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EXP 121 Route Planning & Navigation: (Route Planning AJ (No plan…
EXP 121 Route Planning & Navigation:
Compass ZS
Orienteering ZS
Align north/south on your map with the grid on your compass ZS
Add or subtract for magnetic declination ZS
Average is about 15 degrees for the ADK region
Check map to see the year it was made (BK)
Add for going from map to land, subtract for going from land to map ZS
Have a plan (BK)
Have a backstop(BK)
Download maps before leaving (BK)
Maybe even a backup plan (ACK)
have a turn around point/time BR
Give yourself enough time to run into problems RS
Estimate distance by finding your 100m pace count (BK)
pick up pebbles or other small objects to keep track of longer counts (BK)
red in the shed (ACK)
Find your bearing (ACK)
Follow the compass needle while picking objects to keep you going in the right direction (ACK)
Check it often and keep in mind the general direction you are travelling ZS
Make sure the compass is in good condition ZS
Magnetic interference with the needle of the compass can make it not effective ZS
Be aware of the difference between true and magnetic north
True north- universally accepted northern point, the north pole ZS
Magnetic north- The northern most point of earths magnetic field that does not remain stationary ZS
Big to little/ little to big (world to map/map to world) (ACK)
Permits BR
Do your research, certain tracts of wilderness require them
Wilderness areas often require them for backpacking
National Parks require backpacking passes
They are a form of crowd control
respect a regions rules/permits and abide by them
larger groups require permits (MK)
COVID rules have instilled new rules and new permit regulations (MK)
Navigation ZS
Maps ZS
Know how to read topographic lines and their features ZS
Know the elevation interval of the topo lines ZS
Be aware of the scale of the map to be able to calculate rough distances ZS
Know how to read grid coordinates ZS
All maps read true north AJ
Getting a map that covers less area will ordinarily have much more detail RS
You can also orient your map for your path of travel, it will help you read minor turns and bends in the trail RS
make sure the map is up-to-date (MK)
Look for land features (ACK)
Purpose (BK)
Finding a challenging route (BK)
Finding easiest route (BK)
Find routes suitable for your specific clients (HS)
Specific obstacles and land marks (BK)
If you're taking the time to go on a trip, you might as well find the most scenic route BG
Handrails AJ
Rivers/streams
Roads in some areas RS
Look for Ridgeline (HS)
Creeks (HS)
Backstop at a lake (HS)
Sun AJ
Can be used to tell east and west AJ
A natural clock BG
Isn't a perfect method. RS
Use Triangulation (HS)
compass features (BK)
Rotating bezel (BK)
contains fluid to reduce needle vibrations (BK)
surrounded by a dial with 0-360 (BK)
Has a red and black arrow for North and south (BK)
Floats on liquids so it can rotate freely (HS)
Transparent baseplate (BK)
Contains direction of travel lines (BK)
Orienting Lines (HS)
Rulers (BK)
Used to measure distance on the map (BK)
Comes with rope (idiot leash) so you don't lose it BG
rope that comes with compass can be useful for measuring distances RS
Magnetic Needle (HS)
Index line marks bearing (HS)
Direction of arrow shows which direction you need to go when the needle is in the housing (HS)
Luminous Strip to navigate at night (HS)
Resources (ACK)
Maps (ACK)
Topographic Map:Topographic maps are a detailed record of a land area, giving geographic positions and elevations for both natural and man-made features. They show the shape of the land the mountains, valleys, and plains by means of brown contour lines (lines of equal elevation above sea level). The topographic map is a two-dimensional representation of the Earth's three dimensional landscape.(AM)
Paper Maps (AM)
Never Run out of Power (AM)
Store in waterproof/plastic baggie (AM)
Can write / take notes on it (AM)
Outdate quickly (AM)
Could get wet/ruined (AM)
Information on Topographic Map (AM)
Relief - mountains, valleys, slopes, depressions as
defined by contours (AM)
Hydrography: lakes, rivers, streams, swamps,
rapids, falls (AM)
Vegetation: wooded areas (AM)
Transportation: roads, trails, railways, bridges,
airports/airfield, seaplane anchorages (AM)
Culture: buildings, urban development, power
transmission line, pipelines, towers (AM)
Boundaries: international, provincial/territorial,
administrative, recreational, geographical (AM)
Toponymy: place names, water feature names,
landform names, boundary names (AM)
Digital Maps (AM)
Require power (AM)
Require reception (AM)
Potentially undermines navigation skills (AM)
Small scale maps - give overview of area (AM)
Large Scale Maps - give more detailed view of terrain/area (AM)
GPS (ACK)
Rely on battery BR
Can be used in remote areas as they rely on satellites BR
