Navigation Tools
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Learning text on the topic Navigation Tools
Navigational Tools – Definition
Navigational tools help us find our way and understand our location. These tools are essential for exploring and understanding the world around us. They include items like maps, compasses and GPS devices.
Navigational tools are instruments or devices used to determine the position and direction of travel to reach a specific destination. They help us figure out how to get to different places, how long it may take and what the route might look like.
Understanding Navigational Tools – Explanation
Navigational tools are used in everyday life for various purposes, such as travelling, hiking and even in sports like orienteering. Here are some of the most common navigational tools.
Maps and Atlases
Maps are drawings that represent parts of the world. They can show countries, cities, mountains and oceans. An atlas is a collection of maps bound in a book.
Globes
A globe is a spherical model of the Earth. It accurately represents continents, oceans and countries.
GPS (Global Positioning System)
GPS is a digital tool that uses satellites to provide precise location information. Many smartphones and cars have GPS systems to help with navigation.
Compass
A compass is a tool that shows direction. It has a needle that always points north, helping you to determine which way you are facing.
Compass Rose
A compass rose is a diagram on a map that shows directions (North, East, South and West) and helps you understand orientation when reading a map.
The North Star
The North Star, also known as Polaris, is a bright star that always points to the North. It has been used for navigation for centuries, especially before modern tools like GPS were invented.
Directions on a Compass
A compass has four main directions:
- North (N)
- East (E)
- South (S)
- West (W)
These are called the cardinal points. There are also intermediate points like Northeast (NE) and Southwest (SW).
How to Use a Compass
Step-by-Step Guide to Using a Compass:
| 1 | Hold the compass flat in your hand. |
|---|---|
| 2 | Wait for the needle to stop moving. |
| 3 | The needle points to North. |
| 4 | Turn yourself and the compass until the needle lines up with the North on the compass. |
| 5 | Now you can see all directions around you. |
Reading Maps with Grid References
Maps often use grid references to help locate places easily. There are two types of grid references, learn more about them below.
Four-Figure Grid References
This system uses four numbers to show a location on a map. For example, the grid reference 4833 might point to a specific square on a map.
Six-Figure Grid References
This system is more precise, using six numbers. For example, 476 334 pinpoints an exact spot within a square.
How to Use Grid References:
- Find the numbers along the bottom of the map (eastings) and the side (northings).
- For four-figure references, read the easting number first, then the northing.
- For six-figure references, break each number into three parts for more accuracy.
Using Symbols and Keys on Maps
Maps use symbols to represent different features like forests, rivers and buildings. A key, usually found in a corner of the map, explains what each symbol means.
Common Map Symbols:
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| A tree | Forest |
| Wavy lines | River |
| Black square | Building |
How to Use the Map Key:
- Look for the symbol on the map.
- Find the same symbol in the key.
- Read what the symbol represents.
Navigational Tools – Summary
Key Learnings from this Text:
- Maps and Atlases help us see parts of the world.
- Globes show the Earth in a round shape.
- GPS uses satellites for precise location.
- Compasses show direction with a needle pointing North.
- Compass Rose on maps shows directions.
- Four and Six-Figure Grid References help locate places on maps.
- Map Symbols and Keys explain features on maps.
- The North Star is used for navigation.
Use these tools to enhance your navigational skills and explore the world with confidence! For more, have a look at this video on reading maps.
Navigation Tools – Frequently Asked Questions
Navigation Tools exercise
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What is the purpose of orientation tools?
HintsOrientation tools help people work out how to move from one location to another accurately and efficiently.
The compass is a tool that shows north, south, east and west.
SolutionOrientation tools help people find their way from one place to another.
Some examples of navigational tools are a compass, a map and GPS.
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How does a compass help with navigation?
HintsA compass is a tool that aligns itself with a particular force of nature, which is useful for determining directions.
The Earth's magnetic field plays a crucial role in how a compass needle behaves, helping people find directions such as north, south, east and west.
SolutionA compass needle points north due to Earth's magnetic field, assisting in determining directions.
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What does a map show, and how is a compass rose related to maps?
HintsMaps are visual representations of places, and they include features like mountains, rivers and roads.
The compass rose is a small design on a map that serves as a directional marker.
SolutionA map:
- displays a place's landscape.
- displays a place's features.
- labels north, south, east and west.
- indicates map's orientation.
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What does GPS stand for and how does it work?
HintsGPS is an acronym that stands for a system that allows you to determine your exact location on Earth's surface, no matter where you are.
This system relies on signals sent back and forth between devices on Earth and satellites in space, enabling you to pinpoint your position with a high level of accuracy.
SolutionGPS stands for Global Positioning System.
It works by exchanging signals between satellites and devices on Earth to determine precise locations.
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What natural orientation tool could you use to find your direction?
HintsLooking up at the night sky and finding a particular star can help.
This star is in the north.
SolutionYou can use the North Star (Polaris) as a natural navigational tool to determine the direction of north.
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If you're in a remote area without any technology, how could you determine the direction of north at night?
HintsThe North Star is a bright star in the night sky that has been used as a navigational reference for centuries.
It's always in the same direction.
To find the North Star, you need to identify two specific constellations—one resembling a large spoon and another resembling a smaller spoon.
The North Star is located at the end of the handle of the smaller spoon.
SolutionYou can find the North Star (Polaris) by identifying the Big Dipper constellation and locating the Little Dipper constellation above it. Polaris is situated at the tip of the Little Dipper's handle and always points north.
