Map Table Premium Tripod Mount

Turn any standard tripod into a stable, non-magnetic, compass-safe navigation station.

The Map Table Premium Tripod Mount delivers a stable, compass-safe working surface so you can take accurate bearings and navigate with confidence in the field. No more struggling to hold the map, hunting for a non-magnetic surface, or fighting uneven ground. It attaches quickly to most standard tripods, giving you a reliable platform anywhere, indoors or out, at any convenient height.

Originally developed for Boy Scout orienteering, this hand-crafted, lightweight, fully non-magnetic system is ideal for Scouts, trainers, hikers, backpackers, and outdoor enthusiasts. It includes two strong “Classic Clampy” clips to securely hold your map while you orient, plot bearings, measure distances, or calculate paces.

Perfect For

Accurately and consistently complete an orienteering course.
Find and mark your exact location on a topo map using landmark bearings or a GPS with UTM or GPS coordinates.
Draw bearing lines, get coordinates and calculate paces to destinations for orienteering or training.
Leave set up at camp for reference and training.
Take it on a hike or backpacking trip for accurate bearings.
Use at meetings, merit badge training, gather around for orienteering training.
Use as a device to increase interest and focus in map and compass work.
Anywhere you could use a convenient, reliable, non-magnetic map table surface.

Key Features

9.5″ × 12″ Blue marine-grade HDPE map table surface with matte finish. Will not warp or degrade in the sun.
Rugged black ABS adapter permanently bonded to the map table with precision ¼”-20 insert.
Includes a 6″ aluminum extension rod to eliminate magnetic interference from ferrous tripod heads.
Tough, impact-resistant, and fully weatherproof — withstands drops, rain, extreme heat, cold, and UV exposure.
Lightweight (≈ 20 oz) yet stable enough for dependable long-term field use.
Includes two repositionable Penco Clampy map clips.
Includes a storage pouch for compass and accessories, and a drawstring bag for the complete system..

How It Works

Screw the bottom end of the extension rod to a standard tripod quick-release plate.
Screw the top end of the extension rod into the map table.
Attach the map table unit to a tripod.
Secure your map or notes with the Penco clips.
Move the tripod legs to orient the map and compass.
Enjoy – Use the map table to find locations, bearings, measure distances, paces, etc.
See below for Tips and Tricks.

Ready to Order?

Price: $60 – $75

Product and web page under development. Email map-table at crawfordcomputer.com for more information.

Tips and Tricks

Setting up the Tripod

For maximum stability, choose a tripod with a substantial heavy-duty quick-release plate – see Related Products (below) for recommendations. Avoid ball-head and full-metal tripods. Most tripods have magnetic metal parts that would affect a compass up close, which is why we provide a 6″ extension rod to isolate the map table from any magnetism in most tripod heads. Non-magnetic tripods make the 6″ extension rod unnecessary, however they are usually prohibitively expensive.
Leave the neck down and adjust height with the legs only. Use the widest leg spread possible.
Set up, level, and tighten the tripod before attaching the map table.

Attaching the Extension Rod & Map Table

Screw the quick-release plate tightly onto the extension rod (leave it attached for storage, if you prefer).
Screw the extension rod firmly into the map table, hand-tight plus a little extra so it won’t slip in use.
Attach the unit’s quick-release to the tripod. If the map table is still loose, hold the rod and turn the map table to the right until it is tight.
The table will tilt a bit when pressed around the edges, but should return to level when released.

Setting the Map

Fold maps as flat and even as possible for the best working surface, and/or drape over one edge.
Position the two Penco clips to hold the map securely (usually at the top and on one side).
Set the compass, then align the map to North by gently shifting the tripod’s orientation with the rod or legs rather than adjusting the tripod head.

