Mapwork Flashcards
How many cardinal points and how many ordinal points are there on a compass?
4 & 4
What should you do if you become lost or “temporarily disorientated”?
If temporarily disorientated or lost: Stay calm, be honest with your guests and explain that you are temporarily disorientated and are working out your bearings, consult your ATG, think about where you are and have been and envision how you got here, Look for prominent landmarks or features, draw a map on the ground and go back to basics, if overcast and unable to utilize the position of the sun; try the dead reckoning method to continue in a likely direction, even bring your guests in if necessary and ask them about landmarks and features.
What is a bearing?
A bearing is a horizontal angle measured in degrees from Magnetic or True North. A magnetic bearing is the angle between a real-world object and magnetic North using a compass that needs to be adjusted using the MD in order to transfer that angle to a map
What is a contour line?
A contour line is a line of continuous height above sea level which allows you to interpret the shape of the land; gradient of a slope and topographical characteristics of the land.
Name 5 natural direction indicators.
In the Southern Hemisphere; lichen will normally grow on the Southern side of rocks and trees where it gets less sun. Red-billed buffalo weavers normally build their nests on the West or NW side of trees. Growth rings on trees are usually wider on the Northern side. Termite mounds are often built along a N-S axis and tilt to the North. Knowing the direction that prominent mountain ranges run will assist in knowing direction.
What is Magnetic North and what is the difference between True North and MN known as?
Magnetic North is the northerly direction that a compass needle will point based off of the earth’s magnetic field. The difference between this and TN is known as Magnetic Declination (MD) and this is usually stated on the map; so you are able to adjust accordingly
Name several natural water indicators.
Note the surrounding topography and think of where water is likely to collect at the bottom of slopes and valleys. Follow natural drainage lines. Look for converging game paths; generally game paths converge onto fewer more well-worn tracks that head toward water. Water dependent birds such as double-banded sandgrouse fly directly to and from water in the late afternoon and evening. Listen for frogs and toads calling; usually near water. Dew can be collected if water is direly needed. Rocky areas may have permanent rivulets around them that may provide a source of fresh flowing water
How may you determine what is edible in the bush?
Anything monkeys eat is usually edible. *not so for baboons. Avoid milky latex plants. Exceptions are figs and num-nums. Unknown fruits that look like cucumbers or tomatoes should be avoided. Any fruit not fed on by animals should be avoided. A small amount of sap/juice on the tongue is a good indicator – any bitterness; burning or unpleasant taste is indicative of unpalatability.
Where is True North?
True North is directly toward the North Pole; the geographic North Pole where all lines of longitude converge.
Describe the process of dead reckoning.
Dead reckoning is the process by which after having decided on a direction; a person may make use of landscape features to ensure that they stay their course. Taking note of point A where you start and Point B where you are going; travel to point B. At point B; turn & take not of point A in relation to your present position. Extend that line to decide on a point C in front of you and repeat the process.
