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Compass Navigation and GPS Basics

The document provides instructions for an activity using a compass to answer questions about compass directions and operation. It then provides a self-check multiple choice quiz about latitude, longitude, and coordinates. Finally, it instructs students to write a term paper or book report on how GPS receivers use satellite signals to determine location.

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Gerald Montano
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21 views4 pages

Compass Navigation and GPS Basics

The document provides instructions for an activity using a compass to answer questions about compass directions and operation. It then provides a self-check multiple choice quiz about latitude, longitude, and coordinates. Finally, it instructs students to write a term paper or book report on how GPS receivers use satellite signals to determine location.

Uploaded by

Gerald Montano
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

D.

Motivation/ Take-off 

ACTIVITY 1 
For 30 minutes, perform this “Inquiry Lab” below using your compass. You may use applications (apk
format) installed in android phones or any built in compass. Answer the questions that follows:

1. In what direction does the compass needle always point?


The direction where the compass needle always point is in the north,
because the magnetic inside where the north direction can be pin point
the attraction of the magnetic pole. It is believed in the theory of
magnetism that opposite attracts and similar repel. Which, means that
the north direction is attracted to the south pole of the Earth’s built-in
magnet.
2. How do you use the letters and numbers on a compass housing to
adjust the compass?
The compass is a device that shows the directions and used to navigate
and for geographic bearing and to pinpoint locations. The number used
in the compass, which often shows angles in degrees, where north corresponds to 0 degrees,
and the angles increases clockwise, so the east is 90 degrees, south is 180 degrees and lastly
west is 270 degrees. The number allows the compass to show a azimuths or bearings which
are commonly stated in degrees. The letter used in the compass, it is the cardinal directions
that is composed of the four points of a compass the north, east, south and the west. Which
they are represented in their first letters: N for north, S for south, E for east, and W for west.
These four directions are also known as the cardinal points. In a compass, working with the
bearings or the angle in degrees one needs to be aware of declination and how that causes
map bearings and the magnetic bearings being differ from each other. The process of
declination is about subtracting each declination from a map bearing to convert in to a
magnetic bearing and the matter of adding a wet declination. When, converting a magnetic
bearing to a map bearing apply the opposite rule. The magnetic needle of a compass is for
use in the field, and never be used on a map field. Also, it is always the north that is being
displayed on the top of the map, that is why when taking a map bearing always turn the
compass housing to point the orientation of the arrow at the top of the map. In a normal
compass or other compasses, the compass needle, often red and black or red and white
always point towards the Earth’s magnetic field or the north pole. In which, the compass has
letters, numbers and tick marks where the numbers represented from 0 to 360 degrees
angle while the letters pertain to the direction the south, north, east, and the west. For
example, the coordinates of the Philippines is 12.8797 degrees N (north), 121.7740 degrees
E (east).
.

F. Self – Check 

Multiple Choice. Read the questions comprehensively then choose the best possible answer from
the choices given below. 
“PLEASE BE HONEST, THIS WILL TEST YOUR CREDEBILITY FUTURE PROFESSIONAL TEACEHRS” 

1. To locate exact places on the earth, one must look at___A_____. 


a. the intersecting lines of latitude and longitude  
b. the lines of latitude only
c. the lines of longitude only
d. a neighboring area to describe the location 
2. Lines of latitude and longitude are measured in___B______. 
a. only north and south c. only east and west 
b. degrees of a circle d. degrees of a compass 
3. Latitude lines on a globe run from____B___. 
a. north to south c. north to east 
b. east to west d. south to west 
4. ___C____ lines on a globe run from east to west. 
a. North pole c. Latitude 
b. South pole d. Longitude 
5. When measuring the lines of latitude, always begin with the __B____, which represents 0
degrees. 
a. Prime Meridian c. Longitude 
b. Equator d. North Pole 
6. When measuring the lines of longitude, always begin with the ___C____, which represents 0
degrees. 
a. South Pole c. Prime Meridian 
b. Equator d. Latitude 
7. On a globe, the Equator is the___A____. 
a. Horizontal, center line c. 30 degree line 
b. Vertical, center line d. 180 degree line 
8. On a globe, the Prime Meridian is the___B_____. 
a. Horizontal, center line c. 180 degree line 
b. Vertical, center line d. 15 degree line 
9. Coordinates is/are___D_______. 
a. a degree only c. two degrees only 
b. a cardinal direction only d. two sets of degrees and cardinal directions 
10. Coordinates can be written like this:  d. All of the above 
a. 20 degrees S, 140 degrees W 
b. 40 degrees N, 120 degrees W, 160 degrees E 
c. 20 degrees S 
d. All of the above 

G. Self – Reflect 

For your activity, Make a term paper or book report on how GPS receiver uses satellite signals to
pinpoint its location.

Common questions

Powered by AI

When translating map coordinates into real-world navigation, considerations include compensating for magnetic declination, ensuring the compass is properly aligned to map orientation, and converting map bearings to magnetic bearings accurately. Misalignments or improper adjustments can result in directional errors, underscoring the need for meticulous calculation and compass handling .

The Equator is the starting point for measuring latitude because it is the central horizontal line on the globe, marking 0 degrees latitude from which distance north or south is measured. Similarly, the Prime Meridian serves as the starting point for measuring longitude, representing 0 degrees and dividing the Earth into eastern and western hemispheres .

The numbers and tick marks on a compass represent degrees from 0 to 360, which correspond to angles for determining direction. These angles are crucial for navigation, as they help quantify a traveler’s heading or bearing in relation to the cardinal directions, allowing for precise directional measurements .

The compass needle always points towards the north because it aligns with Earth's magnetic field. According to the theory of magnetism, opposite poles attract and similar poles repel. Thus, the north direction of the compass needle is attracted to the south magnetic pole of the Earth’s magnet, explaining why the needle consistently points north .

Coordinates on Earth are determined by the intersection of latitude and longitude. Latitude lines run horizontally, east-west, and are parallel to the Equator, while longitude lines run vertically, north-south, and converge at the poles, beginning from the Prime Meridian. Both systems are essential for pinpointing exact locations on Earth, as they provide two-dimensional reference points .

Geographic coordinates are written as sets of degrees along with cardinal directions, such as 20 degrees S, 140 degrees W. This notation includes latitude first followed by longitude and provides critical information on the specific position on Earth’s surface, expressed in angular measurements relative to the Equator and Prime Meridian .

Latitude lines run east-west and are parallel to each other, creating horizontal bands across the globe. Longitude lines, on the other hand, run north-south, converging at the poles, forming vertical divisions on the globe. Latitude measures position north or south of the Equator, whereas longitude measures position east or west of the Prime Meridian .

The cardinal points represented on a compass are North (N), East (E), South (S), and West (W). These correspond to specific degree measurements on a compass used for navigation: North is 0 degrees, East is 90 degrees, South is 180 degrees, and West is 270 degrees. These values are crucial for defining azimuths or bearings in degrees .

The process of declination adjustment involves accounting for the difference between magnetic north and true north. Declination is subtracted when converting a map bearing to a magnetic bearing and added when doing the reverse. This adjustment is crucial for accurate navigation, as failing to correct for declination can lead to significant errors in direction relative to map readings .

The magnetic needle in a compass is designed to align with Earth's magnetic field and point to magnetic north, making it vital for field navigation. However, it should not be used for map bearing determinations because maps are oriented based on true north. Magnetic declination varies by location, necessitating adjustments that the magnetic needle alone does not provide .

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