Terrain orientation means the process of determining location based on the sides of the horizon and terrain objects (landmarks). Orientation on the ground can be done using the following things:

• map
• compass
• celestial bodies
• local facilities

Using the map, you can easily determine your location, as well as choose your future route, taking into account obstacles such as off-road conditions or limited visibility. A compass and celestial bodies will help you accurately determine the direction of the horizon.

Features of terrain orientation

Using the map as a guide, you should go to the nearest objects: a road, a river bank, a clearing, and find them on the map. Make sure that the objects shown on the map coincide with their real location.

You cannot use the compass near military equipment, iron objects and power lines - the magnetic needle will go astray from its course and point you in the wrong direction.

In order not to get lost, it is best to mark with sweeps those objects that were depicted on the map and met on your way.

Determining the sides of the horizon

You can determine the sides of the horizon using a compass. To do this, the prior must be placed on a flat horizontal surface - only in this position is the magnetic needle brake released. After the needle stops oscillating, the luminous end will point you in the north direction.

The sides of the horizon can also be determined by the clock and the Sun. To do this, you need to face the Sun and place the watch so that its hand is directed towards the Sun.

The angle formed between the large arrow and the number 1 will indicate the south direction. It should be noted that this method is valid only in the CIS. At night, you can find out the sides of the horizon in the same way by pointing the clock hand at the Moon.

Determining the sides of the horizon by objects

Knowing some signs of wildlife, you can easily determine the direction of the horizon in unfamiliar terrain. On the north side of the tree the bark is much thicker than on the south side. On coniferous trees, resin accumulates more abundantly on the south side of the trunk.

You can determine the southern direction if you look at an ordinary anthill: the southern slope is gentle, the northern slope is steeper. In trees that grow alone, the southern crown is more luxuriant than the crown on the northern side.

Mosses grow on the northern part of the trunk, while on the southern part there are much fewer of them or none at all. The main entrance to the chapels and temples is located from the north.

One of the most important skills for those who like to travel or simply relax as savages is terrain orientation. In this article we will look at the main ways to determine the sides of the horizon.

Having this information, you will not get lost even under the most difficult conditions. The main condition is the presence of a card. Otherwise, you will have to rely on logic and assumptions. However, you can easily determine your location.

Compass

We will begin to study ways to determine the sides of the horizon with the easiest and most obvious. Using a compass you can easily find out where north is. There are only a few mandatory conditions. What do you need to know so that this device does not let you down?

Firstly, it is possible to determine the cardinal directions only when the compass is in a strictly horizontal, stationary position, and the needle has stopped oscillating.

Secondly, within a radius of fifty meters around you there should be no railway tracks, transformers or other sources of electromagnetic or magnetic radiation. Otherwise, the compass will deviate from the correct course or the needle will begin to spin and behave incomprehensibly.

How to use this device correctly?

The most common are the two military compasses - Adrianov and artillery, as well as sports varieties. They differ only in price levels and the presence of certain scales.

In any device, on top, on the lid, there is a special sight, through which you can determine the landmark. So, hold the compass horizontally and wait until the needle stops. Its dark end will point to the north. Now we turn the sight so that its vector coincides with the arrow. Now the cardinal directions are easy to determine. If you are looking north, the south will be behind you, the east will be on your right, and the west will be on your left.

Watch

Determining the sides of the horizon by the clock is one of the most interesting, unusual and effective methods. To implement this, a mechanical watch with hands is required. Electronic ones will not work.

This method is a little similar to determining the sides of the horizon by the sun, since we cannot do without the sun. What features does this method of terrain orientation have?

First, there are different options for determining location in the morning and in the afternoon. The time limit is one hour in the afternoon (13:00).

Secondly, the clock must be accurate.

So, we position the device so that the hand that shows the hour (often it is thicker and shorter than the others) looks at the sun. Next, you need to draw an imaginary angle that will connect two lines in the center of the dial. One will coincide with the hour hand, and the second will pass through the number “one”.

After this, we divide the angle in half with an imaginary straight line. The south will be ahead, the median line will indicate it.

The peculiarity is as follows. Until one o'clock in the afternoon we measure the arc from the hand showing the clock. That is, the path that she still needs to go through before 13:00. And after this time we draw an imaginary arc counterclockwise. Therefore, we are now measuring the distance she has already traveled after one o'clock in the afternoon.

The figure above will help you better understand this method of orientation on the ground.

