Another topic that I myself find kind of confusing is the choice of selecting true north or magnetic north ... and what that means. Also, the difference between "bearing", "course" and "heading" on the GPS.
I wish it were easier to obtain the current magnetic declination from a GPS. I assume some might be easier than others.
KenK,
To answer a couple of your questions.
To keep my navigation simple, I use a declination adjustable compass such as the Silva Ranger. That way I can take into account declination and never have to worry about the math. Personally, I keep my GPS set to report in degrees true. That way both my map, GPS and compass are all on the "same page." It works for me that way. To get up to date declination info I go to
www.magnetic-declination.com ; it is really simple site to use.
Bearing is your compass direction from where you are to a distant object or a direction you want to go. For example, from where I am setting right now, the South Sister mountain bears 275 degrees true; it is west of my location.
Course and heading are frequently used interchangeably. Your course is your direction of travel through the backcountry. So, if you are walking in a northerly direction (to get to your destination) your course/heading would be 000 degrees true.
There are lots of books out there to reference but one of my favorites is
Staying Found
by June Fleming. Also, Dick Blusts has some fine posts on land navigation (one is a post on my blog) and I frequent
www.landnavigation.org too.
All the best,
Blake
www.outdoorquest.bizwww.outdoorquest.blogspot.com
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