Improvers Navigation 2

A course designed as the next step in navigation training following on from Improvers  navigation 1

Introduction to compass

• Introduction to Compass
• Compass points – cardinal points, 360 degree system
• The different North’s– true, grid, magnetic
• What is a bearing
• Estimating bearings from a map …step by step approach
• Taking bearings from a map with compass
• Taking grid and magnetic bearings
• How to walk on a bearing

Route Planning

• The selection of walking routes from the map – in good/poor weather
• Hazard identification with steep ground, bog,fences,forestry, rivers, etc.
• Bad weather alternatives, escape routes
• Use of route card
• Use of guidebooks and online information, forums and other people in route planning

Hill Walk

• Building on map-reading skills, the concept of timing and pacing, and to practice the compass theory introduced earlier.
• General map-reading, setting map by features
• Setting the map using a compass
• Timing calculations
• Taking bearings from map
• Walking on a bearing
• Back-bearings
• Feature recognition – close, distant
• Simple Navigational techniques – attack points, aiming off,