Lecture: Introduction to Map & Compass
Introduction to Map & Compass Lecture - Online Classroom
The lecture combines a vivid, detailed exploration of how a map and compass work together. The field trip compliments the lecture with hands-on practice, through repetition in a small group setting to give the student a solid understanding of navigational principles.
Contacts
- Wed, Aug 17, 2022
- Seattle Navigation Committee
- Navigation
- Adults
- Easy
- FULL (20 capacity)
- FULL (3 capacity)
- Cancellation & Refund Policy
This class consists of one lecture and one field trip day per student. You must sign up for the lecture first. After that you can choose which field trip date to attend. You must attend the lecture before attending the field trip. Though not required reading, it is highly recommended that you read the Burns and Burns Wilderness Navigation book, chapters 1-4.
A map & compass are part of the 10 Essentials, but if you don't know how to use them then they're just extra weight in your backpack! Learn the basics in this workshop, topics include:
- Concepts of route finding and staying found
- Understanding contour lines
- Terrain recognition
- Understanding declination
- Measuring and plotting bearings on the map
- Measuring and plotting bearings in the field
- Back bearing and triangulation techniques
- Introduction to altimeter use
- Features to consider when buying a compass
- Other topics as time permits
Please note that this workshop is not the Wilderness Navigation Course and does not satisfy the navigation requirement for the Snowshoe, Scrambling, and Climbing courses.
It does not satisfy qualifications to apply for Equivalency.
This course serves as an introduction to reading a map and using a compass, primarily for "On-Trail" travel. It's a great introduction to this equipment and these skills.
If you fully understand what a bearing is, can explain declination, know how to use the UTM grid, and understand the relationship between measuring and plotting bearings and are interested in further expanding and refining these skills, search for our "Wilderness Navigation Course."
Required Equipment
No compass or special equipment is required. A recorded version of the class will be available for review.