The information necessary for orientation on any terrain consists of three elements: distances, directions and landmarks (various objects on the terrain). Encyclopedias give such a definition of the horizon: it is a line visible by the eye along which the sky borders the surface of the earth.
In the Navy, the sea horizon is defined a little differently. Since ancient times, the fleet had its own navigation and some own definitions. In the marine encyclopedia, the horizon of the sea is a line connecting the sky and the water surface. The gaze (target beam) directed towards this line is in the center of the visible water circle.
How to navigate in an unfamiliar place
Landmarks can be any clearly visible objects that stand out against the general background. It can be a massive stone or rock on a flat surface. In the forest, some tree can serve as such a guideline, respectively, it should somehow stand out against the general background and be striking in order to make it easier to remember.
What is a horizon? Regardless of where a person is on the planet, there is always space around him: a really visible circle - it is a horizon line.
People found several particularly prominent points on this circle. They noticed that the stars in the sky are moving in a circle, and one of them, as it were, in one place stands above the horizon. This is the North Star. Further, people drew attention to the property of some magnetized objects in limbo - they always turn with their one end in its direction. And gradually, four main points (horizon directions) were outlined on the horizon circle — north, south, west, and east. These names of the cardinal points are relevant today.
Defining the sides of the horizon
With the help of the North Star or specially magnetized objects (compass, astrolabe) people can, being anywhere on the planet, determine the north direction, and then, standing facing it, find the remaining main directions on the sides of their bodies: from the back - south, to the right - east, left - west.
Angle to horizon and degrees
Each quarter of the circumference of the horizon contains 90 degrees. The horizon plane is divided into small equal segments in the amount of 360 pieces - can be compared with the approximate number of days in a year. Each of these segments was called the word "degree" and received a personal serial number - from 1 to 360.
Degrees are calculated from a certain place - this is the point of the horizon located under the North Star. From it, the countdown is carried out to the right (clockwise).
The definition of an angle is as follows: it is formed by two rays emanating from one point (this is a course in middle-class mathematics). Each degree of a circle is a certain angle.
Azimuth of the main sides of the horizon
A simple geometric angle has two arbitrary beams. This means that they can be directed in any direction of space. And the azimuth has a special ray - it is directed in the only direction, to the north. As you know, in geometry, the internal angles have a maximum value of up to 180 degrees (the unfolded angle), but the azimuth can be even greater, that is, 0–360 degrees.
From this it follows that the azimuth is the angle that is formed by two rays, one of them is directed to the north, the second - to the landmark. The azimuth of the main sides of the horizon is measured in degrees and is counted from zero in the clockwise direction.
Measuring azimuth on the ground
Now a little about the directions of the world. The horizon line is marked not only by four main points (these are the rays directed from the center - north, south, west, east), but also intermediate - located in the middle and located between the two main ones. For example, an intermediate direction is drawn between north and east at an angle of 45 degrees. It is designated as the northeast. The exact same direction is plotted in each quarter of the circle. Thus, an “azimuth ring” is obtained, directions of 22.5 degrees still bearing an auxiliary role are still noted on it. They are designated as northeast-east, north-northeast, etc.
A traveler with experience will easily determine the northern direction in any weather and at any time of the day. Further, it will be easy for him to find the desired direction without a compass. This will require a good knowledge of the azimuth ring.
Azimuth is an angle that can be measured or plotted. It is easy to draw with a pencil on paper, and also on the ground to measure with a target beam (gaze). It is convenient to measure and build azimuths on a map or in a simple notebook with a simple goniometer - a protractor. To do this, mark the point of the center, the side of the horizon. Further, if necessary, draw right angles between them. Indicate in the drawing the desired visible point and from it draw a compass to move at an angle to the horizon, to the north point. You get an angle, which is called the azimuth.
On a regular map, there are many vertical lines - this is the eastern and western edges of the frame and the lines of rectangular coordinates with a direction to the north. But the vertical lines of the grid are sometimes not quite parallel to the borders of the map - they form a certain angle. It is not very large and therefore is usually not taken into account.
For example, you need to measure the azimuth of the route line from point A to point B. The protractor center (zero point) is superimposed on point A, one of its axes is rotated so that it is parallel to the vertical lines of the map, then on the degree scale of the protractor the degrees are taken from the point And to point B.
Compasses
Compasses have a different design. The most widespread is the compass, which was designed in the 19th century by the Russian topographer Pyotr Adrianov. It has a corresponding name - Adrianov’s compass. In those days, compasses were made of brass, today they are made of plastic.
