Outdoor Education

A driving tour of North Dumfries gives us the opportunity to explore the use of topographic maps, compasses, and GPS units in a variety of settings.  The students will triangulate their position using landmarks, plot a course from one location to another, measure linear and non-linear distances, determine slope, decide on optimal routes, and compare their results to the output of a GPS unit.

Key Concepts/Skills Developed:

  • What is the UTM system?
  • Map projections
  • Key components of a topographic map
  • Tricks to better use a topographic map
  • Compass use: (Azimuth/quadrants, bearings/back- bearings, etc.)
  • Finding GPS coordinates on a topographic map

Quick Links:

G11_Outdoor_Mapping_Handout_2010