Working with the Compass

Try to choose a compass that has grips (little silicone feet), so the compass won’t slide around on the map. This minimizes the amount of finger pressure required to hold the compass in place while turning the bezel. Four “grip dots” are included in the Compass pouch in case you need them, or you can use any other similar ones.
If the bezel doesn’t easily turn, add a little powdered graphite or a few drops of 3-in-1 oil between it and the base. It’s much easier to minimize table give when you don’t have to press down hard on the compass to turn the bezel. You should be able to easily hold the compass in place with one or two fingers, while turning the bezel with the other hand.
“Work the table.” Keep the table balanced with palm(s) and fingers across the table center. Position the compass with both hands, then hold it in place with a few fingers on one hand while turning the bezel with the other hand.
Or work more lightly on the table, especially around the edges. Use a few fingers to hold the compass in place with one hand, then turn the bezel with the other hand.
Or you can support the table around the edges from underneath while holding the compass in place with one hand, then turn the bezel with the other hand.
You’ll develop technique with a little practice.

Notes on Product Design

Selection of HDPE for the map table: HDPE has “character” – it has dimples, swirls, and splotches in its otherwise shiny and waxy-feeling surface. Nevertheless, after extensive testing, HDPE was chosen as the best balance of performance, appearance, and practicality for our outdoor use. For instance, G10/FR4 offers superior flatness and rigidity, but is significantly heavier and more brittle than HDPE. Other materials warp and degrade in sunlight over time, like PA6, Nylon, Polycarbonate, and PET-G.

Selection of ABS for the tripod adapter: ABS was selected for the optimal balance of rigidity, weight, and bonding performance. At 12mm thickness it provides a strong, stable mounting base for the brass insert. It epoxy-bonds exceptionally well to marine-grade HDPE using 3M DP8005, and maintains excellent dimensional stability in outdoor conditions.

Selection of the 1/4-20 Short Brass Heat Set Insert: Chosen for its excellent holding power in thin-wall ABS, the short brass insert with aggressive knurling provides a strong, reusable ¼”-20 threaded mount while keeping weight and profile low. It delivers reliable torque resistance for repeated extension rod or tripod attachment, and remains fully non-magnetic. It seats cleanly and leaves a small, exposed flange to provide surface friction for the extension rod or tripod.

Selection of the extension rod: The 6″ aluminum extension rod is included to provide sufficient separation between the map table and the tripod head, ensuring reliable magnetic isolation for accurate compass readings on most tripods. The added length does introduce a small amount of additional flex compared to a direct mount (especially when pressing firmly around the edges). The effect is manageable by minimizing the need for pressure when using the compass (with grips to minimize slipping and bezel lubrication to make it easy to turn), and by keeping the table balanced –”working the table” – keeping the table balanced with both hands, palms and fingers across opposite sides of center (See Map Table Tips and Tricks).

Testing for Magnetic Interference

The included 6″ aluminum extension rod provides sufficient magnetic isolation for the vast majority of modern tripods. On rare, heavily ferrous tripods (such as some older all-steel models), magnetic interference may still occur. If there is any concern, test for magnetic interference per the procedure below:

Set a map, vertically lined paper, or graph paper on the surface to be tested.
Orient a compass at magnetic North, with 0° straight up.
Place the compass edge along a vertical line at one bottom corner of the surface, then turn the map until the compass needle aligns with 0°, so everything on the compass and map is now aligned magnetic North.
Secure the map in place so it won’t move during testing.
Move the compass a few inches up along the same vertical line. The compass should still point to 0°. Continue up the vertical line the length of the map. The compass should always still point to 0°.
Move the compass back to the bottom of the map to an adjacent parallel vertical line and repeat the above test. The compass should always still point to 0°. Continue across the map the same way.
If the compass does seem to deflect from 0° at any point, repeat testing above, below, and side-to-side to confirm the deflection. If it continues to deflect, there is magnetic interference. If necessary, use a different tripod such as one of those recommended above.

Repair

The map table is made with marine-grade HDPE, which is tough and resilient, but if it gets dropped or knocked over and the edge become chipped or rough, lightly sand it with 220-grit sandpaper until smooth. Wipe the surface clean with isopropyl alcohol. If the extension rod needs to be replaced for any reason, or any other problem arises, let us know – send an email to maptable@crawfordcomputer.com.

crawfordcomputer.com/map-table