The Adrianova Compass has five components: a body, a sighting ring, a limb, a magnetic needle and a clip.
A round casing connects and secures all parts of the structure. A steel short needle is embedded in its center, an arrow is mounted on it. On the side are two slots, a strap is threaded through them, which is tightened on the arm like a watch. Sometimes a cord is attached to carry the compass around the neck. At the top there is a groove with brass springs, with their help the sight ring is attached and rotated to the body.
Glass is inserted in the sighting ring, along its upper edge there are two protrusions - a front sight and an eye. Under them from the inside are two triangular protrusions, which are covered with a special composition that glows in the dark. These tabs are pointers and when turning the rings show the countdown in degrees on the compass scale.
The main part of the compass is the magnetized needle. It is cut out of a steel plate. The end of the arrow, pointing to the north, is also covered by a composition that glows in the dark. In order for the arrow to rotate easily on the needle, a small lens is located in its center, which reduces the inhibitory effect of rotating parts. On the bottom side there is a cone-shaped recess, the arrow rests on the needle, which provides rotation around the circumference.
Limb is a white ring with divisions. It looks like an azimuthal ring. On it there is one long stroke, which is covered with a luminous composition - this is the beginning of the countdown. There are also three points that also glow in the dark, above them are letters indicating the cardinal points. Each division of the compass is equal to three degrees.
The clip is a springy metal plate bent in half. When it extends out through a slit in the case, the ends of the plate are compressed, releasing the compass needle, and it “sits” on the needle with its lens. When the clip slides into the compass, the spring petals straighten, removing the needle from the needle and pressing it against the glass. In this position, the compass is closed and the needle does not work.
Modern types of compasses
Now almost all tourists use a sports liquid compass, it is more convenient and easier to work with. Its arrow is located in a special capsule, which is filled with liquid. It allows the arrow to set northward for a few seconds. There are a large number of different models of sports compasses; their limb has a more accurate division price - up to 2 degrees. The capsule is located directly on the compass board with a measuring ruler. On the board itself, as well as on the capsule, parallel lines are drawn, which greatly simplify the work with cards.
Modern compasses can be worn on the wrist, as well as on the neck with a cord. The flask and their board are made of shockproof materials, they work perfectly in different climatic conditions.
Compass Handling Rules
It is necessary to protect the device from shock, especially for liquid products. Their body is made in the form of a plate, therefore, it is very fragile. Also, the proximity of the compass to objects made of metal should be avoided - this negatively affects the magnetic needle. When the compass is not in use, you need to carry it on your hand or neck, or simply put it in your pocket.
Compass Guidelines
There are four types of compass actions:
- Knowing what the horizon is, using the compass you can find its sides. The arrester just opens, and the arrow itself will show the northern direction. The task is completed: having determined the north, it is easy to find other parts of the world. To do this, just remember the azimuthal ring.
- Working with a map using a compass. You need to orient the map relative to the sides of the horizon. To do this, it rotates in such a way that the orientation lines on the map are parallel to the axis of the compass needle, and the top of these lines goes in the direction where the magnetized north end of the arrow looks. So, knowing what the horizon is, you can correctly navigate the map. The compass is placed on the map so that the east and west sides of the map pass under it. Then the arrow opens, after it becomes calm, you should rotate the map with the compass until the frame line and the arrow are on a straight line. You need to make sure that they are exactly in a straight line, and the top of the map "looks" exactly north. Now the map is positioned correctly, oriented in the right direction, and you can define ready directions to any observation points and local objects, that is, the visible horizon.
- A serif is a direct action of a conductor, which, knowing the azimuth, draws reference points along it, and then moves to the desired target.
- The notch is the inverse - the action of the conductor, when he, seeing the target and knowing that it will soon disappear from the field of view, determines the magnetic azimuth to the landmark target using a compass. This helps by direct serifs to get to the right place through successive landmarks located one after another.
From this it follows that two options are possible:
- There is no complete overview of the terrain, but there is a magnetic azimuth of the desired target (taken from the map).
- An overview of the terrain is available, and a landmark is visible. Suppose a person stands on a hill surrounded by a forest and knows that when he begins to move, the target will disappear from his eyes for a long time. And then he will have to go his way in azimuth (direct serifs).
In the first embodiment, the azimuth is obtained from the map, in the second - by sighting at the target.
Compass Adrianova: direct serif
- The fly pointer is set to the division of the limb, which corresponds to the desired azimuth.
- The compass needle opens and the dial is oriented along it, that is, the null bar of the dial is brought under the north end of the arrow by rotating the case.