Needle

According to many tourists, the following definition of the sides of the horizon on the ground is the most unusual. In addition, additional equipment and skills are required to implement it. From the outside it looks more like a circus trick. So what do we need?

1. Metal needle for sewing. It will become the needle of our makeshift compass.
2. Something that will give the needle buoyancy properties. It could be vegetable oil(we generously lubricate a metal rod with it or drip it onto the surface of the water), a small piece of cork or polystyrene foam. The main condition is that the needle must float in a horizontal position.
3. The metal rod must be magnetized. This can be done using a magnet, a piece of wool or some other available means. For example, in the case of a needle, the most ordinary scissors would be a good choice. All you have to do is snap the ends together as if you were trying to cut a needle in half. From the rapid friction of metal on metal, the rod will begin to magnetize.
4. Container with water. This could be some kind of container or, for example, a hole in a tree or stone filled with standing water.

The main sides of the horizon (in the presence of all the above items) are determined simply. A well-magnetized needle that floats on the surface of the water, under the influence of magnetic field the planets will rotate along the south-north line.

The only inconvenience is that it will not be clear where which one will have to be determined in additional ways.

But this method is completely suitable for insurance purposes. In addition, it is very indicative of teaching children location orientation and explaining the principles of magnetic fields.

Heavenly bodies

The sun moves across the sky at an angle of fifteen degrees in one hour. People have been guided by it for a long time. But to more accurately determine the cardinal directions, it is worth knowing some features.

In summer, the Sun moves along the southern side of the sky. Therefore, it rises not in the east, but in the northeast. Sets down, respectively, in the northwest.

In winter, the same picture is repeated, only from the north side. In spring and autumn, the sun rises and sets in the east and west.

The second feature on which the determination of the sides of the horizon by the sun is based is the length of the shadow. In principle, the shortest shadow occurs around one in the afternoon. It points to the north if the object is motionless and in a strictly vertical position.

For a more accurate understanding of the location, it is worth using other methods of determining the sides of the horizon. For example, with a mechanical watch, which was described above.

At night, when there is no light, it is easiest to navigate by the North Star. This part, as astronomers say, is located near the axis of the north pole of the world and is practically motionless, unlike other stars. Therefore, it is very easy to determine where north is.

How to find this star? First you need to find the Big Dipper in the sky. This constellation is in the form of a large ladle with a handle. Depending on the time of day, it can be located vertically, horizontally or at an angle.

Now you need to mentally continue the line that connects the two stars that form the front wall of the bucket (opposite the handle). If you extend it to a distance five times greater than the length of the segment, you will come across the North Star.

You can clearly see how to do this in the figure on the left.

Buildings

The main sides of the horizon are very easily determined near buildings of sacred significance.

These can be Orthodox churches or Catholic churches, chapels, mosques, synagogues. Each of these buildings is built according to its own strict laws.

If there is an Orthodox church, cathedral or temple nearby, you need to look at the lower crossbar. According to legend, the feet of Christ were located there. It is beveled diagonally. Its upper edge is directed towards the north.

Altars in Catholic churches are located in the west, and in Lutheran and Orthodox churches - in the east.

There are other local signs of determining the sides of the horizon. Thus, the entrance of mosques and synagogues is located approximately in the northern part of the building. According to these religions, a person entering a building should face Mecca or Jerusalem, respectively.

In East Asia, Buddhist buildings usually face south. The yurts of the indigenous peoples of Siberia also have an entrance from this side of the world.

Clearings are traditionally made in forests. They are usually cut either from east to west or from north to south.

Natural objects

Many methods for determining the sides of the horizon have long been known. To do this, people used observations of trees, animal behavior and other features of the environment.

For example, due to the abundance of light and heat in the summer on the south side, berries and fruits ripen faster and have richer colors on the side facing this direction. On freshly cut trees, the rings on the south side are wider than on the north. This is explained by the same abundance sunlight and warmth.

There are other signs of determining the sides of the horizon. The anthills on the northern side are steeper, and on the southern side they are flatter. It is also believed that icicles form more often on the south side of the roof.

If there are pine trees nearby, the south can be easily determined from them. On this side, their trunks will be lighter and the bark will be rougher. And also there will be much more resin streaks on it than on the northern side of the tree. The grass is greener in the south in summer and turns yellow earlier in the north.

The most popular method is to pay attention to the amount of moss on the stones and it is believed that these plants like to settle on the north side.

