Basic Navigation

We offer navigation courses, but if you aren’t able to attend one…..here are the basics. Number one rule……..ALWAYS STAY FOUND! Sounds simple right, well it is. Always know where you are on the map. Keep the map in your hand and keep checking back periodically to pinpoint where you are at!

Here’s a few other rules :

Have multiple navigation tools, including compass, map, topo map, GPS, phone, etc….

Learn how to read a topo map and use a compass.

Road maps are not helpful, trail maps tell you where you are, but a topo map is the best. Download these from the USGS.

Pick your path: follow game trails, skirt vegetation, contour around hills.

Have an emergency beacon with you.

How to Read a Topo Map:

topo_features_explained.jpg

Importance of Topo Maps

  • Simple trail maps can be useful for planning a trip or figuring out the general layout of an area, but not for navigating in the field. 

  • Topographic maps help you visualize the terrain in 3D. You can figure out where you are by pinpointing key features on the landscape.

  1. Contour Lines

    • Steepness

      1. Contour lines that are close together show a rapid elevation change. 

      2. Contour lines that are wide apart show a slow elevation change.

    • Shape

      1. Concentric circles show peaks, the innermost circle is the summit

      2. Areas between are valleys and can show the easiest route to take

  2. Key features

    • Peak

      1. Innermost circle at the center of several contour loops.

      2. Highest elevation, sometimes has an X and a numerical elevation. 

    • Cliff

      1. Two or more contour lines that get very close together, sometimes they converge. They always diverge at some point. 

      2. Not all cliffs appear on the map if the interval is larger than the cliff itself. Most contour lines are in 40 ft intervals, so if the cliff is less than 40 feet high, it won’t show up on the topo map

    • Valley

      1. When contour lines cross a valley or stream, they make a V or U-shape

      2. The V or U always points towards their peak

      3. Rivers, which are common in valleys, are denoted by a blue line

    • Ridgeline

      1. An elongated peak, looks like an oval

    • Saddle

      1. Low lying area between two higher points of elevation (peaks)

      2. Can sometimes be the quickest route through hilly areas.

How to Use a Compass:

  1. Adjust the Declination

  2. Map orientation

    • Place map on the ground on a flat surface

    • Line up the compass to the edge of the map

    • Adjust declination for the area you are in

    • Put red Fred in the Shed to figure out where true north is

  3. Taking a Bearing

    • Point direction of travel arrow towards feature

    • Adjust dial until red Fred is in the Shed

    • Transfer a bearing to the map by shooting bearing off a land feature

Sign up for a Basic Navigation Course to learn more!

Katrina Hutchison