Can you find where you're located, or where you'd like to go to with the help of just a map? With more and more people getting little handheld Global Positioning System, or GPS locating receiver units, it's easy to give someone your exact location, within just a few feet.
But, what happens if all you have is a Topographical Map, and you're not where you want to be, or want to send someone to? Can you plot out the location on a map so that you can give someone the Latitude and Longitude?
By Plotting out the position on a Topographical map, you don't have to be at that location to find out where you're at, or want to be. There are tools available to help determine the Latitude and Longitude so that you can pass the information along to someone else.
Practice locating places on a map and don't always rely on having a GPS receiver at your finger tips. Sometimes it's just nice to know that you can still use the old ways to do something and not have to rely on all the new fangled devices. Try doing math the old fashion way, using a pencil and paper, and not a calculator, so that you can appreciate how much easier things are today. You should always take advantage of any tools that you can get your hands on, just remember, they may not always be available.
(Reprint, with modification of, ARES Zone 3 Bulletin NR 00.42)
Ken Harris WA8LLM
Wood County WV;
ARES Assistant Section Coordinator WV
ARES District Emergency Coordinator WV DISTRICT 3