What is the horizon? Skyline. Definition of the horizon sides. Azimuth of the main parties

The information necessary for orientation on any terrain consists of three elements: distances, directions and landmarks (various objects on the terrain). In encyclopedias, a definition of the horizon is given: this is the line visible to the eye, along which the sky borders the earth's surface.

In the fleet, the sea horizon is defined a little differently. Since ancient times, the fleet had its own navigation and some of its own definitions. In the marine encyclopaedia the horizon of the sea is the line connecting the sky and the water surface. The gaze (sight beam) directed towards this line is in the center of the visible water circle.

How to navigate in an unfamiliar place

Landmarks can be any clearly visible objects that stand out against the general background. It can be a massive stone or rock on a flat surface. In the forest, such a guide can serve as a tree, respectively, it should somehow stand out against the general background and catch your eye, so it was easier to remember.

What is the horizon? Regardless of where the person is in the world, there is always space around it: a really visible circle - it is the horizon line.

People found on this circle a few particularly prominent points. They noticed that the stars in the sky are moving in a circle, and one of them, as if on one place, stands above the horizon. This is the North Star. Then people paid attention to the property of some magnetized objects in a suspended state - they always turn with one end in its direction. And gradually, on the circle of the horizon, four main points (horizon directions) were planned-north, south, west, east. These names of the parties are still relevant today.

Definition of the horizon

With the help of the Polar Star or special magnetized objects (compass, astrolabe), people can, anywhere on the planet, determine the northern direction, and then, facing up to him, find on the sides of his body the other main directions: the back - the south, the right - East, left - west.

Angle to the horizon and degrees

Each quarter of the horizon can hold 90 degrees. The horizon plane is divided into small equal segments in the amount of 360 pieces - it can be compared with an approximate number of days in a year. Each of these segments was called the word "degree" and received a personal serial number - from 1 to 360.

Count the degrees from a certain place - this is the point of the horizon, located under the North Star. From it, the reading is to the right (clockwise).

The definition of the angle is as follows: it is formed by two rays emanating from one point (this is a course of mathematics of middle classes). Each degree of a circle is a certain angle.

Azimuth of the main sides of the horizon

A simple geometric angle has two arbitrary rays. This means that they can be directed to either side of the space. And the azimuth has a special ray - it goes to the only side, to the north. As is known, in geometry, the internal angles have a maximum value of up to 180 degrees (the expanded angle), but the azimuth can be larger, that is, 0-360 degrees.

From this it follows that the azimuth is the angle formed by two rays, one of them is directed to the north, the second to the landmark. The azimuth of the main sides of the horizon is measured in degrees and measured clockwise from zero.

Measurement of azimuth on terrain

Now a little about the directions of light. The horizon line is marked not only by four main points (these are rays directed from the center - north, south, west, east), but also intermediate - located in the middle and located between the two main points. For example, between the north and the east at an angle of 45 degrees is an intermediate direction. It is designated as the northeast. Exactly the same direction is built in every quarter of the circle. Thus, the "azimuth ring" is obtained, on it 22.5 degrees directions bearing an auxiliary role are still noted. They are designated as north-east-east, north-north-east, and so on.

A traveler with experience will easily determine the northern direction in any weather and at any time of the day. Then it will be easy for him to find the right direction without a compass. This requires a good knowledge of the azimuth ring.

Azimuth is an angle that can be measured or constructed. It is not difficult to draw it with a pencil on paper, and also on the terrain to measure with a sighting beam (look). On a map or in a simple notebook, it is convenient to measure and build the azimuths with a simple protractor-protractor. To do this, you should indicate the point of the center, the side of the horizon. Then, if necessary, draw right angles between them. Mark the desired visible point in the drawing and make a motion from it with a compass at an angle to the horizon, to the point of the north. A corner will be obtained, which is called azimuth.

On an ordinary map there are many vertical lines - this is the eastern and western edge of the frame and the lines of rectangular coordinates, which have a direction to the north. But the vertical lines of the grid sometimes are not quite parallel to the frame of the map - they form some angle. It is not very large and therefore usually not taken into account.

For example, you need to measure the azimuth of the route line from point A to point B. The transport center (zero point) is superimposed on point A, one of its axes is rotated so that it is parallel to the vertical lines of the map, then on the gradient scale of the protractor, And to point B.

Compasses

Compasses have a different design. The compass, which was designed in the 19th century by the Russian topographer Pyotr Adrianov, is most widespread. The name is appropriate - the compass of Adrianov. At that time, the compasses were made of brass, today they are made of plastic.

Compass Adrianova has five components: body, sight ring, limb, magnetic needle and clamp.

