Maps and Security

[Holomon]

Just after posting in the EDC Keyring thread, I realised I'm not sure I've ever suggested this here before.
I keep notations on my paper maps in UV pen, which providing you write on the actual paper and not any plastic sleeving, sinks in and becomes invisible to the naked eye.
That way you can keep routes, locations and the like written down for yourself or relatives without the worry that should the maps be left behind somewhere some herbert will use them to track you down.

Without UV;



With UV;



Note that I marked that up as an example, I have no idea if that location or those routes are any good, so no blaming me if you use them in the event of some form of apocalypse.

Looking at amazon you can get 5 UV pens and 5 UV fob lights for less than £15.

[preppingsu]

Clever idea - I like that. Could be used for sending messages etc as well.

[pitchshifter]

This is an awesome idea! I did wonder why you kept a UV light on your keyring over in the EDC thread. I thought maybe it was to enable you to quickly check banknotes whilst out and about, but I like this idea even better!

[Wonderer]

I just posted a thread on mapping, the UV is abreast addition to maps, great idea.

[Hoipoloi]

Nice idea. Just ordered these two items to have a play with them

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B005 ... ge_o01_s00

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00L ... ge_o02_s00

[Stasher]

Like it, I think I might invest............

[Bubbles]

I like the idea for short term, I feel any plan should work regardless of outside influence.
The example obviously shows routes - destinations only I suggest, any route can be compromised and always think about alternating between 4/5 different routes to avoid habits.
It looks like you've marked cache points. These should be committed to memory using markers - secure markers not anything that could change. Remember your psychological state might be compromised but if you know the location of your cache regardless of how you approach then you sure to find it.
Back to my original point - what about when your power runs out or a part gets compromised then you need to change your map.

The first thing I would do if I came across someone with a uv torch is scan their stuff. Just the fact you need your map could cause problems.
If it's a BOL you need to learn it very well. Just in case.
This is purely my mentality but if you've tried and tested it. You obvious have working knowledge of it in as many situations as you can come up with.

[Hoipoloi]

The first thing I would do if I came across someone with a uv torch is scan their stuff.

Wouldn't do you any good with that torch in my post above I'm afraid.

Because it's rubbish.

[Holomon]

No, triangles with the pointy bit up are the symbol for an observation point. It was just an example.

You can't commit multiple BoLs across large areas along with multiple ingress and egress routes to memory, so it's better to commit them to a map.
Plus if for example you have a family that you want to have the ability to navigate etc should the worst happen to you, it's not a lot of use if it's all in your head.

[Bubbles]

Anywhere which you are leaving the safety of a home to go to must be considerable safer. It's not safer if you don't know it better than your home. Location is key if in an emergency you have to move to your next location then the time it takes to read your map is time wasted. You should know as much as possible. Your family need to commit it to memory. My 5yr old daughter can find every cache I have except one from memory. We practice twice a week and she knows where they are no matter what route we take.
mappung the route is only important if you don't bother practicing. Therefore how do you know it's not compromised.
Besides in your head is better than in someone else's hands. Lose your map - lose your supplies.
For me you BOLs are second homes so you should treat them as do, I know everything about my home and I know why I don't use BOL 2a when it's s flood emergency. 1a is no good for air cover and 1b is no good for personnel threat. And I know BOL 3a,b,c are my vehicle based ones. 4routes in and out hence being sited like that.