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Navigating Without GPS: Map and Compass Basics

· Melanie Becker

A map and compass never run out of battery or lose signal, which is why they remain the backup of choice for hikers and emergency planners. The basics take an afternoon to learn, and practicing in a local park makes them stick. Here are the core skills.

The tools

  • A topographic map of your area, ideally in a waterproof case or printed on waterproof paper
  • A baseplate compass with a rotating bezel, a direction-of-travel arrow and a ruler
  • A pencil and a small notebook

Understand the map

Contour lines connect points of equal elevation. Lines close together mean steep terrain, and lines far apart mean gentle slopes. The legend explains symbols for trails, water, buildings and vegetation. The scale tells you how far a distance on the map is in real life.

Know your compass

The red end of the needle points to magnetic north. Magnetic north differs from true north by an angle called declination, which varies by location and changes slowly over time. The map's margin usually lists the declination, but it can be out of date, so check the current value for your location from a trusted source such as NOAA's online calculator.

Skill 1: Orient the map

  1. Lay the map flat.
  2. Place the compass on the map with its edge along a north-south grid line.
  3. Turn the map and compass together until the needle points to north on the map, adjusting for declination.

The map now matches the land around you.

Skill 2: Take a bearing from the map

  1. Place the compass edge along the line between your location and your destination, with the direction-of-travel arrow pointing toward the destination.
  2. Rotate the bezel until the orienting lines line up with the map's north-south grid lines, north on the bezel pointing to north on the map.
  3. Adjust for declination if needed.
  4. Lift the compass. The number at the index line is your bearing.

Skill 3: Follow a bearing

Hold the compass flat in front of you. Turn your body until the red needle sits inside the orienting arrow. The direction-of-travel arrow now points the way. Pick a landmark along that line, walk to it, then repeat. This is easier and more accurate than staring at the compass while you walk.

Skill 4: Find your location

If you can see two known landmarks, such as a peak and a tower, take a bearing to each and draw the lines on the map. Where they cross is your position. This is called triangulation.

Common mistakes

  • Using the compass near metal, electronics or vehicles, which can throw off the needle
  • Forgetting declination
  • Holding the compass tilted, so the needle drags
  • Relying on one landmark when several are available
  • Not checking the map regularly

Practice plan

Start in a familiar park. Set a bearing, walk 100 paces and mark the spot. Then try a longer route in daylight, and later in low visibility with a friend as a safety partner. Tell someone where you are going before any hike.

Next step

Shop compasses and maps.