Introduction
For this exercise, we were to prepare ourselves for an
orienteering field course at the UWEC Priory that we will navigate at a later
date. For the orienteering course we
will have on hand a compass and two maps of the area. Both the compass skills and the maps were
generated in this exercise. Additionally,
we learned how to use our own walking strides to measure distance, or pace.
The class was given an excellent compass and map
orientation demonstration by Al Wiberg of the University of Wisconsin Eau
Claire’s Environmental Action Center. We
were also taught how to calculate our pace by our instructor, Dr. Joe
Hupy. The maps were created using data
provided in advance by Dr. Joe Hupy.
Methods
One skill that we will be using to navigate is pace. To calculate our pace, we found a distance of
100 meters on campus. Start at the
beginning of the 100 meters and take normal steps towards the goal. Every other step you count off in your
head. For instance, every time you take
a step with your left foot. Once you
have reached the 100 meter mark, remember how many paces it took to get
there. Now turn and repeat the course
back to where you started, again counting every other step. When you have finished, take the average of
the two numbers of steps it took you to walk the 100 meters and that average
(rounded to a whole number) is your pace.
Apparently the average is between 60 and 65, with men generally taking
longer strides than women. My pace is
57. Knowing your pace can make the
orienteering easier in the field because it allows you to keep track of your
distance by counting your steps.
In addition to pace we will be using a compass. To use a compass for navigating, first take
your map and place it down on a flat surface. Mark a starting point on the map and a point
that you would like to travel to. Place
the compass on the map with the navigating arrow pointing towards the second
point. Spin the bevel on the compass up
to the top of the map, where north is.
Then read how many degrees clockwise from north your direction of travel
is. This is your bearing. Once you know your bearing you are able to hold
the compass out in front of you, turn the bevel until north on the compass
matches up with true north, turn your physical body around until you are facing
your bearing, and then start walking in the correct direction.
For the maps of the Priory, we were provided with several
datasets that we could pick from to create our maps. I decided to use a DEM, or digital elevation
model, aerial imagery, and a five meter topographical contour map in addition
to an outline of the Priory property and an outline of the orienteering course. I created a geodatabase to store all of the
data I would be using. I then added the
data to my map. I made the aerial
imagery transparent so as to show the DEM underneath. I felt it was important to include the aerial
imagery to have as a reference when out in the field. We were also instructed to overlay two grid
styles on our maps, one with UTM zones and one with WGS lat-long coordinates. We will be using both when we are out in the
field doing the orienteering exercise, and it will be interesting to see them
in action.
My Priory map with UTM grid.
My Priory map with WGS grid.
Discussion and Results
I had a lot of difficulty getting my maps positioned
properly in the layout view in Arc Map.
That was my main stumbling block.
When I finally did get that straightened out, I was able to make two
maps that I believe will help me to navigate the Priory course. In time this will be put to the test, and I'm excited to see the results.
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