Delaware Valley Orienteering Association

Topic created by Steve on Sun Nov 1, 2015 at 11:31 pm

Steve
Num Posts: 414
Primary Club: DVOA
Fav map: Paradise Farm
First O: 1993

During the educational event at Illick's Mill on Saturday, I noticed that one competiter was using a smart phone for a compass. Dose anyone know if smart phones point at Magnetic north, or true north. Should our maps have multiple lines, perhaps blue for MN and black for N?  Just wondering

Reply by furlong47 on Sun Nov 1, 2015 at 11:45 pm

furlong47
Num Posts: 389
Primary Club: DVOA
Fav map: Bucks County Community College
First O: 1994

It would depend on the app and settings. Some can do either. I can't imagine anyone would want to use a smartphone as a compass beyond white/yellow stuff and IMO it shouldn't be encouraged. Aside from the issues of accuracy and being clumsy/awkward to hold, plus battery life (what if you're out long and your phone dies mid-course?) I know mine would sometimes end up taking a drink. A $10 (or even $50) compass is much less painful to break/lose.

Reply by ErikEddy on Mon Nov 2, 2015 at 10:14 am

ErikEddy
Num Posts: 410
Primary Club: DVOA
Fav map: Mount Penn Antietam
First O: 1998

Interesting point.  Magnetic north on orienteering maps was created for simplicity due to use of compass, but you'd think the phone might point true north since most maps are true north.  No need to put true north on the map.. that's just confusing. 

BTW, the rental compass (and e-punch) is included in the map fee so encourage them to borrow ours.  Phone is good for taking pictures on the beginner courses.

We shouldn't fear technology, but I'd say good old fashioned compass wins here. 

Reply by Steve on Mon Nov 2, 2015 at 11:06 am

Steve
Num Posts: 414
Primary Club: DVOA
Fav map: Paradise Farm
First O: 1993

if it is free, it is not a rental

Reply by ErikEddy on Mon Nov 2, 2015 at 11:45 am

ErikEddy
Num Posts: 410
Primary Club: DVOA
Fav map: Mount Penn Antietam
First O: 1998

???  It is free to borrow (well, included with your entry free).  Though, it looks like the website is not updated.

 

 

 

Reply by Orienteer7 on Tue Nov 3, 2015 at 12:45 pm

Orienteer7
Num Posts: 353
Primary Club: DVOA
Fav map: French Creek East
First O: 1974

The compass rental is not free for non-members,  It is $1 and leave a driver's license until it is returned.

Reply by ErikEddy on Wed Nov 4, 2015 at 11:18 pm

ErikEddy
Num Posts: 410
Primary Club: DVOA
Fav map: Mount Penn Antietam
First O: 1998

I'll check the cards in the kits but the intention was the $12 to cover the compass too.

Reply by DaveUrban on Thu Nov 5, 2015 at 7:45 pm

DaveUrban
Num Posts: 167
Primary Club: DVOA
Fav map:
First O: 0

Any reference to the discussion in the Board Meeting minutes?