Introduction to Map & Compass Lecture - Online Classroom

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 it is not required, reading chapters 1-4 of the Burns and Burns Wilderness Navigation book will help familiarize you with some of the terminology and concepts we will be studying.

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

• 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. 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."