What I actually want is to get out and practice right away.
Do you have a book shop or Outdoor store near you? Either should stock an OS of your area if you haven't already ordered it.
What I actually want is to get out and practice right away.
Mils isn't more accurate - yes it does break the increments down into small units but a Mils compass uses 6400 mils (or 6000 is Russian etc) per circle to make it easier for field use and a degrees compass uses 360degrees - there in lies a problem with Mils compasses. There are 6283 Milradians in a circles not 6400 so an error is introduced even before you start. For rough navigation you'd do with a hand held device it doesn't mean much but once you start using trigonometry you've got errors.
This doesn't happen with degrees.
Of course if you wanted to do it very accurately and mathematically correct - degrees and minutes works. Much finer increments as 60 seconds per degree, you can even add on seconds. Not that you'd be able to mark a compass up in degrees and seconds.
Mils are handy in that you only use one unit for compass and for use in recticles - they where orginally adopted by the military for artillery ranging ie distances rather than compass use.
Or you could use Gradians - probably the most accuarte
If you get a digi map that won't print, just maximise the screen and print screen. I have paper maps for most areas I explore but still print off to save the proper ones from wear and tear.
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i just came across this thread and i'm after a (small) back-up compass myself (my main compass is a RECTA (DP65 i think- the one you can use worldwide). can anyone recommend one which could be used worldwide?! i heard some rumors about SILVA having some issues with QC in recent times...
If you get a digi map that won't print, just maximise the screen and print screen. I have paper maps for most areas I explore but still print off to save the proper ones from wear and tear.
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Agree 100% it always astounds me how good os maps are. We're lucky to have such detailed mapping.I think OS maps are something we in UK should be very proud of indeed(Off Topic I know)
This is where I show that I'm finding it a little hard to grasp. I don't see how a map at this scale can tell you where to go because once you're in the woods it's a completely different thing all together.
Not actually a simple subject. On a 1:25000 map you can assume that the grid lines are orientated north south. So you would align the compass base plate with your direction of travel, then rotate the bezel until the lines in the bezel are orientated with the grid lines.Also, another thing I don't quite understand is how you line up the blue grid lines on the map with those on the compass housing as they are different scales entirely..
Do you have a book shop or Outdoor store near you? Either should stock an OS of your area if you haven't already ordered it.
Got a new os map of the Rendlesham area posted for £5 off ebay.
"...I think OS maps are something we in UK should be very proud of indeed..."
.....Not actually a simple subject. On a 1:25000 map you can assume that the grid lines are orientated north south. So you would align the compass base plate with your direction of travel, then rotate the bezel until the lines in the bezel are orientated with the grid lines.
With larger scales and longer journeys you need to work out 'compass north' on the map. Usually the true north and compass north offsets are give near the map scale.
Shame you don't live near me. I love this subject (did a lot of orienteering when I was young) and it is much easier to show someone that explain in text.