Gain confidence in finding your way and knowing where you are whether you're on-trail or traveling cross-country. This comprehensive 2-day course covers the essential skills of back-country navigation using the most reliable of equipment: Map & Compass!
YOU are the 'WHO' ... we'll provide the 'WHAT', 'WHERE', 'WHEN', 'WHY' and 'HOW' of Map & Compass Navigation. In the age of Global Positioning Satellites (and the electronic devices used to access the network ... commonly referred to as GPS units), why is learning Map & Compass navigation still relevant? Think of a GPS as a luxury, and a Map & Compass as a necessity. Will a GPS work if the batteries die? Will a GPS work in a canyon? Will a GPS work when it's overcast or if under a canopy of trees? Will a GPS be useful without maps? The answer to those questions is "probably not!" While a GPS is a fantastic tool, it is not as reliable as ye olde map and compass.
Staying found (or not getting lost) is not an instinct or an innate skill ... but it CAN be learned.
In this vital class, you'll be trained in and have time to practice the following:
• Parts of a Compass & how they work together
• Magnetic North and how to use Declination to adjust for True North
• Topographic Map Legend, Symbols & Contour Lines
• Terrain Recognition for interpreting features
• Micro-Navigation to keeping track of exact location
• Dead Reckoning for obscure navigation challenges
• Naismith's Rule & Backpacker's Rule for trip preparation and estimating distance travelled
• Orienting a Map in the field
• Taking Bearings/Plotting Bearings
• Finding Location through Triangulation
• Latitude/Longitude vs UTM Coordinates
• Tips & Tricks for Navigating without Map & Compass!
