Navigation

Getting water, making fire, and finding food are all necessary and vital skills to know. However, all are blatantly useless unless you know how to navigate around without getting lost. Being able to find your location and properly use a map and compass are skills and tools every survivalist, or routine camper, should know.

         1 Making a Compass

         A compass is an instrument containing of a magnetized pointer that shows the direction of north. In the wilderness a compass should always be on hand. A good compass should have: distance measurements, magnifying glass, readable bearings, and a pointer. Silva Compasses are a reliable and trusted band of compasses, and are equipped with everything a compass should have. Although, If you're caught without, loose or damaged your current compass you're not completely helpless. Making a compass is your next best bet.

         To make a compass you will need: an open container (like a bowl or shallow glass), water, needle (or any small iron containing metal like a razor blade), blade of grass or piece of cork (something to keep the needle afloat), and a silk cloth or magnet. First, fill a container with about an inch of sill water. Next stroke the top half of the needle in one direction, with a magnet or silk cloth, starting in the center and working outwards. This will slowly start to magnetize the needle. After a couple minutes of stroking, place the needle on a blade of grass or through a cork to make it float. Finally float the magnetized needle on the water. Within a few seconds the needle should slowly point north. If water, grass, or cork is not available suspending a magnetized razor blade or needle with string will also work. This will only work if the needle is properly balanced in low wind.

         A simpler way of finding north is by using a sundial. Place a vertical stick/post in the ground. In the morning, mark the tip of the post’s shadow. Next tie a string, the same length as the shadow, to a stick and draw a circle around the post. Make sure the sting is taught at all times. Know during the the day mark where the shadow touches the arc. This will give a rough estimate where each cardinal direction is located.

         The easiest way to find north during the night is by using the north star. To find the North Star you must first find the Big Dipper. The Big Dipper is a constellation consisting of seven stars in the shape of a ladle. Once the Big Dipper is found, draw an imaginary line between the two stars that form the front of the dipper. Continue this line four times the length of the two stars. This should put you in the ballpark of the North Star. When the North Star is found, draw another line connecting the star to the horizon. Were the line touches the horizon is where north is. Of course this will only work with clear views of the sky and horizon.

         Some cliché ways of finding north are using the moss on trees and rocks, and large termite and bird nests are all claimed to face north. I, personally, wouldn't rely on these for soled navigation, so use on your own risk.

         2 Maps

         Many types of maps exist, and each type of map serves a different purpose. Choosing the right map is important. A topographic grid map is the most popular choice. A topographical map shows surface features of land through different oblong circles and lines. It includes mountains, hills, creeks, and other bumps and lumps on a particular chunk of earth. The grid will allow you to find a position on the map exactly. The map should be big enough to read, but light enough to casually carry. It is also critical to maintain the maps condition. To measure distance on a map use the provided scale indicated on all maps. Using the distance measurements found on a compass will also help make measurements more accurate.

         3 Navigation Basics

         Fluently using your compass and map together is an important dance to learn. Unfortunately, because of new technology and GPS (Global Positioning Device) The art of using a compass is seldom used. It’s best to know the material yourself and ditch conventional technology, for you never know when technology will fail. Here is a simple four step process for properly using your map and compass together. First, identify your position and your objective on the map. Then Connect those two points creating a line on the map. Second, align the edge of your compass with that line. Third, rotate the bearings so the orienting lines (vertical lines inside the compass) run parallel with the map's grid lines (vertical lines on the map). This means the actual bearing have been captured at the front of the compass (everything is facing north according to the map). Fourth, take the compass and turn your body until the magnetic needle lines up with the orienting arrow on the compass (everything is facing north at this point). At this point, you will be facing the direction you should head to take you to your objective. When traveling it's important not to stare at your compass. To avoid collisions occasionally glanced down insuring your heading in the right direction, but keep your focus on the path in front of you.

         Knowing how to properly use a compass and map is vital information. While you're planning your trip, study maps and memorize surrounding towns and land formations. Make sure you're using updated maps to insure accuracy as well. If you get separated or lost knowing where civilization is by observing land formations could save you life. Also, the only way to master a skill is by practicing, so practice using a compass several times before starting your adventure. It might sound silly, but this could be the difference between life and death. Stay tuned for next week and remember to always be prepared.

Thank you, and please leave a comment or question down below.