Navigation is one of the most important skills you can have as a hiker. With navigation, you’re able to find your way through any terrain and avoid getting lost. It also helps you find landmarks so that your group can navigate safely through unfamiliar territory.
If you’re planning on going hiking or camping in an area where there is no cell phone service, it’s important to know how to navigate with maps, compasses, and landmarks.
In this article we’ll cover everything from reading topo maps and using them in the field as well as orienteering with both paper maps and GPS devices to learning how to use a compass for dead reckoning purposes without any other tools available at all!
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Wilderness navigation is a critical survival skill for anyone spending time in natural environments. |
| Using maps and compasses, as well as other tools like GPS devices and dead reckoning, can help you navigate through the wilderness with confidence. |
| Practice and education are both important for improving wilderness navigation skills. Consider taking a course, reading relevant books, or practicing on day hikes. |
| If you get lost in the wilderness, stay calm and try to reorient yourself. Use your map and compass (if you have them) to try and find your way back to safety or find a safe place to wait for rescue. |
| Additional resources, such as books and websites, can provide valuable information for those looking to build their wilderness navigation skills. |
Study Your Map Before You Leave
Before you leave, it is important to understand your map and familiarize yourself with its features.
Here are a few things to know before you set out:
The scale of the map. This gives you an idea of how much detail is included in the map. A larger scale means more detail, while a smaller scale gives less information on roads and buildings.
The legend tells you what all those symbols mean (roads, streams, etc.). It’s also good to look at how many contour lines there are the more contours there are between two peaks, the easier it will be for you to spot features on the ground that match up with what’s shown on your map (like when someone asks “are we there yet?”).
Map projections can affect accuracy and distance estimates for some areas (especially curved ones like coastlines).
For example: if one side of an island has been rounded off by erosion over time but hasn’t been added onto in any way shape or form since then (because nobody lives there), then your GPS may tell us that our destination is only 50 yards away from where we actually parked our vehicle but according to our paper maps said destination could be anywhere from 5 miles away depending on which projection system was used during production!
Are you looking to improve your wilderness navigation skills? Check out our comprehensive guide on how to find your way in the wild for useful tips and techniques that can help you navigate through any terrain with confidence.
Know Your Map Legend
The map legend is a key component of your navigation. It includes all the information you need to know about your map, and it’s basically a cheat sheet for navigating with a topographical map.
The legend includes symbols that represent different types of terrain as well as other important features on the map.
Each symbol on your topo map represents something real in the area being represented by that particular grid square (unless there is no representation).
By using these symbols, you’ll be able to tell what kind of terrain lies underneath them or above them—and if they’re man-made structures or natural features
To figure out what any symbol means, simply look at its description in the legend box on your right-hand side. This will tell you whether it’s an ocean icon or something else entirely!
Understanding Your Map Legend
| Important Elements | Description |
|---|---|
| Scale | Indicates the ratio of map distance to actual distance. For example, 1:24,000 means 1 inch on the map represents 24,000 inches (or 2,000 feet) on the ground. |
| Contour Lines | Show changes in elevation. By following contour lines, you can determine the steepness of slopes, the height of hills and mountains, and the depth of valleys. |
| Symbols | Represent different physical features, landmarks, and structures. Familiarizing yourself with common symbols can help you quickly recognize and understand important details on a map. |
| Colors | Indicate different types of terrain, water features, and land use. For example, blue often represents water, green is typically used for vegetation, and brown might represent contour lines or man-made structures. |
| North Arrow | Points to true north, helping you orient the map and plan your route accurately. |
What is a Contour Line?
The best way to learn about contour lines is by example. Imagine that you’re hiking along a gentle slope, and that the ground level changes from one point to the next. On a topographic map, these points are connected by lines called contour lines.
The more curved or “loopy” each line is on your map, the steeper the terrain between it and its neighbors will be (and vice versa).
For example: if two adjacent contour lines were both perfectly straight and parallel, you could assume that they were flat areas between steep slopes maybe even at sea level!
If they were curvy but didn’t change in elevation very much as they curved around each other (like an S), they would indicate gradual uphill or downhill inclines where there’s still enough space for you to walk without having to climb over anything big like rocks or fallen trees.
If any one of these three scenarios plays out for too long without being interrupted by another level spot (like where we started our hike), then eventually what was once considered a “gentle slope” might become so steep that hikers would need ropes just to get up or down safely on their own steam!
That’s when things start feeling dangerous—and that’s why we need those handy little arrows showing us which direction goes up or down before making any sudden moves on our own behalf.”
Learning how to use a map and compass can be a lifesaver when you’re in the wilderness. Our guide on wilderness navigation with map and compass covers everything you need to know to stay on course and avoid getting lost.
Contour Lines and the Topography of the Landscape
Contour lines are a great tool for wilderness navigation because they show you the shape of the land.
The lines connect points on a map that have the same elevation, so they can be used to determine how steep a slope is or how high a hill is.
