BRONZE - HANDRAIL NAVIGATION - SYLLABUS

a) Understanding the nature of a map as a two dimensional ground plan.

b) Understanding map symbols, scales and the underlying principle of the magnetic compass including cardinal points. Ordinance Survey maps, Harvey Walkers' maps, specialist maps from organisations like the British Waterways Board or the Orienteering maps - or a selection of these - can be covered here depending on circumstances and resources. Factors like grid reference, magnetic variation and contour formations will bulk large or small depending on the type of map being used.

The National Grid provides a unique reference system which can be applied to all Ordinance Survey maps of Great Britain at all scales. The map of Great Britain is covered by 100 kilometre grid squares, each of which is identified by a set of two letters.

On Ordinance Survey maps the 100 km squares are further sub-divided into smaller squares by grid-lines representing 10 km spacing, each numbered from O to 9 in an easterly (left to right) and northerly (upwards) direction from the south west corner. Using this system you can identify the 1:25,000 Pathfinder maps of your area. After the letters you quote the eastings first- then the northings. If you have trouble remembering, say "along the hall then up the stairs". On Ordinance Survey Landranger Maps, you can find the two grid letters on the edge of the map and the grid has been further divided into 1 km intervals. You can estimate distances between the grid lines to give a more precise reference. The 6 figure grid reference. Many map users find this very useful to locate a particular building or meeting place. By estimating the easting and northings to one tenth of the grid interval you can specify a full six figure map reference, accurate to within 100 metres on the ground. All you do is guess how many tenths away from the grid your point falls. Halfway to the next grid is five tenths - and so on. Once again quote all the eastings first - then the northings. The 100 metre grid reference is shown for example like this TL 763517.

Remember when dividing each km square into 10 (for 6 fig ref), the FIRST division is 0 NOT 1, and covers a distance of 100 m. A six figure reference is an AREA 100 m x 100 m NOT a point.

c) Orientating the map to ground with and without a compass.

Always keep your map oriented, in good visibility use features, in bad visibility a compass. If possible always keep your thumb indicating your present position. Never pass up good opportunity to confirm your position.

To set a map without a compass

(1) Find your position on the map and look for landmarks (roads, churches. etc.).

(2) Turn the map so that the landmarks on the map line up with the real ones. To set a map using the compass

(l) Place the edge of the compass along the north-south grid lines on the map.

(2) Turn the circular scale to show the Magnetic Variation at the point (C). (Magnetic Variation is different for different maps, but you will find it given at the bottom of the map. It is usually about four degrees west)

(3) Turn map and compass together so that the red needle lies directly over the arrow.

d) The use of line features (e.g. paths or streams) as handrails in simple navigational exercises using the thumb to indicate position on the map.

Any linear feature can be used as a hand rail; streams, paths, walls, the edges of forests etc. By linking these together it is often possible to make an easily followed route. Although this may sometimes be longer it is more reliable way of getting to a target.

e) The ability to judge approximate distances by reference from map to ground.

f) An appreciation of the relationship between land forms and other distinct objects as indicated on the map.

g) An understanding of safety procedures, basic first aid, appropriate clothing and equipment required for countryside navigation.

h) Knowledge and application of the Country Code.

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