Land Navigation I - 3 Day Class

“Maps encourage boldness. They’re like cryptic love letters. They make anything seem possible” – Mark Jenkins, “To Timbuktu”

Never get lost!

Land Navigation I Course is designed to teach students to confidently navigate the outdoors.

This 30 hour class focuses on understanding the topographical map, orienteering compass and using them together to navigate cross country. We will discuss the topographical map in detail including the legend or key, contour lines and relief shading. The orienteering and lensatic compasses have a number of features that make it ideal for orienteering. Once we understand the tools of the trade we will discuss how to plan routes, staying found, using terrain for navigation, safety bearings and using the compass to shoot azimuths and bearings. This class focuses on the understanding of terrain and terrain association to navigate. Our 1100 acres of land offers a wide variety of terrain and every topographical feature! We are very hands on this class and will be frequently doing short hikes around the property to understand the association with contour lines and topography as well as hands on training with the map and compass. You will plot predesignated points on the map and then use the tools to go out and find those points. Also covered is measuring distance on a map, taking your natural pace and risk management/mitigation.

The ability to go off trail with confidence opens up a whole new world of off-trail areas to explore. Hunters know that the best game hide deep in the woods where the trails don’t go and the fishing is always better at remote lakes and streams. Many of the best vistas are known only to locals and those with the skill and spirit to find them.

Interpretation and use of topographical maps
Use and selection of compasses
Terrain identification and navigation
Using back azimuths and triangulation to determine your location
Route planning
Navigation using dead reckoning, terrain association
Safety bearings, backstops and guide rails
Night navigation

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to navigate confidently through the wilderness. This is an excellent course for hunters, hikers, military and search and rescue.