Souris & Area Branch of the P.E.I. Wildlife Federation

A topographical map is a drawing of an area as seen from the air. By the use of symbols, the map maker tells you the impact of the terrain, nature and man, of which you are about to cross.
Study your map for a while and absorb the data provided. Note the contour lines. The intervals are graduated in metres. If the contour lines are close together, it indicates a steep climb. Intervals drawn far apart show an easier walk. This information is important with planning an event to suit the needs and abilities of your group.
It is important to determine the declination of the area you are visiting. Declination is the difference between magnetic north and true north. Your map should show this difference.
The simplest way to use map and compass together is to as soon as you get your map, continue the north-south magnetic line all the way up through the map. Draw other lines parallel to it 2.54 cm apart.

The lines will be your magnetic north-south orientation. You can estimate distances at a glance so that they will read exactly alike and you won't have to worry about the difficult methods of calculating declination.

To orient your map and compass, set the compass on the map and turn the map until the magnetic north-south lines are aligned with the north-south arrow of your compass. Your map is now oriented.

Before starting a hike it is vital to check your compass and bearing. It is a secondary check that you haven't left your compass in the car or at your campsite. Your hike likely will commence from or near a motorway. Always locate your starting position on the map in relation to the known entry point. Determine your intended direction of travel on the map and compass before you start to move your feet.

Should you become lost or confused, the opposite compass bearing to the one used for entering the path will direct you back to the originating place. Every hiker who enters the wilderness must learn and practice finding direction using a compass. Whether it is a few hours or days, the basics of using map and compass will comfortably allow anyone to do so.

A compass allows you to hike to a certain spot - a hill, lake, or other location, even if you can't keep it in sight. There are two methods: first, take information from the map, and second, use your compass.
When using the field-sight method, face the object. Hold the compass in front of you so the needle is directly over the N for north. Sight your target directly across the compass towards the object. The direction will be expressed in degrees. You must memorize it. It is best write it down.
You may now walk to your destination even should you walk from a hill to a valley and lose sight of it. It is best to pick objects to walk to that are directly in your compass line. Walk to one after the other until you are safely arrive.

If you have travelled this wilderness in an earlier hike, it is best to not rely on your memory. Check and double-check every landmark and feature against your map. Use your map and compass. Know and use the map symbols.

After you have hiked the area, you will easily return to the place you left from simply by adding or subtracting your previous bearing. An example would be that the bearing you were travelling was 45 degrees west. Add 180 degrees to this, making your return bearing 225 degrees east. This is the direction opposite of the bearing you entered the trail on.

Four points;
1. Place the compass on the map.
2. Choose a landmark along your direction of travel.
3. Walk to this point.
4. Trust always in the compass.

You forgot your compass. While disconcerting, on a sunny day there is a secondary resource. It is your wristwatch. To find north with your watch, point the hour hand directly at the sun. The point half-way between the hour hand and 12 o'clock will be south. The opposite will be north.
At 12 noon, the sun is always in the south. In winter, the sun rises in the south-east. It sets in the south-west. In the summer, the sun rises in the north-east. It sets in the north-west. In the spring and autumn, the sun rises in the east. It sets in the west.
Many trails have blazes (markers) open to view. They may be coloured paint blazes or signs pointing the way. In Nordic countries they will be placed high off the ground so as to be seen above the snow in winter. If employed and properly installed, they will be spaced so the hiker will see the next marker from the previous one.
Many trails have interpretive signs to enhance your experience.
Canada uses the metric system for calculating distance. It would be best to familiarize yourself so you may calculate without error the distances you will travel.

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They may not be copied without permission of the photographer and the Souris & Area Branch of the P.E.I. Wildlife Federation.