Chapter 5 Mountaineering

How do you navigate with a map and compass?

-Measure the bearing to the objective on the map and follow that bearing - using the bearings, hold the compass in front of you and find your direction

When may it be necessary to mark your route?

If you are on a glacier or another lager and featureless area like a snowfield

How do you take a bearing on a map?

Measuring the direction from one point to another on a map (measured in degrees)

What is magnetic declination?

The difference between the direction to true north and the direction to magnetic north

What are some limitations with GPS?

When it is cold, it can affect the batteries and slow the gps system down

What is a clinometer?

A tool used to measure angles (feature of some compasses)

What map is essential for off trail travel?

A topographic map

Types of maps:

- Relief: shows whether, water sources, trail conditions, 3D landscapes - Sketch: simplistic images giving u basic information on a climb Guidebook: least amount of information (can still navigate) Topographic: shows u pictures of lines of elevations

Cautious of compass use:

- when measuring/ plotting bearings on a map, ignore the compass needle; align the meridian lines on the compass housing with north-south lines on a map - Keep metals away, they can affect the precision and accuracy of the compass needles - When in doubt, trust your compass -Keep your wits about you when you are putting the declination arrow and the direction-of-travel line

Typical speeds for average hiking group:

-General day Trail: 2-3 MPH (3-5kph) -Sleep trail (overnight): 1-2 MPH (2-3kph) -Cross country; moderate slope (day): 1,000 feet (300 meter) or elevation gain per hour -Cross country; moderate slope (overnight): 500 feet (150m) elevation gain per hour

How can an altimeter aid in rate or ascent, navigation, and predicting weather?

-Helps mountaineers decide whether to continue a climb or to turn back, by letting them calculate rates of ascent -It can determine your exact location -Altimeters and barometers operate oppositely of each other and show weather signs

What colors on a map tell you:

-Red: major roads and survey information -Blue: rivers, lakes, springs, waterfalls, etc.. -Black: minor roads, trails, railroads, features not part of the environment -Green: heavy forest -Brown: contour lines and elevations -Purple: partial revision of an existing map -White: color of the paper; can have different meanings depending on the terrain

How often does declination change?

0.5 degrees every year

Write 47 degrees, 52 minutes, 30 second North

47^ 52' 30" N

What is a baseline?

A long, unmistakable like that always lies in the same direction from you, no matter where you are during your trip

What to do if you are lost alone?

Find water sources; build shelter; DONT continue; go to an easy to see and open area

What is navigation?

Determining the location of your objective and staying pointed in the right direction from the starting point

What are contour lines?

Each line indicates a constant elevation as it follows the shape of the landscape

What is a altimeter?

It provides one simple piece of information that forms the basis for a tremendous amount of vital detail (similar to a compass) - basically a modified barometer (altimeter reads in feet or meters above sea level)

What is route finding?

Picking the best route for your objective

What is intentional off set?

Purposely setting your compass bearing above or below your destination so when you hit a handrail, you know which way to travel

What is point position?

The hail of orientation is to determine that precise point on the earth where you are standing - that position can then be represented by a mere dot on the map

What does the scale on the map tell u?

The scale is a ratio between measurements on the map and real world - Ex: 1 inch= 1 mile (1:24000)

What do you do if you are lost?

Try and determine your location and where your party is. If close retrace steps; If not, stay put

What is GPS?

Uses 24 satellites orbiting around the earth; needs at least 3 to pick up signal to give you your location and altitude