[dunerunner]

If the ocean ever changes position or the rotation of the earth changes I'm sunk. But wait...if the magnetic core shifts we'll have to float Al Gore in a pond to find magnetic north.

[Jeehs]

Thanks for the Info, I planned to learn how to use a compass but have never really knew where to start. Hunting here in Rural Tennessee where the Major landmark is HWY 64, It helps too know how to use a compass.
Like I said before, Thank you very much for the Information, It will be used well.

[mrm14]

I'm fair to middelin when it comes to compasses, enough to get me close to where I want to go. This thread, however, is very good info. I can see it helping me alot becoming more proficient at using one. Am looking at some of the books you suggested as well.

[collegekid20]

This is a great post, I have always wanted to now how to use a compass, but never had a clue where to start other than google. Thx for the info, I think I'll try that book.

[superc]

I 'hate' UTM because many GPSs aren't pre configured by their owners for it. Likewise in the US civilian maps use one type of UTM coordinate, while the military maps use a different one. Much easier to say go to NAD 78,000 43.000 and their GPS will make the meet happen. Good post though.

Everyone should know this stuff. Even though I haven't used them since the coming of the Magellan 315, I still have several different compass types laying around. Truth be told, not much less than the sudden loss of the ionosphere (other than the simultaneous detonation of 20 - 30 equidistant placed 40 meg hydrogen warheads just below the the ionosphere to force an expansion of the ionosphere is likely to make the GPS satellites fail. Of course if the Ionosphere goes, so too does most life, so worry about the GPS will be way down on the priority list. I much prefer it when my topo maps have NAD latitude and longitude grid lines rather than UTM. I had several maps of places I go customized to show the lat and long rather than the stock UTM. Several of today's hand held GPS units do allow one to take a bearing. You may have to take one or three steps in the direction to get your reading, but the system is accurate. There is a game called geocaching in which someone hides something small (like a dog tag in the woods) somewhere, then lets others know the coordinates where the item is. There are websites devoted to the game. Many GPS units will bring you to within 30 feet of the place. Some even closer. Finding cached items from a starting point several miles away that way can be fun.

[Dillinger]

This is a very excellent thread that I missed. This thread is now stuck for everyone to be able to find quickly and learn from the master.

Very well done sir!

JD