SISOFLD008 — Navigate in extremely difficult tracked and untracked environments

Elements & performance criteria

Performance evidence

• plan and document three efficient routes, each different, within extremely difficult tracked or untracked environments
• navigate each of the above three planned routes
• across the three navigation activities, collectively use these techniques to determine location: - using map, identifying natural features, and determining distance travelled - using map and compass techniques including dead reckoning, back bearings, resections/tri-bearings - using GPS devices and altimeter - using grid references, estimation and Romer devices
• across the three navigation activities, collectively use these navigation techniques: - using linear and point references - using terrain features: handrailing, collecting features, catch points - using compass techniques: dead reckoning, aiming off - using GPS; waypoints, routes - using altimeters, peak height, contouring
• for at least one hour during any of the navigation activities, use compass techniques to navigate in conditions where visibility is less than ten metres because of environmental factors such as dense vegetation, whiteout or night time factors
• on two occasions, determine when there is a deviation from a planned route, adjust and resume the planned route after fixing position using: - manual techniques on one occasion - a GPS device on one occasion
• determine two adjustments to routes in the field and navigate the changed routes using: - manual techniques on one occasion - a GPS device on one occasion

Knowledge evidence

• trusted sources of maps for the region or locality
• different technologies used to access maps
• characteristics of different map types, their different uses, advantages and disadvantages, accuracy and sources of error: - paper based and digital - sketch maps and diagrams - guide book maps - charts - route - topographic - cadastral
• information found on maps including symbols and what they represent: - survey and edition date - map legend - scale and distance - grid lines and numbers - cardinal points and bearings - contour lines, altitude and water depth - topographic features - markers and beacons - gradient - roads, tracks and waterways - magnetic variation an annual change - principal colours used on maps and what they represent
• other information and key features that can assist navigation in extremely difficult tracked environments: - satellite imagery - aerial photographs
• features, functions and operation of global positioning systems (GPS): - when these might be used, advantages and disadvantages - reliability of signal, device and battery - system structure at fundamental level of understanding - how to identify and use different datum grids - how to create, enter and transfer waypoints - how to create tracks, routes and grid references - accuracy and sources of errors
• features, functions and operation of altimeters: - when these might be used, advantages and disadvantages - accuracy and errors
• these different types of compasses, their features, operation and factors which affect accuracy: - baseplate/orienteering - sighting/mirror - lensatic/prismatic
• for extremely difficult tracked or untracked environments, map and compass techniques used to: - calculate and convert between grid, magnetic and true north bearings - orientate map to surroundings - maintain a designated course including use of dead reckoning and current correction - identify unfamiliar features - make significant adjustments to routes
• techniques to determine location in unmodified environments: - using map, identifying natural features, and determining distance travelled - using map and compass techniques including dead reckoning, back bearings, resections/tri-bearings - using GPS devices and altimeter - using grid references, estimation and Romer devices
• the following navigation techniques, advantages, disadvantages and how a combination can be used to effectively navigate in unmodified environments: - using linear and point references - using terrain features: handrailing, collecting features, catch points - using compass techniques: dead reckoning, aiming off - using GPS; waypoints, routes - using altimeters, peak height, contouring - using celestial bodies to fix position
• how extreme conditions affect navigation and choice of methods used including dead reckoning and leapfrogging
• types of navigation aids found in unmodified environments and how these can assist with navigation in the absence of signage and route markers: - creek junctions and crossings - beacons - cairns - landforms and natural features of the landscape
• contents of navigation data sheets and their purpose: - grid reference points - grid and magnetic bearings - distances - estimated travelling times - height gain or loss - gradient - identifiable features - escape routes
• factors that affect the adjustment of routes during activities.

Foundation skills

• Reading skills: interpret complex and potentially unfamiliar information from maps interpret factual activity plan information in familiar formats.
• Writing skills: develop detailed navigation data sheets using correct terminology and symbols.
• Numeracy skills: interpret and calculate detailed numerical data involving, distances, times, altitudes, heights, depths and gradients. interpret and calculate degrees, mils and angles.
• Problem-solving skills: resolve significant problems associated with indistinct tracks and route adjustments resolve problems associated with vague land features and implied mapping features.
• Technology skills: use a range of technologies to access information about routes.

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Questions about assessing SISOFLD008