- Sighting (squinting eyes) - you need to look at the front sight through the hole in the eye, then the eye notices a certain object in the distance, which hit the front sight (reference point).
- Now a check is made to see if 2 and 3 actions are correctly performed. The compass does not change position, then the arrow closes.
A direct notch is defined, at the same time, an approximate distance to the horizon is calculated. After that, you can head to the passage landmark; here it is important not to lose it. For example, in a forest, a target beam (eye) rests against a certain tree, which is taken as a passing landmark. It should be well remembered and not confused with others. As such landmarks, you need to choose remote objects, because, having reached them, you will again need to repeat the direct notch. This operation takes a lot of time.
Definition of azimuth to a landmark visible - backslash
- The compass needle opens, then the dial is approximately (approximately) adjusted in the direction of the arrow. The front sight, also approximately, is directed to a landmark by turning the sighting ring.
- Further, the limb is fixed in the direction of the arrow and is precisely adjusted to the sight of the front sight.
- Next, a null stroke is checked, if it has strayed from the northern end, then the second action is repeated.
- The count is taken along the limb, the arrow closes.
Forward and backward notches on a compass liquid
Straight:
- The compass is placed on the map so that its lateral edge touches the final and initial points of movement.
- The rotating part of the compass is rotated so that the risks are parallel on the map to the magnetic meridian. Double risk should face north.
- Next, the card is removed. The case is held horizontally and rotated so that the northern end of the arrow is located on the case between the double risk. In this position, the center line of the plate will indicate the direction of movement. You do not need to follow the landmark on the go, you should only look so that the arrow does not change its position. This ensures azimuth exposure in motion. The liquid compass, in contrast to the usual one, keeps the direction not only on the go, but also on the run. You only need to learn how to hold it in a horizontal position.
Reverse:
- The compass is held in a horizontal position, the landmark is directed to the side or axial edge of the housing.
- Then its capsule rotates until the arrow is between the double risk, pointing exactly to the north. Next, you need to look at how many degrees are displayed on the limb near the center line.
Now the azimuth is received, you need to write it in a notebook. Knowing what the horizon and azimuth are for the desired landmark, you can safely go on the road, making serifs, moving to the desired target through the passage landmarks.
But we must not forget that it is common for every person to make mistakes in everything, including in working with the compass. Anyone can make mistakes in completely different ways: mix up the ends of the arrow, orient the inaccurate limb, incorrectly sight the desired object. Any mistake can be very expensive. Because, being in an unfamiliar place, especially far from settlements, it is not difficult to get lost. Therefore, the traveler needs to be very careful and check himself several times.
The downside of Adrianov’s compass is that his arrow is very mobile, and it’s hard enough to set it exactly to the zero stroke of the limb. It’s wiser to put the compass on any support for greater accuracy. A stump in the forest or just a stick stuck in the ground will do. And all the same, you should be safe - make serifs not for one, but for several people on two or more compasses. Each conductor on duty has an understudy: together, they simultaneously make serifs. If their results agree, then everything is fine. If they diverge a little, then the average value is taken. But when the calculations do not coincide at all, the work needs to be redone completely.
In the campaign, the movement is divided into two options: a hard azimuth (without a map strictly in azimuth) and movement according to the situation (along clearings, trails, roads), in the latter case, the group additionally focuses on the approximate direction of movement (leading azimuth).
Quite often, it is impossible to move along the line of sight in the path, because obstacles interfere: rivers, swamps, steep slopes, overgrown with thicket forest areas. In this case, the following tactical technique is applied: deviations from azimuth alternate alternately. For example, one obstacle is on the left, the other on the right. After each round, the further direction is adjusted.
When the movement is in azimuth, a deviation of three degrees gives an approximate shift of the exit point by five percent. Therefore, the azimuthal course is laid through the intervals (landmarks) in separate segments.
The ability to handle the map and compass are the basic skills of a traveler.Having the skills of orienting on the terrain, knowing what the horizon is and knowing how to navigate in azimuth, the traveler will never get lost in an unfamiliar area, wherever he is. Therefore, you should pay more attention to all these things when planning to go on a trip or camping trip.
As for the choice of compass, here everyone decides for himself what is more convenient for him. But there is a tendency for experienced people to choose an old and proven Adrianov’s compass, while young people prefer its modern counterparts. Both the first and second do the right thing, because it is only a matter of convenience and habit. But in essence, both old models, which have served for more than a dozen years, and new, improved ones work perfectly.
Enjoy your trip and bon voyage to everyone who plans to go camping! May the horizon line be always visible to the eye!