SECOND CLASS SCOUT

Ruling the Map

When you use a map and compass together, declination can cause large errors as you take hearings and try to follow routes. To avoid problems caused by declination, you can change the map so that it and your com- pass speak the same language. With a pencil and a long ruler, extend the magnetic-north arrow up to the top of the map. Next, draw other lines a ruler's width apart and par- allel to the first line. Use these magnetic-north lines to orient the map and find your way.

HOW TO ORIENT A MAP

Hundreds of years ago, European explorers were trying to reach regions of the Far East they called the Orient. Many of their maps had the Orient at the top. Today, most maps are drawn with north at the top, hut the act of turning a map to match the landscape is still called orienting.