Answer:
Why does one need to know the basic directions?
Direction is used to determine where things are in relation to other things. Sometimes direction is vague, like when we talk about things being in that general direction. For geographic purposes, direction is more specific.
It can describe position, like in the sentence Susie sits to the left of Adam. Susies direction is to the left of Adam; Adams direction is to the right of Susie. Direction can also describe movement: Susie can walk forward or backward, and she can turn left or right when walking to school.
Describe the 4 basic directions.
North, east, south, and west are the four cardinal directions, often marked by the initials N, E, S, and W. East and west are at right angles to north and south. East is in the clockwise direction of rotation from north. West is directly opposite east. The sun's position in the sky can be used to determine east and west if the general time of day is known. In the morning, the sun rises roughly in the east and tracks upwards. In the evening it sets roughly in the west.
What is a compass?
Compass
A compass is a device that shows the cardinal directions used for navigation and geographic orientation. It commonly consists of a magnetized needle or other element, such as a compass card or compass rose, which can pivot to align itself with magnetic north. Other methods may be used, including gyroscopes, magnetometers, and GPS receivers.
What are the three (3) ways to give directions using a compass? Explain each.
STEP 1
You may not be able to get from where you are to your ultimate destination in one go. In that case, you should break the journey down into more manageable steps. Set the compass on the map so the edge of the base plate (remember what that is?) serves as a line connecting your current position to where you want to go. You should be able to draw a line along the edge, as if it were a ruler which it basically is.
STEP 2
Set the compass heading by rotating the dial until the letter ‘N’ ‘for north’ lines up with magnetic north indicated on the map. You should be able to find a compass rose indicating which way is which.
STEP 3
Pick up the compass and hold it flat in front of you. Be sure that the direction of travel arrow points straight ahead. Then, rotate yourself, keeping an eye on the magnetic needle. When the red end lines up exactly with the orienting arrow, stop. The direction of travel arrow (it's easy to keep the distinct arrows straight when you actually see them in action) will be pointing in precisely the direction you want to go. Look in the direction of the arrow and find a particular landmark that stands out. Hike to that landmark, at which point you can stop, regroup, and start steps one through three over again.
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