Field trip: Introduction to Map & Compass
Introduction to Map & Compass Field Trip - Union Bay Natural Area
An easy hike on the loop trail at the Union Bay Natural Area, located next to the Center for Urban Horticulture. Students will have an excellent opportunity for hands-on instruction in a very small group setting. Navigational practice will focus on measuring and plotting bearings, and situational awareness.
Contacts
- Sun, Jan 5, 2025
- Seattle Navigation Committee
- Navigation
- Adults
- Easy
- Easy
- Mileage: 1.0 mi
- 6 (10 capacity)
- 2 (3 capacity)
- Cancellation & Refund Policy
We will meet at the Center for Urban Horticulture, 3501 NE 41st St, Seattle. You will either be in a morning session from 8:30-12:00, or an afternoon session from 12:30-4:00. Please allow 3.5 hours to complete the field trip.
Topics include:
- Situational Awareness
- Routefinding
- Terrain Recognition
- Pacing
- Understanding declination
- Measuring (taking) and plotting bearings in the field
- Measuring (taking) and plotting bearings on a map
- Orienting the map
- Triangulation techniques
- Other topics as time permits
Please note that this class is not the Wilderness Navigation Course and does not satisfy the graduation requirement for the Snowshoe, Scrambling, and Climbing courses. This is an Intro class designed to teach basic concepts and skills. There is not a badge issued upon graduating.
Required Equipment
A map and compass (Suunto MC-2 USGS) will be provided. DRESS WARM as we will be moving slowly from waypoint to waypoint without a lot of movement to keep you warm. Be prepared for rain. Wear good walking/hiking shoes. We will mostly be on a flat gravel/dirt trail.