Direction finding

[bacpacker]

I found a couple YouTube vid's on finding grid distance and elevation using topos maps. I haven't watched them all in full yet. but what I saw they are worth checking out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYLxZ_F7DEw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KKts3nApuZI

Here is a link to a site called Map Tools and has quite a bit of information on UTM.

http://www.maptools.com/UsingUTM/index.html

[ak474u]

I found a couple YouTube vid's on finding grid distance and elevation using topos maps. I haven't watched them all in full yet. but what I saw they are worth checking out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYLxZ_F7DEw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KKts3nApuZI

Here is a link to a site called Map Tools and has quite a bit of information on UTM.

http://www.maptools.com/UsingUTM/index.html

I just go in the direction of the sun all day.... Wait, that doesn't sound right.

[Sniper-T]

I haven't even given hem a peek... but if this is something you are going to rely on... make sure that the maps are properly declinated for your location and time. depending on he map... it could be a difference of huge miles!!!

[ElevenBravo]

BP mentioned UTM. Id like to take the time to add to this...

I am an expert at MGRS... Or for you sillyvilians... 1K meter grids. MGRS is simple enough even a grunt cant do it.. so it MUST be stupid simple! (Yeah, I know... Im cutting on myself now!)

Anyway... MGRS is easy to use, master and teach. The thing about UTM and MGRS, they share the 1K meter grid square... the system is different, but close enough for hand grenades! UTM is super simple to learn, and use, and master... this is one reason many SAR teams, among an array of others... are abandoning the "outdated" Lat/Lon system in favour of UTM.

I can set my GPS to UTM and print a map of my area using Nat Geo's software, and VERY EASILY use the two together... I can even teach my daughter....

Lat/Lon is a good system, but... the SHEER COMPLEXITY of the system will leave you baffled and lost even after a month of training.

I would like to urge everyone that is into landnav to check into UTM and give it serious consideration for your primary co-ords system.

HTH,
EB