To Take a Grid Bearing
First identify on the map where you are and where you want to go to.
Place the edge of the compass (Fig 1) so it bisects your position and your destination, making
sure, that the direction of travel arrow is pointing towards your destination.
Once you have done that, hold the compass in position on the map and turn the compass housing or bezel
until the North indicator and the red half of the compass are pointing to the top of the map, i,e, Grid North, and the orienteering
lines (see compass page) are parallel to the vertical grid lines (Fig 2).
Without disturbing the compass read off the Grid Bearing at the index line (see compass page). Advisable
to take a note of the bearing.
Remember you have to convert this Grid Bearing into a Magnetic Bearing, so you must add the Grid Magnetic
Angle (GMA).
Example: If the GMA was 3 deg, and the Grid Bearing you measured was 240 deg you would add the 3 deg,
giving you a Magnetic Bearing of 243 deg.
Note
When you take direct bearings from one point to another, it is not always posible to walk direct on
that bearing to the objective. You may have to make slight detours due to obstacles in your way and of course the type of
terrain you are crossing will dictate your movement.
Plot the direct bearing onto the map and mark it with a pencil line. Study the map look at all the
features and the terrain. check each side of your bearing on the map lookin for any potential pitfalls; this is especially
important in bad visibilty or at night. Choose a safe route.
If need be break the route down to shorter legs, you should never cover long distances on a bearing
this will only lead to mistakes.
REMEMBER THIS SIMPLE RULE
GRID TO MAG - ADD
MAG TO GRID - GET RID
