Introduction to Map & Compass Field Trip - Union Bay Natural Area

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.

  • Easy
  • Easy
  • Mileage: 1.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 20 ft

We will meet at the Center for Urban Horticulture, 3501 NE 41st St, Seattle. Exact start times will be sent prior to the field trip but figure on morning to early afternoon. Please arrive a few minutes early so that you are ready to start hiking at your allotted time. Please allow 3hrs15min-3hrs30min 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 workshop 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. 

Route/Place

Center for Urban Horticulture


Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

A map and compass will be provided. You must use the compass provided (Suunto MC-2). Be prepared for rain. Wear good walking/hiking shoes. We will mostly be on a flat gravel/dirt trail.

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