Map & Compass 2: Map Skills

What are all these lines on my map?

Maps can be very confusing. There are lines all over them, some easy to understand like roads, and some incredibly confusing. If you find it hard to figure out what you’re looking at in nature (surface view) from what’s on the map (bird’s eye view), this course is for you.

We’ll start by looking at the map’s key and all the information it reveals about the map. Then we’ll learn how to read topographic lines - those squiggly lines all over the map. Next, we’ll learn how to identify hazards and obstacles, hills and valleys, swamps and lakes, and finally tricks and tips on how to traverse across the map using our compass.

This second installment of our map & compass skill building series will allow you to feel much more comfortable in map reading and how to setup a hike with your compass:

Map Reading

• Difference between flat maps and our round planet

• Longitude & latitude

• Bird’s eye view vs. surface view

• Understanding map features

• Equating map with natural factors

Compass True & Magnetic North Review

• Find out how to account for difference

• Finding difference via the web and nature

Combining Map & Compass

• Line of position

• How to find where you are using triangulation

• Establishing the baseline

• From baseline to destination

• Time and distance estimating

• Return route strategies

Once completed, sign up for the advanced installment to further expand your knowledge and confidence.