In this photo, two contour lines cross at right angles in what looks like an X shape:
This means there’s an abrupt change in elevation between those two points—that area is steep!
Contour Lines and Topographical Maps
| Topographic Map Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Contour Lines | Show changes in elevation and help you visualize the shape and steepness of the terrain. Closely spaced contour lines indicate a steep slope, while widely spaced lines indicate a flat area. |
| Relief Shading | A technique used to create a 3D representation of the landscape. By using different colors or grayscale values to represent changes in elevation, relief shading can help you visualize the shape and features of the land more clearly. |
| Hillshade | A technique that simulates the effect of sunlight on a landscape, creating subtle variations in color and lightness that can help you identify the shape and location of hills, valleys, and other features. |
| DEM (Digital Elevation Model) | A dataset that represents the elevation of the land as a grid of values. DEM data can be used to create topographic maps, as well as other types of visualizations like 3D models and fly-through animations. |
Understanding contour lines and topographical maps is essential for navigating through rough terrain and understanding the characteristics of the landscape. By using tools like relief shading and DEM data, you can create accurate and detailed topographic maps that can help you plan routes, identify potential hazards, and make informed decisions about the best way to move through the wilderness.
Using a Topo Map to Judge Distance in the Field
This is useful for two main reasons:
First, the map can be used to judge distance in the field. This is especially helpful when walking or traveling in a vehicle where you cannot see far ahead.
Second, using a topographic map will give you an idea of how steep your path is. This may help you avoid injury on uneven terrain or plan for better footing options if needed.
Navigating through the wilderness can be challenging, especially if you’re a beginner. Our article on 10 tips for navigating the wilderness like a pro provides practical advice on how to stay safe and confident while exploring the great outdoors.
Hunting Land Navigation: How to Track Down Deer Without Getting Lost
Now that you’ve mastered hunting land navigation, it’s time to get out there and track down some deer!
To begin, find a well-traveled trail ideally one that is maintained by humans. If you’re in a more rural area and don’t have access to these trails, simply look out for animal tracks or signs of grazing.
If your quarry has just recently passed through an area, they will leave behind small piles of droppings as they walk along their path. Follow these trails backwards until you find where the animal came from.
Then follow them further back until you reach its last resting place; this may be where it slept last night or where it ate breakfast this morning depending on when it passed by this location before moving on again (depends on what time frame we’re talking about).
Once you’ve found where the animal rested most recently (or if there are no signs that show which way they went), turn around 180 degrees so that your back faces towards whatever direction led us here originally this should help us avoid getting lost when we try following our prey’s trail later on during our hunt!
Now let’s say we want something more specific than just any old deer: perhaps we’re looking for something smaller like rabbits so that meat won’t go bad as quickly once preserved.”
Hunting Land Navigation
| Navigation Tips | Description |
|---|---|
| Use GPS and Mapping Apps | By using GPS devices or mapping apps, you can mark the location of your vehicle or campsite and create waypoints along your hunting route. This can help ensure that you don’t get lost and can find your way back to safety at the end of the day. |
| Familiarize Yourself with the Terrain | Spend time studying maps and aerial imagery of the area where you plan to hunt. Look for natural features like hills, valleys, and water sources that can provide useful landmarks as you move through the landscape. |
| Mark Your Trail | As you move through the wilderness, use flagging tape or other markers to indicate your path. Be careful not to leave too many markers behind, as this can have a negative impact on the environment and make it easier for other hunters to follow your trail. |
| Use a Compass | A compass can help you stay oriented and navigate through challenging terrain. Make sure you know how to use your compass and practice in advance so you can use it effectively in the field. |
| Follow Safety Precautions | Always carry a first aid kit, extra food and water, and appropriate clothing and supplies for the conditions you expect to encounter. Let someone else know where you’re going and when you plan to return, and consider carrying a personal locator beacon (PLB) or satellite messenger in case of emergency. |
Always Have a Backup Plan
One of the most important things you can do to prepare for a wilderness adventure is to always have a backup plan.
If your primary route gets blocked by an obstacle or hazard, it’s best to know you have an alternate course in place.
Always have an escape route planned in case of emergency. You can never be too prepared when it comes to getting yourself and others out of danger as quickly as possible!
Make sure you always have a Plan B regardless of what happens with Plan A—and then make sure there’s another plan after that one!
Whether you’re just starting out or want to improve your existing skills, our guide on from beginner to expert wilderness navigation is packed with information that can help you become a master navigator. Learn how to read maps, use a compass, and navigate with confidence on any terrain.
Learn These Essential Knots for Hiking and Camping
Before you head out into the wilderness, it’s important to know how to tie the following knots:
- Hitch
- Bend
- Bight
These three knots are essential for tying down gear and securing loads in the backcountry. If you don’t know how to use them, you’ll be stuck lugging around a heavy pack full of things that won’t stay put or keep from sliding apart.
If this happens during a trip, take time now to practice tying these knots so that when it comes time for your next outdoor adventure, all you have to do is trust your skills and get on with enjoying yourself!
