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 29, 2023
- Seattle Navigation Committee
- Navigation
- Adults
- Easy
- Easy
- Mileage: 1.0 mi
- Elevation Gain: 20 ft
- High Point Elevation: 20 ft
- Pace: 2 mph
- FULL (12 capacity)
- 1 (4 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 9-12:30, or an afternoon session from 1-4:30. Exact start times will be sent prior to the field trip. Please arrive a few minutes early so that you are ready to start hiking at your allotted time. Please allow 3.5 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.
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
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.