The Aim of This Course
The aim of this course is to provide Search Technicians with the skills and knowledge to navigate in urban and rural environments.
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While every care has been taken to ensure that the information contained in this training manual is the best available, Search Dogs Sydney Incorporated accepts no liability for any use of the information or reliance placed on it and no responsibility is accepted for events or damages resulting from its use.
This training course has been developed by members of Search Dogs Sydney Incorporated.
Version Control
| Version | Brief Description of Amendments | Approval | ||
| No. | Date | Name | Position | |
| V1.0 | Mar 2020 | Initial release | C D’Arcy | President |
Curriculum
- 15 Sections
- 48 Lessons
- 52 Weeks
- IntroductionAfter completing this topic you should be able to: • Explain what a map is • Explain where you can use your Map and Navigation skills and when it might be needed • Interpret the Marginal Information (including conventional signs) on a map • Identify Map Datum • Fold and care for maps2
- Topic 1 - Map ReadingAfter completing this topic you should be able to: • Explain what a map is • Explain where you can use your Map and Navigation skills and when it might be needed • Interpret the Marginal Information (including conventional signs) on a map • Identify Map Datum • Fold and care for maps7
- Topic 2 – Scales and DistancesAfter completing this topic you should be able to: • Interpret map scales • Measure distance on a map2
- Topic 3 – Location FindingAfter completing this topic you should be able to: • Explain methods of providing geographic location • Determine 4 and 6 figure grid references • Explain how a GPS operates5
- Topic 4 – ContoursAfter completing this topic you should be able to: • Describe methods of showing height and shape of the ground • Explain gradients • Calculate points of intervisibility4
- Topic 5 – DirectionAfter completing this topic you should be able to: • Use a protractor to plot a grid bearing • Determine changes in magnetic variation over a given time frame • Determine magnetic bearings between given locations4
- Topic 6 – Using a CompassAfter completing this topic you should be able to: • Determine site bearings of given landmarks using both a Silva and Prismatic compass • Determine back bearings • Check a compass for local magnetic attraction5
- Topic 7 – Navigation AidsAfter completing this topic you should be able to: • Explain what navigational aids are used for • Explain the features on a topographical map • Demonstrate problem solving navigational techniques • Demonstrate distance calculating techniques5
- Topic 8 – Route PlanningAfter completing this topic you should be able to: • Plot a course and compile a route card4
- Topic 9 – Map SettingIn this topic you will learn how to: • Orient a map2
- Topic 10 – Maintaining Direction Using a CompassHaving completed this topic, you should be able to: • Use a compass to alter direction to avoid an obstacle and • Resume the original line of travel2
- Topic 11 – CheckingHaving completed this topic, you should be able to: • Use attack points, catching features, aiming off, dog-legs, slope aspect and hand rails, to check direction and distance2
- Topic 12 – Position FixingIn this topic you will learn how to: • Conduct a resection2
- Topic 13 – Actions If LostAfter completing this topic you should be able to: • Take appropriate action if you become lost2
- Map & Navigation Quizz1