May need to find an opening so it has a straight shot at the sky BG
Bring replacement batteries BG
Guide books (ACK)
Cell phone (ACK)
Apps (ACK)
All trails (ACK)
Download maps incase loss of service (HS)
Allows you to plot your route and notifies you if you become off of your planned route RS
Allows you to send update or emergency messages to predetermined contacts even with little service. RS
Mountain Project (ACK)
FATMAP AJ
Apple and Google maps will always show you which way you're facing regardless of service BG
Gaia GPS (AW)
Reliable to an extent BR
Cell phones can die
Usually requires service
Can take pictures to remember certain features (HS)
Have ability to update in real time. RS
Compass (ACK)
Charts AJ
Used when on the water AJ
Shows Depths AJ
Only detail land that you can see from the water RS
Local knowledge TK
Get in contact with the state or federal agencies that manage the are you will be traveling in
Many of the people who work there spend the majority of their time in the backcountry and are very in tune with the necessary knowledge for planning trips
Often will have maps and other helpful information for planning
They will have the most up to date information about permits, closure, reported dangers, and other things to watch out for
Find the older guru in the area, with years more experience than most, their beta is likely the most reliable
Take everything with a grain of salt
Independently verify your beta
If multiple people say the same thing it's likely solid info
Ask multiple people about your plan
Much more important with higher consequence activities
Remember that just because someone sounds like they know what they're doing, doesn't mean that they do know what they're doing
Ask around in outdoor stores and guide operations in the area
Get to know what the terrain is like currently, from people who are out there often
Ask around on online forums for people who are familiar with the area
Coordinate systems BR
UTM
Universal Transverse Mercator
Grid system in metric laid out over the earth
UPS
Universal Polar Stereograph
Like UTM, uses a metric grid
unlike UTM, UPS covers the polar regions
Lat/Longitude
Lines based off the distance from the prime meridian and the quator
Measured in hours/minutes/seconds
Route Planning AJ
Make sure to have the appropriate map for your location AJ
make sure you can read said map AJ
When deciding where you will be going take into account the season and possible risks you may encounter and prepare accordingly AJ
Check weather before hand AJ
have a way to check weather while in the back country as well incase the forecast changes (AW)
Naismith Rule AJ
Used to calculate the amount of time a certain route will take AJ
Rule states that you should add 1 hour for every 2000 feet AJ
Allow 1 hour for every 3 miles(5k) AJ
Make sure to take account for all that are going and their physical fitness level AJ
Make sure your route is public property (HS)
Pick spots for your clients that are enjoyable (like a view) (HS)
A good view of the mountains, Lake, stars, etc (AW)
pick a convenient route for your clients, you can challenge them but do not put them in danger for a "cool" trip (MK)
make sure you are tracking your paces for time management (AW)
Use resources (maps, apps, ask local or experienced hikers familiar with area/park) to determine campsite (AM)
Water sources along route / near campsite (AM)
Pacing - miles per hour/day (don't forget to consider Naismith Rule) (AM)
Time: how much time do you have (hours, days) (AM)
Distance - how far do you want to go?
How many miles before rest/shelter (AM)
Identify potential spots for backup campsite(s) (AM)
Consideration of LNT while planning route (AM)
look over LNT guidelines, they differ on areas (some more specified) (MK)
tailor your route to your physical capabilities, do NOT overdo it, the backcountry is not the place to mess up (MK)
Find and make note of hidden dangers before you come across them in person TK
Be aware of where the crevasse field starts, and where you can stop and be safe while you rope up
Know if your route will take you onto more dangerous glacial terrain
Route finding in avalanche terrain
Find a representative slope with lower consequences and dig a pit for stability tests before moving to high consequence, big, and steep slopes (the best skiing)
Extended column test
Compression test
Shovel tilt test
Shovel shear test
Rutschblock test
Check online 3D maps, physical maps, and topo lines so that you know where the potential avalanche risk is highest
Avalanches can happen anywhere from 25 50 degrees
30 to 40 degrees is the main danger zone
The absolute most common angle for avalanches to occur is 36-38 degrees
Compare the dangerous aspects on the avalanche report with the aspect slopes that you intend to be on
Know what the main avalanche problems are before setting out.
