Gold Arrow - Outdoor Scouting - Map & Compass

Task 1: Use Google Map to plan a 5km journey for a hike

I normally go on a Saturday morning hike with my parents. Last weekend, I planned a hike from Pavilion Circle, Bukit Gombak Park, Little Guilin to Hillview2. I planned the hike through Google Map: https://www.google.com/maps/

At the top left-hand corner, click on the walking man icon and key in the start and end destination. We can include additional destination by clicking on the + sign in between start and end destination for a more accurate timing and distance. From the google map, I planned this hike which adds up to 5.1km.

I clocked the distance we walked on the Strava application on my phone and it is about 5.7km as we walked around the Bukit Gombak park and Little Guilin. This is a track of our route clocked from Strava.

I enjoyed planning hikes and its really easy now with Google Map. Hopefully after the pandemic we can hike together as scout group!

Task 2: Explain the usage of a compass and know one other method to find the north in an outdoor environment

A compass is used for navigation, location and direction. We use it to find our way, whether it is on a hiking trail or on a trip to a new location. It is an instrument composed of a suspended magnetic pointer that is attracted to the polarity of the North Pole.

How to find north without a compass

I recalled my mum always talking about Astronomy as she was in the Astronomy club in school. She has taught me about Orion's belt since I was very young. It is the three bright stars in a line. To find North, look for the Orion's belt which is the three bright stars in a straight line. Find the single bright star below the belt that marks its sword. Follow an imaginary line, in the direction of the sword, down to the horizon. That is North!

Do you remember Shadows in Science class? We can make use of shadows to find North by the stick shadow method. Place a stick in the ground in the morning, mark the tip of the shadow with a stone. Measure the length of the shadow. Periodically measure the length of the shadow throughout the day. At some point in the afternoon the shadow will once again be the exact same length, mark the tip of the shadow with another stone. Draw a line between those two stones. That line runs East-West and you can find North from there!