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Chapter 3
CONDUCT OF NAVIGATION
MAINTAINING DIRECTION BY DAY
3.1
When moving through close country, continuous checks must be made using the compass. To
maintain direction, a prominent object (such as a tree), which lies on the magnetic bearing, is
selected. Once the navigator has reached this object, they select another object which is on the
bearing and move to it. This method is continued until the destination is reached.
3.2
In open country, direction can be maintained by reference to prominent landmarks which can
be easily read from the map. Although continual reliance upon the compass is not necessary, it
should still be regularly checked to ensure an error in map reading has not occurred.
3.3
In daytime navigation, knowledge of the sun’s movement provides the navigator with a double
check on their direction.
MAINTAINING DIRECTION BY NIGHT
3.4
Before any night activity, the luminous strips on a compass should be exposed to light to
ensure their maximum brightness. If the skyline or prominent objects are visible, direction can be
maintained by methods similar to those employed in daylight.
3.5
Often due to fog or cloud cover, no stars or prominent objects are visible. If this occurs, another
cadet should be sent in the approximate direction until they are just visible. The navigator then notes
by means of the compass whether the cadet is standing on the true bearing or to the right or left of it.
The navigator moves up and places themselves on what they judge to be the correct alignment. They
then send the cadet forward again. When the conditions are very dark, the cadet can hold luminous
tape to greatly increase the rate of advance.
Checking
3.6
During movement, make the following checks on navigation:
a.
Nominate Pacers: distance travelled must be estimated as well as measured by paces.
A number of personnel should be detailed as pacers. Where the going is slow or difficult,
a person will take shorter paces and there is a tendency to overestimate the distance
traveled,
b.
Check Compass, Map and Data Sheets: direction should be checked against the
compass at regular intervals. Prominent landmarks must be checked and identified on
the map as they are passed. There is often a tendency in close country to take the
easiest route. This must be resisted,
c.
Locate each Bound before Proceeding to the Next: if, at the end of the required time
and distance, a bound is not located, there has been an error in navigation which must
be corrected before continuing. A temporary halt is necessary, while reconnaissance is
carried out to find the bound. Reconnaissance parties, sent out to locate a bound must
be given a definite duration of movement, e.g. 'move down this creek for 15 minutes to
see if this creek junction exists'; and
Map Orientation
3.7
A map is much easier to compare with the ground if north on a map corresponds (points in the
same direction) with North on the ground. When this is done the map is said to be set or orientated.
Objects on the ground are in the same direction from the observer as they are on the map from the
observer's position on the map.
Trial version – printed June 2013
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