Land Navigation: How to Use a Map, Compass, and GPS in the Great Outdoors

Steve is going to a local state park to pick some edible mushrooms and has found himself off-trail. He decides to keep the sun on his left shoulder and thinks to himself that if he repositions himself to have the sun on his right, then he should be able to find his way back to his car. He is out there for several hours and discovers that his navigation tactic has now led him in circles. The sun begins to set, and Steve is unaware of his location and has very limited gear. Steve is in some serious trouble.

Land Navigation is a critical skill that is sadly becoming a lost art in the modern age of accessible technology. Many day trekkers, thru-hikers, foragers, and hunters are becoming more dependent on their phones or GPS (Global Positioning System) devices for navigation, but having a map and compass and the knowledge of how to use them should be essential along with their battery-powered counterparts. What if those batteries die or your signal is too weak?

It is often said that if one were lost in the wilderness then they should stay put and not wander as rescue services will be able to track their movements. However, there are times when navigating to safety may be a better option. What if you need to find urgent help due to an injury? What if you are in a risky area where emergency services can not get to you? What if you are ill-prepared to spend more than 72 hours in the wild? Land navigation may seem less like an essential survival skill and more like one that prevents you from actually being in a survival situation to begin with. Understanding how to navigate with a map and compass can be the difference between getting to your location safely or becoming lost and spending a less desirable length of time in the wild.

Understanding Features of a Map

A topographic map is essential for backcountry adventure, and obtaining one is very easy. There are several online resources (CalTopo or MyTopo) that allow users to print or order a map of any desired region and scale. 

1. Understand Map Colors – Topographic maps display all sorts of landmarks and terrain features, and knowing just the colors of these can allow every outdoor enthusiast to scan a map effectively. The brown squiggly lines are contour lines that represent elevation changes. Green is vegetation, roads are red, man-made structures are black, and blue shapes indicate water. 
2. Orient the Map – Maps must be oriented to match your precise location and neighboring terrain. A compass can be used to match this map to the North, or visible terrain features can also be used to aid in orientation.
3. Understanding Terrain Features – Knowing how to identify hilltops, valleys, ridges, saddles, draws and spurs will allow you to plan a route effectively around obstacles.

Using a Compass for Navigation

Once you know the parts of a compass and their varying uses, it will quickly become a reliable tool, and knowing how to plug or shoot an azimuth with a nonlensatic compass is simple. An azimuth is the angle measured in degrees that corresponds with cardinal directions and your direction of travel: 360° and 0° are North, 90° is East, 180° is South, and 270° is West.  

1. Always Hold the Compass Flat – The compass must be level so the magnetic needle can move freely
2. Find North – Align 0° to the index line and move your body so the magnetic needle and the orienteering arrow are aligned, you are now facing North.
3. Find Your Azimuth from a Map – Place the compass on your map and align its edge with your route or two known points. Rotate the bezel until North aligns with the top of the map and the number on the index line is the azimuth.
4. Follow the Bearing – Once your azimuth is aligned with the index line, then turn your body until the needle aligns with the orienting arrow inside the bezel. Carefully walk in that direction being mindful of obstacles.

Using a GPS for Navigation

A GPS is an invaluable modern tool that should not replace your means of navigation entirely. Consider reserving the battery life of the device until you need it, like alerting first responders or retrieving weather updates.

1. Set Up Your GPS Properly – Ensure your GPS device is fully charged and synced with the appropriate satellite system for your region.
2. Plan Routes - Upload .kmz or .gpx files with planned routes already highlighted.
3. Enter Waypoints – Creating waypoints for exit strategies, water resources, supply stations, etc.
4. Follow the Route – Use the GPS to verify your location and always be mindful of satellite obstructions and battery life.

While a GPS device is an incredibly convenient tool, they are not always reliable as batteries can die and signals can be lost. That’s why every backcountry adventurer should have some knowledge of a map and compass. Learning navigation can build one’s confidence to explore the outdoors freely without the fear of getting lost. Reading this blog is only a small step in your navigation journey, and to master it, you should consider researching the skill further or consider taking a hands-on course.

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