Lichens and mosses

When determining the characteristics of the sides of the horizon, you need to use complex results. This especially applies to natural phenomena and flora.

Earlier we mentioned the most common way to find the north side. It consists in the fact that you just need to look at a tree trunk or stone. The moss should be on the north side. But if this really happens, you are incredibly lucky. This happens once every hundred trees, or even more. Why is this so? What is the reason?

It's simple. These plants love shade and humidity. It is assumed that it is on the northern side that such a microclimate is formed. But in the forest the conditions are actually completely different. It all depends on the terrain, surrounding bodies of water or mountains.

In addition, you may find yourself near the edge of the forest. Ignore the cutting and, guided by the position of the moss and lichens on the trees, mark the north. Before this, the trunks you see were in the shadows deep in the forest. It was only after cutting down that they turned out to be the outskirts.

The same applies to the buildings we talked about earlier. Traditionally they should be built as we have already mentioned, but today everything is changing. Some architect decided to innovate and make a door in a different place.

Therefore, be sure to use the signs as a whole, or better yet, take a compass with you.

lettuce

There are also quite extravagant ways of determining the horizon with the cardinal points. This includes the so-called “compass plants”. They usually have one or more permanent traits that gradually become fixed as they mature.

Such plants, for example, include compass lettuce. Externally, it looks like a very large dandelion with small yellow flowers. Over time, like their younger brother, they become fluffy parachutes.

However, it is completely unrelated to the ordinary dandelion. Rather, lettuce can be called its relative.

In fact, compass lettuce is a weed. It grows in the steppe zone of the former Soviet Union almost everywhere. You can find thickets of it in the fields, and isolated plants along the roads.

Its peculiarity is that it hides the delicate surface of the leaves from the sun's rays. Lettuce turns them sideways. And when the plant matures enough, they freeze in this position. Not always, but very often the leaves indicate a line from north to south.

If you decide to use this method exclusively, it is better to find thickets of lettuce. Because a single plant may be an exception and will confuse you.

Sunflower

Now we will study the last “plant” method of determining the direction of the sides of the horizon. To do this, we need one, or better yet, several sunflowers growing nearby.

Children have known since school that a plant turns with the sun. That is, in the morning it faces east, and in the evening it turns out to be turned to the west.

However, this is not entirely true. If you carefully follow the life of a sunflower during its different stages, you may be very surprised. It turns out that over time, when the flower plate appears from the bud and forms, the plant freezes.

A fully open sunflower will never turn to follow the sun. He always looks where the first morning rays appear. If it is an open place, then the flower will be directed towards the northeast or east.

If there are obstacles nearby, the sunflower will look exclusively in the direction from which the first rays appear. In this case, you cannot rely on it.

Modern technology

Modern technology allows you to navigate the terrain only using the device screen. We are talking about a professional navigator or a regular one mobile phone with the Internet.

However, the reality is that the network does not catch everywhere. Therefore, even the GPS should be turned on before entering the forest in order to mark the place where you will need to return. For example, you are standing near the first line of trees and, judging by the instrument, you are looking southeast. So you will return to the northwest. This is the direction we remember.

Second important point. If suddenly the connection is lost and the navigator or map is no longer active, it will help unusual solution. Turn on the analog dial on your mobile phone in the “alarm clock” section. Now you have an electronic version of a clock with hands. And then we proceed as described above.

Thus, dear readers, today we have learned to determine the sides of the horizon on the ground. This is a useful skill that will undoubtedly be useful to mushroom pickers, hunters, lovers of wild recreation or travelers.

It must be remembered that if you stand facing north, then right hand there will be east, on the left - west, respectively, south - behind . To determine the sides of the horizon, the following methods can be recommended:

• by compass;
• by the Sun and analogue clock;
• by the Sun and digital clock;
• using improvised means;
• for local facilities;
• according to the North Star;
• on the Moon.

Let us consider in more detail the indicated methods for determining the sides of the horizon, as well as the recommended sequence of their development during training sessions.

Determining the sides of the horizon using a compass . A magnetic compass is a device that allows you to determine the sides of the horizon, as well as measure angles in degrees on the ground. The principle of operation of a compass is that a magnetized needle on a hinge rotates along the lines of force of the Earth's magnetic field and is constantly held by them in one direction. The most common are various options Adrianov's compass and artillery compass.

