Basic Land Navigation with a Map and Compass

Event Date:
August 21, 2021
Event Time:
8:00 am
Event Location:
Western NY
During this class, you will learn how to properly read a map, the proper use of your compass, and how to use the two together. Topics include:
- Interpreting topographic map features
- Magnetic North vs. True North
- Magnetic variation (declination)
- Orienting your map
- Taking a bearing from a map
- Transferring a bearing from the field
- Triangulation
After learning these fundamentals, we will practice these skills in the field. You will be able to understand your position and how to plan a route. This is a hands-on, interactive course. When you finish, you will have the basic skills to use a map and compass together on the trail.
NOTE: Compasses are not provided. We encourage everyone to purchase their own baseplate compass. They should have a manual magnetic declination adjustment. If you already have a baseplate compass, bring it. If you do not know if it has a manual declination adjustment, e-mail me the model information. If you do not have a compass, we recommend the following models: