't really a peak when looking up at it. I have pulled out a map and compass when I KNEW where I was and I could not locate my position on the map using triangulation. I guess the Earthling firestraw can also be used as a straight edge - you have a pencil right? and a protractor?

Without the ability to measure angle to an object, its tough, but if you can get a compass bearing, walk a measured distance "perpendicular" to the object, take another bearing and use a trigonometry table. lets see you would divide the measured distance by the cosine of the included angle, which will be less than one, so the calculated distance will be larger than the measured distance. This will give you the distance to the object from your final position, but only if you made a right angle triangle at the starting point.

jim <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

P.S. I am so sick and tired of hearing people spout off about maps and compass. Lets hear what an expert has to tell us about becoming found when lost with a map and compass - come on - you guys - put up or shut up. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />