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PhoMeSideways
28
Jun 8, 2016
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I'm new to navigation but would like to get into it and am planning a backpacking trip to Europe. Can someone explain to me why u would get the metric vs inch or possibly the global version for use outside the states?
Edog
18
Jun 8, 2016
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PhoMeSidewaysmaps are either in metric or inches (mostly usa maps). global I am assuming is used in the 5 sections of the earths zones. to clarify I found this as I was unsure exactly if it was all or some.
"However, Suunto has developed a patented Global Needle that will perform perfectly with needle tilts of up to 20 degrees. This allows a single compass to be used effectively in all 5 of the earth's zones (see below). So when we say that a compass is outfitted with a Global Needle for true world-wide performance, now you know what we mean.
But, what if you're not a world traveler? Why would you want a global needle? Well, the global needle's unique ability to handle tilts up to 20 degrees makes it perfect for hikers that don't want to break their stride. Not having to level the compass exactly makes it easier to take an accurate reading while you're still moving along the trail."
Cheers!
"However, Suunto has developed a patented Global Needle that will perform perfectly with needle tilts of up to 20 degrees. This allows a single compass to be used effectively in all 5 of the earth's zones (see below). So when we say that a compass is outfitted with a Global Needle for true world-wide performance, now you know what we mean.
But, what if you're not a world traveler? Why would you want a global needle? Well, the global needle's unique ability to handle tilts up to 20 degrees makes it perfect for hikers that don't want to break their stride. Not having to level the compass exactly makes it easier to take an accurate reading while you're still moving along the trail."
Cheers!
MissingGravitas
9
Jun 9, 2016
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PhoMeSidewaysRegarding the metric/imperial options, the metric one is likely best outside the States. However, I almost never use the scales on the compass, so the choice is not that big a deal.
A map I have from the Austrian Alpine Club uses a 1:100,000 scale (1 cm on the map equals 1 km on the ground). I would assume this is representative of good-quality European maps, and 1:50,000 or 1:25,000 scale maps would similarly work well with a metric ruler on a compass.
In the US a common scale for USGS topo maps is 1:24,000 (1 inch on the map equals 2,000 feet on the ground), but a variety of other scales are in use. My NatGeo Yosemite map uses a 1:40,000 scale which does not match up well with inches or centimeters. For me, it's simpler to mark the distance between points on a separate paper or length of string, and line that up against the printed scale on the map.
A map I have from the Austrian Alpine Club uses a 1:100,000 scale (1 cm on the map equals 1 km on the ground). I would assume this is representative of good-quality European maps, and 1:50,000 or 1:25,000 scale maps would similarly work well with a metric ruler on a compass.
In the US a common scale for USGS topo maps is 1:24,000 (1 inch on the map equals 2,000 feet on the ground), but a variety of other scales are in use. My NatGeo Yosemite map uses a 1:40,000 scale which does not match up well with inches or centimeters. For me, it's simpler to mark the distance between points on a separate paper or length of string, and line that up against the printed scale on the map.
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