Re: Maps! (let's have a seperate thread, instead of using roll call)

"GAGS" <absolutecrapgags.nw@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message news:448dd451_2@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx


If its a big issue you could probably work it out yourself by finding a
decent length linear feature like a straight road or railway track.

Eh?????

(I think with all this early posting your brain hasn't warmed up yet!)

If you can see a nice long length of railway track on the map and you know excatly where you are then put your compass next to it (but not too close) and take a bearing.

Now measure teh angle on teh map and the difference is the error.. I thank you :-)

The point is hammered home when one tries to use a compass on a
dead-reckoning to find a point feature in say a forest. (A common occurence
if one does a lot of orienteering!) We don't take a bearing dead-on the
point feature and set off! No, we look for an attack feature, best of all a
handrail (a linear feature) and aim off to one side such that when we reach
the attack feature we know which way to go to reach the point feature

Agreed, and in open country that attack point maybe the only feature for miles, however as you said Liner features are better as they tend to be more accurate for some reason.

Of course one could just say 'bugger the drift' and open a few more cans and
wait until someone finds you! :-)

Not in Explorers any more :-)

GAGS

.