Follow ridge lines and avoid getting to close to cornices
No plan survives contact with the enemy TK
A plan is necessary before setting off into the woods
Be okay with changing the plan
Nothing in nature can be predicted with 100% accuracy
Make sure that when the plan does change, you are still making sound and logical decisions. Check your partners and plan around what you know, not how you feel
Timing and Pacing
Lots of energy is wasted by starting off to fast BG
1-2 mph for starters BG
2-4 mph as you warm up BG
Pacing
Find how many paces it take you to walk 100yds BG
walk natural and smooth to get an accurate result BG
Different terrain will impact your total paces taken per 100 yds BG
Pacing Beads
Used to keep track of how many paces have been taken BG
Usually has 10 beads on the rope BG
Pacing is used to keep track of how far you've hiking without using a device BG
when guiding a group of clients, your pacing will slow since they are not as experienced as you (AW)
take this into consideration when figuring out timing (AW)
NAISMITHS rule - Allow one hour for every 3 miles (5 km) forward, plus an additional hour for every 2,000 feet (600 m) of ascent. RS
take into account of how much elevation is gained/lost during the route, this will change timing (MK)
Keep the pace of the slowest person in the group TK
If you are going faster than they can maintain, you will just end up slowing yourself down more when you eventually need to stop because they can't go on.
Pretty rude to hike ahead of someone all the time, wait for them to catch up, give them less time than you had to recover and drink water, and then repeat the process
Switch who leads the group to allow everyone to move at a pace that is comfortable for them for awhile. [LP]
Slower hikers will slow down the group, which could potentially put the group in a compromising position. though it is important to give everyones pace a chance, it is equally important to stay on track. [LP]
Plan routes that allow for switchbacks if the trip requires increases in elevation.
Identifying your location (AW)
From the map (AW)
"I think I am here on the map. If I am I must be able to see these features" (AW)
From the ground (AW)
"I can see these features. Where are they on the map?" (AW)
from a compass bearing (AW)
Hold the compass flat and point at the direction of travel. (AW)
turn the compass housing until the arrow lies under the magnetic needle and the red end of magnetic needle point north. (AW)
Read off bearing (AW)
From transit lines (AW)
creating a triangle from a main feature and 2 points on the trail (on the map) and then figuring out which point you are on the trail (AW)
From resection (AW)
very challenging (AW)
it's a process of identifying three features, and drawing lines to place you in a triangle on the map. (AW)
From the slope aspect (AW)
Not that accurate and only eliminates where your not (AW)
physical features (MK)
look around you and try to find a distinct feature, then find it on the map (MK)
Weather/Season (MK)
you better have the forecast for the week checked out and an updated one during the trip if you can (MK)
bring proper equipment according to the weather (MK)
bring equipment specified for activity/climate (MK)
take note of the season you are planning the trip in (MK)
be aware of how the seasons affect where you are going (MK)
though it is not a typical means of navigating, maritime expeditions were navigated by locating their position based on the constellations. [LP]
its not the most practical use though, given that you need clear skies and you need to travel at night in open waters where there are no features obstructing your view. Would not recommend. [LP]
EXP 121 Route Planning & Navigation
Orienteering Terminology (KH)
Control (KH)
Point located on your course that you must visit - MO
Decision point (KH)
Contouring (KH)
Depression 1 and 2 (KH)
Contour interval (KH)
Elephant track (KH)
Path that appears during a competition due to large amounts of people going through the same route - MO
Contour (KH)
Hand rail/Line feature (KH)
Anything on the map that can be followed such as path, stream or wall. (KH)
Compass (KH)
Device used for orientating oneself (KH)
Shooting a compass Bearing
Line the compass edge connecting where you are to the point you are shooting to
rotate the bezel so the red lines are parallel to the north-south lines on the map
adjust for declination
Declination: the difference between True north and Magnetic North at a given location
15 degree declination on the East coast of North America
keep red in the shed and follow the arrow towards the destination
Niche (KH)
A small re-entrant (KH)
Collecting feature (KH)
Pace counting (KH)
Know how many paces you take to walk 100 meters.
Catching feature/Backstop (KH)
Obvious feature located past your control that tells you you've missed the control - MO
Protractor compass (KH)
Bearing(KH)
Direction determined using a compass (KH)
Re-entrant (KH)
Base-plate compass (KH)
Protractor compass, simple, clear back, good for maps and reading bearings (KH)
Relocation (KH)
FInding where you are after you've gotten lost - MO
Attack point (KH)
Feature near your control that's easier to find - MO
Relocating feature (KH)
Aiming off (KH)
Scale (KH)
Know if your map is in metric system.know how big each tile is.
