Basic Land Navigation

This course will teach you the fundamentals of using a map and compass so that you can expand your outdoor adventures with confidence. You will start with the basics, like understanding the parts of a compass, how to read a topographic map, how to understand declination, as well as how to use related tools, equipment, and resources. Then, we will set off into the fields and woods to put your knowledge to use in an active and hands-on way so that you start to become comfortable setting bearings, translating terrain features, and dead-reckoning between checkpoints.

This course is open to participants of all skill levels, outdoor activities, and backgrounds so no prerequisites are required. Each class is routinely attended by a mix of hikers, hunters, and military personnel, as well as car-campers and folks new to the outdoors. Regardless, they all share the desire to learn an invaluable skill.

You'll learn from highly skilled instructors who also regularly train members of the U.S. Army, Navy, Marines, and Air Force. We have years of experience working with folks of all backgrounds, skill levels, and learning styles. So, we understand how to help you to learn while enjoying some fun in the process.

This course dovetails with our Advanced Land Navigation training course, which many clients take back-to-back in the same weekend. That’s because it typically takes two days to cover and grasp the essentials of using a map and compass.

Highlights

You will learn during a mix of “classroom” time and field training in an easily accessed, central location. You’ll really like our instructors, who each work hard to provide a comfortable learning environment. And you’ll get a chance to work with a diverse mix of other clients, who typically share the same passion for learning.

• Learn how to confidently use a compass to navigate in the outdoors
• Learn how to how to read a topographic map and understand declination
• Learn the same land navigation skills taught to our service people in the U.S. military

We'll supply all of the key gear and materials. We'll provide compasses, maps, map cases, and whatever else you may need.

Related

The physical difficulty of this course is Easy to Moderate. This course involves walking over varying distances at a steady pace over varying terrain that will include off-trail sections, rough spots, unexpected obstacles, and low to steep inclines and declines. This course is conducted in varying weather conditions, including hot, cold, humid, rain, and snow. This course is best suited for those in generally good physical condition.

This course is run as a one day session. You will begin at 9:00 am and finish by 4:00 pm.

Once you book a slot, then one of our staff will follow up personally with an email. It will include three short forms for you to complete and return to us. We will also send you the course information sheet, which will contain all of the details that you will need to prepare and arrive (like required and optional gear; exact rally point; general driving directions; and overnight recommendations).

This course is often run as a private one to better meet the specific needs and schedule of our clients. Please contact Erik to learn more (412.913.6000 or erik@exploretruenorth.com).

We typically reply to emails and telephone calls within 1-2 hours. Please note, however, that it may be as long as 24 hours if we are away teaching.

Children 15-17 years old are welcome when accompanied by a parent or guardian. In our private courses, there is no set age requirement as it depends on the specific group’s needs and goals.