tac aide- navigation tips part 2 | 29
NAVIGATION PART 2 FINDING YOUR POSITION
You must know and be familiar with: Your map Your compass Map legend
SETTING YOUR MAP This is a basic skill that is the quickest way of finding your position if visibility is good enough.
Method 1 Surroundings
1) This is good if you have some idea of your position. 2) Locate two or more features around you like a road, church or a bridge. 3) Find the same locations on the map. 4) Line up the map locations with your sur- roundings that you picked. 5) Your map is now set- not precisely, but good enough so you know your direction.
Method 2 Setting north
1) With your compass bezel reading at zero, dial in the magnetic variation. 2) Place the compass on the map. 3) Line up the direction of travel arrow with grid north. 4) Twist the map with the compass on it until the compass needle sits inside the housing north. 5) Your map is now precisely set.
Part one dealt with getting from A to B, using a map and compass. Part two here will help you find your location and next month we will look at grid references & route cards.
RESECTION
1) Locate three definite features you can see on the ground. 2) Find these on your map. 3) Take a bearing to one feature. a. Remove magnetic variation. b. Convert to a back bearing (subtract 3200mils or 180 degrees)
4) Place your compass on the map. Place the compass edge on the feature, line up grid North with the housing orientating lines, draw a line from the feature. 5) Repeat steps three and four for the next features. 6) A small triangle will form where the lines meet. Your posi- tion is in the centre of this triangle.
THE DEFENCE FORCES MAGAZINE
