Supplemental Mapwork

Tools

In order to complete this supplemental coursework you will need some basic tools. These items are included in the navigation kit that you will receive at Course B. However, if you have not yet received your navigation kit then these printable versions will be sufficient for now.

Pencil - Pencils are preferable because you may need to make corrections or revise your plan.

Ruler - A tenths ruler makes calculations easier than a standard ruler. Tenths Ruler PDF (download)

Protractor - A 360° protractor, clear is preferable. Protractor PDF (download)

Calculator - A basic calculator for doing simple math.

Coordinate Systems

The most common coordinate systems used in search and rescue are Latidude/Longitude and UTM. For the purposes of this supplemental coursework we will stick to these and assume the WGS-84 datum. Below is some useful information to review. There are plenty of resources available online if you want to delve into more detail or learn about other coordinate systems.

Latitude/Longitude

Coordinates in Latitude and Longitude are expressed as some combination of Degrees, Minutes, and Seconds. There are 60 minutes in a degree, and 60 seconds in a minute. You can convert between formats using simple division and multiplication. You are likely to encounter them in the following formats:

• N47.5068° W121.7390° - Degrees Only (“Decimal Degrees”)
• N47°30.408' W121°44.341' - Degrees and Minutes (“Degrees Decimal Minutes”)
• N47°30'24" W121°44'20" - Degrees, Minutes, and Seconds (“Degrees Minutes Seconds”)

Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM)

Coordinates in UTM are expressed in meters and in the context of a Grid Zone. The Grid Zone is determined based on a system of “Zones” and longitudinal “Bands”. For the purposes of this coursework it is sufficient to know that ESAR's primary area of operations lies in the 10T Grid Zone. UTM coordinates describe a position within the Grid Zone as an Easting and Northing; the distance, in meters, east and north from the southwest corner of the Grid Zone:

• 10T 0549596E 5262255N - Grid Zone, Easting, and Northing

Units of Measurement

Coordinate Systems

Pacing

Pacing is a method to keep track of distance. A pace is the distance that you travel while walking each time the same foot hits the ground. For example, if you lead (take your first step) with your left foot, then you will count a pace each time your right foot touches the ground. For the purposes of ESAR Basic Training we generally refer to pace in terms of feet.

To determine your pace you can measure out a known distance (for example 1000 feet) and walk that distance counting your paces. Then divide the distance by the number of paces to get your pace length. For example if you walked 1000 feet in 200 paces then your pace length is 5 feet per pace. You can use this information to estimate distances while navigating.

Mapping Problems

In order to complete this set of problems you will need to print and familiarize yourself with The Map (download)