The round enclosure connects and secures all parts of the structure. A steel short needle is inserted into the center of the center, an arrow is placed on it. There are two slots on the side, through them a strap is passed, which is tightened on the arm, like a clock. Sometimes a lace is used to wear a compass around the neck. At the top there is a groove with springs made of brass, with their help a sight ring is attached and rotated to the body.

In the sight ring is inserted glass, on its upper edge there are two protrusions - a fly and an eye. Below them, on the inside, there are two triangular ledges that are covered with a special composition that glows in the dark. These ledges are pointers and when the rings are rotated, they show the reading in degrees on the compass scale.

The main part of the compass is a magnetized arrow. It is cut out of a steel plate. The end of the arrow pointing to the north is also covered with a composition that glows in the dark. For an arrow to rotate on a needle easily, in its center there is a small lens, which reduces the braking effect of rotating parts. On the lower side there is a cone-shaped depression, the arrow resting on the needle, which ensures rotation along the circumference.

Limb - a white ring with divisions. It looks like an azimuth ring. On it there is one long stroke, which is covered with a luminous composition - this is the origin of the divisions. There are also three points, which also shine in the dark, above them are the letters denoting the sides of the world. Each division of the compass is equal to three degrees.

The clamp is a springy metal plate bent in half. When it is pulled out through the slit in the body, the ends of the plate are compressed, releasing the compass needle, and it "sits" on the needle with its lens. When the clamp moves into the compass, the spring's blades are straightened, removing the needle from the needle and pressing it against the glass. In this position, the compass is closed and the arrow does not work.

Modern types of compasses

Now almost all tourists use a sports liquid compass, it is more convenient and easier to work with. Its arrow is located in a special capsule, which is filled with liquid. It allows the arrow to be set to the north for a few seconds. There is a large number of different models of sports compasses, their limb has a more accurate price of division - up to 2 degrees. The capsule is located directly on the compass board, which has a measuring ruler. On the board itself, as well as on the capsule, parallel lines are laid, which greatly simplify the work with the cards.

Modern compasses can be worn on the wrist, as well as on the neck with a lace. The bulb and the board are made of impact-resistant materials, they work perfectly in different climatic conditions.

Rules for handling the compass

It is necessary to protect the device from impacts, especially it concerns liquid products. Their body is made in the form of a plate, therefore, very fragile. Also, avoid compass neighborhood with metal objects - this adversely affects the magnetic needle. When the compass is not in use, you need to carry it on your arm or neck or just put it in your pocket.

Rules of work with the compass

There are four types of actions with a compass:

1. Knowing what the horizon is, with the help of a compass you can find its sides. Just open the lock, and the arrow itself will show the north direction. The task is fulfilled: having determined the north, it is not difficult to find other parts of the world. For this, it is enough to recall the azimuth ring.
2. Working with the map on the compass. It is necessary to orient the map with respect to the sides of the horizon. To do this, it rotates in such a way that the orientation lines on the map are parallel to the axis of the compass needle, and the top of these lines is directed to the direction to which the magnetized north end of the arrow is looking. So, knowing what horizon is, you can competently navigate the map. The compass is placed on the map in such a way that the eastern and western sides of the map pass under it. Then the arrow opens, after it becomes quiet, you should rotate the map along with the compass until the line of the frame and the arrow are on the same straight line. You need to make sure that they are exactly on a straight line, and the top of the map "looks" exactly to the north. Now the map is positioned correctly, oriented in the right direction, and you can define ready-made directions to any observation points and local objects, that is, the visible horizon.
3. The notch is a straight line - the action of the conductor, which, knowing the azimuth, marks the passing landmarks on it, then moves to the desired goal.
4. The reverse intersection is the action of the conductor when, seeing the target and knowing that it will disappear soon from the field of view, it determines with the help of the compass a magnetic azimuth for the landmark-target. This helps by means of direct serifs to get out to the right place through the one-way walkways.

It follows that two options are possible:

1. There is no complete overview of the terrain, but there is a magnetic azimuth of the desired goal (taken from the map).
2. An overview of the terrain is available, and a landmark is visible. Suppose a person stands on a hill surrounded by forest, and knows that when he starts moving, the target will disappear for a long time from his eyes. And then he will have to go his own way in azimuth (direct serifs).

In the first variant, the azimuth is obtained from the map, in the second - by sighting the target.