Use a Compass to Navigate With a Map
A compass is a tool that helps you determine your direction (North, South, East and West). It’s also used to orient a map.
A compass can be used in conjunction with your map to make sure you’re actually walking in the right direction.
If you have a map with markings for north-south-east-west (NSEW), then all you need to do is line up the north arrow on your compass with the NSEW marking on the map and proceed walking in that direction. If there’s no reference point or landmarks visible on your map, use an “orienteering” method called “trail blaze” instead:
Find some sort of trail marker, anything from flagging tape tied around trees, old branches turned into arrows pointing westward or even rocks piled up in stacks and follow that trail until it turns into nothing but nature again.
Then pick out another set of markers ahead of where they lead off into nothing but nature again and repeat as necessary until reaching where they all lead back together at once.
Don’t let getting lost ruin your next wilderness adventure. Check out our article on expert tips for wilderness navigation to discover useful strategies for staying on course, troubleshooting common problems, and making your way back to civilization safely.
Use a Compass as a Stand-Alone Navigation Tool (Without a Map)
It’s true that a compass is simply not a map. But, if you know how to use it, a compass can be an amazing tool for navigation in the wilderness. Here are some tips on what to do with your compass when you don’t have one or any other tools or maps:
Know how to hold your compass properly so you can read it easily without having to take your eyes off of where you’re going (the needle will point north by itself).
Use your map and topographical features as landmarks around which you orient yourself–this will help keep you on track even when there are no trails or other easily identifiable objects around.
For example: If there’s an obvious rock formation in front of me, but I’m looking at my map and I see another rock formation behind me that looks similar, I’ll make sure I’m heading toward that second rock formation because it’s easier than trying to remember which direction my first landmark was from here (and then having enough time left over after that mental effort for searching for another objective feature).
The sun rises in the east (or sets in the west) most days–use this knowledge along with other clues like shadows cast by trees/rocks/etc., etc.
Learn to Navigate by Dead Reckoning
Now that you know how to use a compass, it’s time to learn how to navigate by dead reckoning. Dead reckoning is based on the idea that you can measure your progress and direction of travel by estimating the distance traveled, speed traveled and direction of travel (north, south, east or west).
To estimate distance traveled:
- Count the number of paces you’ve walked (steps)
- Multiply by your step length in feet per pace (i.e., 1m per step)
To estimate speed:
- Measure time elapsed while traveling a known distance (i.e., 1km) at regular intervals (ideally every 20-30 minutes). This will give an accurate average speed over that period of time.
Be Familiar With Your Terrain’s Natural Landmarks and Orientation Cues
Know where you are. As a general rule, if you can’t identify at least one landmark in your immediate vicinity, you’re probably lost.
Use landmarks to triangulate your position and figure out where you need to go next. Sometimes it’s possible to navigate using nothing more than landmarks and terrain features like ridges or valleys without actually needing to know how far away they are from where we currently stand.
Conclusion
In any case, it’s important to be familiar with your terrain’s natural landmarks and orientation cues.
This will help you navigate more efficiently, and make sure that if something goes wrong in the field, you’re able to get yourself out of it.
Further Reading
For those who are interested in improving their wilderness navigation skills, here are some helpful resources:
Introduction to Navigation – This website provides an in-depth introduction to basic navigation concepts and techniques, including map reading, compass navigation, and GPS use.
Essential Wilderness Navigation: A Real-World Guide to Finding Your Way Safely in the Woods with or without a Map and Compass – This book by Craig Martin is a practical guide to navigation in the wilderness, with tips for both experienced and novice travelers.
The Essential Skills of Wilderness Survival – Written by Jason Knight, this book covers a range of wilderness survival skills, including navigation, shelter-building, fire-starting, and more.
FAQs
What is wilderness navigation?
Wilderness navigation refers to the practice of finding your way through natural environments using tools like maps, compasses, and GPS devices.
Why is wilderness navigation important?
Being able to navigate through the wilderness is important for anyone who spends time in natural environments, as it can help you avoid getting lost, find your way back to civilization, and stay safe in emergency situations.
What are some common wilderness navigation techniques?
Common wilderness navigation techniques include map reading, compass navigation, GPS use, and dead reckoning.
How do I improve my wilderness navigation skills?
Improving your wilderness navigation skills requires practice and education. Consider taking a navigation course, reading books on the topic, or practicing your skills on day hikes and other outings.
What should I do if I get lost in the wilderness?
If you get lost in the wilderness, stay calm and try to reorient yourself if possible. If you have a map and compass, use them to try and find your way back to familiar territory. If all else fails, find a safe place to stay and wait for rescue.
Hi! I’m Hellen James, and I am the founder of Unified Survival. I have a deep passion for the wilderness and everything that goes along with it. I’ve been hiking since I was a child, and I grew up camping in state parks all over the country. But it wasn’t until recently that I learned how to survive in the wilderness.