Week 3 FAQ
Yes, there will be a different field work activity assigned each week. Check the weekly course instructions to find out more.
To add any missing files, go through submission process again and upload any that weren’t included the first time.
Include enough information that you can do the math or identify what you’re talking about later. Plant or animal identification and equations can be done indoors.
No. Field notes are just for observations and measurements while out in the field. Use different notes if you want to add any other information or work through equations.
Either one is acceptable, just be consistent and include units. You can always convert them later.
Sometimes. There’s some uncertainty in our measurements. Go to two decimal points but keep everything for what you’ve measured in case you need to double check.
Use your best estimation, whether it’s half a pace or quarter of a pace. When using paces you’re not looking for exact measurements, so your best estimation will work.
Estimate first, then measure. This will train you to get better results.
The compass will still point to magnetic North, though the declinations can vary quite a bit depending on location.
The answer involves compass use, map reading, and field notes.
When out on a trail or old road, pick a start point and take a compass bearing as far as the trail goes before turning. Measure that distance, and you’ve found the first leg (compass bearing & distance) of the trail. Then head to where the path turns and get a bearing facing back towards the starting point. Repeat this process for each leg.
You’ll also want to measure the width of the trail in two or three places on the first leg, and any other leg where the width noticeably changes.
A scale map is a drawing of a large area done on a piece of paper. The scale tells us what our measurements on the paper represent in the actual area being mapped.
ex) A 1:500 scale means that 1cm on the piece of paper represents 500cm in the area being mapped.
Put a dot on the bottom of the page and place the pivot point of your compass directly on top of that aligned to the North.
From there you’ll be able to mark off your first bearing and start creating the trail you mapped out previously.
Yes. Writing the degrees will help you keep track of where you are.
Using a backshot verifies our measurements and confirms that our first bearing was correct. The backshot should always be 180 degrees off of the first bearing.
By taking three different measurements, or bearings, from three different locations towards a signal (radio or other) you’ll have an overlapping area between these measurements. Where those three lines overlap is the area where that signal is coming from.
Yes. Each location will have its own declination.
Find a central location for the object or landmark and estimate the distance to both ends from that one location.
Using your watch, point the hour hand at the sun. Halfway between the hour hand and 12 on your watch is South.