Compass of Adrianova: direct notch

1. The fly indicator is set to divide the limb, which corresponds to the desired azimuth.
2. The compass needle opens, and the limb is oriented on it, that is, the zero-point limb is fed to the northern end of the arrow by rotating the body.
3. Vizirovanie (squinting eyes) - you need to look at the fly through the slit of the eye, then the eye notices in the distance a certain object that hit the fly (walkway).
4. Now, a check is made to see if the 2 and 3 actions are correctly executed. The compass position does not change, then the arrow closes.

Direct resection is defined, along with an approximate distance to the horizon is calculated. After this, you can go to the checkpoint, here it is important not to lose it. For example, in the forest, the sight beam (gaze) rests against a certain tree, which is taken as a checkpoint. It should be well remembered and not to be confused with others. As such landmarks, you need to choose the remote objects, because once you reach them, you will again need to repeat the direct serif. This operation takes a lot of time.

The definition of azimuth on the landmark is visible - the resection

1. The compass needle opens, then approximately (approximate) the limb is adjusted along the arrow. The fly is also approximately directed to the landmark by rotating the sight ring.
2. Then the limb is fixed in the direction of the arrow and is precisely adjusted to the landmark of the fly.
3. Next, the zero-stroke test is performed, if it is lost from the north end, then the second action is repeated.
4. Countdown is taken from the limb, the arrow closes.

Straight and reverse resection on the compass by liquid

Straight:

1. The compass is placed on the map so that its lateral edge touches the final and initial points of movement.
2. The rotating part of the compass is rotated so that the risks are parallel on the map to the magnetic meridian. Double risk should look to the north.
3. Then the card is removed. The body is held horizontally and rotated so that the north end of the arrow is located on the body between the double risk. In this position, the centerline of the plate will indicate the direction of travel. Track on the go for the landmark is not necessary, you should only see that the arrow does not change its position. This guarantees the azimuth in motion. The liquid compass, unlike usual, keeps the direction not only on the move, but also on the run. You just have to learn how to keep it in a horizontal position.

Reverse:

1. The compass is held in a horizontal position, the landmark is directed to the side or axial edge of the housing.
2. Then the capsule rotates until the arrow is between the double risk, pointing exactly to the north. Next, you need to look at how many degrees are shown on the limb near the centerline.

Now the azimuth is obtained, you need to write it to the notepad. Knowing what the horizon and azimuth is for the desired landmark, you can safely go on the road, making serifs, moving to the desired goal through the entrance landmarks.

But we must not forget that every person has the ability to make mistakes in everything, including working with a compass. Anyone can make mistakes in completely different ways: confuse the ends of the arrow, orient the imprecise limb, incorrectly visualize the desired object. Any mistake can be very expensive. Because, being in an unfamiliar place, especially far from populated areas, it is not difficult to get lost. Therefore, the traveler needs to be very attentive and check himself several times.

The minus of the Adrianov compass is that its arrow is very mobile, and it is difficult to set it exactly at the zero stroke of the limb. It is more reasonable to put a compass on any support for greater accuracy. A stump in the woods or just a stick stuck into the ground will do. And all the same it is necessary to be reinsured - to make serifs not to one, but to several people on two or more compasses. Each duty conductor has an understudy: together they simultaneously make serifs. If their results are agreed, then everything is fine. If they diverge slightly, then the average value is taken. But when the calculations do not coincide at all, the work needs to be completely redone.

In the march, the traffic is divided into two variants: a rigid azimuth (without a card strictly in azimuth) and traffic according to the situation (along glades, paths, roads), in the latter case the group additionally focuses on the approximate direction of movement (steering azimuth).

Quite often it is impossible to move on a sighting beam on the way, because obstacles prevent: rivers, marshes, steep slopes, overgrown forest thickets. In this case, the following tactical method is used: the deviations from the azimuth alternate alternately. For example, one obstacle is left, the other - on the right. After each bypass, further direction is corrected.

When the movement is in azimuth, a deviation of three degrees gives an approximate offset of the exit point by five percent. Therefore, the azimuthal path through the intervals (landmarks) is laid by separate segments.

The ability to handle the map and the compass is the basic skills of the traveler. Possessing the skills of orientation on the terrain, knowing what the length of the horizon is and knowing how to navigate in azimuth, the traveler will never get lost in an unfamiliar area, wherever he is. Therefore, you should pay more attention to all these things, intending to go on a trip or trek.

As for the choice of a compass, everyone decides for himself, which is more convenient for him. But there is a tendency that experienced people in the age of old choose the old and proven compass of Adrianov, and young people prefer modern analogues. Both the first and the second act correctly, because here it is only in convenience and habit. And in essence, they work perfectly like old models that have served not for one decade, but also new, improved ones.

Have a nice trip and a good journey to everyone who plans to go on a hike! Let the horizon line always be visible!