Rice. 5.1 Compass Adrianov

1 - cover with stands for sighting; 2 - dial; 3 - count indicator; 4 - magnetic needle; 5 - brake

Compass Adrianov(Fig. 5.1) allows you to measure angles in degrees and inclinometer divisions. A dial with two scales is used to measure angles. Degrees are marked in 15° increments (division value is 3°) clockwise, protractor divisions are marked in 5-00 intervals (division value is 0-50). The dial reading is read using a pointer mounted on the inner wall of the compass cover opposite the front sight. The northern end of the magnetic needle, the reference and division indicator on the dial, corresponding to 0°, 90°, 180° and 270°, are covered with a glow-in-the-dark composition. There is a mechanism that slows down the movement of the arrow.

Rice. 5.2 Artillery compass

1 – compass body; 2 – rotating dial body; 3 – dial; 4 – compass cover with a mirror “a”, a cutout for sighting “b” and a latch “c”; 5 – magnetic arrow; 6 – protrusion of the brake lever arrows

Artillery compass(Fig. 5.2) thanks to some improvements, it is more convenient to use than Adrianov’s compass. Its body is rectangular, which allows you to accurately position the compass along the map lines and draw directions. The compass cover with a mirror surface allows you to observe the position of the magnetic needle and at the same time sight the object. The magnetic needle more steadily records the direction of the magnetic meridian; Its braking is carried out by closing the lid. The scale division value is 1-00, their signatures are given after 5-00 clockwise.

Determining the sides of the horizon using the Sun and an analog clock . This fairly convenient and accurate method of determining the sides of the horizon is used if the Sun is visible, or it is determined through the clouds.

Rice. 5.3

An analog watch is held in a horizontal plane and turned until the hour hand aligns with the direction of the Sun, the position of the minute hand is not taken into account. The angle between the hour hand and the number “1” on the watch dial is divided in half. A line dividing this angle in half will indicate the direction to the south (Fig. 5.3). It is important to remember that before one o'clock in the afternoon the angle not traversed by the clock hand is divided in half, and after one o'clock in the afternoon - the angle which it has already passed.

Determining the sides of the horizon using the Sun and a digital clock . This method of determining the sides of the horizon is used when the light of the Sun is sufficient for objects to cast a shadow.

On a horizontal surface (on the ground) a circle with a diameter of 25-30 cm is drawn with a point in the center. Then, on the outer side of the circle from the side of the Sun, a small load (for example, a bunch of keys) is suspended on a rope or cord so that the shadow of the rope passes through the center of the drawn circle. Next, through the point of intersection of the shadow from the rope with the sunny side of the circle and the center of the circle, a radius is drawn, indicating the hour hand of an imaginary clock. Using a digital clock, the actual time is specified, according to which divisions of an imaginary dial are drawn in the circle.

Further, as on an analog watch, the angle between one o'clock in the afternoon and the drawn hour hand is divided in half (before one o'clock in the afternoon the angle not passed by the hour hand is divided in half, and after one o'clock in the afternoon - the angle which it has already passed). The resulting direction is south (Fig. 5.4).

Rice. 5.4 Determining the sides of the horizon using the Sun and a digital clock

Determining the sides of the horizon using available tools . The situation becomes more complicated when on a cloudy day it is impossible to determine exactly where the Sun is. However, even in this case, there are ways to quite accurately determine the sides of the horizon.

Rice. 5.5 Determining the sides of the horizon using a float and a needle

A flat round float with a diameter of 15-20 mm and a thickness of 5-6 mm is made from bark or a piece of wood. A shallow diametrical cut is made on the float, into which it is necessary to carefully place the needle; lower the float onto the existing water surface (any puddle; water poured into a plastic or wooden container; a small depression in the ground, lined plastic bag and filled with water from a flask, etc.). Under the influence of earthly magnetism, the needle will certainly turn and, swinging between east and west, will be positioned with its tip to the north and its ear to the south, that is, along the magnetic force lines of the Earth (Fig. 5.5).

If there is no needle, then a thin steel nail or steel wire can replace it. But in this case, it is important to remember that the needle turns with its tip to the north due to the peculiarities of the manufacturing technology - the so-called “broaching”. With a piece of wire or a nail, the direction of pulling is unknown; therefore, it is unclear which end points to the north and which to the south. Therefore, for alignment, it is necessary to perform the same operations once near a noticeable landmark (anthill, growth rings, etc.) as with a needle, then mark the end of the wire or nail that will turn to the north. Interesting fact: even an automatic cleaning rod on a float of the appropriate size can play the role of a compass needle - the cleaning rod will always turn to the north with a thread (true only for AKs produced before 1984).

Determining the sides of the horizon using local objects . The sides of the horizon can be determined by local objects, but it must be remembered that the error in this case may be 15-20°.

• One of the most reliable indicators of the sides of the horizon are forest anthills - they are usually located at the roots of a tree with a thick crown that protects them from rain and always on the southern side of this tree. In addition, the southern side of the anthill is always flatter compared to the northern.
• The next, albeit not as reliable indicator as an anthill, is moss on stones and trees. Moss, avoiding direct sunlight, grows on the shady northern sides of stones and trees. Using this method, you need to be careful: since there is no direct sunlight in a dense forest, moss grows around the entire surface of the tree - at its roots and above. The same goes for stones. Accordingly, this method “works” well only on isolated trees or stones. Or, as a last resort, in open forests.
• The sides of the horizon can be determined by the annual rings of trees. To do this, you can find a free-standing stump or cut a small, free-standing tree with a diameter of 70-80 mm. Having carefully cleaned the cut, we will see that the core, that is, the center of the concentric annual rings, is shifted relative to the geometric center of the stump, and it is necessarily shifted to the north. By drawing a straight line through the geometric center of the stump and the center of the concentric annual rings, we get the direction to the north.
• The bark of most trees is coarser on the north side, thinner and more elastic (birch is lighter) on the south.
• In pine, the secondary (brown, cracked) bark on the north side rises higher along the trunk.
• On the north side, trees, stones, wooden, tiled and slate roofs are covered earlier and more abundantly with lichens and fungi.
• On coniferous trees, resin accumulates more abundantly on the south side.
• In spring, the grass cover is more developed on the northern outskirts of the meadows, warmed by the sun's rays, and in the hot period of summer - on the southern, darkened ones.
• Berries and fruits acquire the color of maturity earlier (turn red, turn yellow) on the south side.
• In summer, the soil near large stones, buildings, trees and bushes is drier on the south side, which can be determined by touch.
• Snow melts faster on the southern sides of snowdrifts, resulting in the formation of notches in the snow - spikes directed to the south.
• In the mountains, oak often grows on the southern slopes.
• Clearings in forests are usually oriented in the north-south or west-east direction.
• Altars Orthodox churches, chapels and Lutheran kirks face east, and the main entrances are located on the west side.
• The altars of Catholic churches (cathedrals) face west.
• The raised end of the lower crossbar of the church cross faces north.
• Kumirni (pagan chapels with idols) face south.
• On Christian graves, the gravestone or cross stands at the feet, that is, on the east side, since the grave itself is oriented from east to west.

Determining the sides of the horizon by the North Star . Let us recall the remarkable property of the Polar Star - it is practically motionless during the daily rotation of the starry sky and, accordingly, is very convenient for orientation - the direction towards it practically coincides with the direction to the north (the deviation from the north point does not exceed 3°).

To find this star in the sky, you must first find the constellation Ursa Major, which consists of seven fairly noticeable stars located so that if you connect them with an imaginary line, a bucket will be drawn.

If you mentally continue the line of the front wall of the bucket, approximately 5 distances equal to the length of this wall, then it will rest against the North Star (Fig. 5.6).

If you are in the mountains or in the forest, you may not see the bucket if it is in at the moment time will be under the North Star. In this case, another noticeable constellation will help - the Constellation Cassiopeia. This constellation is formed by six fairly bright stars and represents the Russian letter “Z” when located to the right of the North Star, and the irregular letter “M” when located above the North Star.

Rice. 5.6 Finding the North Star in the sky

To find the North Star, you need to mentally draw a median from the top of the large triangle of the constellation (i.e., a straight line connecting the top of the triangle with the middle of the opposite side) to its base, which, when continued, will rest against the North Star (Fig. 5.6).

Determining the sides of the horizon by the Moon . The sides of the horizon are determined on a cloudy night, when it is not possible to find the North Star. To do this, you need to know the location of the Moon in various phases (Table 5.1)

The table shows that it is most convenient to determine the sides of the horizon during the full moon. In this phase, the Moon is at any time in the direction opposite to the Sun.

