Feb. 21
Mapping Techniques
Today we used the tape and compass mapping technique to map an apu (shrine) located adjacent to the road located north of the Kupopolo Heiau. This technique requires firstly to find magnetic north, then set a scale for your map, preferably 1x1. Once the scale is set provide information like the date, location and a legend. Before you can start mapping, a baseline must be set to measure to points on your feature. Once the baseline is set the mapping can begin! This technique needs three people to be successful. One person stands adjacent to the baseline and makes sure that the tape measurer is perpendicular to the baseline for the most accurate reading. Another person is putting the end on the tape measurer on distinguishable points on large rocks. The number on the baseline and the number on the tape measurer are read aloud for the person mapping to plot on the map. After all corners of a rock are plotted the person mapping sketches the rock for appropriate shape. This continues around the entire feature, which creates a "birds-eye view". Mapping was the hardest part of the field school only because it requires some artistic ability, which I seem to be lacking, unless we are talking about strictly stick figures!