Navigation Course
Introduction to Map & Compass
This introductory class combines animated graphics with an engaging lecture that will demystify 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. Complete this course and receive a $25 discount code for Off-Trail or On-Trail navigation! Valid through 2025.
Contacts
- Rolling Enrollment: Sun, Dec 9, 2018 - Tue, Dec 31, 2030
- Committee: Seattle Navigation Committee
- Members: $80.00 Guests: $90.00
- Availability: 67 (645 capacity)
- Cancellation & Refund Policy
topics include
- Guiding Tenets: Staying Found and the Ethic of Self Reliance
- Understanding the bedrock principle of a bearing
- Understanding the relationship between measuring and plotting a bearing
- Reading topographic maps and identifying important features
- Understanding declination
- Features to consider when buying a compass
- Other topics as time permits
This course serves as a comprehensive, deep dive introduction into the fundamental principles and theories of how a map and compass work in unison, breaking each component into understandable blocks. It is geared toward the beginning student, but can also work as a refresher. Please note that this course 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. There is not a badge issued. 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."
| Course Activity | Date | Availability | Leader |
|---|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Map & Compass Lecture | |||
| Online Classroom |
Thu, Jan 2, 2025
Registration closes Dec 31
|
6
participants
0 instructors
|
|
| Introduction to Map & Compass Field Trip | |||
| Union Bay Natural Area |
Sat, Jan 4, 2025
Registration closes Jan 2
|
1
participant on waitlist
0 instructors
|
|
| Union Bay Natural Area |
Sun, Jan 5, 2025
Registration closes Jan 3
|
6
participants
2 instructors
|
|
No special equipment is required. A recorded version of the online lecture will be made available for review. You must use the compass issued to you at the field trip, Suunto MC-2 USGS.
You must register for this course to see course materials.