Table 5.1

Movement in azimuths

Movement along azimuths is a method of maintaining the intended path (route) from one point (landmark) to another along known azimuths and distances. Movement along azimuths is used at night, as well as in the forest, desert, tundra and in other conditions that make it difficult to navigate on the map.

Determining the direction on the ground at a given azimuth using Adrianov's compass . By rotating the compass cover, the pointer is set to a reading corresponding to the value of the specified azimuth. Then, having freed the magnetic needle, turn the compass so that the zero stroke of the dial aligns with the northern end of the needle. At the same time, they stand facing the desired direction and, raising the compass to approximately shoulder level, sight along the slot-front sight line and notice some landmark on the ground in this direction. This direction will correspond to the specified azimuth.

Determining the direction on the ground at a given azimuth using an AK artillery compass . The compass cover is set at an angle of 45° and by rotating the dial, the given reading is aligned with the pointer at the slot in the cover. The compass is raised to eye level and, observing in the lid mirror, is turned until the zero stroke of the dial aligns with the northern end of the arrow. In this position of the compass, one sights through the slot and notices any landmark. The direction to the landmark will correspond to the specified azimuth.

Measuring magnetic azimuth with Adrianov's compass . Having freed the magnetic needle, turn the compass to draw a zero stroke under the northern end of the needle. Without changing the position of the compass, by rotating the ring, direct the sighting device with the front sight towards the object to which you want to measure the azimuth. Aiming the front sight at an object is achieved by repeatedly moving the gaze from the sighting device to the object and back; For this purpose, you should not raise the compass to eye level, since this may cause the needle to move away from the zero stroke of the dial and the accuracy of azimuth measurement will sharply decrease. Having aligned the sighting line of the front sight slot with the direction towards the object, take a count from the front sight pointer. This will be the azimuth of the direction to the object. The average error in measuring azimuth with Adrianov's compass is 2-3°.

Measuring magnetic azimuth with an AK artillery compass . Having placed the compass cover at approximately an angle of 45?, sight the object. Then, without changing the position of the compass, by rotating the dial, while observing in the mirror, bring the zero stroke of the dial to the northern end of the magnetic needle and take a reading from the pointer. The average error in measuring azimuth with an AK artillery compass is approximately 0-25.

Preparing data for azimuth movement . The route is marked on the map with clear landmarks at turns and the directional angle and length of each straight section of the route are measured. Directional angles are translated into magnetic azimuths, and distances into pairs of steps if the movement is on foot, or into speedometer readings when marching in cars. Data for movement along azimuths is drawn up on the map, and if there is no map along the way, a route diagram (Fig. 5.7) or a table (Table 5.2) is drawn up.

Rice. 5.7 Route diagram for movement in azimuths

Table 5.2

Order of movement by azimuths . At the initial (first) landmark, using a compass, the direction of movement to the second landmark is determined by azimuth. In this direction they notice some distant landmark (auxiliary) and begin to move. Having reached the intended landmark, they again mark the direction of movement using the compass to the next intermediate landmark and so continue moving until they reach the second landmark.

In the same order, but in a different azimuth, they continue moving from the second landmark to the third, etc. On the way, taking into account the distances covered, they look for landmarks at the turns of the route and thereby control the correctness of the movement.

To make it easier to maintain the direction, you should use the celestial bodies and various signs: the straightness of a walking column or your own track when skiing, the direction of ripples in the sand and sastrugi in the snow (sastruga is a long and narrow snow bank swept by the wind), wind direction, etc. Based on the celestial bodies, you can confidently maintain the direction of movement, clarifying it with a compass approximately every 15 minutes.

The accuracy of reaching a landmark depends on the accuracy of determining the direction of movement and measuring the distance. Deviation from the route due to the error in determining the direction using a compass usually does not exceed 5% of the distance traveled. If the direction of movement is clarified by the compass often enough, then the deviation from the route will be about 3% of the distance traveled.

Avoiding Obstacles . If there are obstacles on the route, then detour routes are marked on the map and the necessary data is prepared for this - azimuths and distances. Obstacles not taken into account when preparing data for movement are avoided in one of the following ways.

Rice. 5.8

First way used when the obstacle is visible to the end. In the direction of movement, mark a landmark on the opposite side of the obstacle. Then they go around the obstacle, find the noticed landmark and continue moving from it in the same direction; The width of the obstacle is estimated by eye and added to the distance traveled to the obstacle.

