Pacing Method
What is Pacing?
Pacing is a method of measuring distance by counting your steps. Each person's pace (the length of two steps) is different, so you need to calibrate your own pace.
How to Calibrate Your Pace:
- Find a known distance (ideally 100 feet or 100 meters)
- Walk the distance naturally, counting your paces
- Divide the known distance by the number of paces to get your pace length
- Repeat several times and take the average for accuracy
Using Pacing in the Field
Once you know your pace length, you can measure unknown distances by counting your paces and multiplying by your pace length.
Tips for Accurate Pacing:
- Maintain a natural walking rhythm
- Be aware that your pace may change on different terrain (uphill, downhill, etc.)
- Use a tally counter or small stones to keep track of large numbers of paces
- For very long distances, take note of landmarks to help maintain count
Interactive Exercise
Try this calculation: If your pace length is 5 feet and you count 42 paces, how far have you traveled?