Col (KH)
The lowest point on a ridge connecting two peaks (KH)
Ring contour (KH)
Tick off feature (KH)
Timing (KH)
Similar to pace counting but timing uses the amount of time between two points to determine the distance (KH)
C.L.A.P (CL)
communication (CL)
Communicate often, communicate your plan and keep in contact via radio or SPOT Device when out of vocal contact - MO
line of sight (CL)
In a group, No one person should be out of sight by themselves, group members should be within the line of sight of at least one other person - MO
anticipation (CL)
Use your experience to plan ahead, think of what is most likely to go wrong and plan for it - MO
position/ position of maximum usefulness (CL)
This varies from sport to sport, as a leader you should be where you are needed most, this may not always be the front of the group, but perhaps could be aiding a struggling group member. In an emergency, ensure that your position is not one where you could become an additional victim. - MO
https://www.leatherman.com/blog/outdoor/clap-an-acronym-that-can-save-you-in-the-outdoors
(CL)
Debriefing (CL)
it is important to debrief in a number of different situations (CL)
as well as a good daily practice (CL)
after unexpected situations, to improve communication, after expected situations just to talk through and process (CL)
this helps to smooth out miscommunication (CL)
learn valuable lessons (CL)
improves working with others smoothly/ better group dynamics (CL)
good to gain others perspectives on situations/ see others point of view and thought process (CL)
can help in educating others and yourself (CL)
helps lift stress or worry off others and the overall group (CL)
there are different approaches to debriefing, some prompted (CL)
talking stick, stone, elected "thing" (CL)
rose, bud, thorn (CL)
popcorn (CL)
clockwise around a circle, or counter-clockwise (CL)
can be an open conversation, people share as they like and contribute to a rolling convo (CL)
Maps (DG)
Digital maps such as gamins are good because they can also show ur exact location.
Can run out of battery if you are not careful.
Bring a backup means of navigation in the event this one dies - MO
paper maps are good for orienteering with a compass.
The less area the map covers the more detail it will have
Make sure ur map is up to date. consider how much it rained recently.
Can use surrounding lakes, rivers, mountains, roads as markers
Can read topographical lines to determine location
Make sure your the map you have covers the whole area you will be using
You can take a bearing to know where you need to go
Line up the compass with where you are and where you need to go
Put red in the shed
adjust for Declanation
Charts
used for navigating bodies of water
shows depth, flashing lights, shipping routes
maps like to get old (BG)
Is this map up to date
Does this map account for man made changes
have natural causes changed the area
Where am I?
Beware of bending the map
rely on the 3 reason rule
Find 3 features on the map that match where you are to be able to confidently say where you are
features can include elevation, steepness of slope, drainages, water sources, mountains, roads, trails, pace counting
always check for yourself, don't just assume someone else is correct
If on a marked trail, look up for trail markers and if the color and marker is correct. MW
Take a minute to assess your surroundings. MW
Weather
Know the weather forecast, Plan your clothing and shelter around it - MO
Continue checking the forecast along your trip as it get's updated if possible - MO
If going for a day trip, Prepare the means to construct an appropriate emergency shelter for the weather should the trip go too long - MO
Route Planning - EF
Group Ability - EF
Harder routes can be used if group ability is higher - EF
Group ability is defined by the member with the lowest ability, not average of everyone - EF
Consider amount of people and laws In the area (BG)
Length of Trip - EF
Shorter trips can have harder routes, if you're only out for a day and can sleep in your bed that night, you can push yourself very hard - EF
Longer trips should also have rest days planned in, where people take time to relax - EF
Nature Conditions - EF
Weather - EF
Water Level - EF
Type of Trip - EF
Very simple, if you're doing a Canoe Trip don't hike for 50 miles in 2 days - EF
Size of Group - EF
Bigger groups will have more issues traversing difficult routes, or routes where they may have to go single file - EF
Parts of a compass
Magnetized needle- the end that always points to the magnetic pole is usually colored red or white
Orienting arrow- used to orient the bezel, it has an outline shaped to exactly fit the magnetized end of the needle. Red in the shed
Direction-of-travel arrow- tells you which direction to point the compass when you’re following a bearing
Ruler- used with your map’s scale to determine distances.
