Compasses are essential tools for navigation in the outdoors. Whether you’re on a long hike, a short trek, or navigating your way through unfamiliar terrain, a compass is the best way to ensure you don’t get lost. One of the most useful features of a compass is the orienteering lines. But what is the main purpose of these lines and how do they help you?
What Are Orienteering Lines?
Orienteering lines are lines etched into the baseplate of a compass, usually in the form of a cross. In most cases, one of these lines runs north-south and the other runs east-west. When examining a map, you can line up the lines of the orienteering lines with the corresponding grid lines on the map. This helps you align the map to the ground, showing you the correct direction of north, south, east and west.
What is the Purpose of Orienteering Lines?
The main purpose of the orienteering lines is to accurately orient the compass to the map. As the lines are etched into the baseplate, they can be used to line up the map and compass in order to get an accurate bearing. Additionally, the orienteering lines are used to take a “back-bearing”: with a back-bearing, you can determine the exact direction you have travelled from the starting point.
Other Benefits of Orienteering Lines
The orienteering lines also provide a number of other benefits to the navigator. Firstly, they allow for accurate plotting of waypoints, which can then be used to navigate your route. Furthermore, because these lines are accurately aligned with the grid lines on the map, they provide a reliable reference point when you’re using the compass. Additionally, some compasses also have a protractor function, which allows you to measure angles and distances using the lines.
How to Use Orienteering Lines Effectively
The orienteering lines are an invaluable tool for navigating accurately in the outdoors. However, it’s important to remember that the lines must be used correctly in order to achieve reliable results. When orienting the map to the compass, make sure the lines are accurately aligned, and take care to place the compass over the map so that the lines are parallel to the map. Additionally, practice taking back-bearings so that you can use them when needed.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the main purpose of the orienteering lines on a compass is to accurately orient the compass to the map. The lines are used to line up the direction of the map and the compass, ensuring you know the correct direction of north, south, east and west. Additionally, the orienteering lines are used to take back-bearings, which help you measure the distance you have travelled. When used correctly, the lines are an invaluable tool for navigation in the outdoors.
