Using a Navigation Map

GEOG 336

Charlie Krueger

Using a Navigation Map

INTRODUTCTION:

In the previous lab the class was assigned the task of creating a navigation map of the study area, which was the priory an area of land owned, by the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire. This area was not near the rest of the campus and was used to house overflow students and students who did not want to live in the dorms on campus. The maps that were created in the class would be used near the priory to locate points that Professor Hupy had marked in the woods. Each group was given a different set of coordinates that would lead them to the points if the maps were used correctly. Professor Hupy provided each group with a compass, a GPS, and a map print out for each of the members of the group. Each group had to decide which map would be most helpful when navigating and then send it to the Professor so it could be printed. The whole class gathered in the parking lot of the priory and started preparing for our adventures.

METHODS:

One of the first things that happened in this lab was the explanation in how to use a compass to successfully navigate a map and get to the coordinates. Professor Hupy gave each one of the groups a compass and explained to them how a compass works and then took them through the step-by-step process while the groups used it on the maps. There was the explanation of all the different parts of the compass and how to use each of them like the direction arrow and the bezel, which is the area that has the 360 degrees on it. Holding the compass to the chest was also crucial for navigation because that was the direction of movement. After the course on how to use the compass Professor Hupy had everyone in the class find their pace. This is when you take a standard length like 100 meters and count how many paces it takes a person to get to the end. The key to finding pace is to only count one of every two steps so each time the left foot hit the door would be a count. This pace would be used to keep track of distance covered when using the map. After the class had all found pace each group was given a GPS unit that would track the locations of the groups as they tried to navigate to the coordinates. These GPS units would then produce the trails that the groups followed to get to their navigation points. Professor Hupy then informed the class that each member of the group would have different tasks. The first was pace counter who would keep his pace during navigation; followed by azimuth control that sets the direction to travel in picking out landmarks to head towards, and finally the leap frogger who would move to the landmarks allowing the pace counter to move to it and then the azimuth control. Before leaving all the groups marked a rough estimate of where the coordinate points were thought to be on the map and then set off. The maps being used were set in the UTM coordinate system and so were the coordinate points.

Map with Group1 track to coordinate points

RESULTS/DISCUSSION:
So starting off was a difficult process because the group had to really guess where the starting point was on the map and just go from there. Finding the first point was a bit of a hassle for the group because of this fact and the issue of the vegetation was a problem from the start. Also the group did not yet now what the points were going to be marked with so looking for a specific color was not an option. This first point was difficult because no person really knew how to follow the individual tasks that were assigned. Counting pace became difficult when crossing over trees and debris. Also the group did not really use the leap frogger at the start, which probably would have helped find the point faster. Luckily it was realized that a correction needed to be made and that the point was more towards the left and still up ahead more. Finally the marker was found and it was florescent pink ribbon tied around a tree.

First Point Located and Planning for the Next

            

The next point was found very quickly and each of the group members preformed that task assigned to them. Point two was located and as seen on the map the line to the point was fairly straight and the best location that the group had. When trying to locate point three the group some how landed over near point four and then had to back track to hit point three. The location of point 3 was difficult because on the map the location looked to be surrounded by very steep raising hills that were not ever seen. So the whole group though this was interesting but when navigating to point three it was obvious that the point was not near hills but ravines. The hillside was very steep and not crossable by the group was going around was the only option which messed up pace and direction. The group then struggled to find point three at all but finally stumbled upon it. Here when the group looked at the GPS the coordinates that were given to the group and which were plotted on the maps in use were slightly off. This also added to the difficulty finding point 3. Finally point five was located after the longest walk of the whole navigation and a fun walk through some thorn bushes.

            The two items that defiantly effected the navigation of the group was vegetation and elevation. Both influenced paths that could be taken or not be taken which then messed with the navigation.

Finding point one and planning the next

Third flag Finally found!

SUMMARY:

The navigation of the priory was very interesting and was a great way to introduce these life skills like using a compass and map into an adventure. The map that was used could have always been more detailed if it could have been larger but for an 11x7 it was almost perfect for this activity. Using the assigned tasked defiantly worked when the group used them to navigate but it was still difficult to navigate like this. A compass is a tool that will never run out of batteries but it comes with a learning curve that can only be fixed by using it more.