Second way. Let, opposite side which is not visible, they go around in directions forming a rectangle or parallelogram, the azimuths and lengths of the sides of which are determined on the ground. An example of such a bypass is shown in Fig. 5.8. From point A walk along the obstacle in the selected direction (in the example - in azimuth 280°). Having passed to the end of the obstacle (to the point IN) and having measured the resulting distance (200 pairs of steps), they continue moving along the given azimuth (in the example - along the 45° azimuth) to the point WITH. From point WITH enter the main route in the opposite direction azimuth AB(in the example - in azimuth 100°, since the reverse azimuth is equal to the forward azimuth ±180°), measuring 200 pairs of steps in this direction (distance CD, equal AB). Here is the line length Sun added to the distance traveled from point No. 2 to point A, and continue moving to point No. 3.

Using a compass, you can most conveniently and quickly determine north, south, west and east. To do this, you need to give the compass a horizontal position, release the arrow from the clamp, and let it calm down. Then its dark end will be directed to the north.

To determine the accuracy of the deviation of the direction of movement from the direction to the north or to determine the positions of terrain points in relation to the direction to the north and count them, divisions are marked on the compass, of which the lower ones are indicated in degree measures(the division value is 3°), and the upper divisions of the protractor are in tens of “thousandths”. Degrees are counted clockwise from 0 to 360°, and protractor divisions are counted counterclockwise from 0 to 600°. The zero division is located at the letter “C” (north), there is also a triangle glowing in the dark, which replaces the letter “C” in some compasses.

1. frame;
2. limbo;
3. magnetic needle;
4. sighting device (front sight and rear sight);
5. count indicator;
6. brake.

1. compass housing;
2. dial body;
3. goniometric scale (limbo);
4. cover with mirror a, cutout b for
   sight, latch in;
5. magnetic needle;
6. brake lever protrusion arrows.

Under the letters “B” (east), “Y” (south), “3” (west) there are luminous dots. On the movable cover of the compass there is a sighting device (sight and front sight), against which luminous indicators are mounted, which serve to indicate the direction of movement at night. The most common compass in the army is the Andrianov system and the artillery compass.

Andrianov's compass allows you to make readings in degrees and thousandths. The inscriptions on the fixed scale of degree divisions are given clockwise through 15°, and thousandths - in the opposite direction through 500 thousandths (5-00). The sighting device is movable.

The artillery compass is graduated only in thousandths with a division value of 100 thousandths (1-00) clockwise. The sighting device is stationary, and the scale (dial) rotates, which allows, without changing the position of the compass, to quickly align the zero division of the dial with the northern end of the magnetic needle. The mirror on the hinged lid allows you to control the orientation of the compass and count along the dial when sighting on an object.

A sports compass is very convenient for military personnel to use, the needle of which is placed in a special liquid, so it quickly calms down and almost does not fluctuate when moving.

When working with a compass, you should always remember that strong electromagnetic fields or nearby metal objects will deflect the needle from its correct position. Therefore, when determining compass directions, it is necessary to move 40-50 m away from power lines, railroad tracks, military vehicles and other large metal objects.

Directions to the horizon using a compass are determined as follows. The sighting device's front sight is placed on the zero scale division, and the compass is placed in a horizontal position. Then the brake of the magnetic needle is released and the compass is turned so that its northern end coincides with the zero reading. After this, without changing the position of the compass, a distant landmark is noticed by sighting through the rear sight and front sight, which is used to indicate the direction to the north.

The directions to the sides of the horizon are interrelated, and if at least one of them is known, the rest can be determined. The opposite direction to north will be south, to the right is east, and to the left is west.

Main article: Biosphere

The biosphere is a collection of parts of the earth's shells (litho-, hydro- and atmosphere), which is populated by living organisms, is under their influence and is occupied by the products of their vital activity.

[edit] Anthroposphere (Noosphere)

Main article: Noosphere

The anthroposphere or noosphere is the sphere of interaction between man and nature. Not recognized by all scientists.

