1. NAVIGATION SKILLS 1 Maps & Compasses (Part 1)

2. Summary:  Basics  Maps  Scale Measuring Distances  Symbols

3. Basics  Reading a map is the most basic skill required for expeditions.  North is always to the top of the sheet.  Trust a map and compass over your intuition.  Practice makes perfect!  DofE use Ordinance Survey (OS) Maps.  All of this stuff will be covered again on day hikes, navigation weekend and practice expedition.

4. Scale  Real life objects are scaled down to map size.  Each map has its own scale.  OS Standard size is 1:25,000 (Think of it as one 25 thousandth of the original size).  Modern maps use kilometres, therefore… 1kilometre = 4 centimetres  OS maps use 1km x 1km blue grids: 1km

5. Measuring Distances  If you need to measure the distance between 2 points on a map - and it’s not a straight line - use a piece of string.  Alternatively, use a piece of scrap paper.  When on the expedition, use the lanyard string with your compass.  Then measure how much string you used with a ruler.  To scale the length, remember 4 cm = 1 km.

6. Symbols – Land Features

7. Symbols – Roads & Paths

8. Symbols - Other

9. For a printable list, see here: http://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/oswebsite/education/pdf/25k_english_legend_sep09.pdf http://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/oswebsite/education/pdf/25k_english_legend_sep09.pdf

10. Name those symbols! Public telephone Camp site Footpath Bridleway (Right of way over Private Land + Horses) Railway Station Byway (Open to all traffic) National Trail Symbol (used on path signs) National Trail (green diamonds)

11. Triangulation Pillar Pub (Public House) PH Footbridge FB Heath or rough grasslandMarsh, reeds or saltingsViewpoint Name those symbols!

12. Open Access Land  The land inside the thick orange border is Open Access Land.  This means you can travel across it freely, without sticking to footpaths.  When travelling on Private Land (outside Open Access Land), you must stick to footpaths, otherwise you’re trespassing.