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Thanks for the feedback. I tried to make it as clear as possible so I appreciate the validation. Honestly, I have terrible natural bearings and I've never reli

by jameal 4y ago

Thanks for the feedback. I tried to make it as clear as possible so I appreciate the validation. Honestly, I have terrible natural bearings and I've never relied on a map and compass but I would love to practice with an app like what you're describing. There's some ultramarathon race I remember reading about where contestants bushwack an insane distance through some stretch of woods over a few days using only compass and map. I don't think I'd even make it a mile!

photochemsyn 4y ago
Those are orienteering competitions, it takes a certain type to enjoy them. It's not too hard to learn the basics however. First, try to orient the map to the surroundings based on landmarks which you get readings on using the compass. (A more expensive compass with a mirror for sight readings is kind of essential, also with an adjustment for your local magnetic vs. true north offset, which can be fairly large). Here is where having a satellite GPS to get your location on the map makes life a whole lot easier, but orienteering types sniff at such aids. Once the map is oriented, plot your straight-line course to your desired location on the map (although you may have to go around obstacles, so then you have to plot a zig-zag route). Then, use the compass to follow that plot as best you are able, re-orienting the map every once in a while to landmarks to verify your location. Checking against an altimeter also helps ensure you are where you think you are. It's amazing how fast one can get off-track in whiteout conditions due to snow or heavy clouds, though. And if there are no visible landmarks in flat country, then having a satellite GPS is pretty key! (as long as the batteries last).
js2 4y ago
I'm guessing you're thinking of the https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barkley_Marathons https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barkley_Marathons https://barkleymovie.com/ https://barkleymovie.com/ https://vimeo.com/97270099 https://vimeo.com/97270099 I've completed a few ultra marathons but only on well marked impossible to get lost on trails. I'm not even brave enough for the http://www.uwharrie100.com/ http://www.uwharrie100.com/
- jameal 4y ago
  Yes that's it! Absolutely insane. I'm sure it's thrilling but I would rather just hang out in a small area and enjoy the nature.

by jameal 4y ago

photochemsyn 4y ago

Those are orienteering competitions, it takes a certain type to enjoy them. It's not too hard to learn the basics however. First, try to orient the map to the surroundings based on landmarks which you get readings on using the compass. (A more expensive compass with a mirror for sight readings is kind of essential, also with an adjustment for your local magnetic vs. true north offset, which can be fairly large). Here is where having a satellite GPS to get your location on the map makes life a whole lot easier, but orienteering types sniff at such aids. Once the map is oriented, plot your straight-line course to your desired location on the map (although you may have to go around obstacles, so then you have to plot a zig-zag route). Then, use the compass to follow that plot as best you are able, re-orienting the map every once in a while to landmarks to verify your location. Checking against an altimeter also helps ensure you are where you think you are. It's amazing how fast one can get off-track in whiteout conditions due to snow or heavy clouds, though. And if there are no visible landmarks in flat country, then having a satellite GPS is pretty key! (as long as the batteries last).

js2 4y ago

I'm guessing you're thinking of the https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barkley_Marathons https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barkley_Marathons https://barkleymovie.com/ https://barkleymovie.com/ https://vimeo.com/97270099 https://vimeo.com/97270099 I've completed a few ultra marathons but only on well marked impossible to get lost on trails. I'm not even brave enough for the http://www.uwharrie100.com/ http://www.uwharrie100.com/

jameal 4y ago
Yes that's it! Absolutely insane. I'm sure it's thrilling but I would rather just hang out in a small area and enjoy the nature.