Report on educational field practice

in the discipline "geography"

Completed:

1st year students of PPF

group 1 AN

Mikhailova Marina Andreevna

Dmitrieva Natasha Ivanovna

Cheboksary

1. Orientation in space and simple terrain photography:

1.1. Determining the sides of the horizon

1.2. Azimuth movement

1.3. Determining distances

1.4. Visual survey of the area

1.5. Processing excursion materials

1.6. Equipment per team

2. Rocks. Relief.:

2.1. Exploring the Hill

2.2. Exploring the ravine

2.3. Exploring the river valley

2.4. Outcrop study

2.5. Equipment

3. Meteorological observations

3.1 Organization and conduct of weather observations

3.2 Route weather observations

3.3 Instruments

4. Reservoirs

4.1. Exploring the spring

4.2. Studying the bed of a small river

4.3. Devices

5.1. Methods for studying soils in field practice

Orientation in space and simple terrain photography

Orientation is the determination on the spot by an observer of his location (standing point) relative to the sides of the horizon, surrounding objects, as well as the direction of movement. It is carried out using a compass, map, aerial photographs, as well as light, radio and sound signals (radio beacon, radio compass). You can roughly orient yourself by objects, the Sun, the Moon, and the stars.
Orientation can be general or detailed. General orientation does not accurately take into account angles, direction and distance. This method is used during excursions, when, in order not to go astray, it is important for students to know only the general location of the roads and trails of the area through which they are moving. Detailed orientation requires precise determination of the standing point, the direction of the sides of the horizon and the route to follow. It is necessary when photographing the area. For this reason, the accuracy of drawing up a plan depends on the ability to navigate the terrain.

DETERMINING THE SIDES OF THE HORIZON

Determining the sides of the horizon using a compass. The main part of the compass is a magnetized needle placed on the tip of a steel needle. The needle is fixed in the center of a disc with divisions called a limb. The sides of the horizon are indicated on the limb and divisions are marked clockwise from 0˚ to 360˚. When the compass is not in working condition, its needle is pressed against the glass of the cover with a special lever.

To determine the sides of the horizon, the compass is placed on a horizontal surface, the arrow lever is lowered, the arrow is allowed to calm down, then the northern end of the arrow is aligned with the letter C (north) on the dial. With this position, the dial symbols will correctly show all sides of the horizon.

Determining the sides of the horizon by the Sun. To accurately determine the sides of the horizon according to the Sun, a gnomon is used. A gnomon is a vertical rod located on a horizontal platform. At noon, when the Sun is highest above the horizon, the shadow from the rod is shortest and directed north.
In field conditions, the direction is north, i.e. The direction of the shortest shadow can be determined as follows. A gnomon is installed in an open place (Fig. 1). About an hour before noon, the tip of the shadow from the gnomon is marked with a peg. Then, using the second gnomon and a twine tied to it, a circle is drawn, like a compass, with the center of the base of the gnomon and a radius equal to the distance from the gnomon to the first peg driven into the ground. In the afternoon, watch when the growing and slowly rotating shadow of the gnomon touches the circle. At the point of contact between the shadow and the circle, another peg is placed, after which the midpoint of the chord connecting these pegs is found. The straight line passing through the middle of the chord and the base of the gnomon will be the desired shadow. By the direction of this shadow, you can determine other sides of the horizon: if you stand facing the direction of the shadow, behind you will be south, on the right - east, on the left - west.

Determination by the polar star. On a clear starry night, the direction of the sides of the horizon is determined by the North Star. It can be easily found by the constellation Ursa Major. If you mentally continue the line in the sky connecting the outer stars of the Ursa Major bucket, and plot upward on it five times the distance between these stars, then at the end of this line the Polar Star will be located. Polaris is the last star in the tail of the constellation Minor Ursa. If you stand facing the North Star, north will be in front, south behind, west on the left, east on the right.

Orientation by the Moon. The sides of the horizon can be approximately determined using the Moon. When orienting, you must remember that the full moon is located in the eastern part of the sky in the evening, and in the western part in the morning. During the first quarter, the Moon is in the southern part of the sky in the evening, and in the western part at night. During last quarter The moon is in the eastern sky at night and in the southern sky in the morning. The Moon's first quarter "horns" are directed towards left side, and the last one - to the right.

Orientation based on local characteristics. Various local signs can be used for approximate orientation. For example, on the southern side of the trunks of coniferous trees, characteristic natural deposits and clots of resin are visible. After rain, the trunks of pine trees on the north side are much darker than on the south. Anthills are most often located to the south of the nearest trees, stumps or bushes. The north side of the anthill is steeper than the south. In the spring, when the snow melts, the southern-facing slopes are cleared of snow earlier. The holes formed when snow melts at the base of the trunks are usually elongated more in the southern direction. In large forested areas, important landmarks are clearings that run north to south and from west to east. For control, it is useful to compare the results of studying local signs with compass readings.