Orienting lines- llines that rotate with the bezel
Baseplate- you can see the map below it, it has at least one straight edge for taking bearings
How to use a compass
Orient your map
Adjust declination0-magnetic north (where your needle points) and true north differ by a few degrees. That difference is declination
Take a bering
Set your compass on the map so that the straight side lines up between your current position and the map location for a destination
Make sure the direction of travel arrow is pointing in the direction
Now rotate the bezel until the orienting lines on the compass are aligned with the north/south grid lines
Charts BG
gyroscopic compasses are Ideal
use lights marked for night navigation
show depth
have bouies marked
provides locations of dangers
shows fairy routes
shows anchorages
waterproof nautical maps
GPS(BG)
Consider carrying with a map and compass as backup
limited battery
Can be combatted by bringing extra batteries and using Alkaline MW
consider what satellite Is used Ie (GLonass) Galileo
can show Instant position
Estimations (AC)
Estimating Pace and time: (Naismith's Rule) around 19 1/2- 20 minutes per mile plus 30 minutes for every 1000 ft of elevation gain. (AC)
Variables that affect speed: high elevation, walking up an incline, dehydration, hunger, avoiding obstacles etc. (AC)
Also, the capabilities of people in your group may be different. If someone is a less experienced hiker they might move at a much slower pace than others. Age could also be a factor when considering this. (AC)
Pacing vs Timing- this rule wont apply to every situation. A groups pace should be set by the slowest person in the group. If you need to get somewhere by a certain time you should have already assessed the pace of the group and possible start the day earlier if you think its going to be a problem getting somewhere on time (AC)
Estimating distance: it may be difficult to get an accurate distance reading from just glancing at a map. You have to sit down with the map and use something like a piece of string to measure your route on the map with the string and then compare it to the distance key on the map. (AC)
Guidebooks are very helpful and can inform you of climbing routes and hiking routes that are made by professionals that can also include dangers and things to consider (AC)
Guidebooks are relevant based on area and certain trails. MW
Tons of good information on the approach, location and how skilled you should be along with preparation and endurance. MW
Legal permits (in NY) (AC)
These rules change from state to state as well as in different countries so they should be researched before planning a trip (AC)
If backcountry camping on state land for more than 3 days you need to get a free permit from a ranger (or in a group of 10+ people) (AC)
Temporary Revocable Permit if someone is delivering rations or supplies to your group (AC)
Outdoor Guide permit for anyone that is guiding on state land (AC)
Permits and requirements for trail use. MW
Group size depends on where camp. MW
In New York the group size in one campsite is 8 and a travelling group is 16
Fishing licenses are required after you turn 16. MW
Snowshoeing and cross country skiing is the only form of travel allowed due to post holes from walking in deep snow. Generally instated after 8 inches of snow. MW
Parks can require day passes to enter. MW
Sign in and out of the log to ensure safety of the group and that the trail has use.
Permits can be required for use of vehicles such as snow mobiles, quads, dirt bikes, and other motorized vehicles. They will also require license and registration. MW
Call the park services of the park you plan on attending and the rangers will give you a permit for the alotted time you plan to stay. Alert them of the time you come and leave. MW
Visitor centers in more high traffic areas can give you a pass for a price usually. They also have maps of the area with marked trails with difficulties on them. MW
Useful to plan a trip whether short or long. MW
Permits are useful to set up a plan of action if someone was to get hurt. MW
People
Amelia Carter-Kelly (ACK)
Steve
Zachary Smith
Ben Koblensky (BK)
Andrew Jarvis AJ
Ben Rosenberg BR
Haley Steffey (HS)
Brian Graf BG
Ryan Szuch RS
Audri Walworth (AW)
Amy Macaluso
Michaela Kruger (MK)
Tim Kelleher
People 2
Will Reddy (WR)
Kate Hale (KH)
Caper Loomis (CL)
Daniel(DG)
Mark
Al
Erik (EF)
Sylvie
Billy G (BG)
Andie (AC)
Matt W
Compass AND Map Brands (WR)
PATC (WR)
Beartooth Publishing (WR)
Garmin Mico Card (WR)
National Geograph(WR)
Benchmark Maps (WR)
DeLorme (WR)
Adirondack Mountain Club (WR)
Ice age Trail Altas(WR)
Adventure Maps (WR)
Purple Lizard Maps (WR)
Tom Harrison Catorty (WR)
Map Adventures (WR)
Cameenge (WR)
Brunton (WR)
Suunto (WR)
OUTDOOR tRAIL Maps (WR)
People
Mora Sullivan (MS)
Curtis Howard (CH)
Matt Hubbard (MH)
Brian Chrystal (BC)
Bo Allen
Wheelz Pelton (Wp)
Ranch Keane (RK)
Cal Seeley