The Map Board...

The map board...a relatively crude piece of equipment that is invaluable. Our field methods professor made us make one of these for the class. It's simply 2 pieces of plexi-glass duct taped together with velcro stickers to keep it closed. A strap was added onto the top, largely with velcro, so that the whole thing can be hung around your neck or over a shoulder.

We got very use to these on mapping excursions and I ended up going on a field trip without one. I regretted it. They get in the way, you sometimes get caught on things (hence the velcro handle), but beyond all limitations, they are incredibly useful.

Thanks Luther!!!!

This image shows the map board open. There's a field book and pencil on the left hand side and a color map on the right hand side. Your notes and maps are usually secured using draft dots or masking tape. The velcro allows for easy opening, but it also allows you to close the whole thing and not lose your papers or field book. (Pencils do not fit.)

Oh yeah, the pink tape. That's from Rachel...it helps to locate your map board when you put it down somewhere like in a bush. Thankfully hot pink is not a common color in nature. (Also why this tape is around my rock hammer and will be put on my Brunton before I go into the field.)

Tomorrow...other tools